Highlights

Islands. It’s safe to say, it lives up to the name. This is a great way for anybody wanting a taste of island life to see a lot of places in a short time, and in style.

I boarded in Lautoka, Fiji, and before I knew it I was at the Yasawa Islands, visiting the kind of beach I’d only seen on postcards.

Making our way to Tonga, buses took people from the wharf to the King’s palace, the royal tomb, to Tonga’s famous blowholes and finally to a resort for a meal and cultural show.

The next stop was Niue, and I was fortunate to be taken on a tour of the tiny nation (population 1684) by a member of my family. It was wonderful getting to see the photogenic country, but it was frustrating for myself and many passengers that the ship made its maiden call to Niue on a Sunday, a day of rest where little is open throughout the highly-religious pacific islands. We were lucky to have the locals

The most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept on, the view from my private balcony, amazing food.

Lowlights

Major confusion over what was happening over timezones.

Verdict

It’s not a cheap holiday, but if you can afford it, sailing the Pacific Ocean in your Seabreeze Penthouse is an experience you’ll never forget.

The writer travelled on the Crystal Symphony courtesy of Crystal Cruises, on part of the Polynesian Palette cruise.

❚

The pool area is popular on board the ship.

There are plenty of different, varied places to eat on board the Crystal Symphony. Rooms have private balconies, which I found to be a nice private space to unwind.

My room even had USB ports by the bathroom.