It's the best beach destination in the world. Earthly paradise. Tropical heaven.

The Tahitian PrincessDarkness descended quickly, turning the turguoise lagoon ink-black. As fast as the sun set a full moon rose, silhouetting Bora Bora's emerald peaks and creating a silvery sliver on the water.
It was surreal. As we sipped fruit cocktails in front of a screen suspended between two coconut palms, a young Tahitian princess told her forbidden lover in a farewell letter that she would return to him In his dreams, guided over the distant South Seas by the moonlight.

We watched the Oscar winning movie from the deckchairs planted on one of French Polynesia's small, isolate islands, Motu Tevairoa quite possibly the same coral sands on which the 1928 silent picture was filmed. It was the first evening of a six night Cruise but the "cinematamua" under the stars was a highlight.

Glacier in AlaskaWe all know that there’s plenty to do aboard a cruise ship. Between the movies, the food, the lectures, the games, the shows, the casino, the boutiques, the art auctions, and the bars, it’s tempting to let the entire cruise slide by without ever really looking out a window, much less setting foot off the ship.

But don’t make the mistake of doing that in Alaska, where an exquisite combination of history, wildlife, and beautifully rugged glaciers and mountains make for just as good a time off the ship as on it.

This article lists just a few of the things you may want to look out for on your Alaskan cruise. If you poke around, you’ll doubtless find even more fascinating sights and experiences.

The Great Barrier ReefThe Great Barrier Reef in Queensland is a dazzling and unique marine environment is the largest reef system in the world. Its islands offer the perfect tropical getaway and superb opportunities for sailing, diving and wildlife-watching. Over the Christmas holidays we where fortune enough to spend two glouries weeks on the Barrier Reef. The Barrier Reef has more than 3000 individual coral reefs to explore: over 900 islands: and a web or flora and fauna that embraces living coral. The marine mammal is amazing-including giant humpback whales, placid dugongs and dolphins. Above sea level it is magical, below sea level it is an awe-inspriring world of colour and movement.

Exploring the Reef provided endless fasciation to us, and it can be done in a number of ways-diving, snorkelling and reef watching from glass-bottomed boats and semi submersibles. Sailing, sea kayaking, windsurfing, swimming, fishing birdwatching, bushwalking and camping are just some of the other activities we had on offer over a two week period. Resorts, friendly loges and national parks islands or near pristine wilderness provide access to this remarkable destination

Galapagos birdsOur overall Geography knowledge generally includes the concept that tropical latitudes develop no climate-

Frigate Bird Galapagos IslandsIt is quite common for potential travellers who are planning Galapagos Islands Cruises and Tours, to ask what is the best time to visit the islands, and usually they will ask why that time is the best time.

The correct answer has two variations: first, let’s start by saying there is no bad time to visit the islands. In other words, any month is worth visiting the islands. The second answer may be more specific, and thus the best time to come to the islands are the transition months.

Galapagos Climate satelite photoClimate changes in

Isabela II Galapagos CruiseIf you live in northern latitudes, say higher than 30°N, chances are you are not expecting warm days now, right? Well, escaping the cold, and heading for warm days, seems to be the trend worldwide.

Of course, Galápagos is not just one more tropical destination. It is one of the most amazing National Parks and Marine Reserve, where the best wildlife encounters happen. But, really what makes Galápagos so special in these months? Here are some expedition highlights for you to consider, and remember, they only happen at this time of the year.