Day 12 - Saturday 27 July - Sail into Sydney

Well we are back on dry land. Sailed into Sydney harbour on time this morning in the cold and dark but the start of a beautiful day here in Sydney. Watched the sun rise over the Opera House.

Then turned our attention to the Harbour Bridge and the activity at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.

Then our last selfie of the holiday.

Could find nowhere at the passenger terminal or Circular Quay rail station to leave our luggage so we headed to the airport and dropped it off at Virgin. Can't understand why both cases now weigh more than they did when we left Coolangatta. Maybe there is some unknown law of cruising that says the weight gain from eating transfers to your suitcases!!! Anyhow with that load shed we headed back into Circular Quay and then on the ferry to Manly to sample some of Adriano Zumbo's treats.

Geting ready to sample the treats while being ever vigilant for marauding seagulls!

Half eaten Bastard Cake.

Lamb sausage roll

Back to Circular Quay to catch a train back to the airport and one last look at the Spirit.

Now chilling out in the Virgin Lounge at the airport - Alison has found the wine but Philip is sticking to softer drinks. Air-conditioning in the Lounge not real cool and he does not want to nod off!

Day 11 - Friday 26 July - At Sea

Last day and relatively calm sailing conditions. Lazed about reading for most of the day. Visited the shops for a sale on charms and charm bracelets where Alison made some purchases. Philip admired a gent's emerald and diamond ring and when he asked the price was told great value with 40% discount he could have it for $2080. But the store manager may be able to reduce that a little further! Needless to say he didn't take the plunge.

We splashed out and bought lunch at the coffee shop - a piece of carrot cake to share and an iced latte each. As you have come to expect food pictures from us, here is lunch:

And our Pacific Island cruise ends with another beautiful sunset over the sea and our last show an adults only comedy one followed by packing of our suitcases ready for heading to the airport tomorrow.

Day 10 - Thursday 25 July - At Sea

Not a lot to report today. Taking it easy at sea. Brunch in the dining room after 9.30am - fillet steak and eggs for Philip, omelette for Alison and a basket of pastries to share!

Debarkation (that's the Carnival word) where we found out how to get off. Carnival allow self-assist which means that we can do our final pack and take our suitcases off the ship with us rather than having to pack and leave them outside the cabin the night before.

Movie at noon - Oz - The Great and Powerful. Enjoyed the movie and there were even some additional sound effects at believe it or not appropriate times. Five metre swell and strong wind today and the lounge where the movie was shown is low in the bow and a couple of times we got the splash of the bow bulb breaking the swell.

Rain on the sea

5 metre swell

Late lunch of pizza after some reading and then back to the cabin where Alison enjoyed a nanna nap and Philip read and took photos of sunset

and then found that Les Miserables was screening on the television so watched that as we got ready for tonight's elegant dinner. Even frog legs on the menu tonight!

Famous Amos our wait team leader in the Empire Dining Room

Show tonight in Pharoah's Theatre was a tribute to New Orleans or the Big Easy and brought back memories of January holiday there including a set of Cafe du Monde and also a tribute to the Mardi Gras parades.

Have now retired and turned our watches back an hour so will get an extra hour's sleep tonight.

Tonight's towel creation - a scorpion

Day 9 - Wednesday 24 July - At Sea

Not a lot to report today as it was a lazy day at sea. Late rising followed by breakfast on the Lido deck and then we got stuck into reading for the day. Philip was engrossed in a Lee Child's Jack Reacher book and ended up on the balcony of the cabin reclined with his feet up on the table reading for most of the day.

Finally finished the book and so he went for his daily 5km walk around the Sun deck. Wanted to shoulder charge some people who were blocking the walkway but refrained.

While Philip walked Alison counted his laps and was waiting to dash to the starboard side of the ship to capture sunset over the ocean. She did a pretty good job with the picture below and the camera battery said "no go"! So the second photo showing the sun on the horizon sinking into the sea was taken from the cabin balcony with Philip's phone.

Dinner tonight and then to the show in Pharoah's Theatre. Tonight a Kiwi comedian, juggler. Philip added to the show for the people in the top part of the theatre when on his way to seats (you have to be quick to beat others!) he tripped on a step and ended up flat on his face on the walkway - ouch sore knee. The show was quite entertaining and so we have headed to bed with a smile on our faces.

Walked into our cabin and no towel animal on the bed to greet us. But then we looked up and hanging from a light fitting was tonight's creation.

Day 8 - Tuesday 23 July - Wala, Vanuatu

The sea journey from Luganville on Santo to Wala Island is the shortest segment of our cruise and we thought that we would arrive in the middle of the night. No we were still making progress at 7.00am this morning and when we loooked at the navigation chart on the television we could see why. We had spend the night cruising in a series of concentric squares so that we would reach Wala in the morning! The ship seemed to have a bit of a roll last night and Philip who always sleeps on his side kept thinking that he was going to be one of the characters in that song ..."and the middle one said roll-over...".

Dropped anchor this morning for a glorious warm and sunny day with the island of Wala not far off the bow of the ship.

We took the tender boat over to the island just after 10am with our snorkel gear but forgot to take the camera so we have no photos on the actual island. Whilst on the island we walked through the stalls and past many villagers wanting to take us for a tour of their village and homes. Away from the crowds near the jetty we were approached by a lovely lady Maria who invited us to join us for a tour of her family's section of the village and this seemed to be a more in need group as they did not have all the clothing and others for sale. Maria provided us with a very informative tour showing us through the family sleeping quarters, gardens, cooking and washing areas and gave us some insight into their live style. The island has no electricity or running water and the children go by boat each day to the neighbouring large island which the villagers refer to as the mainland for schooling. The cost of the tour was $5 each and we were pleased to have met this lovely lady. At the end of the tour we were given a piece of white grapefruit to eat - so sweet unlike our grapefruit at home and the grapefruit trees are up to 5m tall.

We then headed back to the beach area near the jetty which was protected from the wind and went snorkelling. Saw some live coloured coral and a myriad of various types of small blue fish, some blue starfish, blue sea slugs and some clams. The picture below taken from the ship shows the beach area where we were snorkelling right out to the anchored yacht but just past the yacht was the drop off from the island into very deep water.

Another leisurely afternoon reading followed by our 5km walk around the Sun Deck while the Spirit prepared to leave - we were right beside the funnel and hooters when the leaving hoots were sounded!

Tonight's dinner theme was Mexican Fiesta and as no one on our table had anything resembling Mexican attire, Desi, the maitre'd decided that also could be her Mexican sister from a different mother and so drew a mustache on Alison!

Alison feeling a little unsettled with the movement of the ship tonight so we have skipped going to watch the passenger talent show and retired to our cabin where we were greeted by tonight's towel creation from our cabin steward.

Day 7 - Monday 22 July - Santo, Vanuatau

Today was really a lazy day in Luganville, capital of Espiritu Santo. After a leisurely breakfast on the deck overlooking the wharf, we headed down for a walk into the centre of town. The road from the wharf was lined on both sides with stalls selling clothing, jewellery, shells, old coca cola bottles, kids hula sets, hair braiding, stubby coolers, carved coconut shells, model wooden outrigger canoes, bows and arrow and shanghais.

Also there were a number of opportunities for snap-shots to add some local colour - little children in local costume, grandmothers bare breasted and dancing, snakes to handle, a turtle and bright green iguanas. We war upset to see the snakes which looked poorly and also the poor turtle being held in a basin of water and then picked up for photos. The iguanas however looked healthy and well cared for so in memory of Christopher, Philip posed with them.

Alison purchased another swim wrap and then we continued our walk off the wharf road and along the main esplanade road which was laid out in World War II with the the requirement of the local American commander that it be wide enough for 4 trucks to travel side by side. Nowadays the taxi cabs are so small that they could easily travel eight side by side!

Alison beside the esplanade road

There are some accommodation houses along this road and we are sure that they would make for an interesting stay in Luganville! One of the motels is pictured below.

Le Nemo Motel - no reviews on TripAdvisor yet!

We were tempted to stop for a cheap local beer by the sign below but ended up not trying one or that would be wan.

We have had another much needed nanna nap this afternoon as well as got in some time for reading. Now we have dined and have returned to our cabin to be greeted by tonight's towel animal creation - a swan we think.

Now sailing south for our last stop tomorrow at the island of Wala.

Day 6 - Sunday 21 July - Vila, Vauatua

Safely anchored at the wharf in Port Vila. Weather warm and sunny with a touch of clouds.

View from cabin balcony to street stalls

Off the boat heading out to the stalls along the road to the town centre

Have disembarked and taken a stroll along the market stalls lining the road away from the wharf. Must say that if you were a big Bob Marley fan then you could pick up a lot of souvenirs! We have managed to spend some money at a number of different stalls and now will have plenty of stubby coolers for entertaining in the sunroom at home. Alison also scored a new poncho style overtop and Philip a hand-painted shirt - he will have to cope with the fact that the buttons on the wrong side for a man! He couldn't bring home the very friendly island lady who buttoned it on him to ensure that he would buy!

AP at the stalls

Brought our booty back to the ship in the middle of a practice abandon ship drill for the crew and have settled for some chill-out time on the Lido deck while we wait to head out for our shore excursion at 12.30pm. Pool area was quite and deserted when we arrived allowing the towel animals to have some safe time pool-side!

Pleased to say that the Toast to Villa (aka Tusker Beer Crawl) was the best thing that we could have done to while away three hours on a sunny Sunday afternoon. All on the mini-bus had a ball. Started with a fresh coconut with malibu added to the coconut water and a straw in the top handed to us as we boarded the bus. This with a guitar strumming local tour guide, communal singing and drinking at four different venues certainly helped to exercise the face muscles through laughter.

Both succumbed to a Nanna Nap before dinner and have now returned to the cabin after watching an enthralling upbeat illusionist, contortionist, magician show.

Day 5 - Saturday 20 July - Mystery Island, Vanuatu

Anchored off the island at about 8.10am this morning. This island is un-inhabited as the local people believe it is haunted by ghosts at night so they come over from their nearby much larger island when cruise ships are docked to set up stalls, photo opportunities and entertainment.

The island has a grass strip running the length of the centre of the island. This was built during WW II. We and many others didn't realise that there could be light planes landing when we used the end of the runway for a photo opportunity with the Spirit in the background! Alison witnessed one come in during the afternoon while she was relaxing out on our balcony after our return from the island.

We circumnavigated the island and Philip snorkelled through the coral alone. He didn't see any coloured coral in the lagoon where he snorkelled but a myriad of colourful tropical fish made up for that. One coral bank was playing host to at least seven different species of fish. Was like a painters colour palette. Included one fish that we have not seen whilst snorkelling before - red and white striped like a candy.

Philip prepares to enter the unknown

He's off

It was worth the effort

The locals set up a substantial thatched shopping mall in amongst the trees near the jetty. Lots of colourful shirts and cloths and synthetic leis and hula skirts. Big stall in the central area with seats facing out around the edge and a team of women doing hair braiding. They were the hit of the day and doing great business today. No Alison and I did not go for braids.

The only money we spent was in the form of donations to the kindergarten and primary school choirs from the nearby island. Some songs in local language and others like Baa Baa Black Sheep in English.

Back to the ship around midday and then a swim in the pool, a go in the whirlpool for Philip, a ride on the tame version of the two water slides onboard for Philip - port days are the days to do this - only one child in the pool while we were in and no one in the whirlpool! Then it was a chance to claim a pod in the Serenity area and dry off before lunch.

We have spent the afternoon relaxing in the cabin and watching the departure from our balcony.

Spent a very pleasant time before dinner in the bar near the dining room taking advantage of the $19.95 sample tasting of four different mini sized cocktails. Four cocktails selected out of a possible eight and then we shared 1/2 glass of each one each. Made it into the dining room feeling quite warm and pleasant.

Then off to the 9.30pm show which was a mind reader who was fabulous and we don't know how he did what he did. One of the segments involved four nail guns, one of which was loaded, and he was assisted by a young blonde passenger. We are unsure what was more entertaining - his powers of deduction or her inability to follow instructions and the way she would point the "dangerous" end of the nail at herself when handling them while the mind reader was blindfolded!

After that show, we were in true cruise mode so headed to the adults' only comedy show and were entertained by some quite blue humour. Did we laugh? Alison did not have sufficient tissues tucked where ladies tuck tissues to keep her eyes dry.

Day 4 - Friday 19 July - Isle of Pines, New Caledonia

Anchored in the bay of the Isle of Pines just after 8am while we were eating breakfast. Watched the small islet in the picture below with rainbow as we breakfasted. Cruise Director's announcement of weather was "partly sunny, partly cloudy and temperature in mid-20s". At present it is more cloudy, with showers and a chance of sunshine! But if you are snorkelling you are going to get wet anyhow! We have an excursion to the Natural Aquarium at 11.45am so we are getting our gear together to then go on a tender to shore.

 View to main island from our cabin balcony.

Islet with rainbow

Lovely day on the island and only had to shelter from one light shower. 

Spotted one of the island's famous sea snakes as we walked off the jetty onto the island. Later captured a photo of Alison with another one.

Before going on our excursion at 11.45am we walked around to the snorkelling area near the Sacred Rock.

Philip also took a stroll up to the local police headquarters and captured a photo of the savage guard dog!

Our shore excursion to the Natural Aquarium was money well spent. 15-20 minute coach trip to a village and then walk up a shallow beautifully clear river and then through the forest to emerge on the edge of a crystal clear lagoon. After some fun and struggle with lots of laughter we managed to get our new flippers on (They had been much easier to try on in BCF on dry land!), we goggled up and headed off towards the rocks and coral in the lagoon area. Not much in the way of colourful coral but there sure were heaps of reef fish in all sizes and colours. Very large sea urchins and some clams. Philip got into a staring match with one medium sized black fish which finally decided that it wanted to win and so rushed mouth first straight at Philip's goggles. Philip conceded territory and swam off.

The Natural Aquarium

Back onboard and for those who need to hear about our food tales, we have enjoyed some frehly made pizza topped with lots of chilli flakes.

Tonight was Caribbean Theme Night so we dressed for dinner - Philip in his Johnny Depp Pirates of the Caribbean hat with attached wig and Alison in her Pirate Princess Minnie Mouse Ears. We knew those purchases from Disneyland would come in handy one day. Showtime entertainment in the dining room was the Conga Line - our whole table joined in so you can see that we are seated with people who have the Carnival Spirit spirit!

When we returned to our cabin we decided that our steward's newly created towel animal for the evening should share in the fun.