Top 5 Cruise Locations

And lets give a warm welcome to Sarah who is for the first time participating with a guest post. Also the usual thanks to Wikimedia and to Open Galleries for the nice photos and off go to Sarah's fantastic Top 5 Cruise Locations!

Whether you are a fan of adventure or prefer relaxing under sun-drenched skies, the number of holiday cruises available means that there is always something for everyone. Simply check out what is on offer and choose the destination that has everything you are looking for. To give you some ideas here are five of the best, beginning with one or two action-packed adventure cruises.


Traditionally one of the most popular of all cruise destinations, the Bahamas has everything the fun-seeker needs. Aside from the glorious stop-off beaches, fantastic weather and beautiful locations, the Bahamas offers the chance to partake in a variety of water-related activities. Take a guided scuba-diving day out and swim with the dolphins. Alternatively, stay above water on a thrilling speedboat or hop aboard a sailing vessel and become a temporary member of an actual sailing team.

While there is no doubting that Hawaii is surrounded by some of the most stunning scenic views on the planet, it is also a place sure to satisfy even the hungriest of thrill seekers. Among the many highlights you can enjoy at this location is the famous North Shore of Oahu, regarded by many as the best surfing experience there is. Alternatively, if you prefer to stay on solid ground, take the hike across the lava fields leading to real live and active volcanoes. Here, you can take in all the fire pits and lava tubes, saving the best till last -- an 11-mile crater rim.


For those who prefer the quieter life, then the options here are no less abundant. Among the most popular, however, is a cruise that will take you through all the stunning glory of the Fjords of Norway. Cruise through numerous colossal, slender fjords that appear to rise to the heavens. The experience is sure to leave you breathless and humbled in the presence of these glorious natural wonders. Just bear in mind that the best time to take this cruise is during the months of June through to August.

If the Fjords of Norway sound a bit chilly to you then you may well prefer to take the cruise that takes you through the glories of the South Pacific. While some may find the long distances covered going from island to island leaves them with too much idle time on their hands, for others this will prove the perfect antidote to the stresses of everyday life. In addition, the extensive traveling rarely ends in disappointment, the highlights including the tropical paradises of the Fiji and the Polynesian Islands.


Finally, we have what, for a great number of people, is the absolute number one cruise destination - the Caribbean. Comprising a thread of tiny islands peppering the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean offers river falls in Jamaica, whitewater rafting in the rainforests of Costa Rica, snorkeling with stingrays or horse riding along the region's unrivaled beaches.

Suffice to say the planet is truly blessed with an unlimited number of outstanding destinations for adventure seekers and leisure fans alike. Simply decide what it is you are looking for, check out what is available in the way of cheap cruise holidays, make your choice and book.

Top 10 Scuba Diving destinations around the World

Again with David for a top 10 on the World's best Scuba spots. Thanks for the list David!

Clear waters, low pollution, abundant wildlife, an impressive backdrop and a variety of experiences on offer are crucial factors in the ideal scuba destination and all are met in spades at the following ten sites. Each one is as close to an aquatic paradise as you are ever going to find on this oceanic planet of ours.

Queensland, Australia - A predictable choice perhaps, but there is a reason that even the most hydrophobic of land-lubbers has heard of The Great Barrier Reef. Hugging 1800 miles of the Queensland coast, the Great Barrier Reef is apparently visible from space, although most would agree it looks better through the lens of a dive mask. Over 1500 species of fish, 20 different species of reptile and over 400 spectacular species of coral carve out a living in the coral gardens of the reef. Whether approached from the luxury of Heron Island, or one of the many budget hotels or hostels that line the Queensland Coast, the Great Barrier Reef must surely appear on every diver's bucket list.


The Egyptian Red Sea - Lovely warm seas, a huge variety of marine fauna, an abundance of wrecks and reefs and a mere four and a half hour hop from the UK, the Egyptian Red Sea well deserves its reputation as a premier scuba destination. The plethora of biodiversity on display has not escaped the attention of conservationists and many of the Egyptian reefs are now part of protected marine parks in which sustainable diving is the order of the day, making the Red Sea a top destination for the eco-minded diver.


Chuuk Islands, Micronesia - On the 17th February 1944, the United States Navy launched Operation Hailstone, a massive air and surface assault that sent 47 Japanese ships to the bottom of the sea. 55 years later, the wrecks of that terrible day are slowly disintegrating at the bottom of Truk Lagoon, in the beautiful island state of Chuuk, a fascinating historical curio and a stark reminder of the horror of war.


Truk lagoon is surely the pinnacle of wreck diving. Strewn among the eerie hulls of sunken ships are jeeps, aircraft and tanks, a morbidly fascinating seascape softened by the encroaching vibrancy of the beautiful Pacific marine life. This is one to see before the ruins of history are finally consumed by the sea.

Richelieu Rock, Thailand - The sheer walls of Richelieu Rock are home to a simply stunning array of wildlife. White eyed moray eels, harlequin shrimps, tigertail seahorses, pineapple fish and lionfish bejewel the cracks and crevices of the sea walls, while schools of snapper, mackerel, jacks and barracuda patrol the open waters in search of a meal.


A utopia for the underwater photographer, Richelieu Rock has also long been famous for its giant residents. While less common than in previous years, vast whale sharks are still regularly seen in the area, as are majestic manta rays. Divers should be aware that this oasis of marine life is not the most accessible; with very few daytrips available, this site is one for the live-aboards.

Turks and Caicos - Nestled in the warm waters of the Caribbean, the Turks and Caicos Islands are home to some of the most pulse-raising diving in the world. The walls of North West Point and West Caicos are favoured hunting grounds for blacktip sharks, hammerheads, tiger sharks and an abundance of Caribbean reef sharks. A number of dive companies offer the opportunity to get up close with these prehistoric predators.


For those divers seeking a slightly less adrenaline fuelled experience, these islands still have plenty to offer, not least the opportunity to meet JoJo the Dolphin, something of a cetacean celebrity in these parts.

Fiji - Fiji is known as "The Soft Coral Capital of the World", a title the country richly deserves and one that earns it a place in this top ten. The Republic of Fiji comprises more than 332 islands, providing perhaps the most rich and varied selection of diving experiences available in any one country on Earth. The only problem awaiting any Fiji-bound diver is that most pleasant of conundrums; whether to explore everything the islands have to offer aboard a live-aboard, or to become intimately acquainted with just one of the country's reefs while becoming immersed in the relaxed Fijian culture at an island resort.


Maldives - Much admired as the destination of choice for honeymooners, scuba divers have long since known there is more to the Maldives than all-inclusive romantic getaways. The atolls that support these idyllic islands are scored with deep channels carved out by the warm currents of the Indian Ocean, unique structures that provide a unique diving environment. The plankton rich waters are home to jacks, trevallies, barracuda, manta rays and a glittering assortment of smaller reef fishes.


Of course the scuba diver is not immune to the more obvious charms of the Maldives! There can be no finer backdrop for a diving expedition than the white sandy beaches, gently swaying palm trees and azure seas of this little drop of heaven in the Indian Ocean.

Bonaire - The Bonaire National Marine Park is the benchmark by which all marine parks are judged. Funded by a park entrance fee, the local authorities have invested in law enforcement, education programmes, research, habitat upkeep and monitoring schemes, the results of which are now there for divers to enjoy. Thirty years of conservation have produced arguably the most pristine reefs found anywhere today. Within 300 yards of the shore, a diver will find themselves surrounded by a remarkable array of Caribbean wildlife, including parrotfish, eagle rays, angelfish, porcupine fish, morays and a cornucopia of invertebrates. There is a reason that conservationists seek to replicate the success of Bonaire around the world.


Cayman Islands - The Cayman Islands are, in fact, the tips of submerged mountains, a series of structures that are conducive to some excellent diving. The steep, plunging walls of the mountainsides reach down in places to 20,000 feet below sea level, providing a habitat that is inviting both to divers and to the species they hope to see. The geography of the Cayman Islands goes even further in providing some superb diving. The islands have no natural rivers and few hilly regions, so there is very little run-off into the ocean. These conditions are ideal for reef development and have led to the emergence of some staggeringly beautiful coral formations.


Mozambique - Mozambique offers a wide range of diving experiences, from delicate reefs to high octane pursuits of whale sharks and great white sharks. At the hub of this diving paradise is Praia do Tofo, a small town that shares a coastline with the highest concentration of whale sharks in all of Africa. It also provides access to the Manta Reef, where two new species of manta ray were discovered as recently as 2009.


For all its aquatic treasures, Tofo is not all Mozambique has to offer the diver. A unique experience awaits the visitor to Bazaruto Island, where leatherback, loggerhead and green turtles all frequent the seas, occasionally sharing their crystal clear waters with dugong, an exceptionally rare mammal that is found in greater numbers here than anywhere else in the western Indian Ocean.

Well David, after reading this, I must confess all I wanna do is go straight to the airport and get on the first plane to any one of this fabulous destinations... Just checking, anyone else coming too? ;)

Getting Around in Fiji

Today it's back to Paradise on Earth! This time by the hand of Sachin, to whom we thanks a lot for yet another nice guest post, it's time to get to know a bit more about the amazing Fiji Islands.

A Fiji holiday is as diverse as the people taking it. Whether you want to lounge in your resort by the pool, bake on the sand of a nearby beach, go on a 4WD adventure through the lush forests or explore rural villages and immerse yourself in the culture, Fiji will deliver the goods. The problem, of course is getting around in a nation made up of over 300 islands. Here, we explore some of the best ways to explore Fiji…if you can drag yourself away from the beach, that is!

4WD - Lush and tropical Fiji boasts some of the most breathtaking natural scenery anywhere in the world, and we’re not just talking about the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. If your idea of a good time is raising your heart rate as you wind and weave through mountainous rainforests and lush vegetation, taking a 4WD tour—or, if you’re up to it, renting one and driving yourself—might be just the ticket to a fabulous Fijian adventure.


Trekking - If you’re more confident on two feet than four wheels, the rainforests of Fiji can also be experienced trough trekking. Why not combine your sightseeing with some crazy adventure sports like whitewater rafting, abseiling, rock climbing or ATV riding? Who said Fiji was all about relaxing?

Swimming and Snorkeling - If you’re not putting your head underwater, you’re only getting half the story in Fiji. The waters surrounding Fiji’s many islands are home to some truly spectacular coral reefs and underwater ecosystems, so you should strap on a mask and snorkel, get yourself a pair of flippers, and spend the day moving through the water and trying to find Nemo.


Sailing - Speaking of water, it’s essential if you want to experience more than one island that you take to the water in some kind of boat. A Fiji cruise, which will take you to various islands (and maybe even supply you with food and wine on the way) is the perfect way to make the most of Fiji. Sail past uninhabited islands and live out your castaway fantasy, and relax as the gentle lull of the boat rocks you into Fiji time, where deadlines, bills and schedules suddenly don’t seem to matter all that much.

Surfing - Sure, it won’t get you very far, but surfing will certainly get you there FAST! If you fancy yourself a bit of a surfer, why not grab a board and try out some of the local swells. Fiji is magical at all times, but it’s said that it takes on an especially magnificent quality when viewed from the crest of a wave.

Car -In terms of visiting rural villages and making your way from urban centres, hiring a car can be the most practical way to cover as much of the island as possible. There are several car hire services available and these will give you the freedom to move around as you please and to make up your own mind about how long to stay in each place.

The best views in Fiji: Indulge in the tropical natural world

Again thanks Marcela! This time, Fiji Islands ;)

If you’re looking for an amazing luxurious trip, we know the perfect place for you: the Fiji islands. South Pacific cruises are a good way to get to know the islands, but you can also simply plan a whole vacation only in Fiji - it is well worth the time, since Fiji is an extremely rewarding destination for lovers of natural scenery.

If you like to mix natural with human scenery, don’t miss Navala Village. The village is situated about an hour up in the highlands from the main resort cities around the island. There you will see, nestled among the tropical hills, a group of traditional Fijian houses and native inhabitants welcoming you with a traditional ceremony. The houses are traditionally made out of bamboo and leaves, and the bathrooms are situated in another building outside the house. It is a not-to-miss spot in the island, and as it is very popular, you might want to go early in the day. But it’s definitely worth the drive, and you will see many other scenic spots on the way. There you will learn many things about traditional Fijian life.

If beaches are your thing, then don’t despair: Fiji has among the most beautiful beaches in the world. An especially prized spot by beach lovers and connoisseurs are the Yasawa Islands, about an hour away from Nadi on a regular ferry boat. It is an island chain that has been set up to attract backpackers and other budget travelers who enjoy the more adventurous side of traveling. You can rend a boat or a catamaran to travel between the islands, and you can sleep at one of the many resorts set for adventurers throughout the islands. You might even want to try some beach camping!

For those who like sailing on inland rivers instead of the open seas, Fiji also has something for you despite its small size. The Navua river provides beautiful riverside scenery as you sail, either in a modern motorized boat or a more traditional bamboo raft, into the heart of the Fijian jungle. At the end, you will find nice Fijian villages and the natural world literally at your doorstep. From there you can observe wildlife as well as enjoy the pristine waters of the tropical
riverside.

If you like your nature a little more tame, then the Bouma National Park is for you. Located at the north of Taveuni, this 15 000-hectare park features the best of the Fijian tropical rainforest, picturesque waterfalls and mystical trails. If you’re too timid to brave the park on your own, there are regular guided tours. Otherwise, just ramble on through the trails in the park, and enjoy this place outside of time and space to meditate and reflect on the beauty of nature.

These are only a few things to do in Fiji; the islands are full of activities for everyone. And if you ever get bored with it (and we can promise you you won’t!), you can hop on one of the many Pacific cruises stopping by the islands on their way to other tropical Pacific destinations.