Who wants a FREE cruise?

By Cruising With Honey - 21:48

WIN A FREE CRUISE

Do you want three glorious nights aboard a gorgeous cruise ship...

FOR FREE?

Of course you do!

I am giving one reader the chance to win a cruise for two people to enjoy a ship full of laughs on P&O Australia's Pacific Explorer Comedy Cruise from 27 April to 30 April 2019.

Entry is EASY, just visit my Facebook page, the competition is pinned at the top.

GOOD LUCK

PLEASE READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS BELOW

T&Cs: Australian and New Zealand residents only over 18-years-old. Winner and guest must be over 18-years-old. Competition will run from 14.03.2019 and end 09.4.19 at midnight. The 10 comments with the most LIKES will be selected as finalists. ONE comment will be chosen as the standout entry, judged on creativity and originality, and be chosen as the grand finalist and winner of the cruise. If the winner does NOT claim the prize within 24 hours, a secondary entry will be drawn and offered the prize.

Prize: 3-night cruise for two people on the Pacific Explorer Comedy Cruise

Inclusions:

3-night cruise for 2 people, departing Sydney on the 27 April, 2019 from Circular Quay and returning to White Bay 30 April.
Twin share accommodation in an Interior Stateroom
All main meals (excluding specialty restaurants)
Most on-board activities
All Port and Government charges

The fine print:

The prize (namely, the cruise) is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. The prize must be accepted 'as is' and cannot be exchanged for any other cruise or travel related product/s.
Cruise Terms & Conditions:
The cruise prize is for two people sharing an interior stateroom on the P&O Pacific Explorer Cruise (Cruise X922). Departing Sydney Australia on 27 April, 2019 and concluding in Sydney Australia on 30 April, 2019. Only valid entries will be selected for final prize.
Contestants from locations other than Sydney are required to make their own travel arrangements to Sydney.
Travel Insurance is strongly recommended.
Stateroom allocation is in an Interior stateroom. Stateroom allocation is on a guarantee basis and is allocated for Cabin 9011.
This offer is subject to further terms and conditions outlined by both the cruise line. Please visit their website for further details - www.pocruises.com.au.
Prize is for (2) people to share a twin cabin. Prize does not include transfers to/from the ship. On-board ship purchases such as drinks, Spa charges, specialty restaurant surcharges, photo purchases, casino charges and the likes are the responsibility of the prize recipient. Any on board gratuities are the responsibility of the recipients.
Cruising With Honey reserves the right to deny any financial claim made; whatever the cost, whatever reason. By accepting these Terms & Conditions, you indemnify Cruising With Honey for any additional cost arising having accepted the prize offer.
Cruising With Honey will not be held accountable for errors or omissions for information that cannot be relied upon as truth, or has changed by the time it is used. You have entered this FREE giveaway on the understanding of these Terms & Conditions, and eligibility criteria.
Facebook Terms & Conditions:
By entering and participating, entrant agrees to hold harmless, defend and indemnify Facebook from and against any and all claims, demands, liability, damages or causes of action (however named or described), losses, costs or expenses, with respect to or arising out of or related to (i) entrant’s participation in the Sweepstake, or (ii) entrant’s participation in any Prize related activities, acceptance of a Prize and/or use or misuse of a Prize (including, without limitation, any property loss, damage, personal injury or death caused to any person(s).
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook.

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Pacific Explorer

South Pacific Cruise - Day 8 - Pacific Explorer Sea Day

By Cruising With Honey - 14:59

P&O Pacific Explorer

Her fingers gently kneaded my shoulders, working meticulously and deliciously slowly down my back, the coconut oil luxuriously warming my skin. In the moody lighting I lost myself in the gentle sway of the motion, drifting off into a seductive lullaby. Little did I know in that state of bliss, that the next morning I’d be in a wheelchair.

STOP! I know what you’re thinking and no. This isn’t a sexy-time/murder narrative from a trashy romance novel. Rather, I'm setting the scene of my last day on Pacific Explorer. I had woken that morning knowing that everything I’d be doing would be the ‘last’. My last breakfast at the Waterfront, my last iced frappe at Charlie’s, my last lunch at the Pantry… sigh. If I didn’t snap out of this melancholy, I was going to miss out and not enjoy any of it.

After breakfast (I had the breakfast burrito) I had a bit of time to kill before my massage up at Elemis. It was the perfect day at sea, and so I couldn’t think of anything better than soaking up some rays and drinking in the atmosphere on the decks. Armed with our cool drinks, we laughed and cheered on the passengers who were playing some kind of water balloon-towel-tossing game. Among the giggles and splashes, it dawned on me that nowhere else in the world could you watch people of all ages delight in a simple family-friendly game, bond over this absolute absurdity with strangers, while being surrounded by the breathtaking hues of the ocean. As corny as it sounds, my eyes misted over this sudden gratitude of being able to experience all of this. For me, this moment epitomised the magic of cruising.

After the heavenly massage, a quick dip in the pool and a late lunch, it was suddenly the afternoon and time for one last rehearsal. The last week of choir practice with the super talented Anthony Quimby had been such a delight.

Before long it was showtime, and our little choir was buzzing with excitement. The Atrium was packed to the rafters and I felt slightly jittery. We assembled on the steps and waited for our cue. Anthony played the first chords on the baby grand and we inhaled. First, two soloists sang their lines, and then, I was up. My hands were slightly sweaty but I sang my lines, almost losing my breath on the last note, but I DID IT! The next few minutes were a blur, and as the last note faded there was absolute silence. Suddenly, there was a deafening eruption of clapping and cheering. What a moment! Two more songs, more clapping more cheering. Hand on heart, being a part of the guest choir was amazing and definitely a unique and joyous experience!

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE

Thank you Anthony and fellow choristers.

Still bouncing with endorphins, I had the great idea to pack our bags before the evening as I didn’t want to be thinking about packing while wolfing down pizza at 400 Gradi. Yes, it is sad seeing all the corridors lined with bags, but at least I could have an awesome last night and hopefully, stay up till the early hours.

We were warmly welcomed with a huge hug by one of my absolute faves, Jessamine at 400 Gradi. Soon, our table was laden with all sorts of mouthwatering nosh, and we tucked in with much gusto.

Once we’d demolished our mains and waited for dessert, I asked my three honeybees to reflect on our last week. Teen one answered, “Great” and Teen 2 answered “Great”. I waited for my youngest who had been suffering Fortnite withdrawals, experienced horrible sea sickness for the first two days (oh the joys of catching her vomit in my mouth as she chundered out on the open, windy deck) and double-sunburn, sat quietly thinking. After a minute, she said, “Mum, it was perfect! I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Fortnite

Patting myself on the back for pulling off the ‘Perfect Holiday’, and feeling buoyed by my family’s satisfaction, I decided I wanted to spend the last few hours walking around the deck, soaking in the last few moments of the inky sky and breathing in the salt air. The kids and Mr Cruising With Honey wanted to watch the show and so we parted ways, promising to meet at Charlie’s for the final jam night.

As they walked down the stairs, I gave final hugs to the Gradi crew and bounced towards the entrance. As I turned, somehow my leg forgot it was attached to my body. What came next can only be described as a gut-wrenching ‘POP’ followed by blinding, excruciating pain. There I was, doubled over, but somehow trying not to cause a scene and thereby attracting a medic. No, no, no, I was not going to spend my night sequestered in the medical centre.

Somehow, I hobbled down to deck 7, wincing with every step and plonked myself on a stool. Stubbornly, I thought all I needed was to rest for a sec and I’d be dancing shortly. Time passed, pain increased. A lovely person brought me some ice. The show finished. More time passed. I couldn’t get in contact with my family and the pain had increased 10-fold. Somehow I had to make it down to Charlie’s where my family was waiting. Slowly, I inched my way to the elevator and made it halfway across the packed Atrium. Faces looked at me in bewilderment, my tear stained face willing my husband to turn around and look at this wounded sop. Out of nowhere, one of the lovely readers from this blog recognised me and rushed to my aid, helping me into a chair. Oh the melodrama of it all!

I spent my night with some unfriendly ice packs, feeling utterly sorry for myself. Looking around my empty cabin I could only think of two good things: 1) My bags were packed, and 2) I didn’t hurt myself on the first night of the cruise.

Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that I’d be wheeled off the cruise and being pushed down the gangway in a clunky wheelchair. But looking back now, despite the torn calf muscle, horrible moon boot, crutches and weeks of physiotherapy, I honestly wouldn’t change a single thing!

Life is all about creating memories; some are joyous, others tinged in shades of pain. For me, cruising through this thing called life is an adventure of the most thrilling kind. The discovery of new places, the meeting of kindred souls and the utter escapism of being at one with the vast expanse of the sea. Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Until next time, all my love, Honey

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gatsby party

South Pacific Cruise - Day 7 - Pacific Explorer Sea Day

By Cruising With Honey - 20:20

Pacific Explorer

Gatsby Night

Last night, I dined alone.

As most parents can sympathise, you’re never really off-duty, even on holiday, and on this night I was on ‘mum duty’ due to my youngest Honeybee having copped sunburn on top of sunburn.

Now you might think I’m a terrible parent allowing my kid to get sunburnt, but I reassure you, we went through three tubes of sunscreen, wore hats and rash vests. Well, SHE didn’t wear it the whole time, even though I insisted, so yes, sunburn. So, heed this warning; be extra sun safe when on the islands. After I made sure she was well hydrated and soothed her sunburn, she drifted off into a lovely slumber.

Meanwhile, I was starving. Soon enough, Mr Cruising With Honey and the other two kids returned from the Waterfront and I headed down to dine.

Please don’t get me wrong, but after six days of having breakfast, lunch and dinner with the family, it was so nice to just eat alone. And, the meal I had that night - a chicken supreme stuffed with mushrooms and sitting on a bed of spatzle - was by far my favourite dish at the Waterfront.

It had been an eventful three days in a row - discovering three gorgeous and very different ports was a dream come true. So after a very restful sleep, I approached the second last sea day with gusto. I hadn’t had my fill yet of this beautiful ship yet, or her crew, and I wanted to absorb every single second.

After another yummy breakfast, we headed to the Marquee for a live cooking demonstration with Executive Chef Ben Frankitt and Maitre d’Hotel Ricxel Quisto. Don’t miss this highly entertaining show, as it’s full of slapstick humour, great cooking techniques and a highly amusing dance and serenade by the the chefs at the conclusion (did someone say chicken dance?) Plus, all attendees were invited for a walk through the Waterfront galley, a highlight for any foodie.

I’d be lying if I said the day went by slowly, and I started to panic a bit. There was still so much to do. We hadn’t eaten at Luke’s yet and I was hanging to try those famous chicken wings. As lunch time creeped up, we thought now was as good as time as ever to try the burgers and wings at the eatery. Kishan found us a table, (well they all are great tables as they’re all overlooking the pool) and placed our orders. The cheeseburgers were juicy and flavourfully topped with ‘Luke’s Special Sauce’ - which the kids thought tasted very similar to Big Mac sauce - the truffle and parmesan coated fries moreish, and the wings saucily scrumptious. While there is a surcharge, it’s definitely worth eating at Luke’s. I think our bill came to about $60, which is very reasonable for five people. The one tip I would suggest, though, is to check what the Pantry is serving for lunch before deciding what you fancied, for as I discovered after our Luke’s lunch, that burgers and hot dogs were being served up, hot and fresh! Duh

We spent the bulk of the day truly relaxing in our favourite spot, the Ocean bar, drinking frappes and cool drinks. My absolute favourite theme was approaching, and I had even attended the Gatsby dance class so I was conserving my energy for the night. Before I move on, the Gatsby dance class is super fun and very relaxed. Even if you have zero rhythm and coordination, like me, you’ll pick up the steps. And, taking part in the ‘flash mob’ in the Atrium was one of the highlights of the cruise!

Evening approached and I was so excited getting dressed to the nines! If you only take part in one theme night, make an effort for Gatsby. The atrium gets decked out, the music is festive and everyone looks incredible. Even if you just don a sparkly headband for the ladies or a hat and braces for the gents, you’ll love the atmosphere.

Dinner was at Angelo’s, and we were treated to the second menu of the cruise. (Both Dragon Lady have two menus that they rotate every three days). Dishes included Caprese salad (which is quite small, so order two if you’re hungry), gnocchi, chicken carbonara and beef flank. Inspired by the meals before me, I asked our lovely waiter if he wanted to hear a joke. He replied, sure, so I couldn’t not deliver. I asked him,

“Why couldn’t the man open the front door?"

“Umm, I don’t know…” our obliging waiter answered.

“Because he had GNOCCHI”

There was complete silence. His face was deadpan, no reaction. My kids groaned and literally slid under the table in embarrassment.

Trying to save my joke, I pressed on,

“He had GNOCCHI (pointing vehemently at my plate of gnocchi) GNOCCHI, NO-KEY, NO-KEY.”

By this stage the whole side of the restaurant was staring at this mad woman pointing at her plate repeating, GNOCCHI, louder and louder.

Suddenly, our waiter roared with laughter,

“Ah yes, NO KEY, I get it, yes!”

And he walked off chuckling to himself. Vindicated I loudly exclaimed to my family just how funny I was and that they in fact had no sense of humour. Honey 10 points, humourless family zero.

Dinner wound up, and as we walked out, the music drew us towards the Atrium in a bouncy-walkey fashion. Feathers, sparkles and champagne filled the air. Running down the steps to wait for the dance flash mob, I plonked myself right at the front so I could follow the steps. Looking up, smiling faces lined every possible spot in effort to be a part of the electric atmosphere. Soon enough, the cue came and the dancing begun. I’m sure I stuffed up the steps, but it was SO MUCH FUN!

The rest of the night was a bit of a blur; more dancing and a few glasses of champagne made it one fabulous night. As I walked into my cabin a little giddy, heels in hand, I threw my feather boa across the room. Watching it slowly float to the floor, I suddenly felt sad that there was only more day on the Pacific Explorer. I sank into my bed and allowed the gently waves to rock me to sleep, knowing that the dawn would be upon me soon, heralding my last day on the wide, blue expanse of the ocean.

P.S I forgot to add we watched the awesome show Let's Misbehave. It was FABULOUS!

READ DAY 8 HERE

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Who wants a FREE cruise?

WIN A FREE CRUISE

FOR FREE?

South Pacific Cruise - Day 8 - Pacific Explorer Sea Day

P&O Pacific Explorer

Fortnite

South Pacific Cruise - Day 7 - Pacific Explorer Sea Day

Pacific Explorer

Gatsby Night

Countries I've Cruised

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Ahoy! I'm Honey

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