Sometimes a cruise itinerary comes along and everyone in our office goes “ohhh I’d love to do that one!” This is one of those cruises!
Picture this. You spend a lovely couple of days in Fiji, perhaps lazing by the pool at one of the luxury resorts in Denarau before boarding Le Paul Gauguin, in Lautoka. After settling into your beautiful stateroom, it’s time for a pre-dinner drink – all included of course – before the ship sets sail.
Your first two days are spent at sea which is perfect as it allows you to unwind, get to know the ship and how things work before your first port of call. Personally, I love having the first couple of days at sea. I like to find my groove, find my “spaces”, get to know where things are and the ebb and flow of the ship’s daily happenings. It’s also a good time to wind down and get into holiday mode because there’s usually a period of madness in the days before you actually manage to get away on holiday!
The first port of call is Port Vila in Vanuatu. What a perfect spot to start! The local people have to be some of the most beautiful, welcoming people in the world. Children smile, bring you flowers and happily let you take their photos. The markets are right where you disembark the ship – beautiful crafts, jewellery, wood carvings and more can be bought here and the store owners are friendly and enjoy a little chit chat.
There are plenty of activities and tour options here or you can hire a driver and do your own thing (just make sure you allow plenty of time to get back to the ship as it won’t wait for you!). Beaches, waterfalls, snorkel trips, diving and fishing are just some of the options here.
The following day, prepare to be amazed by the beauty of Espiritu, Santo Island. This is a favourite spot for many frequent visitors to Vanuatu and no wonder. Known for its spectacularly beautiful beaches, this is a honeymooner’s delight. You could easily spend a week here lapping up the paradise so make the most of the one day you have!
Then, it’s back on board for another two relaxing days at sea before arriving in the Solomon Islands. A gateway between the Indonesian and South Pacific Islands, the Solomon Islands are a delightful mix of beautiful, tropical landscapes and rich, intricate culture. There are World War II historical sites to discover, along with markets, museums and memorials.
As you continue your voyage, two further stops in New Guinea will have you discovering the rich history of missionaries, pearlers and battle sites as well as exploring the beautiful Samarai Islands in the China Strait, said to once be one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific. There’s a lot to see but there’s also time to enjoy a spot of swimming and snorkelling on nearby Deka Deka Island.
After a busy couple of days ashore, there’s time to relax with four more sea days before a day spent exploring Dili in East Timor. A former Portugese colony, this small and peaceful town still has a distinct Portugese influence with a rich historic and cultural heritage.
A further stop at Komodo National Park, home to the famous eponymous dragons stretching over two metres long, and the cruise ends in Benoa, Bali.
You can choose whether to fly straight home or enjoy some time in Bali because if you’re already here well, why wouldn’t you?
