The Trip: Explorer of the Seas' South Pacific cruise

NAME Michele Fowler

THE TRIP Explorer of the Seas' 10-night cruise to South Pacific

THE ITINERARY Port Vila, Mystery Island, Noumea, Isle of Pines.

I booked a Virtual Balcony cabin; a great concept of an inside cabin with a virtual balcony to give a crystal clear view of the outside of the ship.

Sailaway was at 6.45pm and I went to the open top deck for stunning sunset views of Sydney Harbour, with music and dancing on the pool deck.

Sea days were spent relaxing by the pools with a reggae band in afternoons or at the adult solarium (16 years and over).

Dining was in the Windjammer buffet with no problem getting a table and the food and service were fine.

At Port Vila I went on a snorkelling excursion aboard the motor boat Caraid; it was excellent – you could jump off the boat or be taken ashore by dinghy and snorkel from the shore; there were plenty of fish and plenty of time in the water. I also snorkelled off Mystery Island, a beautiful island for swimming and snorkelling.

In Noumea I hopped on the HoHo (hope-on hop-off) bus from the passenger terminal for a $US15 fare. The Noumea Aquarium was small but excellent and well worth a visit with lots of stunning coral, tropical fish and turtles.You need French pacific francs or a credit card for entry.