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I’m in what I call the “busy stage” of life. Weekdays disappear in a blur of work, school drop-offs, after-school activities and an ever-growing to-do list, while weekends seem to end almost as soon as they begin. My husband and I were craving a chance to relax and reconnect.
So when the opportunity came up to take a four-day, three-night cruise from Sydney to Nouméa with Norwegian Cruise Line, we said yes – despite always thinking that cruising was something we’d do once we were retired empty-nesters. As it turns out, a short cruise was exactly the reset we didn’t know we needed. If you’re in your forties or fifties and have never considered a cruise, or if you have sailed before but normally with all the kids and chaos that most cruises offer, this might just change your mind.
Passports in hand, we arrive at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at our allotted time. The process is effortless. Staff guide us from one point to the next – immigration, bag drop, security – until we’re heading to our room. Holiday mode: on.
Time Out advice: You must arrive at your designated boarding time – it keeps everything flowing smoothly.
Our balcony stateroom becomes our home at sea, perfect for a morning sea breeze, afternoons watching the endless horizon and nights under a sky full of stars. The compact room is cleverly designed with everything we need – a TV, a bar fridge, hangers for clothes and amenities in the bathroom.
Time Out tip: Take a moment to learn the ship’s layout and a few nautical terms – port, starboard, aft, forward – it’ll save you from going around in circles.
Cocktails in hand, we head to the top deck as our ship, Norwegian Spirit, sails out of Sydney Harbour at sunset. It’s magic. As the Opera House fades into the background and the heads open up to the vast ocean beyond, I feel the gentle sway of the ocean.
Time Out tip: If you’re prone to seasickness, come prepared with ginger tablets or acupressure bands.
Food quickly becomes a central theme of the trip. On the first night, we dine at Onda by Scarpetta, a specialty Italian restaurant. Plates of burrata, seafood pasta and perfectly cooked steak arrive in quiet precision, ending with a panna cotta that has just the perfect level of wobble. The next night is a feast of French onion soup and coq au vin at Le Bistro restaurant, served with a touch of theatre.
We keep things more casual for lunch, drifting between the ship’s complimentary restaurants – Taste, Windows and The Local. Buffet breakfasts are usually at the bustling Garden Café, where there’s so much variety – from made-to-order omelettes to pastries, fresh fruit and even comforting bowls of congee. Added bonus? We have a chinwag with our fellow travellers from all around the world.
Time Out tip: Book specialty dining as soon as you board since popular times fill up quickly. And if you like dressing up for dinner, you have the perfect excuse.
Nine bars, each with its own vibe, take us from sipping on poolside Bellinis by day to post-dinner digestifs. Bartenders deftly shake and stir their way through countless cocktails, all served with a smile.
Time Out tip: If you plan on indulging, upgrade to Free at Sea, which includes premium beverages so you can enjoy unlimited beers, wines, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks without the mental maths of how much those Margs are going to cost you.
My favourite spot? The Spice H2O pool deck. Think hot tubs, an elevated pool, bars – and not a waterslide in sight. Instead of shrieks and splashes, it’s all about cocktails, live music and leisurely afternoons in the sun. In fact, the vibe across the entire ship leans decidedly adult. This cruise is more calm, less kids’ club.
Time Out tip: Bring that book you’ve been meaning to read, claim a deck chair and settle in for a day of swimming, sipping and switching off.
I book myself into the Mandara Spa for a facial and massage – think soft lighting, luxurious Elemis lotions and potions, and a masseuse whose magic hands knead away all those knots of tension. Two hours later, I emerge relaxed yet reinvigorated.
Time Out tip: Your onboard account is linked to your room, so there’s no need to carry cash – just keep in mind everything is charged in US dollars (also, carry an adapter for US powerpoints).
The beauty of a cruise is that we are free to do as much or as little as we please: hit the Pulse gym to work off those indulgences, dance the night away, LOL at a comedy show at the Stardust Theatre, shoot a few hoops on the basketball court, or sign up for any of the many group activities: trivia, language classes, bingo, charades and karaoke (‘Sweet Caroline’ is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser).
Time Out tip: Check the daily schedule delivered to your cabin the night before and pick a couple of activities that interest you – there’s no need to fill every moment.
Through it all, the service stands out. The crew – from all corners of the globe – are genuinely warm and attentive. Beds are made, drinks appear and umpteen questions are answered at the service desk. It’s this consistent care that elevates the experience.
As the days sail by, I realise it’s not the destination or the dining – it’s the feeling of being without a care. No planning, no rushing, no endless to-do lists. A four-day cruise turns out to be exactly right: long enough to feel like I’ve had a break, short enough to feel doable. I get the appeal now.
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