by iryna macey – owner of cruise addict
Cruising is always special, but cruising with friends and family makes it even better. On our recent 9–night South Pacific cruise onboard the Anthem of the Seas, we travelled with an incredible group ranging from two years old to eighty years young.
Some of our friends had already completed nearly 90 cruises, while for others this was their very first experience at sea. What made the trip truly memorable was that everyone – regardless of age or cruising experience – found something they loved.
That’s the beauty of cruising with Royal Caribbean International. The ships offer endless activities, entertainment and dining options, yet at the same time you can simply relax, unwind and go with the flow.
Our itinerary included three stunning South Pacific ports: Port Vila, Mystery Island and Nouméa.
The South Pacific is an incredible destination, especially for Australians. It’s close to home, yet feels like a true tropical escape. Cruising is one of the easiest ways to visit multiple islands while enjoying quality time with the people you love.
Here are some of the highlights from our journey.
Day 1 – Embarkation Day
Embarkation day is always exciting. Once onboard, our first stop was lunch at the famous Windjammer buffet. It has become a tradition for many cruisers to start their holiday there while enjoying panoramic ocean views.
After lunch we explored the ship, familiarising ourselves with the many activities and venues onboard. Dinner was an early one at 5pm – perfect for some relaxed family time.
Later, I decided to treat myself to a spa hair treatment. The first day often offers great spa specials, so it’s the perfect time to indulge and start the cruise feeling relaxed.
Day 2 – Adventure at Sea
Sea days are ideal for trying some of the ship’s unique attractions. One of our highlights was indoor skydiving at the RipCord by iFLY simulator. We booked it as a special gift experience, although guests can sometimes try it for free on port days as well.
Flying inside a wind tunnel high above the ocean is something you don’t forget easily. It’s thrilling, fun and surprisingly accessible for many ages (from three years old).
Day 3 – Family Balance
The kids’ club quickly became a favourite place for our younger travellers. It gave the children a chance to make new friends and enjoy supervised activities, while the adults could relax and enjoy some time together.
One afternoon we attended one of the ship’s incredible production shows. What’s great is that these shows are sometimes available during the daytime too, making it easier for families to attend.
Day 4 – Laser Tag Fun and Bumper Cars
One morning our whole group joined a game of laser tag. Competing in teams made it even more exciting and quickly turned into one of the funniest memories of the trip.
After all that action, we cooled off in the pool and enjoyed the warm South Pacific air. After dinner, our daughter finally achieved something she had been waiting for – she was now old enough to try the bumper cars onboard.
Day 5 – Port Vila, Vanuatu
Our first port was beautiful Port Vila. This destination offers something for everyone. You can take an active excursion such as swimming in the Eden River, visit the famous Blue Lagoon, or learn more about the local culture.
Others in our group explored the colourful markets near the port and returned to the ship whenever they wished. That flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of cruising.
Day 6 – Mystery Island
Mystery Island is truly one of the treasures of the South Pacific.
Crystal clear turquoise water, soft white sand and palm trees swaying in the breeze create a picture–perfect paradise. I never get tired of swimming in these pristine waters. We spent the day relaxing on the beach, drinking fresh coconut water and simply enjoying the beauty of the island.
Day 7 – Nouméa, New Caledonia
Our next port was Nouméa, a city that feels like a slice of France in the Pacific. Many visitors explore using a hop–on hop–off bus or stroll through the city and enjoy delicious French pastries.
This time, however, our group decided to do something different—we chartered a yacht and headed to nearby Signal Island.
The experience felt like a dream. We spotted turtles multiple times, both from the yacht and underwater while snorkelling. The marine life was incredible: colourful coral, tropical fish, sea snakes and even small white and grey reef sharks. Signal Island is only about 40 minutes from Nouméa, but it feels like a remote tropical paradise.
Day 8 – Relaxation and Formal Night
After several busy days exploring the islands, a relaxing sea day was exactly what we needed.
In the evening we prepared for formal night. These days it’s usually more “semi–formal”, so there’s no need to stress too much about dressing up. It’s simply a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a special dinner, take photos and attend another fantastic theatre show.
Day 9 – The Feeling Every Cruiser Knows
The final day always brings mixed emotions. You realise how quickly the time has passed and start wishing the cruise could continue. Interestingly, even the first–time cruisers in our group said the same thing; nine nights simply wasn’t enough.
Cruising has a way of doing that. Once you experience the ease, the destinations, the entertainment and the time spent together, it becomes something you want to do again and again. And that’s exactly why cruising with friends and family is so special – it creates memories that stay with you long after the ship returns to port.
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Iryna is the owner of Cruise Addict, a Central Coast travel agency specialising in cruising. A former cruise ship crew member, she has spent over 1,100 days at sea. Today she continues exploring the world with her husband Brett, who has completed nearly 90Â cruises, and their two children, aged two and five, who have already sailed on 10 cruises.