It had been a few months between holidays and, getting restless, Kirsten suggested a last minute cruise she’d seen on sale. I started dreaming of all the meals we’d be eating without needing to prepare, shop, cook or clean up and without much hesitation, I was in. The cruise was a 12-day South Pacific jaunt aboard the Carnival Spirit, departing and arriving back to our home city of Sydney which we believe to be one of the most gorgeous ports in the world.
I must admit we were both cautiously optimistic about our decision. We’d seen the likes of P&O, Carnival and various equivalents leave Sydney packed with Aussies, and having experienced a luxury European river cruise on Scenic and an upmarket Cunard cruise aboard Queen Elizabeth, we weren’t sure if the ‘big fun ship’ was our style.
Thinking ahead wistfully about the work and housework we’d enjoy NOT doing for 12 whole days and nights, we were totally on board (so to speak) with the trip to Noumea, Mystery Island, Denarau, Suva and finally Mare aboard a floating hotel. Apart from Fiji, these were new discoveries for us, some new world experiences for these two travel lovers.
Our Stateroom was fitted with full glass doors leading to a small balcony, so being on Carnival Spirit docked in Sydney harbour on a sunny day feels superbly luxurious. This was a great start to our experience and we were full of positivity for the 12 days and nights that lay ahead. We headed straight to deck 9 where the adults-only Serenity outdoor pool lounge was already filling with music and happy campers (ok, happy cruisers) enjoying a drink and a magnificent view.
There is really nothing in Suva - spent 1 hour walking around and retreated to the boat
Apart from betting the Bulla Bus and having a look at the resorts, there wasn't much else to do
Fantastic, we had clear warm weather and the island was pristine