We may not be sailing to New Guinea’s amazing Conflict Islands right now but we wanted to let you know of some of the amazing work underway looking after endangered green and hawksbill turtles. 🐢

Each year these turtles lay their eggs on the Islands’ beaches and the Conflict Islands Conservation Trust team works tirelessly to protect them over the nesting season. Nesting season for the green turtles began this month but one turtle mother arrived early to lay her eggs and more than 30 sea turtle hatchlings were born out-of-season.

Conservation ranger, Steven, helped the babies survive by relocating the nest to the island’s turtle sanctuary, which will house them until they are ready to venture back into the wild.

This hatchery is supported by the P&O Pacific Partnership and valuable $1 donations from P&O guests.

You can learn more about the Conflict Islands Conservation Trust by visiting https://www.cici.org.au/ and can even donate directly if you choose.

We can't get enough of these adorable baby turtles! 🐢🐢

More on P&O Pacific Partnership

Meet Ben Frankitt one of our very favourite Executive Chefs, currently leading the team on Pacific Explorer.

Ben has been honing his love of food for over 15 years and we are lucky that he has spent 10 of those years with P&O Cruises Australia.

Ben was promoted to Executive Chef in 2015. He cites hard work and an abundance of energy and enthusiasm for food as reasons behind his success.

Ben is responsible for most of the restaurants & food outlets onboard including Waterfront, Dragon Lady, Angelos, The Pantry and Charlie's Bar. Trying out new menu items, food delivery and distribution onboard, food service (breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in-between), plus managing a massive team of culinary staff makes for an extremely busy cooking bonanza. EVERY DAY!

Ben originally heralds from Manchester, England, but is so grateful for the experiences he gets to have with all of P&O's Australian & Kiwi guests. His P&O family and all the amazing Cruiselings he meets, make it a ‘home away from home’ and he would not have it any other way.

And what is he most looking forward to when P&O resumes cruising - 'The “BUZZ” of dinner service and serving 1000 guests in record time….COME ON!!!!!!!!’

We cannot wait as well….bring it on!

Fun fact: Ben’s favourite dish is a delicious Ocean Trout Poke bowl and lucky for you, we have included this recipe to try at home. Check out the recipe here.

The Bonded Store Playlist

Kick back with a smooth gin & tonic and enjoy our very own Bonded Store playlist.

This hidden bar is tucked away in the corner of Pacific Explorer, accessed via a cleverly disguised door posing as a large portrait. Created in collaboration with Archie Rose Distilling Co, this bar offers an on-trend selection of drinks for those that have an appreciation for premium cocktails prepared by the bar's mixologists.

To note, you must have a Spotify account to access the P&O Bonded Store playlist. If you do not, it is easy to sign up. Just follow the prompts here

Father’s Day ‘Dad’ Joke competition

Congratulations to Ben Shepherd who has won the Father’s Day ‘Dad’ Joke Competition grand prize!

Happy Father’s Day to all the legendary Dads out there.

Thanks for all your entries, Sam Thaiday and the P&O team have had a blast!

Nouméa is the capital of the South Pacific archipelago of New Caledonia. A cosmopolitan city, brimming with culture, personality and French influences, Nouméa acts the gateway to New Caledonia's islands and magnificent beaches.

P&O Cruises offer a wide variety of shore experiences for young and old.

Discover Signal Island via Zodiac, lose yourself at Lemon Bay Beach and Anse Vata, where you can experience a little taste of the French Riviera. In Anse Vata there are a fantastic array of restaurants specialising in their own Plats Du Jour (dish of the day), as well as local and other regional specialties to try. Walk the promenade at Lemon Bay Beach for a great selection of foodie delights.

For the adrenalin junkies, there is the Tree-to-Tree Adventure in Koghi Forest. Put your balance and bravery to the test in the treetops. Swing, slide and climb your way through an adventure course, up to 20 metres above the ground. If climbing trees is not up your alley, enjoy a nature walk in the Mont Koghi rainforest and take in the natural beauty of the area.

Plus there are Segway, kayak and bicycle experiences to get involved in, or you can just soak up the sun on one of the magnificent beaches.

P&O cruises to Nouméa all year round. From Sydney, choose the Taste Of New Caledonia, Explore the Loyalty Islands, Fiji Adventure itineraries or select departures of the Discover Vanuatu cruise. From Brisbane, the 7-night Pacific Island Hopper or the Bounty Discovery, departing Auckland also call at Nouméa.

Cocktails, cocktails & more cocktails!

A cocktail @ sea is always far better than a cocktail on land. We might be biased, but we truly believe it is.

Throughout our pause in operations, we have shared all of our favourite onboard tipples and now have delicious library of recipes for you to try @ home. From our very decadent Toblerone & Mudslide cocktails, to Pina Coladas, frozen Margaritas, Martinis, Mojitos, Fruit Tingles, Hummingbirds & Cosmos.

Cruiselings, you are spoilt for choice. Enjoy responsibly with your favourite people :)

P&O @ Home – Dragon Lady Sweet Sensations

Due to popular demand, this week we bring you two more exotic Dragon Lady desserts.