The first stop comes after 3 days at sea, settling in to the Pacific Pearl and relaxing by the pool! Champagne Bay has a perfect white-sand beach, and beach volleyball games are a highlight at this port. Pentecost Island is next up, and is home to a cultural quirk- men of the island participate in a vine-jumping tradition which sees them jump from high platforms with nothing but vines tied to their ankles. It is certainly an impressive sight to behold, and the scenery is not too shabby either.
Champagne Bay
The cruise makes somewhat of a return to civilisation at Port Vila, a port town which is Vanuatu's capital. Here you can find a restaurant or cafe, and watch fishing boats come and go in the busy harbour. There is also a great market of handicrafts and produce. The final port of call is Mystery Island, a gorgeous and uninhabited tiny island of Vanuatu.
Operator: P&O
Vessel: Pacific Pearl
Ports of Call: Auckland, Champagne Bay, Pentecost Island, Port Vila, Mystery Island
Sailing Dates: Monday 5th May 2014- Thursday 15th May 2014
Cruise Itinerary
Length of cruise: 10 nights
Day 1: Auckland, departing Mon 5 May 16:00
Day 2-4: At sea
Day 5: Champagne Bay, Fri 9 May 08:00- 17:00
Day 6: Pentecost Island, Sat 10 May 08:00- 17:00
Day 7: Port Vila, Sun 11 May 8:00- 18:00
Day 8: Mystery Island, Mon 12 May 08:00- 16:00
Day 9-10: At sea
Day 11: Auckland, arriving Thurs 5 May 07:00
About the Pacific Pearl
The Pacific Pearl is a gem in the P&O fleet, full of the features that passengers love. There is a rock-climbing wall, mini-golf, pool and gym for those who want to keep active, and sun loungers galore for the rest of us, as well as a great spa! Dining happens in the lovely Waterfront restaurant or the buffet, with the Salt Grill an option for the foodies at a small cover charge, where the menu is designed by celebrity chef Luke Mangan.
See here for great deals on the Island Charms cruise in May 2014