Marlin lodge benguerra island mozambique

When you make the decision to go to Marlin Lodge Benguerra Island, Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique, be careful who you tell, because most people still think it is unsafe, and those folk who know anything at all about Mozambique will probably never speak to you again.

You fly into Vilanculos, which is about two hours from Johannesburg with Pelican Air, and it is possible to coincide flight times coming in from Europe on an international flight.

The boat to Marlin Lodge arrives off the beach so it’s a wade to get on board, but the journey is a delight as you are taken to Benguerra Island that could truly be described as being in the middle of nowhere.

The short journey is at speed, but not so quick you couldn’t take in the colors, turquoise, aquamarine, sapphire, contrasting with the stunning white sandbanks.

The first thing that struck me on arrival was how warm the water was as I waded ashore, and arrival we had become used to in Zanzibar on a previous trip – no jetty here either!!

We had a luxury chalet which was gorgeous, and it had its own private walkway to the beach.

To see photographs go to worldwidevacationspots. com/articles/16/1/Marlin-Lodge-Benguerra-Island-Mozambique/Page1.html

All toiletries are provided in big bottles and so you don't need to take your own

The staff were terrific, and in an unobtrusive way, giving us excellent service.

In so far as activities are concerned, some people went scuba diving, others went fishing, some like us did virtually nothing but unwind with a bit of snorkelling thrown in, and exploring too.

Whilst it is more a place for honeymooners than families, there is water skiing, and banana boat rides too

All in all it was everything we had hoped for, and I'd certainly recommend it.

It was quite superb - the food, especially if you like seafood, although if you wanted something else that didn’t seem to be a problem, the location, the service and people were all terrific

I can't recommend it enough!

It was a perfect place to relax and unwind.

I would highly recommend Marlin Lodge.

African safari vacation tips

For every instance, there surely must be some guidelines to further enhance the excitement of the experience or simply to make the most out of any activity. In this article, we have prepared several African safari vacation tips that will let ensure a vacation like nothing else. Here they are:

The early bird, as the saying goes, catches the worms. This adage seem to apply even for African safari vacations. Even if it implies that you wake up earlier than the rising of the sun, you would be happy that you did since many activities occur during the morning than throughout the day. This is for the reason that most animals are active in the earlier parts of the day and spend the whole light hours sleeping or resting. Nocturnal animals, on the other hand, are only about to rest while the sun rises.

The safaris, though more famous for the games and wild animals, were not created solely to do just that. You might be busy collecting stones while discarding wonders such as sightings of intriguing insects, varieties of smaller animals and multitudes of panoramic sights.

One of the more indispensable equipments in any African safari vacation is the binoculars as they allow you to see visions even from afar. Though travel companies normally provide binoculars, you might as well bring your own sets as you may prove them more convenient than risking your chance of sharing the tool with another person.

Your exposure to mosquitoes in African safaris can cause you myriad of mosquito diseases which in most cases, deprive you from more enjoyable experiences. To ward off uninvited guests during the night, make it a point to apply mosquito repellants and expose parts of your body as little as possible.

Any self-respecting African safari vacation operators knows that guests are susceptible to certain ailments due the natural elements in wild Africa. Therefore, they are well-equipped with treatments, medications and procedures that will create lesser chances of being affected by one. However, you must still bring with you personal medications such as anti-diarrhea medicine and anti-malaria pills in case you might need them.

You surely would want to reserve memories of experiences that you have undergone during your African safari vacation. If you were to bring a camera, your best bet would be the digital ones. However, for types that make use of films, be careful that you have some good reserve of batteries and films.

If you want sights of the nocturnal animals, your obvious choice would be to travel at night. Be wary though that you don't get to hold the lights primarily because they can attract many insects that becomes irritating overtime.

How to get a cheap airline ticket to philippines

If you are getting tired with the same old vacation destination where all you can see are structures, architectures, statues, and paintings, then it is about time to bring yourself to something different. It is about time to visit the exotic and tropical island of the Philippines.

The Philippines is culturally diverse with different languages and color. You suddenly begin to realize that there is more to the Philippines than it more than 7,000 glittering islands in the Pacific.

Taking you to the far eastern side of the world would bring you the one of the most enchanting places you would ever see with several islands waiting to be explored at minimal prices.

Craving for something different would mean booking your airline ticket at this tropical country that showcases one of the best beaches in the world and some of the best diving spots that one can ever find with its deep marine sanctuaries.

But why go to the Philippines if you can get the sun, beaches, and diving spots in the Caribbean or Miami perhaps? Aside from getting cheap airline tickets that will fly you to the best places in the Philippines, there are numerous domestic flights that could take you anywhere closer to the exotic and remote beaches of the islands with your cheap airline tickets to the Philippines.

Cheap airline tickets to the Philippines can be acquired through several online and offline travel agents, airline companies, and cheap airline ticket sites. Once you have arrived, in its mainland, you are greeted with the warmest welcome from the locals who are all to glad to see visitors from anywhere.

Talking about accommodation?

There are several world-class beach resorts that offer cheap accommodation and cheap delicious foods both from local and international cuisine.

The Philippines boasts of its fine sugar beaches with cheap yet modern facilities with top service located at the central part of the country.

Palawan is one of the unspoiled areas f the country that has modernity and nature combined at the same time. You are afforded a breathtaking views and white sand beaches with exotic food, cheap souvenir goodies and shopping for luxuries at super low prices.

Tagaytay. You will never get tire of this island where you can see the mouth of the volcano up close and even stand on its mouth after crossing a lake and it is just several hours away from the huge and bustling city of Manila where all the fun and modernities are present.

Mayon Volcano. Located 500 kilometers southeast of Manila, this volcano boasts the “almost perfect” cone that towers the whole region with its majestic and picturesque view. You can take a bus or take a 45-minute cheap domestic plane that travels daily from the Manila International Airport.

These are but 4 of the sights you can see in the Philippines from different places. In between you discover that the entire archipelago has more to offer. You get to see different people from different areas of the country and with your cheap airline tickets to the Philippines you get to visit a whole lot more and spend several days more as most of their goods are priced at low prices.

The Philippines is actually a haven for bargain hunters and adventure seekers who love the sugar white beaches and the undisturbed marine life. Think of all you can do with extra money after purchasing cheap airline tickets to the Philippines and you will never regret for not paying too much on airfare. Now, compare that to other parts of the world. There is truly no better place to see and visit than the Philippines.

A family vacation getaway in one of the best luxury hotels in krabi thailand

So far as luxury hotels go anywhere in the Far East, the Rayavadee in Krabi Thailand is as good if not better than most other luxury hotels.

It is a great beach vacation hotel, with 77 rooms, perfect for a family vacation getaway, and equally fantastic for a honeymoon vacation special deal.

The Rayavadee has to be seen to be believed and everything from the staff to the accommodation, to the grounds, the beaches, and the food are close to being perfect. Krabi is possibly one of the most beautiful places on earth so it is just the perfect position for the Rayavadee.

You have to get to Rayavadee by boat, and the first thing that will strike you is the boat. White leather upholstery and the crew all in matching sailors uniforms. Initial impressions are lasting ones, and this certainly makes you feel you are going to a luxury resort. Moving from the speedboat to reception, the impression continues with details all being taken whilst sitting down with hot towels and drinks, which beats standing around a crowded reception area any time.

The accommodation is top class, and if you are on a family vacation getaway there is the family villa with two bedrooms, one on the ground floor, the extra bedroom being the only difference from the De Luxe Pavilion

A two storey villa, and it is so well equipped with all mod cons. It is the small touches like the bathroom own brand products, the bottles of water everywhere, tea, coffee, and biscuits replaced every day. More food and drinks in a huge sideboard, and chocolates left every night by the bed.

A huge bath which holds two, is a feature of the bathroom, and a huge bed are all part of the ambiance.

A great luxury resort has great food, and on a family vacation getaway with hungry kids to feed, this is a very important consideration. If the reader is considering the Rayavadee for a Beach honeymoon vacation special then food is probably high on your agenda.

You will find the restaurants at the Rayavadee are all of the very best, with impeccable service in each of the four different restaurants. It is fair to say that food is not cheap but the views are just out of this world, and you may find it sensible to go down the beach and eat instead, where you will pay perhaps $15 instead of $100, and get genuine Thai food. It’s perfectly safe and worth the effort.

If you want to be active, then there is lots to do from kayaking through the sea caves hiking, swimming, snorkelling, tennis.

The service from the staff could not be more helpful, you will be treated like royalty. in every way. The only downside is the service by the pool which seems to be on the slow side of slow, but always extremely polite.

They are exceptional apart from that small point in every way, and are a big part of the success of the Rayavedee.

Words cannot do justice to the incredibly beautiful beaches, especially the Phranang and Railey beaches which have powder white sand and views of islands in the distance with little caves to explore. Beware however of the monkeys, who although friendly are everywhere!!

All in all there is no doubt that the Rayavadee in Krabi is one of the best luxury hotels in the Far East. It is an ideal spot place for a family vacation getaway on some of the best beaches anywhere. It would also be a good choice for a honeymoon vacation special, so look out for some great honeymoon vacation deals.

For more informaton on Far East Hotels go to worldwidevacationspots. com/categories/Far-East-Hotels/

Finding adventure in brazil

When you travel to Brazil, you will be surprised by how much the landscape will change. You can travel to larger cities like Rio de Janeiro, visit the Amazon rainforests, or find a quiet beach to read or relax in the sun. If you enjoy the outdoors, there is much to see in Brazil. Since the country is so big, you may have to make several trips in order to see all the Brazil has to offer. With many small towns in between larger ones, you will be able to see how different people live and how different cultures survive together.

The biggest event that takes place in Brazil is Carnival, which is held as a way to celebrate the beginning lent. Smaller carnival celebrations are help all over Brazil in smaller cities including Salvador, Recife, and Olinda. Sao Paulo, which is a large city in Brazil, also hosts a carnival celebration. It is best to visit plan a visit to Brazil during carnival season a few months in advance as many people visit during this time.

If you want to visit the Amazon rainforests, there are parts of it that you will be able to see. You will be able to join tour groups that will take you into parts of the jungle. There you will see many different types of vegetation, wildlife, and other life forms that inhabit the rainforests. You will also learn about the struggle to preserve the rainforests and how precious they are to the earth.

After learning about the rainforests, you may want to relax by the ocean. Brazil has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You can choose to visit a public beach or you can find a private stretch of beach. If you choose to stay near the beach, you will be able to surf, play sports, and sit in the sun all day long if you choose. There are many outdoor activities, sporting events, walking, hiking, and camping activities that you can take part in during your stay in Brazil.

If you are looking for great restaurants, night clubs, and bars, you should stay in the capital of Brazil, Sao Paulo, or in Rio. There you will find many people who enjoy going out with friends to eat food and socialize. There are many different restaurants to choose from. After eating, you can go dancing, sit in a bar and talk, or you can take long walks on the beach.

Visiting Brazil is a fun way to spend a vacation. With so many activities to choose from, you will never be bored. Find out more information before deciding where to stay in Brazil. Depending on what you are interested in, you will find small and large towns that can accommodate you.

Campos do jord╤гo brazil

If you want to visit a city with a tipically tempered climate but that is located in the tropics then you should visit Campos do Jordгo in the brazilian state of Sгo Paulo. It is located more or less in between 3 well known capitals of Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, Sгo Paulo and Belo Horizonte. Campos do Jordгo is easy to reach over the highways that connect these cities. As a result, many people visit Campos do Jordгo which makes tourism the main economical activity of the city. In the high season, more than a million people visit this fascinating city which is locally known as the Brazilian Switzerland. The city has numerous inns known as “pousadas” in the Portuguese language and what is considered a first world infrastructure.

The city is located about 1800 meters (approx. 6000 feet) above sea level which and with its moderate climate it can be visited all year long. The “pousadas” are open the whole year and for many Brazilians it is a great place to escape the brazilian hot climate (at lower altitudes) and imagine them selves in a city in Europe.

Campos do Jordгo is located in a mountain range named the “Serra da Mantigueira” and the fauna consist mostly of pines, cascades, flowers, typical of European regions. In a “pousada” in Campos do Jordгo you can have a great vacation, different from the typical Brazilian vacation, without even leaving Brazil.

The fresh climate of the summer makes Campos a great place to stay in the months of december to march, which are the summer months as it is located south of the equator. With temperatures ranging from 18 C to 28 C (64 F to 82 F) Campos is a great escape from the summer heat at lower altitudes.

When searching for a more romantic atmosphere, the autumn is a great season to visit Campos do Jordгo. The local flora and fauna create lots of different tones of colors which are unlike the lower regions of Brazil. For Brazilians it is even a special treat to see the leaves of the trees all over the city on the ground: A great atmosphere for a romantic walk.

For most Brazilians, the winter time is actually the nicest season to visit Campos do Jordгo. Especially because the temperatures in Campos during winter can reach to below freezing, which is a very rare event in any other region in Brazil. Consider that Campos do Jordгo is as far south as Cuba is north you can imagine that freezing temperatures are an attraction in Brazil. Also many festivals are organized in this time of year and many celebrities visit the city, both to take a vacation and to perform.

The spring time brings beautiful surprises to the visitors. The European vegetation shows itself full during this season. Lots of colors, typical to more temperate regions. The city transforms it self unlike any other city in Brazil and again this is a great reason to stay in one the many “pousadas” in Campos do Jordгo.

Airline security

Ours is a changing world, and recent events have caused people the world over to take on new security measures, both personally and on a corporate level. Traveling to a foreign country, and even within your own country, has become more stringent with enhanced security requirements.

To beef up security and enhance customer service, many airlines, like TSA, are now conducting individual passenger screening at security checkpoints. TSA staff and screening equipment are concentrated at these checkpoints to perform random searches. Every passenger is required to have a boarding pass and photo identification in order to pass through a security gate. Tickets and ticket confirmations are longer accepted as valid identification at these checkpoints.

Many airlines now offer four methods of purchasing a boarding pass. New and convenient options include using the curbside check-in option, the airline's self-service ticket kiosk in the airport lobby, and the opportunity to purchase and print the boarding pass directly from your airline website. Of course, you can also pick up your boarding pass at the airline's ticket counter in the airport.

Check with your airline or travel agent to confirm the time you should arrive at the airport. It's also a good idea to confirm that there are parking lots available at the airport, or if shuttle service might be required.

Double-check to make sure that you have all of your valuables with you, as well as the documents required for boarding. Make sure that you have your boarding pass or ticket confirmation ready, as well as a piece of government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license or passport. If you have a medical implant or other device that can trigger the security alarm system, make sure that you have certified documentation from your doctor. Remove any prohibited items, such as pocketknives, before going through airport security.

It's a good idea to stay on the alert at all times. Keep close watch on your luggage, carry-on bags and other belongings. Never agree to carry a parcel for a stranger. If you find unattended bags at the airport, report it to a security officer rather than trying to pick them up yourself. If you see any individual that looks or acts suspicious, point it out to airline security. More than ever before, airline security is very serious business. Never joke about having bombs or firearms on board a plane or at security. The mere mention of such items can lead to lengthy questioning and possible expulsion from the airport.

You have definite rights as an airline passenger, but remember that this is a commercial service and your agreement may be subject to changes. In the case of a delayed flight, airlines will usually try to accommodate passengers by offering a seat aboard the next available flight. Rescheduling your flight on another airline is also an option, but there may be cancellation policies in effect.

Airlines typically overbook flights so double check your reservations to make sure you're guaranteed a seat. When a particular flight is overbooked, the airline will ask for volunteers to wait and board the next flight, and may offer cash or a free trip as an incentive. If there are no volunteers and you are involuntarily bumped, the airline will reserve another flight and you will be compensated for the inconvenience. If you fail to confirm your reservation or meet the check-in deadline, and if the plane has fewer than six available seats, no reward is offered for involuntary bumping.

You can easily avoid boarding hassles if you know your rights as a passenger and understand the airline terms and conditions for boarding. For your own safety and the security of airline personnel and other passengers, you need to take extra caution to avoid inevitable circumstances.

Being well informed is the ticket to enjoying a safe, secure, and pleasurable flight.

Honeymoon ideas

Weddings take plenty of planning, and the honeymoon planning might be neglected with so many other people to take care of for the big day. The wedding and the parties before and after usually include many people. There are bridesmaids, ushers and parents to consider as well as guests from out of town. This is a colossal undertaking for many people, and the honeymoon planning is only for two. Wise wedding couples will not leave the honeymoon ideas too late because travel plans are better made far in advance. Transportation and accommodations often fill up months in advance so honeymoon ideas left too long might be very limited indeed.

The best place to start looking for honeymoon ideas is with the two people going on the honeymoon. The happy couple are the only people who matter on the honeymoon so these are the people that need to make these plans. Each couple should take some time to just consider honeymoon ideas when they know the date of the ceremony. They should decide what they will want to do after a hectic wedding schedule and the emotional times included in that planning. Some people will want to just relax while others may want to use the available free time to see some tourist sights or take a ski trip.

After the honeymoon couple decides what type of holiday they want, they can access several sources for honeymoon ideas and advice from other sources. People who have recently done similar travel can provide some great honeymoon ideas. Friends and family that have been on a cruise or to Florida recently will provide the best evaluation of those honeymoon destinations. The local newspapers often have travel columns with lots of great advice and information. Each couple should remember to check out the local newspaper for honeymoon ideas. Once the destination is agreed upon, it is time to make the reservations.

Travel magazines are great places to look for honeymoon ideas. These magazines will provide meaningful information on some great destinations. Those on a budget might want to start with looking for some bargains in the newspapers. There are often some great deals on airfare and on accommodations away from home. If money is not an object, the budget should be ready for an extravagant honeymoon, and then any destination is a possibility. Any honeymoon idea should be the beginning of the plans for a momentous occasion.

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Learning spanish part eighteen the direct method of language instruction

Realizing that The Grammar Translation Method of second language instruction did not work to impart spoken proficiency in the target language, in the late 1800's, The Direct Method surfaced in language instruction. The need for a system that worked to teach spoken competence is what drove those to create The Direct Method. What it entailed was methods of language acquisition that were more closely related to how first (native) languages were acquired. The main goal was to teach how to think in the second language and move as far away as possible from the harmful grammar-first approach. It did not seek to make constant references to one's first or native language, as does The Grammar Translation Method.

The Direct Method brought a new wave of thought into second language teaching. The shift in philosophy of second language education led its proponents to believe that all instruction should be taught in the target language with no translation into the learner's native tongue. The emphasis was in forming connections between meaning and the second language being learned. One of the major and famous advocates of The Direct Method was Charles Berlitz. His schools still employ this method and are famous worldwide.

The basic idea was to learn to think in the language one wanted to learn. This was to be done without relating the learner's first language to the second language at all. Through the use of picture and pantomime, meaning was to be conveyed. The objective was to make links between meaning and the target language. If you were shown a picture of a cat, the word c-a-t in English would not be used to help you learn that in Spanish, the word is gato. The picture would convey the meaning of the word spoken by the teacher.

A problem with The Direct Method is that it met with opposition in public schools that are governed by strong political forces. Second language learning, for communicative purposes, was never popular in education and especially in mainstream America. Budgets, time, classroom size, and teacher incompetence were all cited reasons for sending The Direct Method into decline in the public eye. It is still employed in private schools.

It is the basis for The Audiolingual Method of Second Language Instruction.

NEXT: The Audiolingual Method

Travelling with pets

If you’re moving or you want to take your pet on holiday with you, chances are that you will want fly to wherever you are going to. So it’s good to know what you can do and what you can’t so your pet is exposed to as little trauma as possible. If you know in advance exactly how you can travel with your pet, it means you don’t have to waste time at the airport which could be tough on you and your pet.

Traveling with pets means you are subject to a different set of rules. It would help if you are familiar with them even before you book your tickets. First of all, check whether the airline you plan to go in allows pets as not all do. Then clarify if the pet you have will be allowed onto the flight. Again, certain pets might be allowed, certain others may not. If you go ahead and book without being sure, you could end up at the airport with your pet and not be allowed on board. Be very specific when you ask for information before you book your ticket.

You will have to bear in mind that your pet will have to be kept contained during the flight. So your dog or cat or bird will have to be put into a carrier. Again, enquire about what kind of carrier needs to be used. Not all carriers are allowed on board. Then find out whether your pet can travel with you or has to be checked in like baggage. Some airlines insist on this. There are a few rules you will have to follow if you take your pet into the cabin with you. Your pet can in no way affect the well-being or the peace of the others passengers. Remember not to place the carrier on any seat, even if it is empty and do not place it on the aisle where it can trip up a passenger or a member of the crew. Each airline has its own set of regulations over and above this.

Ensure that all your pet’s documents are in order. Here again, it would be good to check when you are booking your ticket so that you have enough time to make sure all his vaccinations have been done and no shots that need to be given have been forgotten in that last-minute rush. These are necessary not only to protect your pet but also all the other passengers he is traveling with. Some airlines need for you to have a medical examination just before boarding so they are assured that your pet is healthy enough to fly.

Once you have everything ready, your tickets, your pet’s health papers, the right carrier, make sure that you get to the airport earlier that check-in time. This just helps iron out any last-minute hiccups should they occur. And you can, no doubt, have enough time to sort out things and board your flight without problems. Both your pet and you will have to go through airport security and your pet too will have to go through the metal detector. It is likely that the pet carrier he is in will also be subject to checking. It usually involves sending this through the X-ray machine together with your carry-on bag. In this case, very often, it is just the carrier that goes through, not your pet.

However, there are airlines that say a big No to pets. Which is why it is so important for you to make sure whether or not your pet will be allowed well ahead of your traveling time. Some airlines that do allow you to might charge quite a bit extra for a pet. Do enquire about all the details before you buy that ticket!

A relaxing vacation in altea spain

Altea, Spain is a small town in the Costa Blanca and is located roughly nine miles north of Benidorm, a popular Costa Blanca city. Altea is one of the few villages in the region that has maintained the atmosphere of a fishing village, creating a tourist area without sacrificing its natural beauty. This small village offers its visitor an atmosphere much more peaceful and quiet than the larger cities. The mountains surrounding the village keep the climate comfortable in the summer months as well as the winter months when the mountains help protect the village from cold winds.

Most visitors to the village fly into the Alicante airport located about an hours drive from the town. There are buses and trains available at the airport to take you to the village, or you can rent a car from one of the car hire companies at the airport. With real estate growing in Altea, you will find many new hotels and apartments in which you can stay.

Altea is the perfect destination for a quiet, relaxing vacation in one of the most beautifully landscaped areas in the Costa Blanca region. Many writers and painters come to the village for its tranquility and beautiful surroundings. The length of stay varies, but most visiting writers and painters stay in the area surrounding the old church, Nuestra Senora Del Conseulo. This church was built in 1910 and has a beautiful Mediterranean style design with its hand-painted tiles and blue dome roof. In fact, the church’s roof is a landmark in the area.

Walking tours are the best way to experience Altea and are available in the town or the surrounding mountains. You can take a private tour or a guided tour of the trails around the village. If you enjoy nature, the mountain walking tours are a great way to enjoy the beautiful surroundings in a tranquil environment.

A short distance from the beach and harbor area is a selection of small stores for shopping. Many stores break for an afternoon siesta from 2:00 p. m. until 4:00 or 5:00 p. m., but the stores are generally open from 10:00 a. m. until 9:00 p. m. Larger stores may stay open all day. There is also a craft market open from Easter through September, offering another opportunity for shopping. You can find a wide variety of reasonably priced handmade items for sale at the market. The market is near the harbor area.

Despite its small size, golfers will still be in luck with the Altea Golf Club offering a great course for visitors to the area. The beautiful climate in the area is great for golfing, especially with the comfortable summers and mild winters. Finally, for some nightlife or more popular tourist attractions, you can take a trip to the nearby city of Benidorm where you will find vibrant nightlife, theme parks and water parks. You can travel to Benidorm by car or by train.

Explore exotic ports of call in the north and south pacific to choose your cruise

With all of the decisions that you have to make before taking a cruise, you may think that picking a cruise destination is the least of your worries. Four, seven, twenty-nine days on a luxurious cruise ship with nothing to do but while away the hours and absorb the scenery, who cares when and where you port? It’s all bound to be good, right?

Not necessarily. Many popular ports of call are visited by numerous cruise ships belonging to different cruise lines each and every day. These ports are often crowded and so touristy in nature that it is hard to enjoy or even discern the cultural allure that made these ports popular in the first place. For this reason, you should always research the ports of call offered in your cruise package as well as the ship that you book passage on.

Sapphire Princess: Ports of Call North And South Pacific

In this article we will look at just one of Princess Cruise Line’s ships, the Sapphire Princess, which visits numerous ports of call each year. In the summer months, she tours the waters of Alaska bypassing scenic glacier formations and during the rest of the year she can be found touring Mexico, Australia, and the South Pacific. Below is a brief review of two of the most popular cruises offered aboard the Sapphire Princess and just a few of her ports of call.

Hawaii, Tahiti, and the South Pacific

This amazing 29-day cruise begins in Sydney, Australia and takes a leisurely tour of the South Pacific making numerous stops before landing at Los Angeles nearly a full month later. The pricing for this cruise starts at $3,499 for an inside stateroom but is well worth the cost. On day 17 of this cruise, passengers are able to enjoy a full day in Bora Bora, French Polynesia. On day 23, the ship ports at Honolulu, Hawaii.

Bora Bora

Bora Bora’s main attraction is its multi-colored crystal clear lagoon and the many water-based activities that it offers. Some of the most popular activities include shark feeding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. If you need to get away from the ocean for a little while and test your sea legs on dry ground, Bora Bora offers scenic tours to see WWII cannons and breathtaking views of the lagoon from the hills above.

In addition to these attractions, there are numerous fine restaurants and shops to be found in Bora Bora. Unfortunately, transportation is a bit complicated on the island with only one public bus. Bicycles are the recommended mode of transportation for tourists to this area.

Honolulu

Honolulu is the most popular destination in Hawaii and for good reason. No matter what you desire to do, Honolulu can deliver. Its premier beach, Waikiki, is reputedly one of the best beaches in the world. Aside from lounging on the beach, you can also enjoy scuba diving, deep sea fishing, and snorkeling. Land-based attractions include numerous golf courses, the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, the Honolulu Zoo, and the Waikiki Aquarium.

If you’re a history buff, you might want to visit Pearl Harbor while you are in Honolulu. Here you will find the USS Arizona Memorial which is dedicated to those who gave their lives at Pearl Harbor during World War II.

Voyage of the Glaciers, Alaska

This seven-day cruise is quite a deal with pricing starting at $599 for an inside stateroom. Guests are treated to leisurely days filled with scenic glacier cruising as well as several stops as the ship travels from Whittier to Vancouver. On day three of this excursion, the cruise passes through Glacier Bay National Park. On day six, the Sapphire Princess makes port at Ketchikan, Alaska.

Glacier Bay National Park

Some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world can be seen from the rails of a cruise ship on a leisurely trek through the Glacier Bay National Park. For a full day, passengers aboard the Sapphire Princess’s Voyage of the Glacier Cruise can sit spellbound as awe-inspiring images of ice shelves and beautiful glaciers pass slowly by.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve features 16 tidewater glaciers and 12 icebergs. Here you can also catch a glimpse of the abundant wildlife that calls the glaciers home. Creatures that call this region home include bears, deer, mountain goats, whales, and numerous types of waterfowl.

Ketchikan

More than 800,000 cruise passengers make port at Ketchikan, Alaska each year. What they find is a mind-boggling array of activities that makes this back-woods, sparsely-populated wilderness one of the most adventurous ports of call in the world.

While many activities in Ketchikan require more time than an average cruise port will allow, there are several activities that can be done during a short stay. Some of these activities include exploring the historic downtown area; visiting Saxman Totem Park, Totem Bight State Historical Park, or the Totem Heritage Center and Tribal Fish Hatchery to look at totem poles; going hiking in the Tongass National Forest; going kayaking; taking one of the many boat or air tours offered in the area; visiting historical exhibits; or chartering a fishing boat to test your skills against the teeming population of halibut and salmon.

Remember; this is only a glimpse at a couple of ports of call on two of the Sapphire Princess’s cruises. All the major cruise lines will have many different cruise packages and that will make multiple ports of call on each voyage. So be sure to research the cruise thoroughly before you make your final destination decision.