There are a lot of photographs to download so show patience and make a brew! Sorry about that.
There are a lot of photographs to download so show patience and make a brew! Sorry about that.
REVIEW:
Location: Sydney Australia; Noumea, New Caledonia; Mystery Island, Vanuatu; Suva,
Fiji; Yasawa-I-Rara, Fiji; Champagne Bay, Espiritu Santo Island; Port Vila,
Vanuatu;
Boulari Havannah Passage .
Ship:' Pacific Sky'
How I rate the 'Pacific Sky' out of 5 ( 5 = Best, 1 = Worst. )
Cabins:4
Public Areas:5
Food:5
Entertainment:5
Facilities:4
Itineraries:4
Recreational Activities:4
Service:5
On embarkation day we made our way to the Terminal and found that the ship had arrived back 4 hours late and was still in the process of disembarking its previous passengers. Needless to say that it was absolute mayhem with two lots of passengers milling around in the Terminal. After disposing of our non-carry-on luggage which had to be security cleared before going onboard, we lined up for embarkation which finally happened about 5 hours later. Programmed boarding time was 11am but actual boarding time was 5pm.
We found our inside cabin on deck "D" amidships starboard side, and a short time late our luggage was delivered by the staff. We were on the same deck as the Purser's office and close to the lifts. That made it easy to exchange our cash for the ship's cash card so that we could purchase drinks and other things whilst onboard.
The ship finally departed around 7pm so we headed for the promenade deck to look at the lights of Sydney Harbour before preparing for the second dinner call. It was raining as the ship left through the Heads.
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We were notified by the Captain that the ship's itinerary had to be
changed because of refueling problems in Fiji. In fact the itinerary was
reversed so that we sailed to Noumea, Mystery Island, Suva, Yasawa-I-Rara,
Champagne Bay, Port Vila and then back to Sydney via the Havannah Boulari
passage off New Caledonia.
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The entertainment was excellent with
the cruise staff ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to have fun
and enjoy themselves. Various ship board activities were conducted
on the days we spent at sea as well as for those who did not go ashore
at the ports of call. The ship's entertainers included Julia Daniels, Ugly
Dave Gray, Paul Griffith and Steve Allison who were excellent in
their own evening shows in the theatre and the Pacific Sky Cruise Team
including Dan Styne, Shane Dredge, Demo Simis, Gavin Leeman, Ryan Chandlers
Robert Pierce, Anja Drayer, Hannah Mulligan and Jeff Hannah. The musicians were 'The
Pacific Sky Show
Band', 'Muzzik Unlimited' who kept us going in the lounges and discos.
Brian Donnelly kept the Legends Sports Bar piano chirping along whilst
we had our pre dinner drinks.
Group Photo |
Sunset at sea. |
Facilities onboard were excellent for a ship
that's been around for a long time. The lounges were clean and tasteful
and the staff were quick to serve you. Drinks were reasonably priced
with most beers $4.50 and most mixed drinks $6.00. The cocktail of
the day cost $5.10. The swimming pools were filled with fresh
sea water so that the temperature went up as you neared the
tropics. The sun decks were kept tidy and were all well used by passengers.
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Dining was excellent with two sittings for each Restaurant. There were two restaurants onboard, the Savoy and the Regency. Each day there was a different 'Theme' with food to compliment. We found the food very good and plentiful. You could order the whole menu if you wanted. There was lots of variety in the menus. The late breakfast and lunch time buffet on the Promenade deck aft around the pool was well serviced and enjoyed by those onboard. If you were still hungry after that all that food you could go to 'Sky Dogs/Harrys Cafe the Waves' for a pie with mushy peas, or to the 'Pizzeria' for a pizza or cappuccino, (charge applicable).
Due to our late departure from Sydney the ship arrived at Noumea about 12pm. As this was where we were topping up with fuel the ship had to berth at the fuelling berth which was away from the Passenger Terminal. the ship's boats were used to transport us to a landing and then buses were used to take us to the Passenger Terminal. Our late arrival meant all the tours that had been arranged were cancelled. however, you could arrange your own tour from the Passenger Terminal. We decided that because we had been here before on a previous cruise , we would take a walk around Noumea CBD and climb to some lookouts by ourselves.
The ship stayed in Noumea for only 6 hours so things were very hectic to see and do as much as possible. However, a good time was had by all.
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Playing Chess in the Park. |
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Mystery Island, an uninhabited sandy islet all but surrounded by coral reefs, lies to the south of the Vanuatuan chain of islands. Its real name is Inyeug Island and was used by the Allied Forces during World War II as a landing strip for small aircraft. To this day the airstrip is used as the airfield for the rugged, mountainous Anaton Island located about 1.5 kilometers from Inyeug. The island is less than 1 sq kilometer in area, it is somewhat boomerang shaped and surrounded by coral reefs that create a sheltered lagoon for swimming and snorkeling. It takes about a minute or two to walk on the sandy pathways from one side of the island to the other. To walk all the way around will take about 45 minutes. The islanders set up small stalls with artifacts for sale which can be purchased with Aus dollars. The ship's tenders provide the transport from ship to shore , landing at a small floating platform with a gangway extending to the beach. It is possible to rent snorkel gear from the Islanders for $10. There is also a means to get to the larger Anaton Island by way of a runabout service which the islanders provide for a fee that you can negotiate although it is not recommended by the ship as the boats are small and if heavy weather develops you may find yourself marooned and waving as the ship departs.
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The windward side of the Island |
The Anaton Island choir performance. |
Suva is the political and administrative capitol, the major port and Fiji's educational, commercial and Industrial centre. It is the largest South Pacific city and an important regional centre with the University of the South Pacific (USP), the Forum Secretariat and many embassies. Approximately half of the Fiji's total urban population live in Suva and the surrounding area. It is multiracial and multicultural with a cosmopolitan feel. It is located on the main island Viti Levu. It is built upon a peninsula surrounded by rain forests, mountains and has an excellent harbour and yacht club. The ship arrived at 7am and departed at 6pm. There were plenty of tours and activities to choose from.
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Guard on duty at Government House Suva, Fiji |
Pacific Sky alongside in Suva, Fiji. |
Yasawa I Rara is located in the northern tip of the Yasawa Group. The Yasawa group is a chain of 20 ancient volcanic islands that extends in an almost straight line for 90kms within the Great Sea Reef, on the western side of Fiji. The climate and the group's white sand beaches , spectacular crystal clear lagoons and rugged volcanic landscapes make it one of Fiji's main tourist destinations. We arrived at 8am and departed at 6pm. Transport was via the ship's tenders from the anchorage to a floating landing at the beach. There is a small village located adjacent to the beach where you can barter with the locals for artifacts and trinkets.
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The ship at anchor. |
The locals love the tourists. |
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The beach |
Pacific Sky in the distance |
Champagne Bay is located on the eastern coast of Espiritu Santo, approximately 52 kms to the north of Luganville the 2nd largest town of Vanuatu after Port Vila. Espiritu Santo is Vanuatu's largest island with a land mass of 3677sq kms. To the western side ,a forested range of mountains peaking above 1700m runs almost the full length of the island. Champagne Bay boasts one of the finest beaches in the South Pacific and is located about 1.5kms south of the village of Hog Harbour, which has a population of about 600 people. The fine white sands of Champagne Bay curve around a mainly reef sheltered lagoon with coconut plantations and forested mountains behind it. The bay gets its name from a fresh water spring on the eastern end of the beach and its resulting bubbles, felt only at low tide. Coconut palms line the beach and large trees either end offer welcoming shade from the tropical sun.
The beach is reached by the use of the ship's tenders that provide a shuttle service all day. If ever there was place where I would love to get marooned, this is it.
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Palms line the beach, Champagne Bay |
The local stalls were popular. |
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Approaching the beach landing. |
Elephant Island, offshore. |
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Reptiles at the Heritage Centre, Port Vila. |
Locals sell their wares on the wharf, Port Vila. |
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Looking south Boulari-Havannah passage |
Entering the Boulari-Havannah passage. |
Looking south Boulari-Havannah passage |
Pilot Boat - Boulari-Havannah passage. |
On leaving the Havannah Boulari Passage the ship sailed back towards Sydney and the end of our cruise. Value for money wise, I don't think you can beat a cruise such as this because all accommodation and meals are provided and you only need to bring sufficient funds for drinks , tours and souvenirs. The ship arrived back in Sydney Harbour about 7.00am in the morning. Lots of people were awake to see the entry into the best harbour in the world. Some had stayed up all night partying....
Thanks to Captain Nick Carlton and all his officers and crew, Dan Styne the Cruise Director,
and the rest of his Team for a fantastic holiday.
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Cheers,
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