Carnival Spirit Cruise

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Departed from Sydney at 6pm. Boarded around midday. It was great to sit down for lunch and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Not to mention our balcony facing The Rocks. Many people were into the cocktails but I took it easy with the knowledge of the waves getting a little bit rough when going through the headlands. In fact the first 24hours usually is the worst as we leave the coast of Australia.

We opted for a balcony room with 4 beds (Queen and bunk). Considering we were hardly ever in the cabin it was perfect. The balcony is wonderful for when we arrive and depart destinations, however Serenity is a fantastic spot for departures - if you can get a seat! A balcony is also good for pegging out wet towels, board shorts and sandy reef shoes - just take some pegs with you or you might find your stuff in the ocean.

About the ship - although there are a lot of passengers, there is a lot of space and very rarely will you find that all of you are in the same spot. In saying that, many passengers seem to hover around the pool on the upper decks. (2 main ones plus 1 in Serenity - adults only section) I preferred to find a sun lounge a deck higher and gaze out to the ocean. Up on the two top decks you can play basketball, soccer or putt putt. You might like the gym (spa included). Or you might prefer hanging out on the Green Thunder and the kids water park. I found the days at dock were really good to come here - had it all to yourself! Heading inside there are shows in the main auditorium, trivia in the various pubs - Red Frog, Piano lounge, atrium etc. Classes, art shows, information sessions, kids clubs (all ages and split accordingly), not to mention the Casino and the onboard specials that come at the shops. Live music is happening everywhere. Nightclub for those who want to see if they can really boogie while the boat is rocking. I preferred the live music (band) in the Red Frog Pub each night. Lots of tunes to dance too. Karaoke and bingo is often scheduled too. The key is to look at the daily itinerary every night or at breakfast in the morning and plan your day - do as little or as much as you want.

Destinations - Absolutely loved the rawness of Mystery Island, Lifou and Isle of Pines. Mare didn't impress that much.Not that impressed with Vila and Noumea. But in saying that Vila had some nice tours. We caught a taxi to the waterfalls and then stopped at Castaway Island for a snorkel - underwater post office is a must to discover. You will need to pay an entry onto the island. Oh and it is a "tinny" ride over - 5 minutes. I would recommend! Noumea.... a quick walk around and that is really it. A tip for when going to the other islands, don't be sheep. Seriously, walk a little bit further away from the crowds and you will come across some perfect beaches. Make sure you take snorkels and reef shoes!

$$ all inclusive in your fare. Unless of course you want to eat in the top class restaurant. The A la Carte restaurant is a must - don't always take the buffet upper deck option. Some amazing meals in the a La Carte restaurant. Wine bottle ($35) the cheapest but you can take it with you or they will mind it in restaurant for the next night. Cocktails are reasonable but I found the "fishbowl" in the Red Frog Pub of more value if you prefer that style of drink. All you can drink soft drink package is a great option to buy before leaving Sydney. Some perks include 24/7 pizza, ice cream machine. Love the daily dining on deck -burgers, mexican, healthy wraps, cheese bar. Some preferred hot lunches in the buffet. Oh and the cake section was nice too! Other costs - tours. Research before you go as it might be cheaper to do your own tours?

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