Follow ‘the chief’ Paul Harragon as he explores this natural spring with “the purest, sweetest water” in a canoe.

His expectations were high, but as you can see in this video, Paul was certainly not disappointed:

“This is amazing! It’s like you’re floating on air – it’s so clear! This is once-in-a-lifetime stuff!”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LutqO5LQc7M

Keen to try this magical experience for yourself? Check out the details of this tour and start getting excited about your next holiday in this idyllic location:

Canoe The Riri River

Christine and Paul were on their first holiday without the kids, their first cruise and their first time out of Australia.

Walking through the forest, crossing rivers and swimming under waterfalls – this tour was the perfect way to celebrate their time alone.

“I couldn’t get over that last part – it was just spectacular!”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=on4SX0AhLEM

Feel like you deserve to get away with your partner and swim under a tropical waterfall? Why not check out the details of this shore tour and make it happen?

Cascade Waterfalls

Watch more cruise experience videos

Being at sea and on holiday instantly puts you in the mood, however, if you really want to treat you and partner to some pampering or celebrate a special occasion together, P&O Cruises has plenty to offer.

Here are some of our favourite onboard romantic experiences:

1. Breakfast in Bed

Neither of you have to rush off to work so enjoy the luxury of rest time.

For a complimentary continental breakfast delivered to your cabin, just fill out the breakfast card included in your cabin compendium and hang it outside your door before you go to sleep.

2. Snuggle up for a Movie

All cabins have their own TV with movie channels, where satellite reception permits.

There is also a great choice of first run films, some yet to be released locally in Australia.  Order in a guilty dessert to truly rival any night at the cinema.

3. Kid-free Escape

Indulge in a cocktail in the Oasis – a tranquil spot for adults only with daybeds, a bar, hot tub and spectacular 360-degree views.

If you have kids, we’ll take care of them in Kids Club programs while you grab a romantic moment alone together.

Find out more about the Oasis

4. Pamper the Body

Make yourselves feel beautiful and relaxed at the Aqua Health, Spa & Fitness® (currently Lotus Spa® on Pacific Sun and Pacific Dawn).

She can get a facial, while he enjoys a massage, or you can both try a sensuous wrap.

The Pacific Pearl includes a couples’ room with fully equipped whirlpool and steam sauna.

5. Fine Dining

Get dressed up and dine in style at one of our signature restaurants, such as salt grill, boasting the cuisine of internationally acclaimed celebrity chef Luke Mangan.

6. Stay in a Suite or Mini Suite

These lavish cabins offer everything you need to spoil the one you love. When you stay in a suite there are more than 25 extra luxuries included, such as:

- Welcome glass of champagne

- Private balcony

- Fully loaded iPod with docking station (Suite only)

- Bathrobe and slippers

- Pillow concierge

- Jacuzzi/Bath

More details on suite and mini suite facilities

7. Wedding and Renewal of Vows

What could be more special and unique than declaring your love at sea? Let us take care of everything for your big day. We can arrange the following:

- Weddings

- Civil unions (New Zealand only)

- Renewal of vows

- Commitment ceremonies

For more information download the Ceremonies at Sea brochure, which details our wedding package.

Wedding ceremonies can also be organised at a port of call in Sydney, Brisbane, Newcastle, Fremantle and Auckland on embarkation day.

You’re all booked for your cruise but the days won’t pass quick enough until your holiday begins – here’s one way to get you and your travel companions excited about the trip ahead!

The world of cinema has long been in love with the glamour of life aboard a cruise ship. The romance of sailing out to sea with a lover; the adventure of seeing foreign land on the horizon; the delight in making new friends on deck, at dinner or at a show. Here are some of our favourites moments on the silver screen:

1. An Affair To Remember (1957)

It doesn’t get more glamorous than Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. Acclaimed as one of the most romantic films of all time, this story has the two characters meet on a transatlantic ocean liner and fall in love, despite both of them being in a relationship. Even if you’ve seen this classic, it’s always worth watching again before your trip.

2. The Talented Mr Ripley (1999)

Starring Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cate Blanchett, this is a fantastic thriller set in the 1950s. Tom Ripley (Damon) poses as an affluent Princeton graduate and meets the wealthy young heiress Meredith (Blanchett) onboard a ship from New York to Italy. After several plot twists and turns in Italy, he finds himself onboard once more, this time racing from one side of the ship to the other to maintain his identity deception.

3. Out to Sea (1997)

Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau head up this comedy about two grumpy old men who embark on a luxury cruise and are forced to work as dance hosts in order to pay their way. Of course, they both manage to fit in time for finding a love affair as well.

4. Diamonds are Forever (1971)

This action-packed film, starring Sean Connery as James Bond, includes some key scenes aboard a cruise ship in which Bond escapes with Tiffany and fights the bad guys who are trying to kill them with a hidden bomb.

5. Ship of Fools (1965)

A classic drama, which was nominated for and won many Academy awards, it follows a group of eccentric characters onboard an ocean liner bound to Germany from Mexico in 1933. The film features a large cast of well-known actors, including Vivien Leigh.

Are you a big film buff? Don’t miss our Cinematastic show onboard including routines from movies like The Pink Panther, All That Jazz, Flashdance, Titanic and more.

Did we mention our ships also have recent releases on the big screen and in cabin?

More information on our entertainment onboard

What are your favourite cruising films? Let us know! www.facebook.com/POCruises

A popular part of the P&O Cruises onboard experience is our theme nights – the nights are generally announced onboard so packing ahead can be a bit tricky!

Luckily, there are costumes available to buy onboard, however, you may want to stand out from the crowd by making use of what you have in your luggage.

We asked a craft expert, Candy Castle, for some Island night ideas that can be easily made with things you may already have or can find onboard:

Shipwrecked

Transform yourself into a castaway with a plain t-shirt and a few rips and tears.

Starting at the bottom hem of a t-shirt and cutting upwards, make cuts or tears approximately 3cm apart all the way around the shirt.

You could also rip holes in the fabric, shred the sleeves up and cut out the collar. Use a bit of makeup (powder foundation is perfect) to “dirty” up your shirt.

Pack a pair of old shorts in your suitcase and apply the same cutting and ripping techniques to the bottom hems of each leg.

Finish off your outfit with a messy hair-do and consider yourself shipwrecked!

Ruffle up your existing clothes and voila - you’re a castaway!

Hawaiian Holiday

A good Hawaiian print can transform even the plainest of outfits into something truly tropitastic. Perfect for every day wear, a piece with a Hawaiian print can also double as great costumes for that fun, festive occasion.

Hawaiian shirts can be found in many stores nowadays but if you’re looking for something truly authentic, raid your nearest op shop or vintage store. For the ladies, pair an oversized mens’ shirt with a belt and you’ve got an instant dress!

A good hawaiian print is an easy way to get tropical for an island theme night

Get Lei’d

Leis – or Hawaiian flower garlands – are an easy, instant costume element that won’t take up room in your suitcase.

Before embarking on your next holiday adventure, pop into your nearest bargain store and buy yourself a couple in various colours, they cost only a few dollars each.

Wear them layered like necklaces, or wrapped multiple times around your wrists. You can even create your own floral crown – simply wrap around your head and secure with bobby pins. If your’e feeling particularly crafty you could cut one up and use the individual flowers to sew onto a plain t-shirt or sun hat.

You can also easily make some last-minute leis onboard – you’ll need string, scissors, paper, pen/pencil, and straws.

Cut the paper into flowers and cut a few straws into 3 cm pieces. Poke a hole through the centre of each flower and string a few at a time, separating each bunch with a straw piece.

Learn more about P&O Cruises onboard theme nights

Learn more about P&O Cruises onboard entertainment

Put on your ship kickers! Country & Western Night

Share your costume ideas and photos with us! www.facebook.com/PoCruises

Skin cancers account for around 80% of all new cancers diagnosed each year in Australia.

Dr. Kerryn Greive, Scientific Affairs Manager at Ego Pharmaceuticals/SunSense, shares with us some healthy advice for keeping your skin safe during your cruise holiday.

“When we go on holidays it is a great opportunity to spend time in the sun; the sunlight triggers endorphins that make us feel happy and relaxed. But relaxing by the pool, on the beach or the cruise deck all mean that we could be outside for long periods of time, increasing the chances that we will get sunburnt. To get the best out of your holiday, good sun protection is vital.”

1. Hat and sunnies – the bigger the better

“It can be challenging to find good shade on the beach, by the pool or on the cruise deck, so always wear a hat and sunglasses. The wider the hat brim the more protective it is, and the same goes for sunglasses, the bigger they are the better they are.”

2. Broad spectrum sunscreen

“It is also essential to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+, and if you are planning to go into the water, be sure that it is water resistant.”

3. Reapply

“We all know that too much sun can lead to skin cancer, but did you know that too much sun can also result in premature skin ageing? To stay looking younger for longer, good sun protection is a must. Don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen every two hours, after swimming or towelling dry; one application can’t last all day, even if you are very careful with that first application or don’t go into the water. Sweat is actually more severe on sunscreen that jumping in the pool.”

4. Childhood exposure to sun can increase cancer risks later on

“Also remember that children can get sunburnt quickly when they are spending long periods in the sun, and it only takes one bad sunburn in our childhood to significantly increase our chances of skin cancer.”

“So this holiday, enjoy the water, the sand and the sun, but remember that sunburn is not a good souvenir. To get the best out of your holiday, remember to stay protected from the sun using hats, sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen.”

Australia’s skin statistics

• 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70.
• Over 1,830 Australians die from skin cancer each year.
• Skin cancers account for about 80% of all new cancers diagnosed each year in Australia. Each year, Australians are four times more likely to develop a common skin cancer than any other form of cancer.
• Over 430,000 Australians are treated for skin cancer each year – that’s over 1,000 people every day.
• Skin cancer costs the health system around $300 million annually, the highest cost of all cancers.
• In those aged 15–44 years, melanoma is the most common cancer, making up almost a quarter of all cancers for this age group.
• It is estimated that approximately 200 melanomas and 34,000 non-melanoma skin cancers per year are caused by occupational exposures in Australia.

SOURCE: Cancer Council of Victoria 2011 [cited 21 July 2011]

Find out more about packing and preparing for your cruise

How to: stay revived on your cruise holiday

Did you know – during WWII the island of Santo, Vanuatu, was a base for more than 100,000 soldiers? As a result, the town of Santo is a bit like a living military museum, with WWII remnants such as buildings, airfields, and oddly wide streets.

The crown jewel of the town’s attractions, however, is the 30,000-ton liner “President Coolidge” which sank after hitting a friendly mine. The liner lies intact underwater in Santo Harbour and is the largest accessible shipwreck of its kind in the world.

See it for yourself! Here are two great WWII tours you can do while visiting Luganville on your cruise holiday:

Certified Dive – “President Coolidge”

The holds of the “President Coolidge” wreck is a National Park – filled with most of the vessel’s original cargo and a pretty much intact interior. It is a one-of-a-kind experience to explore not only such a complete shipwreck but also a well-preserved artifact of the WWII era. This is certified SCUBA dive – learn more about SCUBA

Don’t forget to bring your underwater camera! See also our tips on how to take underwater photos

Relics of WWII Tour

If you would prefer to stay on land, Santo is full of above sea level WWII experiences. This tour includes visits to a Bomber One airfield, a Japanese gaol and a memorial to the American Army captain who drown while saving men from “President Coolidge”, among other historical landmarks around the island.

P&O Cruises is pleased to be celebrating our 3,000,000 passenger since WWII in September. Stay tuned on our blog to find out who it is!

See also

Cruise holidays calling at Luganville/Santo, Vanuatu

P&O Cruises Luganville Port Guide

We recently chatted with cruising regular and active P&O Cruises Australia Facebook community member, Lynda Barry, about the social side of life at sea.

Here, she talks activities on land and fun for the whole family.

Which onboard activities have been a hit with you and your family?

Our favourite activity is definitely trivia. It’s really about the atmosphere of the activity. You meet other cruisers and learn something at each session. It’s often a catch up point after a couple of days where you have met people previously and play as a team.

You often hear people saying “see you at the next trivia!” We also use these as family meeting point when various members of the family go of to do different activities (such as the kids club) and we meet at trivia.

Have your kids participated in Turtle Cove, Shark Shack or HQ kids clubs? Did they enjoy the experience?

They have participated in Shark Shack and HQ (& HQ+). They enjoyed the experiences, particularly scavenger hunts and quizzes.

They have always been eager to register at the Clubs to meet new friends. It’s great how each night the clubs give an outline of the next day’s activities so you can plan your day. All the staff at have been approachable and great to deal with.

What’s been your favourite activity on land so far?

Definitely the best one has been the Natural Aquarium of the Isle of Pines, New Caledonia.

We actually heard about this from a non-cruiser as a must do in New Caledonia. The snorkeling is fantastic. The amount and variety of fish that are swimming at this natural lagoon is astronomical. As usual, P&O Cruises has organised locals as the tour guides who know about the area and cultures and love to tell stories. It is these personal experiences that make it so much better.

What destination has the best shopping?

There is only one place that I can truly answer this one – Port Vila, Vanuatu. I have been to most of the Pacific Islands on cruises, and the best for shopping is definitely Port Vila. It’s easy to get to the shopping, just catch a taxi or a bus to the town – it’s relatively cheap to get there and all the drivers know that the cruisers want to go there. The main shopping is concentrated to the one street. We walk down one side then cross and walk back the other side. They have lots of bags us girls like to buy but my husband also get ties, t-shirts, shorts and duty-free items.

Which destination do you think has the best local entertainment?

I think the best local entertainment would also be Port Vila, which is probably because there are more different activities and things to do, rather than entertainment as such. There are lots of different options like the markets, village tours, shopping, adventure tours, cultural activities, horse riding, fishing, etc. I have been to Port Vila so many times and I have still not done all things I want to do there!

Want to learn more? Read the first part of our interview with Lynda and be sure to visit our P&O Cruises Australia Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/POCruises) community to connect with other cruisers.

If you’ve already cruised with us and would love to share your cruise experiences, please connect with us at social@pocruises.com.au

We are so pleased to welcome the lovely Sachie of Sachie’s Kitchen in Auckland onboard our Food & Wine Short Break cruise departing Auckland on 5 October. She will doing a live culinary demonstration and hosting a seven-course degustation.

Sachie is originally from Aichi in Japan and the home-styled recipes she teaches were handed down through the generations in her family. According to Sachie, the recipes are clean, healthy and fresh – with a touch of New Zealand infused in them.

Sachie’s Kitchen has been running in Auckland for the past 17 months, and plans are underway to soon start Vietnamese and Malaysian cooking classes.

Here, she chats with us about Japanese cuisine, her cooking must-haves, and what she has in store for our passengers!

What sorts of things can people expect to learn in your onboard workshop?

People will have fun! My cooking is all about accessibility – many people believe Japanese food to be complicated, but it actually isn’t.

There are just a few tips and tricks to understand which can make cooking for your own family and friends enjoyable.

And even though the core values (of Japanese cuisine) are around simplicity, it will still be delicious!

What sets Japanese cuisine apart from other foods?

Japanese food is fresh, healthy and perhaps attention to detail and presentation is more focused than in other cuisines.

We have a large emphasis on subtle tastes of food, for example in terms of soy sauce there is a huge variety and not just a single black mixture as it seems: there is soy sauce for sashimi, light soy sauce for stews, dark soy sauce for general cooking and tamari which is gluten-free (and great for sashimi, too).

Our portion sizes are also smaller than Western dishes because we eat to “80% full”. It takes 20 minutes to get from stomach to the brain to say “I’m full” and so we tend to eat smaller amounts over a period of time.

It is said Japanese enjoy food with five senses: look (presentation), smell, sound (the crunch), touch (why we pick up sashimi with fingers) and, of course, taste!

What is the one thing you can’t go without in your kitchen?

I can’t live without cooking chopsticks! Cooking chopsticks are double the length of normal chopsticks and are used for stirring, stirfrys, deep frys, presentation (to pick up small morsels)…for everything!!! They are the most versatile weapon in the Japanese cook’s armoury

What is your favourite ingredient to cook with and why?

Daikon – Chinese radish, because it helps digestion, especially when you eat tempura or any kind of oily food it acts like a cleanser. That way you don’t feel heavy and oily. We can use it for salad, stew, as a garnish and the great thing there is no wastage – we can use the whole body including the leaves

More on P&O Cruises Food & Wine Short Break cruise holidays

Learn more about P&O Cruises onboard cuisine

As a 10-time cruiser, Lynda Barry has many memories to choose from. Here’s what stands out most:

“My family thinks (my favourite memory) was the time I was hypnotised by Greg Hudson on our very first cruise in January 2007. I have the DVD of my embarrassing moment hidden away so they can’t blackmail.

However, my actual favourite memory has got to be when my daughter went snorkeling for the first time. This just happened to be on my favorite island, Isle of Pines, at the Sacred Rock. She had only just started to learn and was amazed at the amount of fish and different varieties.

Suddenly we heard screams (of excitement) and other swimmers came over and asked what we had found, thinking it was a turtle or shark. She had actually found “Nemo” (also known as a Clownfish – the star of the film Finding Nemo). She was very excited!”

Share your memories and connect with other cruisers on our P&O Cruises Australia Facebook page.