Travel Report
Cruise Norwegian Sprit Fiji to Tahiti
One spontaneous phone call. One incredible last-minute cruise. One unexpected celebrity. Join Caroline Russo as she discovers the beauty of the South Pacific, the joy of cruising, and why sometimes the best adventures are the ones you never plan.
Sometimes life’s greatest adventures arrive when you least expect them.
When wildlife producer and filmmaker Lyn Sutherland phoned me with news of a last-minute cruise deal to Tahiti, I had no idea that two weeks later I would be sailing through some of the most beautiful waters on earth. What began as a spontaneous decision quickly became one of the most memorable holidays of my life—complete with turquoise lagoons, unforgettable friendships, breathtaking sunsets and, as it turned out, a rock legend travelling quietly among us.
Tahiti had long been on my bucket list, but it wasn’t a destination I had planned for this year. Then came Lyn’s phone call. A heavily discounted last-minute cabin became available aboard Norwegian Spirit, and before I knew it, we were counting down the days to departure. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
Travelling from Fiji through the South Pacific to French Polynesia, our journey would take us to some of the world’s most spectacular island destinations. For just $1,200 each, we secured an inside cabin. While it was compact and lacked a porthole, it offered everything we needed. After all, when you’re cruising through paradise, the cabin is simply where you rest your head at night.
Of course, there were additional costs to consider. Flights from Brisbane to Fiji, travel insurance, gratuities, shore excursions and spending money all needed to be factored into the budget. We also chose to extend the adventure with a stopover in Rarotonga on the journey home, which became a memorable experience in its own right. I have reported on that one here.
Even with those extra expenses, this holiday proved to be one of those rare “pinch me” moments and one very affordable getaway.
From the moment we stepped aboard Norwegian Spirit, there was an atmosphere of relaxation. Carrying around 2,000 passengers and supported by an outstanding crew that was said to be over 1000, the ship immediately felt welcoming and easy to navigate within a days.
Like most cruisers, our first stop was The Garden Cafe buffet. Three times a day. The endless variety of food quickly made me realise that maintaining some level of discipline would be essential over the next two weeks! One of my favourite stations was the fact I had fresh pasta made in front of me with desire sauce mix and being Italian was in heaven with salad. But it was endless with so many food choices and sweets to cover all tastes.
Most nights we aimed to be dinning at Windows as loved the whole atmosphere but Taste was also lovely for change and service too, and loved going to The Local for breakfast and late night cup of herbal tea as that is open for 24 hours and food choices there are great and nice bar too.
One of the unexpected pleasures of cruising is simply watching life unfold around you. Passengers came from all walks of life, though many were retirees and seasoned travellers. Among them was one gentleman who repeatedly caught our attention.
With his long hair, distinctive style and unmistakable rock-and-roll presence, he seemed different from everyone else onboard.
“He’ looks like somebody famous that could be in rock band, was the main obersvation that Lin and I took when we saw him and his partner.
As the days passed, we continued to speculate. Then, only a few days before disembarkation, one of the crew quietly confirmed what Lyn had suspected all along to being a rock star. The mystery passenger was none other than Steven Tyler, legendary frontman of Aerosmith. I did feel a bit in shame bucket as me of all people should of known this but both of us sadly never real fans even thought his he has a incredibly voice and is also the father of actress Liv Tyler and two other daughters.
What struck me most wasn’t his fame, but how relaxed and respectful the atmosphere was around him. Fellow passengers largely allowed him to enjoy his holiday in peace, and he appeared to appreciate the chance to simply be another traveller enjoying paradise.
Celebrity sightings aside, the real stars of this journey were the islands themselves.
One of the greatest pleasures of cruising is waking up to a different destination every few days. Our itinerary began in Fiji before taking us through Samoa, American Samoa, the Cook Islands and finally the spectacular islands of French Polynesia.
As with any ocean voyage, Mother Nature has the final say. Weather conditions meant we missed a couple of planned ports, but that’s simply part of travelling by sea. Fortunately, there were still countless unforgettable experiences waiting for us.
One of my favourite days was spent in Suva, Fiji, where we hired a private taxi and local guide. Rather than following the crowds, we explored at our own pace, visiting beautiful waterfalls where we could swim, meeting friendly locals and experiencing everyday Fijian life. It became one of the most authentic days of the trip.
Each island revealed something different. From the dramatic harbour of American Samoa to the tropical beauty of the Cook Islands, every destination had its own personality and charm. Then came Bora Bora.
No amount of photographs can truly prepare you for the colours of its lagoon. The crystal-clear turquoise water and relaxed atmosphere make it easy to understand why Bora Bora is regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. But for me, nothing compared with Moorea.
If there was one experience that will stay with me forever, it was me having a go at snorkelling in warm, crystal-clear waters surrounded by graceful stingrays and reef sharks. It was exhilarating, peaceful and surprisingly calming all at the same time.
Seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural environment was something I had only dreamed about.
Our excursion with Moorea Motu Day Pass was exceptionally well organised and became the one of highlight of my entire holiday.
Not every day was spent ashore. One day the sea became quite rough, but even that became part of the experience. It was the perfect excuse to slow down, enjoy a coffee, read a good book, catch up on a few emails go and lounge around the diffrents parts of ships, and just do what you want. Sometimes doing absolutely nothing is one of cruising’s greatest pleasures. Something quite unusual for me!
When we finally arrived in Tahiti, I was so pleased we had allowed ourselves a few extra days before flying home. Hiring a car with new friends that were from Gold Coast and we had met onboard gave us the freedom to explore waterfalls, famous surf beach Teahupoo, and hidden gems at our own pace before reluctantly saying goodbye to Tahiti mainland.
Looking back, this wasn’t simply a holiday. It was a cruise, that completely changed my perspective on travel.
There is something incredibly calming about spending days at sea. You begin to appreciate the vastness of the ocean, the beauty of slowing down, and the excitement of waking each morning in a new destination. Add wonderful food, nightly entertainment, excellent service and the friendships you make along the way, and it’s easy to understand why so many people fall in love with cruising. One already lasting friendship was with our friend Sue a Wedding Celebrant from London and we had many good conversations and fun over the time.
One other couple we met had been cruising almost continuously for years. They told us it actually cost them less than maintaining a home. Instead of staying in one place, they simply travelled the world. I found that fascinating.
For many seniors, cruising offers an affordable, comfortable and wonderfully social way to travel. Everything is taken care of, and whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends or on your own, there are endless opportunities to meet people and create lifelong memories. Who knows… perhaps The Love Boat wasn’t such a far-fetched idea after all.
As for me, this unexpected adventure ticked every box. I returned home refreshed, inspired and already dreaming about my next cruise.
Sometimes all it takes is one phone call to change everything.
Caroline Russo Happy Cruiser.
Tips for Travel packing.
Don’t overpack Kept it under 15 KLS and with small carry on if you can.
If summer lots of mix and match makes for light packing
Take a wrap and light overocoat just in case as one night it was cooler.
Bring all medications to cover all sorts of things.
Little torch come in handy.
Extra hanging magnetic hooks.
Comfy shoes for walkig, nice pair to suit all occasions for dinner and ones for reef.
Backpack comes in handy when off the boat to carry things.
Bring all white gear for the night themed and disco one.
Good water cooler to carry with you and sunscreen hats
Allow for tipping if you want to personally do yourself at the end of cruise.
You plugs for outlets a good Universal one.
I brought small power outlet to plug in few things.
2 to 3 pairs of swimmers and gym gear if you like to go there.
Get ready to relax enjoy the sunsets and sunrises and all there is to offer as its one unpack for 2 weeks standard.
