12-DAY FIJI & SOUTH PACIFIC

Brisbane has become increasingly sophisticated over the years yet the Queensland capital still retains its laidback charm. Bustling ferries ply the waters of the Brisbane River and the weather lends itself to outdoor pursuits. If you love the beach, this is the ideal jumping-off point for the Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise which are just an hour away, and the Sunshine Coast, which is two hours to the north. However, the extreme south end of the Great Barrier Reef begins 370kms (about 230 miles) north of the city, so this is not an option for a day out. The city makes good use of its river as a travel artery and visitors will find the CityCat ferries and other local boat services an ideal and affordable way to reach the most popular museums, botanical gardens, wildlife parks, historic neighbourhoods, lively shopping precincts and riverfront plazas with their variety of restaurants and cafes. Both riverbanks have picturesque walkways that venture far beyond the city limits. For those who would like to spend the day exploring the city centre, nearly everything is within walking distance, and conveniently placed bridges and small cross-river ferries link both sides. Jaunty red ferries plying the city reaches of the river are free to ride. If you get lost, ask one of the friendly locals for directions.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

It might only be a drop in the South Pacific ocean but Mystery Island has captivated the hearts and imaginations of Australian cruisers. Inyeug (as it's known by the locals) is an uninhabited paradise on the southernmost tip of Vanuatu. From a distance, the coconut trees and sandy beaches look inviting, but it's not until you're nearly at the dock that the true magnificence of this unspoilt tropical island becomes apparent. Island life moves at a different pace and one of the first things visitors are enveloped by is the serenity. There are three sounds that will tickle your ears here: the sublime harmonies of the locals that fill the humid air; the lapping of gentle waves; and the hacking of machetes against young coconuts. There is a fourth sound -- a twin-engine Air Vanuatu plane, however only a handful of people witness this rare occurrence (twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays). The beauty of Mystery Island is that you can do as little or as much as you want. If snorkelling and swimming are what you desire, then this sublime spot provides some of the clearest, pristine waters in the Pacific. If you'd like to explore the island on foot, it's an easy half-an-hour walk -- just don't stumble onto the grass airstrip. Local tours are available, and the operators are organised and friendly. Cruise passengers can also peruse the market stalls for souvenirs or get your hair braided.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Lautoka is the second-largest city (after Suva) of the island nation of Fiji. Located in the west, on the island of Viti Levu, Lautoka is about half an hour's drive north of Nadi and the resort-laden Denarau Island. A busy docking port, it is known as Sugar City, a reference to its important place in the heart of the lucrative sugarcane belt. Lautoka Sugar Mill lays claim to being the largest sugar mill in the Southern Hemisphere.

Dravuni Island is one of those little patches of paradise. It has a population of a mere 150 or so, but it swells to the size of a small town when cruise ships call. Situated in the Fijian island group of Kadavu, south of the main island of Viti Levu, it is an unspoilt, tiny tropical island measuring 2 kilometres long by about 0.5 kilometres wide. You could walk around it in no time, save for the rocky cliffs that come right down to the shore at both ends. You can, however, walk to its summit if you fancy a not-so-tough hike on a hot day.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

As you approach the New Caledonian island of Lifou, the impossibly turquoise waters almost seem too surreal to believe. But they're certainly real and, in fact, the crystal-clear waters are teeming with marine life, including green sea turtles. There are three main attractions to visit on Lifou: Notre Dame de Lourdes Church at the top of the hill, Jinek Bay and the Grotto Caves. Tickets need to be purchased from the ship before disembarking to snorkel in Jinek Bay. While you can bring your snorkel gear, reef shoes are not permitted (to protect the coral). Foam (pool) noodles are available to use for free while in the bay. There is an abundance of colourful coral and marine life, and the bay is ideal for families to explore. There is a lovely little church at the top of a hill. The walk is not overly strenuous, but comfortable, closed-toed footwear is recommended, as well as a hat and a bottle of water. There are rugged concrete steps and some parts of the climb are a little steep. There are numerous vantage points to take photos on your way to the top, so make sure you stop to take in the breathtaking scenery. Your efforts will be rewarded as the views are magnificent. The small Catholic church provides a quiet spot for reflection and a cool spot to catch your breath. You'll find the Grotto Caves in the opposite direction. You can purchase tickets for AUD$10 at the mouth of the bush walk. The walk is challenging as there are knotted tree roots and vines along the path. It is also a steep climb down once you reach the entrance to the caves. Ensure you wear sturdy shoes, as the ground is covered with leaves and other debris. After a steep descent, you'll find a deep, cool pool -- but be careful as it's dark and slippery.

With a string of bays and beaches stretching along a peninsula protected by coral reefs, Noumea is a slice of the French Riviera in the South Pacific. The capital of New Caledonia and a territory of France, it's the perfect destination for gastronomes and cultural connoisseurs. Everyone from water sports enthusiasts to nature devotees can find plenty of diversion in and around this "Provencal" city. The islands of New Caledonia, east of Australia and north of New Zealand, are becoming ever more popular stops for cruises originating in Sydney, Auckland and Brisbane, in addition to transPacific and world itineraries. Stops at Noumea might precede those at more isolated beaches on New Caledonia's islands, including the Isle of Pines, Lifou in the Loyalty Islands, and Poum to the north. Noumea is the centre of New Caledonia's epicurean and cultural scene, with restaurants serving French, Asian and brousse (bush) cuisine, and museums exhibiting art and Melanesian artefacts. Shoppers will find top wines and other goods imported from France. Its expansive waterfront is a sports playground for windsurfers and kiteboarders, joggers and sun-worshippers, too. The city is also a jumping-off point for land tours to spots such as Forest Park and Blue River Park, where you might see a rare cagou bird or flying fox. You can hunt in the bushland or hike the hills that rise above the city and beaches. Other excursions include a host of boating possibilities, from sightseeing to snorkelling and diving to fishing. Noumea also offers a range of sailing options around its archipelago. There are numerous excellent mooring choices for sailors, and many sites still look untouched. Along with South Pacific's Marshall Islands and Solomon Islands, the islands of New Caledonia all claim to be surrounded by the world's largest lagoon. It doesn't really matter. There are huge, fish-filled bodies of water between the mainland and outer reef. Noumea's unmatched waters and beaches, spans of hills and bush, as well as its vibrant cityscape, make it an enjoyable port of call.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Brisbane has become increasingly sophisticated over the years yet the Queensland capital still retains its laidback charm. Bustling ferries ply the waters of the Brisbane River and the weather lends itself to outdoor pursuits. If you love the beach, this is the ideal jumping-off point for the Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise which are just an hour away, and the Sunshine Coast, which is two hours to the north. However, the extreme south end of the Great Barrier Reef begins 370kms (about 230 miles) north of the city, so this is not an option for a day out. The city makes good use of its river as a travel artery and visitors will find the CityCat ferries and other local boat services an ideal and affordable way to reach the most popular museums, botanical gardens, wildlife parks, historic neighbourhoods, lively shopping precincts and riverfront plazas with their variety of restaurants and cafes. Both riverbanks have picturesque walkways that venture far beyond the city limits. For those who would like to spend the day exploring the city centre, nearly everything is within walking distance, and conveniently placed bridges and small cross-river ferries link both sides. Jaunty red ferries plying the city reaches of the river are free to ride. If you get lost, ask one of the friendly locals for directions.