12-13 australia poc

PLEASE READ, ENJOY AND LEAVE IN STATEROOM AT CRUISE’S END

FUN ASHOREGettinG there With Carnival Cruise lines 2012-13 SOUTH PACIFIC SAIlIng SeASOn

JENNiFERHAwkiNSNO PLACELIKE HER HOME

SPOTLiGHT: FiJi

CROssROAds Of THE PACIfIC

AUSSiESPiRiT

The NexT GreaT CruisiNG

experieNCe

MAkiNG A SPLASH

are You readY For GreeNThuNder?

THE PORTSARE CALLiNG

HERE’s YOuRBIG AdvENTuRE

sTarTiNG oN paGe 28

FUN ASHORE 2012-13 SOUTH PACiFiC SAiLiNG SEASON

1213_AU_POC_JenHawkins_CVR_w_spine.indd 1 9/10/12 12:59 PM

CONTENTS 2012-2013 SOUTH PACIF IC SA IL ING SEASON

34 A taste of Tassie

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WELCOME ABOARD! A message from Gerry Cahill, president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines

GETTING INTO THE CARNIVAL SPIRIT How Carnival “Aussified” one of its pioneering ships, to create a brand-new cruising experience BY JOANNA HALL

CRUISE INSIDER ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW A Carnival Spirit veteran tells how to make the most of your time on this special ship BY BRIAN CRISp

MAKING A SpLASH THE FASTEST WATERSLIDE AT SEA Have a go at Green Thunder, a real wonder for Down Under BY BRIAN CRISp

FAME FIX: JENNIFER HAWKINS NO pLACE LIKE HOME Miss Universe, model, TV host. Globetrotting celebrity Jennifer Hawkins on why we should add “homebody” to the list. BY pATRICIA GODFREY

SpOTLIGHT ON FIJI CROSSROADS OF THE pACIFIC Looking back at Fiji’s history, telling island tales — and what’s all this about people walking through fire? BY KAREN TINA HARRISON

DESTINATIONS QUICK GUIDES TO THE pORTS OF CALL, INCLUDING THE TOp SHORE EXCURSIONS

30 Map of Australia and the South Pacific

32 Australia

36 New Zealand

42 Pacific Islands

44 Fiji

46 New Caledonia

50 Vanuatu

fun ashore carnival cruise lines 1

1213_CCL_AUS_TOC.indd 1 9/7/12 9:37 AM

2 carnival cruise lines fun ashore

©2012 onboard media. no claim to original works of carniVal crUise lines or adVertisers.

ship's registry: panama

all rights reserVed. the entire contents of this pUblication are protected by copyright. no part of this pUblication may be reprodUced, stored in a retrieVal system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, withoUt the prior permission of the copyright owner.

printed in aUstralia.

all articles, descriptions and sUggestions concerning actiVities, toUrist attractions and other Vacation opportUnities described in this pUblication are merely expressions of opinions by contribUting writers, do not constitUte the opinions of onboard media, inc. or carniVal crUise lines, and Under no circUmstancesconstitUte assUrances or gUarantees concerning the qUality or safety of any sUch attraction or actiVity. onboard media, inc. and carniVal crUise lines specifically disclaim any liability for damages incUrred dUe to the attendance or participation by readers of this pUblication in any sUch actiVity or attraction, and the attendance or participation in any sUch actiVity or attraction shall be made solely at the reader’s own risk.

we and oUr content proViders (“we”) haVe tried to make the information in this pUblication as accUrate as possible, bUt it is proVided “as is” and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injUry or inconVenience sUstained by anyone resUlting from this information.

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www.onboardmedia.com sarah beth reno president robin rosenbaUm-andras seniOr ViCe president noelle sipos ViCe president, Cruise OperatiOns carrie jUlier ViCe president, Cruise reVenue and saLes norma Vila ViCe president, FinanCe

editOriaL and desiGn kate mcclare exeCutiVe editOr linda brockman seniOr editOr rebecca wallwork prOjeCt assOCiate editOr brigid cotter Media COOrdinatOr haley strUthers assOCiate Media COOrdinatOr khalila doUZe editOriaL intern andrea Villalba editOriaL intern — gail abrams puBLisHinG direCtOr dayana ramireZ prOjeCt GrapHiC desiGner george sariego prOjeCt GrapHiC desiGner eliZabeth carlisle art direCtOr beth wood art direCtOr rUben carballo GrapHiC desiGner Violeta manco-rojas ad serViCes COOrdinatOr contribUting writers MiKe BinGHaM, Brian Crisp, rOderiCK eiMe, patriCia GOdFreY, jOanna HaLL, FiOna Harper, Karen tina HarrisOn, Kirsten MattHeW, KarLeiGH sMitH

coVer photography by associated press prOduCtiOn and distriButiOn jUan itUrriZa prOduCtiOn ManaGer james perdomo prOduCtiOn COOrdinatOr robert marenco sHippinG and LOGistiCs ManaGer melissa rodrigUeZ prOjeCt ManaGer adVertisinG saLes cathy gloVer internatiOnaL saLes direCtOr jeffrey meister saLes ManaGer adam daVy saLes ManaGer katherine terc saLes COOrdinatOr cristina Viera saLes COOrdinatOr VideO/FiLM prOduCtiOn todd hedge direCtOr shannon chamberlain prOduCtiOn ManaGer keVin maschke seniOr editOr jUan carlos peÑa seniOr VideOGrapHer pOrt sHOppinG kyle ronellenfitch direCtOr OF Cruise reVenue wesley emmer reGiOnaL MarKetinG ManaGer Victoria rossi reGiOnaL MarKetinG ManaGer rachel castro OperatiOns direCtOr marina castillo assistant OperatiOns ManaGer rina alVarado OperatiOns COOrdinatOr nadine winter CustOMer reLatiOns ManaGer arelys ZaldiVar CustOMer reLatiOns assistant ManaGer

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Welcome aboard!

On behalf of all our shipboard and shoreside employees, thank you for choosing Carnival Cruise Lines for your vacation.

Whether this is your first cruise with Carnival or you have sailed with us before, our dedicated team will strive to make sure you have a fun, relaxing and memorable vacation.

Guest satisfaction is our No. 1 priority, and we at Carnival are committed to providing you with an unforgettable vacation.

From a wide range of dining options and diverse entertainment choices to friendly and attentive service and fun-filled activities for guests of all ages, a Carnival cruise is the best vacation value, on land or at sea.

We hope that you enjoy this issue of Fun Ashore, which features informative and entertaining articles written by talented writers, with images by the best photographers in the business.

Fun Ashore offers a wealth of information about the many fantastic features aboard our ships, as well as the exciting and beautiful destinations we visit. We hope this publication will serve as a valuable resource for getting the most out of your “Fun Ship” cruise.

Wishing you a great vacation. Bon voyage!

Gerry CahillPresident and CEOCarnival Cruise LInes

Guest satisfaction is our No. 1 priority, and we at Carnival

are committed to providing you with

an unforgettable vacation.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

fun ashore CARNIvAL CRuISE LINES 3

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AUSSIE SPIRIT | Cru is ing , Aus t ra l i an S ty le

GETTING INTO THE How Carnival “Aussified” one of its

pioneering ships, to create a brand-new cruising experience

by Joanna Hall

CRUISING, AUSTRALIAN STYLE

1213_CCL_AUS_AussieSpirit.indd 4 9/7/12 8:48 AM



staterooms: Get Comfortable

carries 2,124 guests based on two per stateroom.

eighty percent of her staterooms offer ocean views, and more

than 600 of those have private balconies — making her a natural

choice for cruising through magnificently scenic australia and

the south Pacific. accommodation choices range from interior

staterooms to spacious suites, all of which have been refreshed

with a bold décor featuring warm wood and orange and red

tones, and with new amenities including flat-screen televisions.

One of the most significant changes, however, is the addition

of more interconnecting staterooms, something uncommon in

the australian market. “australians tend to have larger families

than americans, so we increased the number of interconnecting

rooms to eighty-four,” says vandekreeke. “This way, families, or

groups of up to six people, can stay close together without

having to compromise on space.”

in all, the ship has 42 different combinations of interconnecting

staterooms, from balcony staterooms connected to interiors,

to balcony staterooms connected to suites. vandekreeke,

a mother of six-year-old twins herself, says they are ideally

suited to families with younger kids.

“Parents will really appreciate being able to put their kids to

bed but have them close by,” she explains. “The interconnecting

staterooms allow adults to do their own thing, such as having

dinner on their balcony while the kids sleep, which would be

impossible if they were all in a stateroom together.”

aussie Tucker

Dining choices more familiar to australian tastes were a large part

of ’s makeover. “One really important thing we’ve

done is change words on the menus,” says vandekreeke. “For

example, ‘entrées’ became ‘mains’ and ‘shrimp’ became ‘prawns’.”

“Two of our executive chefs have lived in australia, so they’ve

added more local foods such as barramundi, lamb dishes and

more fresh fruits and vegetables,” she explains. “They’ve swapped

american bacon for aussie bacon. also, as australians are more

used to eating international foods than americans, asian dishes

including indian have been increased in both the buffet and the

main dining room.”

caffeine-lovers won’t be disappointed either. “The coffee

machines have been replaced and our baristas are australian-

trained,” says vandekreeke. “so we’re serving flat whites just the

way aussies like them.”

The ship’s three existing dining venues will largely remain the

same. The primary restaurant, the empire Dining room, combines

HERE AND OPPOSITE, FROM LEFT: The ship’s larger staterooms are a natural fit for families; high stakes on the high seas; cruisers are spoiled for choice when it comes to dining; wet, wild fun for kids at WaterWorks.




an elaborate napoleonic décor with a choice of traditional and

flexible dining, and la Playa Grille is the casual, open-seating buffet-

style venue with 10 stations offering different styles of cuisine. The

by-reservation-only specialty locale is nouveau restaurant, tucked

away above la Playa Grille. Guests pay a cover charge for this

fine-dining experience serving beef and seafood, accompanied

by a handpicked wine list.

new to the dining lineup, however, is The Taste Bar, a sociable

way to sample various delicacies throughout the voyage. This

is the place to meet with friends before dinner, and to sample

drinks and appetisers from different specialty restaurants across

the carnival fleet.

The place that is sure to provide the most remarkable dining

experience is The chef’s Table, an indulgent culinary encounter

hosted by the ship’s head chef. For a fee, an exclusive group of 12

guests is treated to a galley tour with food tastings and a glass of

bubbly, plus a bespoke degustation dinner with specially paired wines.

also new is Fat Jimmy's c-side BBQ, an al fresco venue on

Deck 10 between nouveau restaurant and the sliding sky dome.

replicating a traditional backyard beach barbecue, this is the

place to get an authentic aussie sausage “sanger”, made with

simple white bread and topped with tomato sauce.

A Good (MAke ThAT A GreAT) SoAkinGOne of the most exciting new features of Carnival Spirit is the WaterWorks attraction on the ship’s top deck. Located right in the middle of the water park’s SplashZone is the PowerDrencher, a giant bucket that fills up with water and tips over, soaking everyone beneath. WaterWorks also has two amazing waterslides: the Twister and Green Thunder, a Carnival Spirit exclusive that’s grabbing the spotlight for good reason. [Read about the Green Thunder experience in “Making a Splash”.]

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show Time

Carnival is known for world-class entertainment, offering something

for many tastes. Heading up this endeavour is ’s

experienced Aussie cruise director, Stu Dunn. “When I heard we

were bringing to Sydney, it was the happiest day

of my life,” says Dunn. “Since then, we’ve worked really hard at

coming up with ideas to make Australians feel at home on the

ship, and making the right changes to ensure that they have a

tailor-made entertainment program.”

The Punchliner Comedy Club has a new lineup of Australia-

based comedians, sourced from the respected Melbourne

Comedy Festival. Besides late-night shows, it presents The

Punchliner Comedy Brunch, a family-friendly event where you can

be entertained while chowing down on classic mid-morning dishes.

In Carnival's tradition of offering live music from morning until

night, offers Superstar Live Karaoke, giving

guests the chance to sing in front of a live band. Among the

many deck events is Stu’s Ultimate Dance Party, your chance

to get up and bust some moves.

“If you want to get even more involved, one of our popular

events is the Master Mixologist on the Lido Deck,” says Dunn.

“It’s a competition where guests get to create a cocktail, and the

winning one becomes a featured drink for the rest of the cruise.

We also have football competitions, and that popular summer

Aussie pastime, backyard cricket. Carnival is very big on looking

after everyone, and on , everyone from families to

couples and singles will be catered to.”

The ship’s 16 bars and lounges weren’t overlooked in the

“Aussification”. The Sports Bar has new memorabilia to reflect local

sports and sporting heroes, while the Asian-inspired Piano Bar

is the place to enjoy a cocktail while singing along to local tunes

tapped out by an Australian pianist. Even the way beer is served

had a makeover. “Americans like to drink beer out of bottles, while

Australians enjoy beer on tap,” says Dunn. “So has

new draft beer taps with more homegrown brews.”

H

is heaven at

sea. The ship has three kids’ clubs offering both outdoor activities

and indoor fun. “Carnival cruise holidays are aimed at all Australians,

including kids, and while the grown-ups are enjoying themselves,

it’s important to us that the kids have a blast too,” says Vandekreeke.

Night Owls is a hugely popular addition to the Camp Carnival

children’s program, providing kids with exciting evening activities

such as discos and movie nights, appropriately suited to each age

group. It’s a chance to make new friends — and receive a Camp

Carnival Night Owls-branded souvenir as a memento of the cruise.

MEET THE CAPTAINLike the ship he commands, Captain Adriano Binacchi has a big personality. He is e�cient in running Carnival Spirit and managing her crew, but he also knows the importance of interacting with guests to ensure they have a happy, safe holiday.

Captain Binacchi was born in Gaeta, o� the west coast of Lazio, Italy. He is a graduate of the Italian Maritime School, where he received a degree as a Deck Marine O�cer and an Italian Merchant Marine License qualifying him to sail as a ship’s Master.

His career began with Texaco Oil Company. He later worked with an Italian company as First O�cer. He joined Carnival Cruise Lines in September 1995 as Second O�cer on Carnival Ecstasy, and stepped up to First O�cer in 1997, remaining in this capacity until his promotion to Sta� Captain in 2002. After holding this position for several years, he was promoted to Master of Carnival Elation in December 2008.

Captain Binacchi traveled to Australia in 2011 to visit the destinations Carnival Spirit will be cruising to, and says he is thrilled to be calling Sydney and the South Pacific home.

appy Little Vegemites

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ah, the serenity

although carnival is a world leader in family cruising,

isn’t ideal just for mum, dad and the kids. There’s plenty

to attract singles, younger couples and empty nesters, with the

choice of going from “zen to adrenaline” at the flip of a switch.

One of the many reasons carnival chose to send a spirit-

class ship to australia is her spacious open decks, and the

new adults-only serenity, occupying the former Fantail pool

area aft on Deck nine, is a major drawcard at the zen end of

the scale. a spacious, stylish retreat for the over-18s, serenity

beckons with a cocktail bar, a heated spa and a small plunge

pool. it’s a place for grown-ups to enjoy some quiet combined

with the great outdoors — relaxing in a hammock, catching

some rays on a sun bed, or cozying up in a two-person cabana

or on a comfy lounge. unlike facilities onboard many of its

competitors, serenity is free to use.

“australians love to be outside, whether it’s cold or hot," says

vandekreeke. “although we have spaces everyone can enjoy,

serenity is the place where couples can hang out and do their

thing without being around kids. Quite often, parents want to

have some grown-up time without their kids.” and the ship has

plenty for the kids to do on their own — all the easier for mum

and dad to truly relax at serenity.

Time to sweat

If you’re concerned about overindulging on , her

state-of-the-art gym is the place to work off all that beer and

fine food. The ship’s two-deck, front-of-ship fitness centre has

panoramic views of the ocean, and was expanded especially for

exercise-loving Australians.

In the January makeover, ’s spa and fitness area

received an impressive set of upgrades, including new cardiovascular

and strength-training equipment. Other highlights include a heated

spa beneath a giant skylight that reveals a 270-degree view of the

ocean. For serious fitness buffs, a jogging track on Deck 11 lets you

burn off a few calories while soaking up the view.

Whether you want to run, swim, play, sing, eat, drink or snooze,

is at your service. As any member of her crew will

tell you, that’s the true beauty of this ship.

The best holiday plan: just lounging about

1213_CCL_AUS_AussieSpirit.indd 9 9/8/12 12:01 PM


CRUISE INSIDER | Carn i va l Sp i r i t

CRUISE INSIDEREven if you’ve cruised before, there’s nothing

quite like cruising -style. Brian Crisp, national travel editor for News Limited, shares his

pointers on making the most of your precious time onboard this special ship.

by Brian Crisp

1213_CCL_AUS_CruiseInsider.indd 10 9/7/12 9:24 AM


CRUISE INSIDER | Carn i va l Sp i r i tP

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SHOWN HERE AND RIGHT: Carnival Spirit sails Down Under; splashing in one of the pools; relaxing at the spa sauna.




so how’s the food?

You won’t have to make too many decisions about the food

on . First, it is all good. Secondly, the variety

on offer caters to many tastes.

In the Empire Dining Room, you can choose to dine at the

same time each night and have an assigned table throughout

your cruise; or you might opt for Your Time Dining, which

allows you to come and go when it suits you. If you prefer to

dine in your stateroom, that too can be arranged.

If you are a meat lover, you cannot miss dining at Nouveau

Restaurant. You do have to pay extra, but it is a great value

considering the quality — and size — of the meat as well as

the variety of gourmet appetisers, salads and desserts. You can

even wash it down with an Australian red wine, as the onboard

drinks lists have been given a distinct Aussie flavour.

If decadent desserts are more to your taste buds’ delight,

don’t miss the warm chocolate melting cake — it is Carnival

Cruise Lines’ signature dish, available nightly in the Empire Dining

Room. Taste one spoonful and you’ll know why it’s so in demand.

No ship sailing out of Sydney Harbour would be complete

without an outdoor Aussie barbecue area, and on

it’s Fat Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ, on the top deck.

While this ship may have an American heritage, it certainly

doesn’t get more Australian than sitting back on a sun lounge,

ice-cold beer in one hand and sausage sandwich in the other,

enjoying the views as you sail through Sydney Heads. There may

be no better way to celebrate the start of your holiday.

Having been onboard before she came down

under, I can tell you that there are a few things you need not

worry about, starting with good coffee. New machines and trained

baristas are ready to serve up perfect lattes, cappuccinos, flat

whites and espressos. So definitely build in time for a good

cuppa and a chat with some new friends at the café.

Fit to Cruise

Knowing that Australians also like to keep fit and healthy, Carnival

has added new fitness equipment in the fitness centre and

designed a menu of classes that includes pilates, yoga and

cycling — I hope you brought your joggers! Personal trainers are

on hand if you think you have over-indulged at the buffet and

need some special training attention.

Kid Stuff

Mums and dads can get peace of mind from ’s

child-friendly areas, which cater to ages 2-17 and are overseen

by Carnival’s Youth Staff. The littlest cruisers can have a ball at

Pirate Parties, face-painting sessions and more, while the fun

includes dance parties for the older kids.

If you plan on having a special night out, Carnival’s Night Owls

program can help: The child-minding service is available until 3

a.m. (fees vary).

One Last To-Do: Nothing

As you can see, this ship has lots of ways to have a great time onboard.

But these aren’t the only way to do it. You could simply grab a book,

find a comfy chair on deck and relax. Either way, you’ll come out the

winner. It’s hard not to when you are on holidays with .

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SHOWN HERE: Basketball on the Sports Deck. OPPOSITE: Chocoholics will love Carnival’s signature dessert; kids have a ball at Circle “C”.



MAKING A SPLASH | Green Thunder

The Green Thunder waterslide is fast, steep — and possibly addictive.

1213_CCL_AUS_MakingSplash.indd 14 9/7/12 9:30 AM



MAKING A SPLASH

it is the steepest and fastest waterslide ride at sea: 55 metres of

twisting, turning fun that begins when the floor disappears and

you plummet straight down a 90-degree drop. it lasts just over

6.5 seconds. But the thrill of Green Thunder leaves your body

tingling for much, much longer.

carnival spirit ’s Green Thunder waterslide was built specifically

for the adventure-seeking australian market, and got its name

through a competition on carnival australia’s Facebook page.

More than 1,660 people entered; the winning name came from

elke Faulwetter, a Tasmanian mum.

“i chose my name for the slide because of the colour and the

fact that you’d certainly thunder down it,” says Faulwetter. “i’m a bit

of a thrill-seeker, and love waterslides, crazy rides, even skydiving.

When i first saw the picture of this one, i said to my partner, ‘i so

want to experience that slide — it would be the ultimate thrill’.”

Faulwetter was at the slide's inauguration in Hawaii. Here’s

what she said after her first ride:

“climbing those stairs to the top, your heart starts racing and

when you’re waiting inside the enclosed capsule the anticipation

is mind-blowing and then... boom! You’re gone. as fast as lightning,

you are hurtling down the slide and just as suddenly you’re at

the bottom and it's over. Wow. awesome. i have to do that again.”

and do it again she did. several times.

Thundering Thrills

The view from the top deck of carnival spirit is always spectacular,

but climb the stairs to Green Thunder and, believe it or not, it is

even better. at this point, you are so high that if the ship were

sitting near sydney Harbour Bridge, you could reach out and

touch the famous span.

Once you climb inside the Green Thunder capsule and the

doors are locked, you stop thinking about the view and simply

concentrate on stopping your knees from shaking so much.

Then the floor drops from beneath you, the ride begins, and

you are travelling at 65 km/h — and struggling to keep your cool.

Wild for the Water

Green Thunder isn’t the only way to get wet on carnival spirit’s

new WaterWorks area, where there’s no such thing as too much

fun — or too much water.

While Green Thunder is the main attraction for big kids — and

adults who still really are kids at heart — the PowerDrencher is

sure to bring squeals of delight from the little ones.

it’s a huge yellow bucket that slowly fills with water. Once filled,

it then dumps water on unsuspecting people below.

That’s not the extent of the water-soaked fun onboard, either.

With an additional two mini racing slides and a spiral Twister

waterslide guaranteed to keep the kids busy on sea days,

WaterWorks means unmatched family fun in the sun. There's

nothing like it at sea in australia.

now, are you ready for Green Thunder?

by Brian Crisp

Have a go at Green Thunder, a real wonder for Down Under

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1213_CCL_AUS_MakingSplash.indd 15 9/11/12 11:37 AM

fame fix | Jenni f fer Hawkins


Jennifer Hawkins combines glamour with girl-next-door charm. OPPOSITE, FROM TOP: Her winning turn at Miss Universe; a happy time with two children at Cyril Ross Nursery, a home for children living with HIV/AIDS; pretty in pink.

1213_CCL_AUS_Fame Fix.indd 16 9/6/12 3:50 PM


Jennifer Hawkins

NO PLACe LIKe HOMeWhatever your view of beauty pageants, there’s no doubt that winning Miss universe

dramatically changed Jennifer Hawkins’ life.

in 2004, Hawkins was a part-time model and footy cheerleader who only earned just

enough to cover her rent. Then, she flew to ecuador to compete in Donald Trump’s

2004 Miss universe competition and, against the odds, won. suddenly, she was a

household name. The girl who had never left australia before that trip found herself

based in a ritzy new York city apartment for a year.

Of course, that could have been the high point, with Hawkins quietly fading back into

obscurity when her 12-month reign was over. But she had other ideas. and whether

it’s down to good management, an innate business sense or just sheer good luck,

“Hawko”, as she was swiftly nicknamed by the aussie press, has managed to turn that

15 minutes of fame into a multimillion-dollar career with an enviable lifestyle to match.

“it’s not a normal life,” Hawkins says now. “i know i’m pretty lucky to be in this position.”

“This position” is a polite term for a burgeoning Jennifer Hawkins empire. as well as

holding a lucrative department-store modelling contract (thought to be worth in the region

of $1 million a year), Hawkins is also the face of products from lingerie and sleepwear

to skincare and bottled water. she has her own swimwear range and shoe line, and

has been a popular Tv presenter on travel shows The Great Outdoors on channel

seven and The nine network’s Getaway — gigs that involved reporting from around

the world and visiting exotic wonders closer to home, like the south Pacific islands.

“new York was amazing but i really wanted to come back to australia and build

a career,” says Hawkins, who grew to relish the travel her job now entails. “When i

did [assignments for] the Tv travel shows, i loved it. and i like to tack holidays on to

the end of overseas work assignments.” case in point: When Hawkins visited south

africa to shoot an ad campaign, she followed it up with time spent touring the Kruger

national Park with fiancé Jake Wall.

Miss Universe, model, TV host. Globetrotting celebrity Jennifer Hawkins on why we should add “homebody” to the list.

by Patricia Godfrey

faMe fix | Jenn i fe r Hawk insA

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holidays, hawko-style

Hawkins is the first to admit that her jet-setting is a long way from

the holidays she enjoyed as a kid. These days, she travels first

class — “if you work really hard, why would you [fly economy]?” she

reasons. The youngest of four kids, Hawkins grew up in Holmesville,

just outside newcastle, and went on annual camping holidays with

her family from the age of six months.

Perhaps not surprisingly, it’s been awhile since her last camping

trip. “i think you get used to a certain lifestyle,” she explains, “and

now if i go on holiday, i want to go somewhere nice. i still like to go

on holidays with my family because it keeps me grounded, but

now we are more likely to go to a beach house.

“a couple of years ago, we hired this place in [nsW’s] Pearl

Beach right on the water and it was amazing,” she continues. “it

was so good for my nieces and nephews. They could just run

straight into the surf and they had such a good time. i thought,

‘We should do this every year'.”

speaking of children, Hawkins hopes it isn’t too long before she

has some of her own. “it’s nice to feel that maternal instinct kicking

in,” she enthuses. “i see my nieces and nephews and they are so

beautiful. so, yes, i definitely want to have kids. i have one older

sister and two older brothers and we had a great childhood. i’d

love to have a big family, too.”

Hawkins met Wall, a carpenter who flirted with his own brief

modelling and Tv career before returning to his tradie roots, a

month before she won the Miss universe title. after their initial

long-distance relationship — she in new York, he in newcastle

— they eventually moved in together in 2009. “it’s awesome,” she

told sunday magazine. “i love it. i wish i had done it sooner, to be

honest, because it makes everything so much better. He’s sexy,

lovely and kind.”

Wall proposed on Hawkins’s 27th birthday in December 2010, while

they were on holiday at new Zealand’s lake Wakatipu, and Hawkins

now sports a $200,000 brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring.

“He gave me this box but it was a large box so i thought it was

a necklace or something,” Hawkins told new idea. “But then i

opened it and he said, ‘i want to marry you. i want to be with you

for the rest of my life’. and i giggled. When i get nervous, i giggle.”

any wedding planning Hawkins has done since has had to find

room on her busy plate of modelling and business commitments.

The model, who cites model mogul Heidi Klum as her main

inspiration, says she particularly enjoys working on her swimwear

range because she relishes having something to get her creative

juices flowing, something beyond just being a face in front of a

camera.

“it’s been a dream to have this creative outlet,” she explains. “i

wanted to have something like this so i didn’t go crazy. Because

in a lot of my work, other people are making the decisions on how

you look; you are moulded into what they want for their brand.

Whereas this comes from me. i’m trying to design swimwear for

women and what they really want.”

fame fix | Jenn i fe r Hawk ins

“In a lot of my work, other people are making the decisions on how you look . . . . Whereas this comes from me.”— Hawkins on her fashion designs

Hawko strikes a pose. Despite her success, she s a down-to-earth girl who s most likely to holiday on a beach — and live by one of the best in Australia, Curl Curl (opposite).



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faMe fix | Jenn i fe r Hawk ins

Jen from the Block

But business is not all about bikinis. Beyond

her day job, Hawkins has a burgeoning

property portfolio — she sold her townhouse

in sydney’s coogee for $2.22 million and

is building a lavish mansion with Wall on

sydney’s northern Beaches.

Despite her increasing wealth (she earned

a hefty $5 million in 2010, according to BrW

magazine’s “entertainers rich list” from that

year) and a penchant for clothes by Gucci

and louis vuitton, Hawkins is still, in some

ways, the laidback chick from newcastle

that she always was. she’s happiest when

she’s chilling out with Wall on her sofa in

her PJs, and tries to get home to see her

family at least once a month.

as much as she loves travelling to exotic

destinations for her job and for fun, at the

end of the day, says Hawkins, there’s no

place like home.

“australia is where i grew up,” she says,

firmly. “i love the lifestyle and my family and

friends here. i really do enjoy my work, but to

be happy you have to be near people that

love you. i can’t be by myself very much.”

BeeN THere, DONe THATJust some of the countries you’ll find stamped in Jen’s passport:



SPOTLIGHT On FIJI | H is to r y

fiji:crossroads of the Pacificby Karen Tina Harrison

adventure-seekers know Fiji as one of the most dramatic and

romantic places on earth. its 300-plus islands are strewn over

18,000 square kilometres of the south Pacific. These remote

and rugged outcroppings burst from the planet’s depths in

volcanic upheavals eons ago, and many isles are still hotspots

of geothermal activity. Primordial Fiji is still a work in progress,

and its dramatic geography is matched with fiery history.

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SPOTLIGHT On | H is to r y

fiji:crossroads of the Pacific

SPOTLIGHT On FIJI




the Fijians” laws protected local land ownership, forbidding

sale to non-Fijians. it is still the law of the land, and most of

Fiji is still in Fijian hands.

a rocky Colonial era

More controversial was the British decision to import indentured

labourers from india, a practice that continued until 1916. Many

workers remained in Fiji after earning their freedom, and today

indo-Fijians make up about 45 percent of the population.

The late 1800s and 1900s were times of upheaval for Fiji.

indentured indian labourers were finally liberated in 1916 under

pressure from Mahatma Gandhi and anglican clergy. Two years

later, the worldwide spanish flu epidemics brought down 14

percent of Fiji’s population in 16 days. The deadly virus was

brought to Fiji by a new Zealand cargo passenger ship called

s.s. , which was permitted to port despite carrying

a Pacific Melting Pot

native Fijians tell a long, proud story. Their islands were first

inhabited some 3,000 years ago by austronesians, who paddled

in long canoes from what today is southeast asia. These

settlers first came to light in the late 1980s with discoveries of

their intricately designed pottery. The pottery, and its makers,

are called lapita.

in time, Melanesians from new Guinea and surrounding

islands sailed to Fiji. Tensions and warfare ensued, and many

lapita people fled. They reached what is known today as

Polynesia and later Hawaii, and evolved their own unique culture.

Today’s brown-skinned native Fijians call themselves Taukei.

a large minority of islanders are the descendants of south

indians brought to Fiji in the 1800s to work on plantations.

Captains Cooked here

The great sailors left their mark on Fiji. Dutch east indies

company explorer abel Tasman sighted several islands in 1643

after circumnavigating australia and discovering the island

that would be named after him: Tasmania.

The intrepid captain James cook passed through Fiji in

1774 and encountered many Fijians in neighboring Tonga. Fiji’s

true name was viti, but the Tongans pronounced it “Fisi” and

cook heard “Fiji”. He described Fijians as physically impressive

and fierce in temperament, and marvelled at their massive

wood canoes.

a closer study of Fiji was made by the infamous captain

William Bligh. Marooned by the mutineers of H.M.s. in

1789, Bligh explored Fiji on two long voyages and created the

first nautical map of Fiji’s waters. Fiji’s Western era had begun.

Why fijians speak english

More europeans trickled into the independent Fijian islands

beginning in the 1820s. amongst them were more than a few

crafty convicts who had escaped from the australian penal

colonies.

Many of these pioneers settled on the island of Ovalau

in the port of levuka. it was a rollicking pioneer town where

missionaries mixed with madams, brewers, sailors and whalers.

an ambitious tribal chief crowned himself king of Fiji and

promptly sank his new country into debt. eventually, he

accepted the British government’s bailout. But it came at a

high price: Fiji became a British colony in 1874.

The British rule lasted almost a century, and put an end to

the bloody warfare between rival chiefs. Progressive “Fiji for

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No More taste for hUMaN Voyagers, be assured that cannibalism in Fiji — once known in Britain as the Cannibal Isles — died out over a century ago, when the Christian faith prevailed.

While the concept and the word “tabu” originated in Fiji, eating one’s enemies was not tabu to Fijian chiefs. One of the last man-eaters, Chief Udre Udre, claimed in the 19th century to have consumed over 900 fallen warriors, whom he allegedly roasted in stone-lined pits.

Today, similar in-ground firepits called lovo are used to cook other delicacies. Fish, cassava, corned beef called palusami. Nothing wearing a loincloth.

several sick crewmen. new Zealand’s government officially

apologised in 2002.

fiji’s flag Is a union Jack

Fiji has remained anglo-oriented. in World War ii, Fijians sided

with the allies, sending many young soldiers to fight alongside

Kiwis and aussies. The young Queen elizabeth ii visited Fiji to

much fanfare a year into her reign, in 1953.

Fiji remained a British colony until 1970. since independence,

Fijian politics have been tumultuous. coups d’etat rocked Fiji

in 1987, 2000 and 2006.

But a passion for rugby, and pride in Fiji’s team, unites

islanders. Tourism has grown steadily in Fiji, which welcomes

cruise guests, cultural travellers, scuba divers and others to

“the crossroads of the Pacific”. visitors often hear the native

greeting, an enthusiastic “ ” — “Welcome!”

Fijian sunset after a storm

For a look at the island nation as it is today, see the Fiji section in the Ports Guide of this book.



SPOTLIGHT On FIJI | Legendar y I s lands

To be Fijian means to live on Fiji time, where the past suffuses

the present. Fiji’s ancient stories are not handed down in books

or a Bible. The Fijian language is an oral, not written, tongue, and

its stories are handed down generation to generation in dramatic

storytelling and in song-and-dance dramas called meke.

Most Fijians are christian today. But their legends of cruel,

capricious, or generous gods still explain the ways of man and

sea. after all, mythology tells us about ourselves.

adam and eve, fiji-style

at the beginning, the all-powerful god Degei took the form of

a snake as big as a whale. His consort was a massive female

hawk, Turukawa. Without warning, Turukawa flew off one day.

But in her nest she left a pair of eggs. Degei, heartbroken,

nurtured them. The eggs hatched into a man and a woman,

and so the Fijian race was born.

FIJI LEGENDS

Ancient tales are an important part of Fijian culture.

how War Began

Fijians believe that their people came from the oceans to the

west in a canoe. This fearsome wooden craft, Kaunitoni, was

never again equalled in size and power. as Kaunitoni made its

way around the islands, its passengers argued about where to

settle. Different factions chose different bays, and so became

rivals and enemies.

Britain, Where the Boys Went

centuries ago, the chief of the island of ra sent his two grandsons

into battle, and they vanquished an invading tribe. To speed their

canoe home, the chief reversed the flow of the Wainibuka river.

But the boys’ canoe never arrived. Of many explanations, one

became the accepted story. The boys had gone to far-off Britain,

island of the white-skinned sailors. The Fijians word for Britain,

Bolotogane, translates to “where the boys went”.

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The myths and magic that shaped the island nation




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shoWN hERE AND bELoW: Fijian dancers; torches; an island temple.




The Ghosts of romance

Fijians believe in ghosts. The Parliament House in suva was

exorcised in 1997, after a security camera recorded the image

of a ghost. unmarried visitors to Fiji are cautioned against

answering their doors late at night, for the knocking could be

the seductive ghosts who bewitch and enslave the lovelorn.

How to tell a Fijian ghost: When walking, his or her feet will not

touch the ground. Your steward’s will.

Blessed by a shark

Fijians accept that each island is protected by a reef guardian

who fights off dangerous waves and enemy canoes. Kadavu’s

guardian was a giant octopus who caught a mighty shark,

Dakuwaqa, about to swim upriver into Kadavu. The octopus

had Dakuwaqa begging for his life. He made Dakuwaqa swear

that no shark would ever harm any person or sea creature

of Kadavu. Dakuwaqa kept his word. in time he became the

island’s guardian, and no shark has ever attacked in Kadavu’s

waters. To this day, island fishermen make an offering of kava

(see accompanying story) to Dakuwaqa before setting sail.

The Turtle Women of namuana

sea turtles are sacred in namuana village on Kadavu island, not

far from Fiji’s capital of suva. From high atop a rock promontory,

namuana’s unmarried women sing a mysterious chant handed

down from mother to daughter. The turtles cluster in the water,

their primeval heads high, listening to the chant. villagers will

tell you that a long time ago, two virgins were stolen by enemy

islanders and spirited away by canoe. But these maidens did

not become slaves. They were magically transformed into sea

turtles, and swam away. The chant of their namuana sisters

and cousins calls them home.

Hats Off tO fijiOnce bound by the protocols of warfare, modern Fijians observe a strict behavioural code. Visitors who comply are rewarded with the South Pacific’s warmest hospitality. Travellers can do their part by showing appreciation; food gifts are welcome in a Fijian bure (cottage); even more important is the avoidance of disrespect in Fijian villages.

KaVa, BOOZE Of tHE GODs For some of us, it’s beer. For Fijians, kava floats the boat. Also called yaqona, kava is an intoxicating drink made from indigenous vines. It numbs the tongue, lifts the spirits, and enlivens dreams. The yaqona ceremony — communal drinking — is Fiji’s central, time-honoured ritual. If you’re invited to a yaqona ceremony, go. Expect to sit in a circle on a hand-woven mat. When the kava-filled bilo (coconut-shell cup) is passed to you, clap once and take a quaff. When the bilo comes your way a second time, you won’t hesitate.

COnsiDEr tHEsE GaffEs taBu:Shorts on blokes; bare shoulders, torsos or thighs for women (you can carry a sulu, a Fijian sarong)

A hat worn in villages and homes

Shoes: Leave them at the door of a home

Photographing a Fijian before asking permission

Shouting or talking loudly (except during a match of rugby, a Fijian passion)

Turning down a kava drink anytime, anywhere

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Sea turtles have a special status in Fiji.



SPOTLIGHT On FIJI | F ie r y Pa th

For centuries, the tribal ritual of firewalking was enacted on

joyous occasions or to ask the gods’ blessing. nowadays, the

ceremony is performed for visitors, but it is no less real.

The island of Beqa, south of viti levu and its port of suva, is

a centre of this esoteric art. Here, many of the firewalkers are

from the sawau tribe.

Here is what we know.

starting the fire

The firewalkers — a dozen men, perhaps more, or less — go

into a deep retreat for two weeks before the ceremony. While in

seclusion, they may have no contact with women or eat coconut;

firewalkers are warriors who must forego these pleasures to

master the flames. no outsider knows what other mental or

physical preparation goes on.

During this time, the village men dig a pit of some five metres

across and line it with large river stones, creating a huge fire

pit. (The Fijian word for firewalking is vilavilairevo, or “jumping

into the earth oven”.)

The day before the ceremony, a log fire is lit in the pit and

burns all day atop the stones.

Walking the Walk

The tribe’s high priest calls for the ceremony to begin. village

men use long, hand-twisted vines to rake the charred logs

and embers off the white-hot stones. They chant “ ”,

the word for the vines, believed to confer the magic. Then the

men surround the fire pit and wait.

The priest watches the stones and chooses the moment of

the firewalkers’ entrance. They break from their hiding place

and approach the pit single file. They are barefoot, clad only

in loincloths and wearing garlands around their ankles.

The firewalkers tread into the fire pit, and walk around and

around on the white-hot stones. Their feet do not burn or

blister; nor do the grass garlands. The firewalkers continue

until the high priest signals a stop, and then surround the pit.

The pit is ritually raked and the stones smothered. The

firewalkers’ ankle garlands are buried, dug up days later, and

made into a true power drink for the firewalkers. The drink

is not intoxicating in the Western sense; its potent magic is

purely symbolic.

explaining the Magic

How can the firewalkers escape the heat of the fire? explanations

are plentiful.

some say the firewalkers ingest massive amounts of

hallucinogenic yaqona before the ceremony, to focus their

minds on their tribe’s glory and not on the danger at their feet.

Others believe flat stones disburse heat onto feet without burning

them, and that a light-footed walk further inhibits burning. The

grass garlands probably don’t burn because they are green;

if you’ve ever tried to start a campfire with green wood, you’ll

see no mystery here.

But this being Fiji, there’s a legend to invoke.

Beqa firewalkers do not burn because it was promised thus.

Many generations ago, a warrior of Beqa, Tui, caught an eel while

fishing for his dinner. This eel talked. it said it was a spirit god. it

begged for its life, promising Tui power over fire. When Tui agreed,

the eel instructed him to prepare a fire pit. The warrior’s feet

did not burn. Today’s Beqa firewalkers are descendants of Tui.

it’s as simple as that.

Fijians honour and preserve their rituals. Firewalking is one of their most mysterious traditions, its practitioners among the most secretive.

Firewalking

FIJI’S MYSTERIOUS RITUAL

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32 34 36Australia (Melbourne, Sydney) Tasmania New Zealand

Otago Peninsula, Pacific coast of New Zealand

Port Opener.indd 28 9/6/12 4:03 PM

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44 46 50Fiji New Caledonia Vanuatu

Ports of C allSTUNNING LANDSCAPES and top-notch food and wine in New

Zealand. French culture in New Caledonia. Firewalking in Fiji. The

beaches of Vanuatu. It’s all waiting for you — time to go out and get it.

Port Opener.indd 29 9/8/12 2:36 PM



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PORTS OF CALL

AUSTRALIA 1 Sydney 2 Melbourne

TASMANIA 3 Burnie 4 Hobart 5 Port Arthur

NEW ZEALAND 6 Auckland 7 Bay of Islands 8 Christchurch 9 Fiordland National Park 10 Napier 11 Dunedin (via Port Chalmers) 12 Tauranga 13 Wellington

FIJI 14 Port Denarau15 Suva

NEW CALEDONIA 16 Isle of Pines 17 Lifou Island 18 Maré Island 19 Nouméa

VANUATU 20 Mystery Island 21 Port Vila 22 Santo 23 Wala

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1213_CCL_AUS_MAP.indd 31 9/8/12 2:45 PM

PORTS OF CALL | Aus t ra l i a


If the sight of Sydney Harbour (or the port of Melbourne) slipping out of view didn’t convince you, let us remind you: Your holiday is finally here! it’s time to forget everything that’s

happening back home and prepare for warm sun, cool

breezes and the sheer joy of escaping to paradise. From

Tasmania and new Zealand to Pacific islands both vibrant

and deserted, we know you’re going to find new places to

love. The only question is: Which of Carnival Spirit’s beautiful

ports of call will you decide to call “the one”?

AUSTRALIA

SHOWN HERE: Melbourne by night. BELOW: Federation

Square, Melbourne; a beach on the Bay of Fires in Mount William

National Park, Tasmania.

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It’s been dubbed the “most European”

of Australian cities — which seems to

be shorthand for a food-crazy city full of

stylish urbanites who are serious about

their espresso.

melburnians probably wouldn’t argue

with that description. they don’t often

gloat about their hometown, but they

could. melbourne really does have it all:

great shopping, the best coffee, a wealth

of food from across the globe, a glitzy

casino and adorable cobblestoned alleys

made for stumbling across hidden gems.

For all its urban cred, melbourne is a

city of nature, too. the treasury and Fitzroy

gardens provide quiet escapes, and the

royal Botanic Gardens takes the

concept to the max.

the city is prone to the proverbial

four seasons in one day, but if a beach

day at St. kilda gets rained out, there’s

plenty to explore indoors at museums

and markets galore.

two multi-purpose precincts in particular

provide an antidote to boredom, each

packing shopping, dining, entertainment

and culture into in one convenient location:

Federation Square, adjacent to Flinders

Street Station; and swanky Southbank,

alongside the Yarra river.

Getting around is a cinch, thanks to

wide, tree-lined boulevards and the city’s

distinctive, widespread tram system.

Ah, Sydney. Is there a place in the world

that can match its show-stopping, scene-

stealing beauty? (Nope, didn’t think so.)

the city is brimming with iconic

encounters, so if you’ve already done the

Bridge Climb, it may be time for a behind-

the-scenes tour of the Opera house. Other

classic ways to see the city — experiences

even locals love to do over and over

again — include jumping on a ferry to manly,

doing the Bronte-to-Bondi coastal walk or

exploring taronga Zoo, where the giraffes

have views of the city skyline and the hidden

coves of Sydney harbour.

there’s lots to see in Sydney’s other

nooks and crannies, too. A short hop to

the west is the Sydney Fish market, where

the best of the catch includes Sydney

rock Oysters and Balmain Bugs. At the

southern end of Darling harbour, there’s

Chinatown, worth exploring for both

authentic, piping hot dishes and unique

shopping options, often at bargain prices.

Whether you see the city from the

water or from great heights, from inside

its shops and museums or from a perch

at one of its historic pubs, Sydney will do

her best to woo you. We challenge you

to resist her charms.

MELBOURNE

sydNEy

Flinders Street Station

A view of the city from beneath Sydney

Harbour Bridge


PORTS OF CALL | Tasman ia


Tuck In: all that cool air makes Tasmanian food pretty darn tasty. stroll through salamanca Market in Hobart to sample the best berries, apples, stone fruits and honey. Burnie is famous for its full-flavoured cheeses, and you can get delicious seafood from the southern Ocean across the state.

cheers: Tasmanian beer is known for its crispness, a clean flavour you might already know from your local, if it serves a brew from James Boag’s or cascade. The latter has been made in Hobart since 1824, when a man named Peter Degraves dreamt up designs for the cascade Brewery while serving time in the Old Hobart Gaol. These days, Tasmanian wines are also making a bit of a name for themselves.

GIve IT a Go: Make time to meet the local wildlife. Burnie is home to a colony of fairy penguins, while seals and dolphins are common sights from Bruny island, near Hobart. The waters around Port arthur have abundant bird and sea life.

GeT WeT: Beaches never seem to get crowded in Tassie. But for something different, get your paddle on and see the unspoiled coastline from a kayak. The waters around Hobart are almost as calm as your bathtub back home.

GOOd TO KNOw

It’s chock full of nature, history, unspoiled countryside and some of the best food and wine in the nation. For a small state, Tassie sure packs a lot of punch. step back

in time at Port arthur or take a stroll through Hobart and

on-the-up Burnie and you’ll soon see how a little isolation

can create one magical place.

TASMANIAWho kneW?Just past Burnie, on the northwestern tip of the island, is the Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station, which monitors atmospheric changes. According to scientists, Tasmania lays claim to some of the purest air and water in the world — and who are we to argue? For details on attractions and activities you can enjoy while visiting Tasmania, see the onboard shore-excursions team.

SHOWN HERE: A rural field in Tasmania. OPPOSITE: The Creative Paper Arts

Centre, Burnie; the waterfront with Mount Wellington in the background, Hobart;

the historic Convict Church, Port Arthur.


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Burnie has a lot of stories to tell. Not least,

its transformation from a town of 20,000

once dominated by a paper mill and

other heavy industry. the closure of the

mill in 2010 was a heavy blow, but Burnie

has transformed itself into an innovative,

thriving, tourist-friendly destination.

Paper still plays a starring role in the

town: A venture called Creative Paper

now anchors the Burnie Visitor Centre,

showcasing local, handmade paper

products conjured from a variety of

recycled materials.

the spirit of creativity and adaptability

on display there — along with the

tradition of making stuff, whether it’s

paper, cheese, single-malt whisky or

milk — is the beating heart of Burnie.

history, of course, plays its part, given

that European settlement here began in

1828 with the establishment of a small

port by the colonial Van Diemen’s Land

Company. the pioneers were no doubt

drawn by the hinterland surrounding the

town — some of the richest agricultural

land in Australia and the same lush pastures

that make Burnie’s cheeses a must-try.

the local whisky, on the other hand,

owes its distinct flavor to the clean water

and high-quality ingredients found in this

beautiful corner of the country, a flavour

that’s led to tasmania’s emergence on

the world whisky stage.

BURNIE

Port Arthur was once the end of the world for the thousands of

men and boys shipped there from England as convicts. Solitary

confinement, the lash and hard labour in harsh conditions was

their punishment for often-trivial crimes.

But what was horror is now heritage, with the tranquil

40-hectare site recognised as the best-preserved convict

settlement in the nation, and one of the most significant in the

world. the approach by sea is stunning, with soaring cliffs and

dense native forests, although the 12,500 convicts who helped

build the settlement between 1830 and 1877 are unlikely to have

appreciated their surrounds.

Come ashore these days and it’s a fascinating experience. there

are more than 30 historic buildings and ruins, plus convict-era

gardens that have been beautifully restored.

It’s a reminder that Port Arthur was both a prison and a self-

sufficient community. Perhaps the most chilling activity today is

to opt for a moment or two in a solitary-confinement cell.

there’s even more fuel for the imagination inside the visitor

centre, where you can play the “Lottery of Life” to discover the

personal story of one of the many convicts. And if you have

ever wondered whether you have a convict ancestor, take a

look at the convict index and the various reference works to

find your answer.

PORT ARTHURthe first arrivals to the nation’s second oldest capital city

began in 1804, close to where cruise ships now berth in

Sullivans Cove. most were convicts or soldiers, and many of

the convicts met their end on the gallows nearby.

today, hobart is a much happier place — a harbourside

city where friendly locals are delighted to share all that

their home has to offer.

A great way to soak it in is to take the leisurely one-

kilometre stroll from the ship around hobart’s historic

harbour and explore its cafés, dockside pubs, museums,

art and craft galleries and bookshops.

Echoes of the past are all around, from the grand

sandstone warehouses in Salamanca Place to heritage

sailing ships. this is where the Norwegian explorer Amundsen

stepped ashore to announce to the world that he had

reached the North Pole. It is also where Douglas mawson

sailed south on his own epic explorations.

Fueling your own hobart discoveries is one of the

highlights of a visit. Seafood is a specialty, and it’s hard to

beat an outdoor lunch of fish and chips from one of the

city’s fishing fleet. Another stop, especially for the thirsty,

should be the Lark Distillery, where the malt whisky is so

good it’s exported to Scotland.

HOBART

PORT ARTHURhoBarTBurnIe

Ports by mike Bingham



PORTS OF CALL | New Zea land

If you haven’t been to visit our neighbours to the south yet, you’re in for a treat. There may be no better way to see the beautiful bays, peaks

and charming towns of new Zealand than from the deck of

a cruise ship — except perhaps to experience the sights,

sounds and flavours of the ports themselves. Good thing

carnival’s cruises to new Zealand have you covered from

the north island to the south, with visits to the best fiords,

beaches, cities and vineyards in between.

NEW ZEALAND

Tuck In: Quintessential nZ flavours include Manuka honey; a traditional Maori feast called hangi that’s cooked in an underground pit; lamb; paua (abalone); tuatua; and clams. Then there’s the most famous taste of all: the kiwifruit.

cheers: We don’t need to tell you that new Zealand is a wine connoisseur’s dream. in Dunedin (reached via Port chalmers), you can also visit the home of speight’s, one of the most popular beers in new Zealand. For more distinctive tastes, look for a microbrewery in auckland, christchurch, napier or Wellington.

GIve IT a Go: Plunging into hot saltwater pools at Mount Maunganui, meeting fur seals on the Otago Peninsula … new Zealand has no patience for the word “bored”. History buffs can learn the story of the nation at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds or take an art Deco tour of napier. Meanwhile, Lord of the Rings fans can visit the countryside that stood in for “The shire” in Peter Jackson’s films — a short drive from Tauranga — or go behind the scenes at The Weta cave, which is part of Jackson’s production facility in Wellington.

GeT WeT: see dolphins do backflips in Fiordland, or take a stroll on a dramatic black-sand beach in auckland. Whether you want to kayak or windsurf, fish, snorkel or sail, new Zealand has the perfect setting.

GooD to KNoW

Who kneW?Hobbits, sure. But dinosaurs? Dinosaur fossils were discovered in the Hawke’s Bay area in 1975, suggesting that land-based dinosaurs had once upon a time lived and roamed in New Zealand.

For details on attractions and activities you can enjoy while visiting New Zealand, see the onboard shore-excursions team.

Lupins bloom in springtime on a New Zealand lake, with

mountains in the distance.

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AUCKLANDAuckland’s called the City of Sails for a reason: the locals

make the most of the location, and the warm weather,

by getting into and onto the water at any opportunity.

New Zealand’s largest, and warmest, city boasts a

fabulous harbour, and the viaduct that borders it has

been developed in recent years to house bars, cafés and

restaurants with outside tables and creative cocktail menus.

Just a few minutes’ walk is the centre of the city, where

tourists and locals shop in the boutiques of high Street and

Chancery and the converted warehouses of the Britomart

precinct. the newly refurbished Auckland Art Gallery is

here too, as is SkyCity, home to the highest building in

the country, the 328-metre Sky tower. Go up it if you dare!

there are more authentic Auckland experiences to be

found in other suburbs like Ponsonby, the city’s hipster

enclave, and Waiheke Island, a chilled-out spot less than

an hour away. many Aucklanders live on the island and

commute to the mainland every day; visitors can take a

ferry from the terminal right next to the cruise port and

find out what makes Waiheke so special. We’ll give you a

hint: It involves award-winning vineyards and restaurants

showcasing the best in local produce. — Kirsten Matthew

The Auckland skyline by night




You’ll be forgiven for thinking the captain

has magically taken a pit stop in Europe

when the ship docks in beautiful Akaroa,

the gateway to your visit in Christchurch.

Nestled in the emerald hills of the

Banks Peninsula, this tiny town is far

more French than Kiwi, in everything

from the street names to the cuisine.

But if you can tear yourself away from

this très adorable corner of the world,

jump on a tour to historic Christchurch.

Also sprinkled with European inspiration,

Christchurch’s picturesque beauty often

draws comparisons to England — think

manicured gardens and sweeping parks.

Despite being the third-largest city in

New Zealand, Christchurch has a distinct

village feel. Make the most of the slow

pace by gliding down the Avon River

in a punt, or taking a stroll through the

Botanic Gardens.

For something a little left of centre, you

could head to the International Antarctic

Centre, where visitors can experience

bitterly cold blizzard conditions and

zoom around a custom-made track on

a snowmobile.

While Christchurch is still in recovery

mode from the 2011 earthquake, the

locals, known as Cantabrians, are

fiercely proud of their city and are

determinedly rebuilding. They’ll welcome

you with open arms and oodles of

Canterbury charm. — Karleigh Smith

With its golden beaches and 144 islands, the

Bay of Islands is one of the prettiest — and

sandiest — places in The Land of the Long

White Cloud (as Maori call New Zealand).

The Bay of Islands is a collection of coastal

settlements steeped in history. Waitangi Treaty

Ground, the actual spot where the Queen of

England’s representatives and local Maori

signed the document that made New Zealand

a colony of Britain, is just a few minutes from

Waitangi wharf and well worth a visit.

In the next town, Paihia, there are laidback

places to eat and drink, and perfect beaches

to laze on. A short ferry ride away is Russell,

where you can traipse around the old whaling

town and pay a visit to the country’s oldest

hotel and church.

The Bay of Islands area is renowned for its

marine life, so you’ll probably want to get out onto

the ocean on a small boat. If you’re lucky, you

might spot Orcas and penguins — and if you’re

really lucky, get to swim with the local dolphins.

— Kirsten MatthewBAY OF ISLANDS

CHRISTCHURCH

An aerial view of the islands

Hagley Park, Christchurch


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even the chattiest of travellers are silenced by the sheer beauty

of Fiordland. This is the New Zealand you see on postcards, in

guidebooks — and in your dreams. Your ship will glide silently

through the magnificent “sounds” — the pristine bodies of water

flanked by towering, often snow-capped, cliffs.

During your journey through Fiordland you’ll see the world-famous

Milford and Doubtful sounds, along with Browne and Sutherland

falls, which are among the tallest waterfalls on the planet. (Yes, that

means you should have those camera batteries fully charged!)

This is the place to pull out your wet-weather gear — Fiordland

is the recipient of more than 6,300mm of rain per year.

While undoubtedly gorgeous, the fiords of New Zealand are

essentially uninhabited — even the Maori only passed through

to hunt and fish. That’s what makes this part of New Zealand so

special and a must-see port to spend time in. It’s one of the most

untouched places in the world. — Karleigh Smith

FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK

Mitre Peak in Fiordland National Park


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New Zealand’s Art Deco capital, Napier

is one good-looking, good-time town.

It’s also the biggest city in the hawke’s

Bay region, and a gateway to some of

the prettiest countryside, beaches, farms

and vineyards in the nation.

A 7.8-Richter-scale earthquake

flattened much of Napier in 1931, and the

rebuilding that followed dotted the town

with gorgeous Art Deco and spanish

Mission buildings and monuments. Almost

everything in town is Art Deco-themed,

including the welcome bestowed on every

ship that docks in Napier harbour. Be

prepared for vintage cars, locals kitted out

flapper-style and the throwback sounds

of 1930s music.

After the warm welcome, many visitors

are drawn to the seaside village of Ahuriri,

with its boardwalk, estuary, design stores

and cheery cafés. Back in the centre of

Napier, there are great opportunities for

shopping, antiquing and eating a locally

made Rush Munroe ice cream while

sitting on the foreshore’s Marine Parade.

Even more diversions beckon just

outside of town — in the area’s vineyards,

flat and fabulous cycling trails and Cape

kidnappers, a spot on the coast with

the largest mainland colony of gannet

birds. — Kirsten Matthew

the stunning Victorian and Edwardian

architecture — including the must-see

railway station — hints at its past as one

of the nation’s first cities, but present-day

Dunedin is decidedly modern.

When school’s in, the population swells

with students attending Otago University —

and where there are students, you know that

great places to eat and drink can’t be far

away. these gems — from cosy brasseries

to shiny new restaurants — are mainly found

in Dunedin’s quirky village centre, called the

Octagon for its eight-sided shape.

Dunedin is also home to what’s believed

to be the world’s steepest road, Baldwin

street. Gasping your way to the top is sure

to result in a major thirst, which you can

quench with a heady Otago pinot noir or

a beer from speight’s Brewery.

Chocolate fiends will love Cadbury

World, where cocoa bean worshippers

can bow in front of a massive chocolate

waterfall before sampling quintessential

kiwi treats, Chocolate Fish and Pinky Bars.

It’s hard to think of a better taste of southern

New Zealand than that. — Karleigh Smith

NAPIERDUNEDIN(vIA PORT CHALMERS)

Art deco pervades Napier.

The Dunedin Railway Station

DuneDIn naPIer

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TAURANGAIf you’re looking for a chilled seaside

vibe, you’ll find it in Tauranga. The ship

docks a short walk from one of the most

spectacular beaches in New Zealand,

mount maunganui — or “The mount,” as

the locals affectionately call it.

You can enjoy the pristine shoreline of this

former maori settlement with the sound of

pounding surf ringing in your ears, but the

area offers more than just postcard views.

Jutting into the waves is the extinct volcano

the area is named for. A walk around the

well-trodden base, with steep mountain

walls on one side and rock pools on the

other, is a must.

The most energetic and curious visitors

tackle the steep climb to the top of the 232m

summit — and are rewarded with sweeping

views across the Bay of Plenty’s spectacular

coastline. (Reckon you’re up for it?)

The mount is conveniently brimming

with trendy cafés catering to the beach

crowd, so rewards you can actually eat

are easy to come by, too.

After refuelling, the bustling port town

of Tauranga, and its clutch of boutiques

perfect for browsing, awaits across the

bridge. — Karleigh Smith

New Zealand’s capital city is small, scenic and the centre for the country’s

arts and culture. That means there’s plenty to do and see — and most of

it just a short walk away from a great pub or café.

much of the laidback city’s best sights are dotted around the waterfront,

where Wellingtonians gather to eat lunch, run miles, drink pints and take in

the terrific views of the harbour. (Follow their lead and wrap up warm when

you venture harbourside; this town isn’t called “Windy Wellington” for nothing.)

It’s here where you’ll find restaurants and bars; Frank kitts Park, which is

filled with public sculptures; and Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum.

The huge, brightly coloured museum is free and well worth a visit, thanks to

the fabulous — and not the least bit boring — interactive exhibits explaining

New Zealand’s history. make a point of seeing the tattered Treaty of Waitangi,

the document that colonised the country in 1840.

To mingle with locals, and

emulate their style, head to the

Central Business District, where

you’ll find the shops of Lambton

Quay. Nearby and also worth a

look for its distinctive architecture

are the New Zealand Parliament

Buildings, known by the locals as

The Beehive. — Kirsten Matthew

welliNGToN

SHOWN HERE: The view from Mount Maunganui, Tauranga. BELOW: Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay on Lake Taupō.

SHOWN HERE: Wellington’s Beehive building, the executive wing of Parliament. RIGHT: A cable car on its way.



Likuliku Lagoon, Fiji

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pacific islandsTHE EXOTIC ALLURE of this region takes many forms: the ancient

heritage of Fiji, the French-influenced culture of New Caledonia,

the serenity of Vanuatu. It’s like little else you’ve ever seen — or felt.

island pacific.indd 43 9/8/12 1:07 PM


PORTS OF CALL | F i j i

Tuck In: The Fijian spin on ceviche, kokonda (ko-KOn-da) makes a refreshing snack. raw white coral trout is marinated overnight in lemon juice, which is replaced the next morning with the fresh white juice of a coconut. it’s topped off with sliced onion, tomato, chili and a pinch of salt. eat it on the beach for added “Wow” factor.

cheers: Try an ice-cold schooner of Fiji Bitter or Fiji Gold.

GIve IT a Go: For a thoroughly Fijian experience, visit naililili cathedral outside of suva. The 100-year-old church was built from coral by early French catholic missionaries. Today, local children from the nearby school knock visitors’ socks off with renditions of traditional welcome songs.

GeT WeT: Want to fish, snorkel, dive or swim? Port Denarau is the spot. (even for you lazy types who just want to lounge about and listen to the strains of the locals’ guitars.)

GOOD TO KNOW

Don’t be scared by all that firewalking-warrior stuff. Today, Fijians pride themselves on being the friendliest people in the world. (Get ready to say “ ” a lot.)

When you see the country’s lush, subtropical rainforest,

traditional villages and stretches of pure white-sand beaches,

you’ll know why everyone’s so happy.

FIJIWho kneW?Condé Nast Traveler magazine named Fijians the friendliest people in the world, but as late as 1860, many Fijians were cannibals. As one Fijian chief clarifies, “We are the friendliest cannibals in the world!”

For details on activities and attractions you can enjoy while visiting Fiji, see the onboard shore-excursions team.

Both relaxation and adventure await in Fiji.

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When the first cruises began arriving in

Fiji nearly 50 years ago, Port Denarau

didn’t exist. Now it’s a lavish haven for

well-heeled visitors and the Fijian well-

to-do, with a modern retail complex,

marina and golf club. Port Denarau is

a short tender ride from your ship, and

there’s plenty to choose from once

you’re ashore.

This is your chance to experience

authentic Fijian culture and hospitality,

with shore excursions ranging from

leisurely beach relaxation to active

watersports and exciting Fijian dances

starring the country’s famed firewalkers.

Some of the more unusual attractions

are located just out of town. Some 2,000

varieties of orchids are in bloom at

Raymond Burr’s popular Garden of the

Sleeping Giant, while Fiji’s ancient history

is on view in the archaeological digs at

the 1,600-acre Sigatoka Sand Dunes

National Park.

Boaters can choose from heaps of

small craft at the marina, which head

out to tiny islands such as Beachcomber

or Tivua. Here, visitors can dive, snorkel,

sail Hobie Cats, swim, luxuriate with a

massage, or just laze on the beach.

After all that sun, one of the best ways

to cool off — and squeeze in a little retail

therapy — is to pay a visit to the marina

mall. — Roderick Eime

The bustling capital of Fiji reminds

you that the world is still turning even

while you’re on holiday. Historic colonial

buildings mix with modern architecture in

a multicultural city that is full of the sights,

sounds and smells of the South Seas.

Window shoppers can ogle everything

from spices and local produce to Indian

saris and electronics. Be sure to book

early for the popular shore tours. These

can take you to the steamy jungle for a

hike or zip-line thrill ride, or to a Fijian

village for dancing and a kava ceremony.

molituva Village offers the opportunity

to take photos, capturing the energetic

warriors as they perform a traditional

meke dance — or to venture to Pacific

Harbour for the traditional firewalking

performed by the legendary Beqa

warriors.

If you’re on foot downtown, swing

by the colourful municipal market just

beyond the wharf in Usher Street and

get amongst the vibrant hurly-burly of

commerce, island style. mornings are

best. — Roderick Eime

SUVA

PORT DENARAU

One of the island’s beautiful beaches

A Fijian troupe performs a traditional meke dance.

top shore excursions

port denarau● Beachcomber Island Getaway● oolala savala Island Day Cruise● oolooloo surf and snorkel Day Cruise● firewalking and Cultural show● nalesutale rainforest trek

and swim

suva● forest flying fox adventure● rainforest Walk● a tropical Delight: the pearl

south pacific resort● the Jewel of fiji● Beqa Lagoon Day Cruise

See your onboardshore-excursionspecialist to book.

1213_CCL_AUS_Fiji.indd 45 9/8/12 1:09 PM


PORTS OF CALL | New Ca ledon ia

Pace yourself. The breathtaking sight of this archipelago glinting in the Pacific is just the opening act. The main event starts when you step on shore to sample French

delicacies in nouméa, and ancient Melanesian culture in tiny vil-

lages. Beaches here are total scene-stealers, and the grandest

of finales takes place underwater: exploring the new caledonia

Barrier reef, one of the largest in the world.

NEW CALEDONIA

SHOWN HERE: A beach on Ouvéa Island,

New Caledonia. BELOW, FROM TOP: A Kanak dancer; a traditional

island hut.

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Nicknamed “the closest island to

paradise”, the Isle of Pines is just as

beautiful above water as it is below. the

famed New caledonia Barrier Reef is

favoured by divers and designated a

uNESco World heritage Site, and is

surpassed in size only by its more famous

Aussie cousin, the Great Barrier Reef.

Fish sightings are guaranteed at Piscine

Naturelle — the Natural Aquarium — a

fish reserve that has become a popular

snorkelling spot. It’s located at oro Bay

and is protected from the ocean waves

by a pine forest, which also makes it tops

among those who prefer dry land.

Beach time is ridiculously picturesque

here: the bays are framed by bottle-green

Araucaria pines, and the sand has the

texture of talcum powder. Kuto Bay in

particular is perfect for long, leisurely

strolls or extended naps in the shade.

But it’s not all about the beach here.

historic sites include Notre Dame de

l’Assomption church in the centre of Vao

Village, and the monument to St. Maurice,

commemorating the first catholic worship

service on the island. — Fiona Harper

ISLE OF PINES

Tuck In: in nouméa, it’s all about French fare: bread, cheese and wine; pâté, patisseries, and foie gras. For something a little different, try the traditional Melanesian dish called Bougna. it’s a mix of local veggies, meat and seafood, marinated in coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked for hours in an underground Kanak oven. (Think of it as Mother nature’s own crockpot.)

cheers: The most popular local beer has a name that’s hard to forget: number One.

GIve IT a Go: On amédée lighthouse island, you can climb the steps to the top of the lighthouse or get busy doing very little at all on the white-sand beach.

GeT WeT: nouméa’s Bay of anse vata and côte Blanche boast perfect conditions for wind-surfing, whether you want to have a go yourself or just sit back and watch the locals.

GOOd tO KNOw

Who kneW?New Caledonian crows are flying geniuses. Researchers say that their advanced use of tools — sticks, leaves and other objects they figure out how to use to get their food — make them some of the smartest animals in the world, perhaps even brainier than chimpanzees.

For details on activities and attractions you can enjoy while visiting New Caledonia, see the onboard shore-excursions team. St. Maurice Monument in Isle

of Pines, New Caledonia

Top shore excursions

isLe oF Pines● Island Discovery● snorkel the natural aquarium● Le Meridien and

natural aquarium




PORTS OF CALL | New Ca ledon ia

Oozing charisma and warmth so typical

of Kanak culture, Lifou Island is the kind of

place that charms the soul. Dramatically

sheer cliffs created by fossilised coral are

topped with towering pines, and beneath

them lies the beguiling turquoise Coral Sea.

Caves carved by erosion create a sense

of island mythology, while dense forest is

not only pretty, but also provides essential

compost required for taro, yam and banana

crops. The coconuts you see are more than

just the perfect postcard props; their kernels

drive a copra industry that brings in much-

needed funds to this isolated community

in New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands.

A huge part of Lifou’s allure is its

welcoming locals. The Kanak culture has

tendrils that reach back a few thousand

years, creating a charming combination

of Austronesian, Melanesian and, more

recently, French influence. (“Kanak” comes

from the Hawaiian word kanaka, meaning

“human being”.)

Remnants of the past can be seen in

the traditional circular huts constructed

from wood and straw that can still be

found here, an art form that has all but

disappeared elsewhere. — Fiona Harper

The aquarium-like interior of Maré Island

(known locally as Nengone) was once

a lagoon surrounded by a rim of islets.

Fossilised coral rock has created an

intriguing island landscape dotted with

caves and grottos. You’ll need robust

soles on your walking shoes if you’re

to stretch your legs on an extended

hike, as honeycomb weathering has

created razor-sharp rocks — except on

the beaches, which are definitely the

barefoot kind.

Jagged, charcoal-coloured cliffs ring

intimate beaches here. Dazzling white

sand is kissed by gin-clear water that

changes to incredibly turquoise a few

metres from shore. Though narrow, the

beaches here are some of the most

photogenic in the South Pacific. If you can’t

take a postcard-worthy snap guaranteed

to turn the neighbours back home green

with envy, well, you’re really not trying.

The scene is just as spectacular

underwater; book a snorkelling tour with

the onboard excursions specialist. Have

an underwater camera? Even better!

Maré Island was the first in New

Caledonia to be visited by English

missionaries in the 1840s. The 8,000 or so

residents today are still heavily influenced

by Christian values, which form an integral

part of their Melanesian culture. A handful

of villages are scattered across the island,

and islanders sustain themselves with taro,

yams, and crops from copra and banana

plantations. Take the time to chat to the

local ladies selling coconut juice in the

shade beachside, who will undoubtedly

be just as curious about you as you are

about them. — Fiona Harper

LIFOU ISLAND

MARÉ ISLAND

A serene beach in the Loyalty Islands

Snorkelling in New Caledonia


LiFou isLAnD● Melanesian encounter● Cliffs of Jokin● Luecila Beach and scenic Drive● forest and secret Grotto



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A little bit of France on the other side

of the world makes for one of the most

interesting ports in the whole South

Pacific. Quite unlike any other port in

the region, Nouméa has a distinctive

“Euro” feel: cars on the “wrong” side of

the road, strange money and signs in

Français. This isn’t Paris, though, so don’t

be afraid to try out your rusty French

when shopping for knick-knacks.

Nouméa was once a bit grotty, but a

major facelift, especially around the city

centre, transformed this gallic colonial

outpost. highlights of any visit include

the Amédée Island Lighhouse (don’t

mind the snakes, they’re harmless) or a

spin through the stunning Jean-Marie

Tjibaou Cultural Centre for a dose of

Kanak arts and craft — as well as striking

architecture by Renzo Piano.

The locals enjoy a hedonistic beach

culture, so there’s plenty to do out on

the water — jet skiing, windsurfing,

snorkelling — or if you just feel like

lazing around. The quaint Tchou Tchou

Train might look like kids’ stuff, but it’s

a fun and easy way to see the town or

get to the sexy beaches at Anse Vata

or Baie des Citrons (Bay of Lemons —

named, we’re told, for crates of lemons

that mysteriously washed up on its

sands one day). — Roderick Eime

NOUMÉA

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Amédée Island and its lighthouse; the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre, where exhibits illuminate Kanak art and culture; hang-gliders get an actual bird’s-eye view.


nouMÉA● the tchou tchou train● Lagoon snorkelling adventure● amédée Island Marine

reserve● tree to tree adventure● escapade Island half-Day trip



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50 CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES FUN ASHORE

PORTS OF CALL | Vanuatu

The islands immortalised in the musical do not disappoint. Vanuatu

is a land — or many lands; there are 83 islands in total — of peaceful, uninhabited beaches, age-old traditions and a rich, if rocky, history. Today, volcanoes make for challenging hikes, and World War ii

wrecks have become world-class dive sites teeming with

colourful marine life.

VANUATUSHOWN HERE: Shark Bay off Tanna Island, Vanuatu. BELOW: The Jetty, Vanuatu.

1213_CCL_AUS_Vanuatu.indd 50 9/7/12 8:30 AM


this teeny crescent-shaped islet circled

by a fringe of reef barely rises above the

ocean at the southern tip of Vanuatu’s

island chain — the jewel at the end of a

necklace, you might say. the castaway

island of your imagination, Mystery

Island is the sort of far-flung paradise

Robinson crusoe may well have chosen

to be marooned upon: all emerald-hued

palms, crushed coral sand and sparkling

aquamarine sea.

Don’t be surprised if you feel your

heart rate slow down a notch as you

step ashore; it’s simply readjusting to

“island time”. here, your day revolves

around the path of the sun and the

falling of the tide, much as it does for

the locals who live across the channel

on Anatom (or Aneityum) Island.

Mystery Island is uninhabited except

for a couple of bungalows that are rented

out to modern-day castaways. It takes less

than an hour to amble around the entire

island, though it will take much longer if

you linger and savour each step falling into

the sand. Longer still if you opt to snorkel

and take the opportunity to explore the

shallow waters peppered with coral reef

and absurdly colourful tropical fish.

As for the mystery in its name, the only

real mystery is why it’s taken you so long

to discover paradise. — Fiona Harper

MYSTERY ISLANDTuck In: Don’t mind the name; laplap is a vanuatu specialty. The pudding-type dish is made of mashed bananas, root vegetables and creamy coconut milk. it’s combined with meat or fish, wrapped in leaves and cooked in an earth oven.

cheers: The local beer is Tusker lager, brewed in Port vila. Kava, the alcoholic drink of choice for many south Pacific nations, is considered especially potent in vanuatu.

GIve IT a Go: Where else do you need to put flippers on before heading to the post office? The world’s one and only underwater post office is located off of Port vila. Divers and snorkellers can also explore Million Dollar Point, where the ss and other World War ii remains now serve as an underwater playground.

GeT WeT: set foot on Mystery island’s stunning beaches and you may never want to leave. not even the locals live there, it’s so pristine. The friendly faces you’ll meet in port commute to the uninhabited Mystery island from the neighbouring island of anatom each day to sell their handicrafts.

GooD To KNow

Who kneW?Long before bungy jumping fever took hold in New Zealand, Vanuatu tribes were doing their own version — jumping from wooden towers with vines wrapped around their legs and landing in layers of vines spread on the ground. The tradition began around 1,500 years ago in the southern villages of Pentecost Island. The jumps still take place every year during the Naghol festival, which is held to bless the yam harvest.

For details on activities and attractions you can enjoy while visiting Vanuatu, see the onboard shore-excursions team.

Mystery Island, Vanuatu

Waterfront bungalows in Vanuatu


52 CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES FUN ASHORE

PORTS OF CALL | Vanuatu

This compact and busy little city is

a fascinating port o�ering great

opportunities to do some shopping

and check out the colourful downtown

boutiques, cafés and pubs — all an easy

walk from where the ship docks. If you’re

hanging out to get in the water — or under

it — Vila o�ers great diving, snorkelling

and watersports for all abilities.

Excellent for scuba diving, the area has

famously warm and clear waters teeming

with marine life living on the numerous

wrecks in the harbour. The MV

wreck is a perfect introduction to this

exciting sport, and you may even see a

turtle or dugong while exploring.

Onshore activities are many and varied.

Culture and history bu�s will want to visit

the ethnological displays at the superb

National Museum of Vanuatu or take in the

re-created village life at Ekasup Village. A

more peaceful way to spend a few hours

would be a trip to the Secret Garden, a

lush, private two-acre botanical reserve.

Nature lovers should seek out one of

the area’s Hawksbill turtle sanctuaries,

where the rare animals are nurtured before

release. Then there are rainforest hikes,

which reward the active trekker with a

refreshing dip at the Mele Cascades falls.

Want to see it all? It’s possible to

traverse the entire island of Efate; all you

have to do is choose whether to do it by

bus or boat. — Roderick Eime

Anyone familiar with the writings of James

A. Michener will be eager to visit the port

of Luganville on the island of Espiritu Santo.

The best-selling, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer

put Santo on the map with his romantic and

tragic .

Wide boulevards and Quonset huts (in the

unmistakably military Nissen style) remind

you that Luganville was built from scratch

by the U.S. armed forces in World War II as

a forward supply base. Military bu�s will

be spoiled for choice of World War II sites,

which include the wreck of a B-17 Flying

Fortress and the astonishing Million Dollar

Point, where tons of surplus equipment

and machinery were dumped into the sea.

Divers will be in their element, too, and

a visit to the world-famous SS

wreck is an absolute must.

Back on shore, highlights include visits

to villages for cultural experiences and

trips to the mystical “blue holes”, where

the crystal-clear water makes your canoe

look like it’s �oating in space.

You may be surprised to learn that this

part of the world exports beef to Japan,

Australia and the rest of the South Paci�c;

out in the verdant backcountry you can

ride a horse through the prehistoric-looking

jungle and see where the renowned Santo

beef cattle reside. — Roderick Eime

PORT VILA

SANTO

A rocky beach in Efate, Vanuatu

Nanda Blue Hole in Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu


PorT ViLA● ultimate Vila Discovery● Buggy off-road adventure● Cascade Waterfalls● paradise Kayaking and

snorkelling experience● tranquility Island and

turtle sanctuary

sAnTo● Magical Gaua Water

Music experience● Cultural activity park● Certified Dive:

the President Coolidge● Canoe the riri river● northern seaside and

the Blue hole


1213_CCL_AUS_Vanuatu.indd 52 9/8/12 1:19 PM

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one of two “twin” islands off the northeast

coast of Malekula (the second-largest

island in Vanuatu), Wala is a simple

place where life is uncomplicated by

computers, mobile phones and cars.

the 400 or so residents walk everywhere,

unless they’re going to the “mainland” of

Malekula about a mile away. then they

take a dugout canoe.

once upon a time inhabited by a tribe

of fearsome warriors and cannibals, this

outer island of Vanuatu has become a sort

of living museum, frozen in time. the locals

are considerably friendlier these days, with

warm smiles and a gentle nature.

Island traditions and customs involving

superstitions and initiation traditions are

beautifully illustrated in ceremonial dances,

with men proudly adorned with groin

sheaths and women swishing around in

grass skirts. the village is only a short walk

from the beach, and offers centuries-old

customs and rhythmic beating drums

announcing visitors’ arrivals.

If all that dancing makes you sweat,

a refreshing swim is just a short stroll

away. the water in Wala is crystal-clear,

merging into an inky, cobalt blue, thanks

to a deep-water channel not far from the

crisp, white beach. — Fiona Harper

wALA

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Vanuatu signal drum, c. 1920, from Cooranbong Missionary Museum in NSW; traditional dugout canoe at Lamen Bay, Epi Island; Vanuatu carved-wood totem.


Let’s Get This Holiday StartedWe know, there’s so much to do on board Carnival Spirit. Almost too much fun for one holiday. But with all her great dining venues, comfy beds, relaxing spots and exhilarating waterslides, the ship is just one part of your cruise getaway. Don’t forget to find the rest of your fun on shore in Carnival Spirit’s postcard-perfect ports of call. Choose from snorkelling and offroading, rainforest treks, traditional village ceremonies, and a whole lot more. See your onboard shore-excursion specialist for all the details.

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