We are an early 40's married couple who travel permanently and have taken about 10 cruises in the last 18 months. We have sailed HAL, Celebrity, NCL, P/O Australia and Regent. Our previous experience on HAL has only been on the Koningsdam.
We chose this cruise to celebrate Xmas and NYE after loving a similar cruise last year and to see some of the south pacific we have not visited before.
We had amazing weather on this cruise and very smooth seas which helped make it a great cruise. As with our other HAL cruise the average age of fellow passengers was quite high and the overall vibe of the ship more conservative than what we have found on Celebrity and NCL.
too small, lack of storage, poor layout
great attendant, great bed, average tv
Spent entire day at Jinek Bay - amazing! Snorkelers paradise!!
Kuto Bay is spectacular. Snorkelled Kunamera Bay (not just the rock but the far end of beach and around point). Tours were available on landing but not to Natural Aquarium
Took taxi to million dollar point which was fascinating, canoed riri river and local blue hole, went to water dance cultural centre. Great day.
Sand island off main island, uninhabited and just for ship tourists. Blue bottles prevented snorkelling
took lyvai hoho to duck island which exceeded expectations with nice snorkelling. Wanted to use Dalocean to get to outer lagoon but they had already left.
Went to the waterfalls and Secret Garden independently using water taxi and then local bus. Both good but expensive for what they are.
Only had half day - went to beach which was beautiful
Gorgeous beach but crowded with whole ship. Nice snorkelling but not great.