In this week’s episode we are sharing with you all about our cruise to the South Pacific Islands of New Caledonia and Mystery Island, Vanuatu.

These islands are every bit as idyllic as you can imagine and you will learn all about what activities you can do like swimming with the turtles and what you need to know before and during a visit to these island paradises. After our island escapades we then share why the Quantum of the Seas is an absolute favourite cruise ship for families.  You will hear about the activities on board that kids of all ages can do, including surfing, skydiving, rock climbing and believe it or not – dodgem cars plus all day ice cream and hotdogs. Stay listening to the end when we give you some quick fun facts about the Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas cruise ship before revealing our honest opinions of what we really thought about our first cruise experience together.

Show notes and pictures below

Noumea, New Caledonia - Port Day

The first of our port days on our seven day South Pacific Island cruise was to Noumea the capital of New Caledonia. The ship docked around 7am at the port and passengers were able to disembark from the gangway on level two. There was a fleet of buses ready to shuttle people into the main part of town where all the optional excursions began. The cruise ferry terminal in the main part of town was the drop off point. From here you could catch the hop on hop off bus, use the free Wifi, or explore the city area by foot. As it is a French colony there are some very popular French patisseries around town.

We swam in the ocean and went to a brand new shopping centre before enjoying one of the local beachside cafes.

Mystery Island, Vanuatu

Mystery Island is an uninhabited island in Vanuatu. There are no roads, no internet and you have to pay cash for any purchases or activities.

You can buy fresh coconuts, grilled lobsters or try the local cava - although I wouldn’t recommend it unless you like the taste of muddy water.

It is easy to walk around Mystery Island as there is a track you can follow that has spectacular scenery the whole way. It only takes about 30 minutes to walk the whole island. You can stop and swim in many places along the way. You can choose to do some shore excursions which include snorkeling, paddle boarding as well as glass bottom kayaking.

If you prefer to relax you can hire beach umbrellas and chairs so you can just enjoy the ocean and views from the comfort of your shady spot.

Some other things you can do on Mystery Island include hair braiding, getting a photo with a large local lizard, shopping at the local handmade markets or listening to the local women singing - which was beautiful. Once you’ve finished exploring, you can just hop back on a tender boat and next thing you know, you are back on board.

Activities for Families and Children on Quantum of the Seas

There are so many fun things for kids to do on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas. There are numerous pools on deck 14 for families to enjoy. There are indoor areas as well as the main pool area outside where you can soak up the sunshine. As well as the pools there are two jacuzzies near each pool.

Also outside in the pool area there is a toddlers’ wave pool that is only for small kids.

A very unique and fun kids’ activity on Quantum of the Seas is the 12 metre high rock climbing wall. There are many different times throughout each day where only children are allowed to climb. The instructors are there to help all levels of ability and even young kids can have a great time rock climbing. You can easily find the rock wall on deck 15 right near the giant hot pink polar bear.

Two of the more popular things for kids and teenagers to do on board are the Flow Rider surf simulator and the Ripcord by Ifly parachuting simulator. There are lessons available for the surf simulator and if you don’t want to surf, you can use a boogie board. This looked like so much fun and the older kids seemed to really enjoy it.

The Ifly is available for children three years and up. Once again the staff are there to instruct and help with the flight in the simulator. Many families love to do this activity as it is a once in a lifetime experience.

The Quantum of the Seas is a popular choice for families because of the Seaplex area on decks 14 and 15. The Seaplex is like a mini amusement park. Some of the activities include dodgem cars, roller skating and laser tag. You can also play numerous sporting games as well.

The giant outdoor movie screen above the main pool on deck 14 shows several movies a day, It has a family friendly movie early in the evening that is always popular with families. Mum and dad can have a drink from the bar and sit and watch as the kids swim and enjoy the movie. All the pool areas have qualified lifeguards on duty keeping a close eye on all the swimmers in the pool.

There are many shows that are also suitable for all ages. Some of these include trivia and karaoke. A nice touch for kids (and adults alike) are the “towel animals” that the hospitality staff make for your cabin each day.

If you would like to hear all the detailed information about the Noumea and Mystery Island port days or the whole range of family activities on the Quantum of the Seas, then click on the player below which has the full podcast episode jam-packed full of great information.

If you would like to find out more about the layout of the Quantum of the Seas and what to know before you cruise the click the button below

To find out all the entertainment options including shows and food options then click the button below