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As a family of 4 with children 6 and 8 yrs, we all had a wonderful 10 days on the Pacific Sun (Auckland to Vanuatu and New Caledonia). Our cabin had 4 bunks - very comfortable, with ensuite, and all efficiently arranged. We enjoyed having view of the ocean, so certainly recommend an outside cabin. If like us you use digital cameras & camcorders, wise to take a multibox to charge mulitple items simultaneously. Plugs are NZ/Australian standard. Empress Deck is a good location on Pacific Sun as only one floor below restaurants.
Staff (over 600) excellent and friendly, from the Captain & Cruise Director through to the waiters and cabin stewards. Food great, especially in the restaurants but even the buffet is fine - just that food there doesn't keep quite as hot as one might like. Getting to know the service staff in the restaurants was great value for us, especially for our children.
Kids Clubs (Turtle Cove 3-6 yr olds; Shark Shack 7-12(?) yrs) are excellent - huge range of activities for kids, well supervised (and individual pagers for all children in Turtle Cove), and best of all our kids loved it all. That gives parents ample free time, to join in other activities on board. Entertainment (musical shows, singers, jugglers, jazz group, ...) - something for everyone. Some very talented entertainers.
Lots of opportunities for professional portrait photos on board, and not bad value for money - certainly compared with sitting fees in professional photo studios!
Four Port calls. Mystery Is. is accessed by lifeboat tenders. The island is tiny but great for walking around and snorkelling. Port Vila - loved exploring the town and great value in the shops. Lifou (island in Loyalty Is. group, part of New Caledonia)- used tenders again and great for walking, snorkelling, and cultural performances. Noumea - recommend at least taking a city tour and also enjoyed the cycle hire. In our experience tours were rather expensive when ordered on the ship, with local alternatives at the wharf much better value.
Watching the ocean go by is really therapeutic. Calm seas throughout on our trip, and the ship's stabilisers made for a very smooth ride. Would love to do it all again!
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