Could it possibly get any better than  Cruising around the South Pacific on a luxury cruise liner with a large contingent of gay and lesbian passengers on board while visiting some of the most beautiful islands in the world? In my last column I started to recount to all you fabby QNews readers about our adventures both on board and on shore when I recently took part in Travel Out's big gay cruising experience. It was not an all gay cruise, rather a regular P&O cruise with a large organised LGBT contingent with many activities and get togethers planned.

Let me tell you, this was a trip that is one of my all time travel highlights. I would fully recommend it to anyone. Even if it is not on a cruise, this part of the world is stunning! There was so much to see and do that I have to write a second column just to fit everything in.   

I thought I must have died in my sleep and gone to Heaven when  we awoke just as the Pacific Dawn dropped her anchor at idyllic Lifou, the largest of the Loyalty Islands, located approximately 200 km Northeast of New Caledonia. After a scrumptious buffet breakfast, a lazy day with snorkel n' flippers was on the cards. The water was warm and crystal clear, but after a very relaxing swim I felt the need to explore. I was able to join a tour of  a vanilla plantation where we tasted  the famous vanilla coffee before a casual walk down the 200  basalt steps of the Jonkin Cliffs for a taste of real paradise.

Back in town, the market women in brightly coloured dresses accompanied tribe of handsome men in entertaining us, resplendent in woven traditional fabric with adornments of blossoms, vines and feathers. All dancing in the open and singing to the rattle of seeds, shells, & beat of the bamboo drums, just as they have done for centuries. On offer, sensibly priced snacks, island themed jewellery, T-shirts, sarongs other island attire were bought or bartered with hair braiding a favourite with the girls of all genders. A look that was perfectly in tune for that evening's island night dance party on the pool deck.

The next day the diving was wonderful and offered excellent visability before getting back on board for a late lunch and  a welcome refresh in the pool. After a short overnight cruise accompanied by an all night party, we were in Vanuatu capital, Port villa where we got up close to some of the local sea life in a glass bottom boat. As spectacular as that was, you really need to see this place from the air.  The  helicopter flight is a must do! From high above the big white Pacific Dawn looked magnificent reflected in the blue lagoon edged by the green rainforest. We hovered over 5 star resorts, fishing villages, farms and forests  before we landed on an uptown pontoon back at the Port Vila  lagoon. A thrilling experience

Villa is shoppers paradise. A duty free heaven with some great bargains, however, the shorts I bought, were made in Bali!

Once upon a time, in condominium days, Vanuatu was called /New Hebrides.' Re-christened in 1980, the dual English & French influence only enhances its polly – cultural diversity.

Upon return to the ship, an invitation from the Captain to visit the bridge for the departure from Port Villa, was gleefully accepted. I even got to activate the ship's horn prior to departure. Another thrilling experience of a lifetime for this old sailor.

Absolutely fabulously weather graced us for the last two day at sea where we spent the days  watching for passing freighters ,laying round the pool, sipping on cocktails and catching up on a little eye candy. El fresco lunch was served two meters away. What is there not to enjoy?

But wait, there's more! Pacific dawn has just undergone a dry-docking and make over. The below decks have  seen thousands of meters of new carpets laid, revamped entertaining areas, even a new La Luna Restaurant. Outside a LED big screen has been installed relaying inside activities, or view those not to be missed big sporting fixtures from home. Pacific Dawn has also added new destinations from Brisbane to New Guinea - another first for P&O who invented pleasure cruising 75years ago with a cruise from Sydney to Norfolk Island.

I can’t wait to see these next additions when next I travel on ‘the Dawn”

Wally Cowin travelled on Pacific dawn on Brisbane’s first gay & lesbian group booking with Travel out.