8-Day Pacific Island Hopper Cruise with All-Inclusive Dining

Find paradise as you explore the turquoise lagoons, champagne-sand beaches, wild rainforests and thriving underwater life of the Pacific Islands of New Caledonia and Vanuatu. Depart from Brisbane on 8 November 2019, spending seven nights at sea and stopping at Noumea, home to Parisian shopping and fine restaurants, the dreamy white-sand island of Maré and Vanuatu’s palm-tree and coral-reef-dotted Mystery Island.

Do all this in style aboard P&O’s Pacific Aria, with all main meals, entertainment and access to amazing facilities including waterslides, swimming pools and outdoor cinema screenings, included.

What You’ll Love…

The Ship – Enjoy international dining, activities, shopping and nightly entertainment

There’s never a dull moment when cruising on P&O’s majestic Pacific Aria. This luxurious ship features 16 dining experiences, a Premium Cinema screening some of the latest releases and a top deck pool that’s always open thanks to a clever climate-controlled retractable roof. Or if it’s wellness you’re after, head to the fitness centre and spa.

Another great feature is the Blue Room, playing live music all day (and all night) long. With everything from Blues to RnB, jazz and funk, this isn’t your typical cruise music. It’s the perfect venue for a nightcap after an onboard show or themed party.

The Oasis is an adults-only haven, featuring hanging chairs, cushioned cabanas and the stunning ship’s wake – the ideal place to chill out while the little ones are at Kids Club.

If you’re after nightlife, head to The Dome, where P&O’s resident DJs spin some of the hottest music all night long.

Other exciting entertainment options include an adults-only comedy club, casino, trivia and game shows, plus stunning original stage productions, featuring fun musicals, incredible dance performances, cover concerts and more.

When it comes to dining, Pacific Aria offers incredible choice. All main meals are included (excluding specialty restaurants), so the only thing you need to worry about is what you fancy for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Try dumplings, stir fry and other Asian delights at Dragon Lady; modern Australian fare at Waterfront Restaurant; Italian classics at Angelo’s; international buffet fare at The Pantry; fresh, healthy salads at McGregor’s Garden; tender roast meat at Fat Cow; comforting fish and chips at Hook’s; rice dishes and noodles at Stix; fajitas and tacos at Mexicano; tempting Indian at Curry House; soups and sandwiches at Kettle & Bun; and a delicious range of desserts at Sugar Box.

If you’re celebrating something special, head to specialty dining options Chef’s Table for a gourmet degustation menu or Salt Grill by Luke Mangan, an offering by P&O’s celebrity chef (charges apply for both restaurants).

The Room – Quad-share and twin-share options available

Experience all the comforts of a hotel room at sea! Every room offers comfy bedding, a private en-suite bathroom with shower, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, telephone, wardrobe, desk, safety deposit box and air-conditioning.

Interior: These rooms are perfect for families, offering quad-share options for four people (two bunk beds) or twin-share for couples (twin or queen bedding).

Ocean-View: Available in quad or twin share, Ocean-View Rooms feature a window or porthole so you can let that natural light stream in.

Balcony: Available in twin share only, Balcony Rooms offer a private balcony with outdoor furniture and fabulous sea views.

Suite: Offering the high life on the high seas with a balcony, separate sitting area, priority embarkation, complimentary laundry service, en-suite with bathtub, a Nespresso coffee machine, iPod music system and an invitation to the Senior Officers Cocktail. Suites are only available for twin share.

The Journey – From Brisbane to the Pacific Islands

Brisbane: Take some time to explore your departure city of sunny Brisbane with its beautiful Botanic Gardens, man-made Streets Beach, vibrant riverside restaurants and bars and abundance of shops and boutiques.

Noumea: Once on the Coral Sea, your first stop is Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia. Packed with French influences, you’ll find luxury boutique hotels, Parisian shopping, beautiful spas and fine restaurants. The island is also a natural paradise, with the hilltop Parc Forestier, rainforests home to exotic flora and fauna, and beautiful beaches.

Maré: Your next stop is New Caledonia’s best-kept secret, Maré. Secluded stretches of white beach and crystal-clear ocean await, perfect for snorkelling and swimming (although please be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty). At Eni Village, enjoy a welcome drink and try the local food, before one hour of free time to explore the beach.

Mystery Island: The final stop is Vanuatu’s Mystery Island, home to white sand, palm trees and coral reefs. You’ll be taken on a village tour on the neighbouring island of Aneityum, where a local family will kindly welcome you into their home for an authentic cultural experience. Mystery Island also offers fantastic fishing, snorkelling and kayaking.

Perfect for… the whole family!

Take the whole family on an epic adventure around the Pacific, seeing some of the most beautiful islands in the world.

Important: Your cruise leaves Port of Brisbane on 8 November 2019 at 2pm. It is your responsibilty to ensure you arrive in Brisbane in time for your cruise.

Getting to Brisbane is easy, with flights departing daily from all major Australian cities with carriers including Qantas and Virgin Australia.

Flights depart regularly from major gateways including Singapore (approx 7.5 hours), Hong Kong (approx 12.5 hours with one stop), Bangkok (approx 12 hours with one stop) and Dubai (approx 18 hours with one stop).

Need Flights? We have a dedicated team who are able to assist with all your flight requirements. If you need a stopover or are looking at travelling to more destinations, our team can help. Contact our flights concierge team using the phone number on our website.

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DAY 1 - BRISBANE

Your cruise begins at 2pm on November 8 2019.

Why not explore your departure port before you leave? Brisbane is a city full of contradictions. It’s a place of shorts and thongs and high finance. It is both sophisticated and rustic. A city eager to change, yet reluctant to abandon its old ways!

Visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, enjoy the public lawns of South Bank or simply soak up the atmosphere while drinking coffee and people watching.

DAY 2 - AT SEA

P&O is always coming up with new and improved experiences so you can cruise, cruise and cruise some more. With so many experiences onboard, you can choose to do it all or do nothing at all. It’s your holiday, your way! Relax at the spa, hit the bars or enjoy a dip in the swimming pool.

DAY 3 - NOUMEA, NEW CALEDONIA

All the flavour and ambience of a bustling, sophisticated provincial French town with the friendly charms, adventure and heavenly climate of the Pacific Islands.

All aboard the island’s historic yellow Tchou Tchou train for a guided tour of Noumea. Ride past beautiful bays and beaches, stunning lookouts, colonial houses and the city, old and new.

The Mt Koghi Nature Discovery will show you there’s more to Noumea than beaches, baguettes and the busy city centre. Journey past the city to the breathtaking Koghi Mountains for a walk through the tropical rainforest.

At Parc Forestier, spot flora, fauna and feathered friends as you take a guided tour of this relaxing nature reserve, featuring ponds, lakes, native shrubs and fascinating bird life, including the rare Cagou Bird.

Wheelchair users can choose to discover Noumea, the capital (and most cosmopolitan) city of the Pacific Islands, on a wheelchair-accessible city sights and aquarium tour. Journey through the city, taking in local landmarks and French architecture, before visiting the state-of-the-art aquarium.

Visit a Black Pearl jewel work shop and watch the jeweller create brand-new jewellery from raw materials. Learn about the history of the unique black pearl of the Pacific, how it is born, how long it takes an oyster to create a pearl and the differences between pearls. Then visit the shop, where you can try on exclusive models or even purchase a unique design with a special discount voucher, available only for clients on this tour. Walk across the road for a homemade French pastry and soft drink before continuing your city sights tour and heading back to your ship.

DAY 4 - MARÉ, NEW CALEDONIA

The best-kept secret of all of New Caledonia’s islands, Maré is about as close to paradise as anyone will ever come. Take an unguided bus transfer to Yejele Beach, a secluded stretch of pure white sand and crystal clear waters. Please be aware life guards are not on duty, swimming and snorkelling is at your own risk.

You will enjoy your time in Eni Village, with a welcome drink on arrival, a village tour and a taste of the fresh local food, with one hour of free time to relax on the beach.

DAY 5 - MYSTERY ISLAND, VANUATU

This incredibly beautiful conglomeration of pure-white sand, palm trees and coral reefs provides the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Visit the neighbouring island of Aneityum, where a local family will welcome you into their home and village for an authentic and personal cultural lesson.

Often described as “fisherman’s paradise”, Mystery Island is also a great place to try and make a catch. Or paddle the crystal-clear waters of Mystery Island in a glass bottom kayak, revealing all the beautiful secrets of the coral reef below. Then dive in for a guided snorkel tour to take a closer look. Swim past spectacular coral, tropical marine life and keep an eye out for friendly turtles. Or why not test your balance with a spot of paddle boarding?

DAY 6 - SEA DAY

Today is at your leisure to enjoy all the great facilities onboard.

DAY 7 - SEA DAY

Today is at your leisure to enjoy all the great facilities onboard.

DAY 8 - BRISBANE

You will arrive back in Brisbane at 6am on 15 November 2019.