9th March 2016 During the school holidays as a child, I remember waking up each day to warm, sunny days full of excitement, wondering what the day might hold. Today feels like one of those days, but hotter! Breakfast was quieter than usual, though we entered the dining room at the same time as yesterday.… Continue Reading

8th March 2016 Drawing back the curtain revealed a breathtaking scene: a brilliant blue sea, a scattering of tiny islands, and fluffy white clouds dotting the early morning sky. We had docked in Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles, at around 7:30 am. The ship had glided into its berth so smoothly that it didn’t… Continue Reading

7th March 2016 After breakfast and a shower, we made our way to a 9:30 am lecture on the ‘Seychelles: Granite & Coral Islands’. As usual, it was both fascinating and packed with practical advice on where to go, how to get there, and a stern warning to be mindful of the sun. All that… Continue Reading

6th March 2016 A good night’s sleep woke Sue up, declaring she was finally getting her sea legs. To me, they looked the same as ever; perhaps it’s all in the mind? Since it was ‘Mother’s Day’ back in the UK (hard to believe I had to remind Sue), she opened her cards while still… Continue Reading

8th February 2016 Another early start today, as we were scheduled to disembark at 8:15 a.m. By 6:30, we were up, showered, and ready, making our way to the Windjammer by 7:10 am for our final breakfast aboard. Overnight, our suitcases had been whisked away from the corridor, now tucked safely below deck, ready for… Continue Reading

7th February 2016 Today, we set our alarms early for the unique privilege of staring at… a rock. Not just any rock, mind you, but a rather special one. Yesterday, the Captain had announced that we’d be diverting course to pass within 1,000 metres of the tallest seastack in the world. Rising over 500 metres… Continue Reading

6th February 2016 After breakfast, we took a leisurely stroll around the top deck. Another cracking day: blue skies, balmy temperatures, and the ship slicing through the steely blue Pacific, leaving a shimmering wake behind. Not a care in the world for anyone onboard, except for the age-old dilemma: “What shall I do next? “And,… Continue Reading

5th February 2016 We had breakfast in the Windjammer around 8 a.m., followed by a stroll around the decks to soak up some sun. So far, we’ve noticed a distinct lack of wildlife; no dolphins, whales, or seabirds in sight. A few days ago, we did spot another ship steaming across our path at a… Continue Reading

4th February 2016 It was a restless night’s sleep. We had such an early start planned for today’s trip that I suppose we were worried about missing our transport from the quayside when we docked. Damn, those foolish Aussies from yesterday who tut-tutted us booking independently, they sowed the seeds of doubt in our minds!… Continue Reading

3rd February 2016 By 10 a.m., we had showered, eaten breakfast, and were up on deck, watching as we made our approach to the port of Suva, the capital of the islands. The ship glided smoothly over a flat, calm sea, which mirrored the tropical, forested mountains on the port side. Against a backdrop of… Continue Reading