Honeymooners Warren and Kirby enjoy a real adventure, including flying foxes and climbing in the lush tropical forest surrounding Noumea.

They’re joined by another couple who admit “we’ve been to Noumea before and we thought, ‘oh no, we’re too old for that, we can’t do that!’”

Check out their video to see how they all fare up high in the trees!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYaXqMg-uIA

Learn more about the Tree to Tree Adventure Tour in Noumea

Sally decided she needed a holiday after cyclone Yasi hit her home town.

On this tour of Port Vila she not only appreciates the beauty of this tropical island, but also gains an appreciation for how the local village survives and adapts to mother nature.

“I can now go home and tell my kids and my grandkids, this is what Nanna did… This is what you can do when you get older… Life isn’t just about where you live individually now.”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZS2xfYrirQ

If you’re after a day of culture, some great scenery and a bit of local shopping too, check out the details of this tour and start planning your time in Vanuatu.

City Highlights Tours

Find out more about Vanuatu

Watch this video of Nathan and Maria in Vanuatu, in which Maria confesses:

“We were having a look at the shore tours and I’m a scaredy-cat. I’m scared of everything. But we were looking at the intro to scuba diving and I said, this looks fantastic and Nathan agreed.”

This experience is one you have to really appreciate. As Nathan commented:

“It’s changed our lives really, to be honest!”

And he’s not exaggerating -- the couple came back from this cruise, put their home on the market and are now moving to Vanuatu!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5oo4waf6Cs

Keen to push yourself out of your comfort zone and explore the paradise that changed this couple’s life?

Learn more about this exciting tour

Watch more cruise experience videos

If you’re worried going on a cruise means letting yourself get out of shape, think again. Exercise and a healthy diet are both easy to maintain (and sometimes even a lot more enjoyable!) onboard our ships.

1. Go for a jog around the running track on deck with an inspiring view of the ocean as you train.

2. Dine at La Luna onboard Pacific Jewel and Pacific Pearl, a casual spot with delicious healthy dishes during the day and an Asian Fusion menu in the evening.

3. Get into those weights at the gym and enjoy a sauna or a swim to cool off afterwards.

4. Join Bootcamp at Sea to really challenge yourself or work off whatever you’ve indulged in the night before. Benefit from the support of fellow bootcampers!

5. Find working out boring? Why not jazz your exercise regime up with a dance lesson instead? Salsa is sure to work up a sweat.

Check out the blog post of Tom Green, Sports Coordinator onboard Pacific Dawn, for more ideas and inspiration

Nutritionist Jemma O’Hanlon talks maintaining a healthy balance while cruising

Learn more about all our onboard fitness activities

Pacific Pearl recently had the honour of hosting former professional swimmer and Olympic gold medalist Kieren Perkins and his wife Sam, and children, Charlie (6), Harry (13) and Georgia (14). They packed a lot in to each day!

Want to get an idea of how much you can enjoy in 24 hours? Here’s what a day onboard for the Perkins family looked like:

The Perkins family ready and excited to board the Pacific Pearl

8am A delicious breakfast in the Waterfront

9am Charlie heads off to Turtle Cove, a supervised centre for children 3-6 years years old, packed with fun like ice cream parties and arts and crafts.

For 360-degree view of Turtle Cove

For more information on Turtle Cove

The excited 6-year-old Charlie, with dad, Kieren

Meanwhile, the teenagers, Georgia and Harry, explore the ship with their new found friends.

Kieren and his wife Sam relax by the pool.

12pm Family lunch at Plantation Buffet.

Plantation Buffet

Time ashore, Mystery Island.

A tropical castaway island

Meeting the locals in Vanuatu

2pm Sam indulges in a hot stone massage in the day spa while Georgia, Charlie, Kieren and Harry play table tennis.

4pm A game of bingo in the Marquee.

5pm Roel, the cabin steward, shows the kids how to fold ‘novelty animals’ out of bath towels.

Learn how to make your own towel animal at home

6pm The kids enjoy dinner in the Plantation restaurant.

6.30pm Charlie returns to Turtle Cove and Georgia and Harry head to the youth centre HQ with a junior prom/disco night in the The Dome.

6.45pm With the children tired out from all the enteratainment, Sam and Kieren relax over a candlelit dinner at Luke Mangan’s salt grill.

9.30pm Dinner is followed by cocktails on deck under the stars before retiring to their cabin.

Fun in sun for the whole family

The family onboard the Pacific Pearl

With all these activities the family was easily occupied, but if you’re concerned about taking the kids to sea, check out the Perkins’ helpful tips for travelling with children.

Are you planning to take your family away on a cruise? Former professional swimmer and Olympic gold medalist Kieren Perkins and his family recently enjoyed a fun-filled holiday onboard Pacific Pearl.

Kieren and his wife Sam with their three children, Georgia, Harry and Charlie

Kieren and his wife Sam have three kids – Charlie (6), Harry (13) and Georgia (14) – and kept their tribe well-entertained on this holiday with the wide range of activities, as well as getting some down time for themselves!

We spoke to Sam Perkins, who shared some of their family’s favourite onboard experiences – for the adults, the kids and everyone together:

Kids’ Top Five Things to Do Onboard

1. Little Charlie loved going to Turtle Cove Kids’ Club and meeting new friends.

2. She also had fun at the pyjama party and dress up nights at Turtle Cove, including a talent show in The Dome on the last day.

3. The teenagers, Georgia and Harry, loved the HQ Club, in particular getting dressed for junior prom night followed by a teen disco in The Dome.

4. Swimming in the pool and hanging at the pool and deck chairs with their HQ mates was a big favourite.

5. And finally movies on the giant screen on deck.

Kieren and 6-year-old daughter Charlie ready for another day of fun

Parents’ Top Five Things to Do Onboard

1. Luke Mangan’s salt grill is a ‘must do’ romantic dinner without the kids.

2. BINGO – I became completely obsessed (Kieren preferred making new friends at the bar).

3. Reading a book or ‘nanna napping’ on the sun lounge of our balcony.

4. Relaxing in the day spa and being pampered with a hot stone or bamboo massage.

5. Working off all the extra calories we devoured at the gym or running the Forward Stairs.

Top Five Things to Do Onboard as a Family

1. Going on a cruise with another family is an excellent choice – double the fun and safety in numbers for junior safety around the boat.

2. Family dinner in the Waterfront restaurant is delicious and a great way to regroup and catch up on every one’s day.

3. Heading to the Lido deck to watch the Pacific Entertainers in the Circus.

4. Watching live stage shows in The Marquee.

5. Shore Tours around the islands are a must, especially snorkeling in the sparkling blue water. Plus the girls enjoyed having their hair braided.

The Perkins family meets the locals in Vanuatu

Want some more ideas of ways to spend your time as a family onboard? Check out our detailed blog post on 24 hours with the Perkins family.

Leave a comment below and let us know what your kids enjoyed most on their latest cruise holiday.

She didn’t realise when booking a 10-day Pacific Islands cruise, but Western Sydney mother-of-two, Deanna Catlett, was our three-millionth passenger, a momentous occasion which we all celebrated in style:

Sydney Prepares for Bumper Cruise Season as P&O Cruises Welcomes Three Millionth Passenger Onboard

P&O Cruises’ Three Millionth Passenger Returns from Historic Cruise

Back fresh and relaxed from her holiday with husband Greg, 40, son Zane, nine, and six-year-old daughter Koralee, Deanna shares with us the family’s best moments from the cruise.

What was your personal favourite part of your time away?

There wasn’t one part; there was time with family, friends, great food, awesome destinations – a time that will be fondly remembered forever.

Tropical island time with family

And your husband’s favourite moment of the trip?

Ten days to spend with his family, experiencing the islands, seeing his children’s smiling faces as they had so many first time experiences. A great mixture of dining, sipping cocktails, partying and some time at the casino. A perfect 10 days.

Dressed up for cake with the Captain

What made you both choose to go on a cruise for this particular holiday?

It is the perfect holiday. Something for everyone. A great balance of time together as a family, as a couple and time to do your own thing.

The family ashore together

What was your children’s experience onboard a cruise ship for the first time?

The kids loved the Kids Club. Koralee especially the arts and craft while Zane was in his element with the games and challenges. They both felt so grown up as they served themselves at The Plantation buffet. It was their best holiday ever.

Koralee and Zane on their first cruise holiday

Did you partake in any of the shore tours and what destinations did you enjoy?

We went on three shore tours – The Tchou Tchou in Noumea, The Melanesian Encounter in Lifou in Lifou and Snorkelling the Natural Aquarium at the Isle of Pines. They were all fantastic. My favourite was the Natural Aquarium. The coral and fish were amazing up close in their natural habitat. This tour was perfect for the whole family; we loved it as much as the kids.

The famous Tchou Tchou Train

How did you choose to relax and unwind on this holiday?

Every day was different. On deck with drinks, on shore lying on the beach, fine dining at the Salt Grill. Every day was the perfect mix of fun and relaxation.

What advice do you have for other couples or families considering a cruising holiday?

Book now, it is better than you can imagine.

Share your holiday experiences with us! www.facebook.com/POCruises

To celebrate, P&O Cruises spoilt Deanna, and her family, with an upgrade to a mini suite, a celebratory cake and a rare behind-the-scenes bridge tour.

Western Sydney mother-of-two, Deanna Catlett, has today become part of P&O Cruises’ history as our three millionth passenger since Australian cruising resumed at the end of World War Two. 

Better known to family and friends as Dea, she will set sail onboard Pacific Pearl today, with husband Greg and children Zane, 9, and Koralee, 6, after a celebration led by our CEO Ann Sherry at Wharf 5 Darling Harbour this morning. 

In a tribute to all that has happened in terms of P&O Cruises’ growth story, nearly a million of our three million passengers have travelled in just the past four years alone. 

For Dea and Greg Catlett, this is their second cruise with P&O Cruises – their previous cruise on Pacific Sky in November 2000 almost resulted in a wedding proposal. 

P&O Cruises 3 millionth passenger Deanna Catlett onboard Pacific Sky on their 1st cruise in 2000

“Greg had the ring but he wanted to surprise me so he did it at Christmas,’’ Dea said. 

For the history buffs, Orcades kicked off post war cruising when she sailed from Sydney in December 1952. Orcades was from Orient Line, which was effectively a sister brand to P&O prior to a formal merger of P&O and Orient Line in 1960. 

Dea said she always knew she would sail on another P&O Cruises’ holiday once she had a family but had no idea she would be making history when she booked the family’s Pacific Islands cruise.

Ann said the three million passengers’ landmark is evidence of the enormous growth of cruising in Australia in recent years. 

“It’s a great achievement and we are looking forward to continuing strong growth over the decade ahead,” Ann said. 

We are celebrating the landmark with an unprecedented $3 million cash back campaign, giving passengers up to $200 cash back per cabin on a range of 2012 cruises booked before November 12, 2011.

Celebrated photographer Anne Geddes has spent years in New Zealand, both as a resident and a tourist. Here, she shares with us some of her favourite destinations that P&O Cruises visits:

“I have noticed that P&O Cruises visits some of my favourite places in New Zealand. Auckland was my home for some 16 years and I can recommend, apart from the obvious tourist points of interest, to sample some of the wonderful restaurants. Make sure you take a walk in the Domain and also admire the view from Mt Eden/Maungawhau, an extinct volcano that overlooks Auckland.”

TRY

Auckland city tour, which includes the Domain

“The Bay of Islands is best enjoyed by sea – the name is very appropriate as there are little islands dotted all over the place and the scenery is lovely – but is there anywhere in New Zealand that the scenery is not lovely?

LEARN MORE

See our Bay of Islands Port Guide

“If you are cruising around Wellington (incidentally the coffee is very good), you will appreciate the beauty and serenity of the Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island. I have a friends who had a house on one of the small bays and it was lovely.”

EXPLORE

The Storm Coast to appreciate the beauty of Wellington Harbour from land

“New Zealand is lovely, the people are lovely, the scenery is lovely, constantly offering opportunities to capture memories on your camera that you’ll be able to share with your family and friends.”

Anne Geddes is one of the world’s most celebrated photographers. She is a two-time New York Times best-selling author and has currently completed her latest project – my Pregnancy – photographing a series of pregnant women and interviewing them after the birth of their baby.

Anne Geddes

Not too long ago we chatted to a pro about how to keep children entertained – tips which would be especially helpful during meals and evenings onboard when the little ones aren’t enjoying themselves in the Children’s Centres!

But of course, cruising is more than having a fun time at sea – there are also some awesome destinations to explore with the family! Here are five of our favourite child-tested and approved activities in Port Vila, Vanuatu and Lifou, New Caledonia.

Buggy Off Road Adventure, Port Vila, Vanuatu

Take the wheel and take it off-road sightseeing Port Vila in your own customised, open-air buggy. You and the kids will buckle up enjoy your very own jungle safari, charting a course along the green bushlands of Tagabe.

Outrigger Canoe, Snorkel and Ifira Island Beach Visit, Port Vila, Vanuatu

Make like the Swiss Family Robinson and enjoy a group canoe, paddling the picturesque island waters of Port Vila. Jump off over coral reefs and enjoy a leisurely swim getting to know the locals. Kids will love finding Nemo, or the Clown Fish, which are often spotted in this area.

Forest and Secret Grotto, Lifou, New Caledonia

Everyone needs a little cave time now and then and Lifou Island has got the monopoly on these spectacular natural wonders. Originally used by the Melanesian locals to source fresh water, you and your family will love the natural beauty hidden inside the caves of Lifou Island. Incorporating nature walking and education, the torch light tour will include stories about local mythology as you delve deep inside these mysterious caverns.

Melanesian Encounter, Lifou, New Caledonia

Do you now how to construct a traditional hut and Melanesian roof spire? You and your family will learn these skills and more during a Melanesian Encounter, ensuring your DIY cubby houses at home will never be the same again. Getting an insider look into traditional Hnathalo village life, guided tours will take you inside the famous thatched Chief’s Hut and a lesson in local cooking so you’ll be saying “Bougna (native feast) for dinner anyone?” by the time you get back home.

Wet n Wild Zorbing, Port Vila, Vanuatu

Bringing new meaning to “rock and roll”, families looking for thrills will love Zorbing in Vila. You and the kids will safely roll your way down one of the world’s most unique waterslides, securely contained within a 2.5 metre water-filled inflatable ball. Perfect for families – even nervous Zorbonauts will be sure to ask for a second go.

Have you and your family experiences a fantastic shore tour? Be sure to let the community know on our P&O Cruises Australia Facebook page