Christmas Cruise - I153

For those with a little more time to spend in and around Brisbane, Head down south to the Gold Coast - only an hour away - where you can experience the iconic Surfers Paradise main beach, shop at the unmissable Pacific Fair, hold a koala and pat a kangaroo at the nearby Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary or hop on the AquaDuck for a family fun tour of the Gold Coast. Heading north-west from Brisbane, you will come across the picturesque Maleny and Montville. These towns are perfect for a day-trip or a couple of nights located high on the Blackall Range, with magnificent views of the Sunshine Coast. They are home to lovely cafes and restaurants, once-off boutique purchases and art galleries. Read more about Brisbane, Australia

Noumea is a culturally diverse city and it is reflected throughout its streets. Take a look around the art galleries or the beautifully restored Nouméa City Hall, which now houses the city museum. Take the time to visit and learn about the rich local Kanak culture. The largest cultural group of New Caledonia and very warm and welcoming in nature, you can experience it by visiting a tribe, attending one of the Tribal island festivals or tasting the local cuisine. Read more about Noumea, New Caledonia

Lined with lucious coconut trees, Maré has some local stalls offering snacks, drinks and souvenirs however if the beach is calling your name, Yelele Beach has been known to be one of the most beautiful. Perfect for snorkelling and crystal clear waters, be sure to not miss out on this wonderful sight! If you happen to be on Maré Island in May, there is a local Avocado Festival to experience that you will love! Meet the locals, partake in the activities and even try some avocado based delights! Read more about Mare Island, New Caledonia

Port Vila has so much to offer when it comes to sightseeing! Strap yourself into a dune buggy and explore the beautiful surroundings on a jungle and beach tour, dive into crystal clear blue waters at the popular Blue Lagoon or just a short 30 min trip to experience the breathtaking Mele Cascades, a stunning cascading waterfall nestled in semi-tropical rainforest. Port Vila even has the world's first underwater post office! Located on the nearby Hideaway Island, this post office allows you to purchase a waterproof postcard, dive into the ocean and post it! Read more about Port Vila, Vanuatu

Luganville is a port on the south coast of Espirito Santo, the largest island in Vanuatu. It belongs to the archipelago of Vanuatu (the New Hebrides before 1980) in the Pacific region of Melanesia. Luganville on the SE coast is Vanuatu's second-largest settlement, and the provincial capital. The island is possibly best known for its renowned diving and snorkelling spot, Million Dollar Point 6 km to the east, where visitors can still sense the US and Allied forces’ presence from WWII. Read more about Santo (Luganville), Vanuatu

For those with a little more time to spend in and around Brisbane, Head down south to the Gold Coast - only an hour away - where you can experience the iconic Surfers Paradise main beach, shop at the unmissable Pacific Fair, hold a koala and pat a kangaroo at the nearby Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary or hop on the AquaDuck for a family fun tour of the Gold Coast. Heading north-west from Brisbane, you will come across the picturesque Maleny and Montville. These towns are perfect for a day-trip or a couple of nights located high on the Blackall Range, with magnificent views of the Sunshine Coast. They are home to lovely cafes and restaurants, once-off boutique purchases and art galleries. Read more about Brisbane, Australia