Shelly and I were delighted when we got the opportunity to embark on a 14-day cruise to the South Pacific Islands aboard the Royal Princess. Our previous cruise experience was limited to one trip, around 15 years ago, on a different cruise line departing from Los Angeles for a four-night voyage. While it was enjoyable, it didn’t leave us eager to repeat the experience until now.
Due to the cancellation of other travel plans, we found ourselves in Sydney Australia with a two-week gap in our schedule. Opting for another cruise seemed like the ideal solution, almost in the spirit of exploration! Having grown up watching “The Love Boat” on TV, we were filled with excitement to try the Princess Cruise Line, which reminded us of the romantic and adventurous voyages depicted in the show. As avid travelers with a deep love for the ocean, we were ecstatic to discover that this voyage exceeded all our expectations. Departing from the stunning Sydney harbor, we savored the sight of the beautiful city fading into the distance from the cruise ship’s top deck.
Days of Sunshine and Serenity
The moment we set sail, we were greeted with beautiful sunny days that seemed almost tailor-made for relaxation and tanning. The Royal Princess, a stunning vessel, provided the perfect deck space for soaking in the sun’s warm rays. Shelly and I spent countless hours lounging by the adults-only pool, sipping on refreshing mocktails, and simply enjoying each other’s company against the backdrop of endless blue seas. This was the downtime we didn’t know we needed!
Exploring Island Paradises
Our days at port were filled with incredible island tours that left us in awe of nature’s beauty. We explored some of the most enchanting destinations in the South Pacific:
- Noumea, New Caledonia: Our first stop was Noumea, where we experienced the unique blend of French and Melanesian cultures. We rented a scooter and explored the island, visiting the beautiful Anse Vata Beach and the bustling Nouméa Market. The market was a sensory delight, with colorful stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handcrafted souvenirs. We also took a leisurely stroll through the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center, learning about the rich heritage of the Kanak people. It was a little bit of an overcast day, but we really enjoyed exploring the island at our own pace. Scooters and taxis were plentiful at the port, so we didn’t feel like we needed to book a tour with the cruise line. (On a side note, if you do leave the ship and do not use a cruise-sponsored excursion, if you’re not back in time the cruise ship will leave without you. We were always super careful to leave more than enough time to get back on time.)
- Mystery Island, Vanuatu: Next, we arrived at Mystery Island, a small, uninhabited islet known for its pristine beauty. We spent the day snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, discovering vibrant coral reefs and an array of tropical fish. The island’s tranquil beaches were perfect for a relaxing afternoon, and we enjoyed a picnic under the shade of palm trees, feeling like we had found our own slice of paradise. Unfortunately, it did start raining later in the afternoon, but we made the best of it by getting massages in a little beach hut before heading back to the cruise ship.
Dravuni Island, Fiji: Dravuni Island welcomed us with its stunning white sandy beaches and warm, turquoise waters. We hiked to the island’s highest point, which offered panoramic views of the surrounding islands and reefs. The locals were incredibly welcoming, and we had the chance to learn about their traditional way of life and enjoy a Fijian feast prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The weather forecast originally called for rain, but it ended up being a perfect, sunny day so we rented some snorkel gear and spent the afternoon enjoying the pristine reef around the island.
Nadi, Fiji: In Nadi, we embarked on a tour of the beautiful Garden of the Sleeping Giant, home to an impressive collection of orchids and tropical plants. The serenity of the garden was a stark contrast to the bustling streets of Nadi, where we explored local markets and sampled delicious Fijian cuisine. A highlight was visiting the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool, where we indulged in a natural mud bath followed by a relaxing soak in the thermal pools.
Suva, Fiji: Our final port of call was Suva, the capital of Fiji. The city’s vibrant atmosphere and colonial architecture offered a unique charm. We visited the Fiji Museum, which provided fascinating insights into the country’s history and culture. The Thurston Gardens were another highlight, offering a peaceful escape within the bustling city. We then visited the Colo-I-Suva Forest Park. After a short hike through the jungle, we reached a waterfall that we couldn’t resist jumping into!
Luxurious Accommodations and Delectable Cuisine
Our stateroom on the Royal Princess was truly a cozy retreat filled with luxury. The room was better than we imagined, boasting a wonderfully comfortable queen-size bed, a beautifully designed bathroom and so much storage space. Shelly, who is quite particular about mattresses, absolutely adored our bed. She even described it as sleeping on a cloud! The gentle swaying of the ship would peacefully rock us to sleep each night. To top it off, we were always delighted by the little surprises left by the attentive housekeeping team – from adorable towel animals to sweet chocolates on our pillows every evening.
The culinary experience on the Royal Princess surpassed our expectations in every aspect. The ship offers a wide array of dining choices, ranging from casual poolside snacks to elegant gourmet dinners. The main dining room impressed us with its rotating menu of expertly prepared international cuisine, beautifully presented for a delightful dining experience. Additionally, the buffet consistently provided healthy options and we felt like it catered to all tastes. Breakfasts were a highlight with an omelette station, fresh baked pastries, fresh fruit and so many other options. There was always a diverse lunch selection including salads, sandwiches, soups, pizza, taco bars, really just too many choices to list here. For those looking for more culinary adventures, the specialty restaurants offered succulent steaks at the steakhouse and fresh sushi at the Japanese eatery. The Royal Princess ensures that guests will not go hungry or be disappointed with the variety and quality of food available on board.
The Fun of Dressing Up for Formal Nights
Formal nights on the Royal Princess are a special affair where we had the opportunity to dress up in our finest attire. It was a chance to feel glamorous and elegant as we mingled with other passengers in sophisticated surroundings. Whether you prefer a classic suit or a stunning evening gown, formal nights provide the perfect excuse to go all out and enjoy a touch of luxury at sea.
Exceptional Service and New Friendships
The staff on the Royal Princess were incredibly helpful and friendly, always going above and beyond to ensure our comfort and enjoyment. From the attentive waitstaff who remembered our preferences to the energetic activities directors, every interaction was marked by genuine warmth and professionalism.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of our cruise was meeting fellow travelers from all over the world. The Royal Princess fostered a vibrant, social atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities to connect with others. We made new friends during group activities like trivia nights and dance classes, and shared stories over dinner with couples from different countries. Shelly even participated in the Princess Pop Choir. After holding rehearsals on at-sea days, the choir performed 5 songs on our last sea day. She loved it! The diverse mix of passengers added to the richness of our experience, making our journey even more memorable.
Onboard Entertainment Extravaganza
The Royal Princess wasn’t just a vessel for travel; it was a floating entertainment hub. Our evenings were filled with live performances that catered to a variety of tastes.
- Live Entertainment: The ship’s theater hosted spectacular shows every night. From Broadway-style musicals to captivating magic acts, the performances were top-notch. Shelly and I were so impressed by all of the performances.
- Comedy Shows: Laughter truly is the best medicine, and the comedy shows on board provided just that. We enjoyed stand-up routines from some of the funniest comedians, who had us in stitches with their witty observations and hilarious anecdotes.
- Dancing: The nightlife on the Royal Princess was vibrant and diverse. We danced the night away to both live bands and DJ sets. Whether it was a themed dance party or a spontaneous dance-off, the energy was infectious, and the fun was endless.
- Outdoor Movie Screenings: Every afternoon and evening, guests could enjoy watching recently released movies on a large screen by the pool. Relaxing on a pool lounger, snacking on popcorn, and even being offered blankets for the slightly cooler evenings made the experience enjoyable.
Affordable Luxury: A Cost-Effective Adventure
One of the most surprising aspects of our South Pacific cruise was how affordable it was. We paid about $120 a night for both of us ($1680 USD total), which was an incredible deal considering the level of luxury, the food, activities, entertainment, and the range of amenities available on the Royal Princess.
In order to better manage our budget, we made the decision not to book excursions through the cruise line. Instead, we conducted thorough research in advance and chose to hire private drivers at each port. We even rented a scooter in New Caledonia! This approach not only resulted in significant cost savings but also allowed us the freedom to explore each destination at our own pace and based on our interests. The local drivers were well-informed and enthusiastic about sharing their culture and hidden treasures, offering us a more personalized and immersive experience. One important thing to note is that if you opt not to book an excursion through the cruise line, make sure to allocate enough time to return to the ship before it departs. The cruise line ensures they will wait for passengers who book excursions through them, but if you don’t, you’ll be responsible for making it back on time.
During our cruise, we decided to enhance our experience by adding a wifi service for up to 4 devices and a soft drink package specifically for Shayne. These additional amenities contributed an additional $700 to the overall cost of our trip. It was a worthwhile investment and the wifi service exceeded our expectations. Not only were we able to stay connected with work obligations, but we also enjoyed the convenience of video calls with our family, sharing our adventures on social media, and even streaming a few NBA basketball games from home during our cruise!
The seamless connectivity provided by the wifi service truly made a difference in our cruise experience, allowing us to strike a balance between staying connected and disconnecting from the outside world.
Reflections on Our South Pacific Journey
Oh, what a whirlwind it was as our 14-day cruise aboard the Royal Princess came to a close! Shelly and I were a mix of emotions – sad to say goodbye to our floating paradise, yet grateful for the incredible memories we had made. Our time on the Royal Princess was nothing short of magical. From exploring exotic destinations to enjoying gourmet meals and soaking up the sun on deck, each day was a new adventure waiting to unfold.
The ship’s crew treated us like royalty, making sure every moment was filled with warmth and impeccable service. We were immersed in a world of relaxation and excitement, cherishing every detail that added to our journey.
We can not recommend a Princess Cruise enough! If we ever have the chance to do another cruise with them, especially this South Pacific cruise, we would jump on it. Our South Pacific cruise offered a perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and romance. We indulged in world-class amenities, savored gourmet dining, and explored stunning destinations. If you ever have the chance to embark on such a journey, we wholeheartedly recommend it – an enchanting and inspiring experience awaits!
