Luana van Brug is one of three lucky readers winning Carnival Cruise South Pacific trip

Luana van Brug is the lucky Penrith Press winner of the News Local Carnival Cruise competition.

Luana van Brug is planning a Christmas holiday to the South Pacific as the lucky Penrith Press winner of the News Local Carnival Cruise competition.

Mrs van Brug, 45, from Mulgoa, is one of three lucky readers going on an 11-day cruise for up to four people to New Caledonia and Vanuatu valued at $8,036.

“I just looked at it and thought I would give it a go, a lot of our friends have been on cruises and have always said go go go,” Mrs van Brug said.

Carnival Cruise Ships. (Photo: James Morgan)

“I’ve never been on a cruise before, I do get travel sickness but I’ll give it a go.”

Having never entered any major competitions before Mrs van Brug couldn’t believe when she got the call.

“It didn’t register for an hour or two, I didn’t even tell my husband until later because I just thought ‘is this for real’,” she said.

“It will be really interesting seeing countries like Vanuatu. We’ve done a bit of travelling before but never to those islands around Australia.”

The Green Thunder, steepest and fastest waterside at sea. (Photo: Carnival Cruises)

While on board they will enjoy a host of fun activities, including the exciting Green Thunder water slide, all-you-can-eat buffet meals and a spot of pampering at the Serenity Retreat.

They will be able to indulge in a glass or three of Thirsty Frog Summer Ale, which has been created by The Lord Nelson Brewery in The Rocks.

Mr van Brug couldn’t be more grateful, but now faces the decision as to who to take.

“My husband and I don’t have children so we were talking about who to take and haven’t decided yet, I’ll let it sink in first.”