Island Bound Travel

Sometimes, instead of the ships' shore excursion, I will schedule a day pass at a resort for maximum beach time. I chose the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort because it sits on the spectacular white sand beach of Temae. The resort is beautiful, and the restaurants are excellent. The only disappointment was the limited time to enjoy the gorgeous warm water beach. I will need to return for an extended stay.
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We sailed into Auckland (Māori name is Tāmaki Makaurau) on our Princess cruise for a full day in this vibrant city with world-class shopping and phenomenal dining. On previous visits, I explored many museums, native bush, black-sand beaches and taken a short ferry ride to Waiheke Island and enjoyed winery and nature tours. The Sky Tower is a fun place to spend the afternoon which also includes the All Blacks Experience and the Weta Workshop. This grumpy cave troll stands outside the Weta Workshop and did not like my tee shirt. [email protected]

One of my favorite ways to pamper myself while sailing with Princess Cruises is to order afternoon tea to savor on my balcony.
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For the pickleball enthusiasts out there, Princess Cruises offers a court, paddle and balls on each of their ships. The court may be a basketball court but also includes a pickleball net. The top left netted area is the court. I was advised to leave my good paddle at home. The wind is so strong that my usual "it was the wind" excuse finally rang true. [email protected]

Island Bound Travel Certified Hawai'i Master Specialist.
100% Pure New Zealand Specialist
Certified Fiji Matai Speciali

Experience the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in New Zealand's beautiful Bay of Islands and be immersed in Māori culture. We joined a one hour guided tour around the grounds which ended at the meeting house where we were treated to a cultural performance.
Te Whare Rūnanga is the beautifully carved meeting house designed in traditional Māori form to represent the unity of Māori throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ngātokimatawhaorua, the world's largest ceremonial waka (canoe) built by members of New Zealand’s northern and Waikato iwi (tribes) to mark the centenary of the Treaty of Waitangi’s signing in 1940.
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I am cheating and using a photo from last year. We are sailing out of Sydney Australia on the Grand Princess again this year, but I failed to take a new photo. This year the cruise is only 26 nights. We will have ports in New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti and Hawai'i before ending in San Francisco. The wifi onboard is excellent so I can work while cruising. [email protected]

The Blue Mountains is a place most people wish to experience when visiting Sydney. There is a distinctive blue haze surrounding the area due to the eucalyptus oil droplets combined with dust particles and water v***r. Usually, a full day tour will include a few stops. I was lucky to feed this cutie on one of our stops. [email protected]

Island Bound Travel Certified Hawai'i Master Specialist.
100% Pure New Zealand Specialist
Certified Fiji Matai Speciali

An easy way to experience many of Sydney's attractions is on the Hop on Hop off Big Bus. Choose from two routes. The Red Route offers city stops for the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, The Royal Botanical Gardens and much more. The Blue Routes ventures out of the city all the way to famous Bondi Beach. [email protected]

We spent our first night in Sydney Australia at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga in an animal view room. This sleepy guy naps about 20 hours per day due to his diet of poisonous eucalyptus leaves. The Retreat is a short drive from Sydney or an easy ferry ride. Guests of the resort are treated to a morning tour before the park opens and a tour of the Retreat. Special after-hour tours of the Taronga Zoo Sydney are available to Retreat guests. [email protected]

We departed for Australia on Qantas Airlines, of course. I flew with Qantas for the first-time last year, and I was pleasantly surprised with the service and care given by the flight attendants. I wish I had taken a few photos, but I curled up in my seat and didn't wake up until they announced breakfast. I am sharing my photo of a kangaroo as the Qantas logo is a white flying kangaroo.
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International Polar Bear Day
February 27th is a date to raise awareness of polar bears and the fragility of their Arctic habitat. Take this day as inspiration to sail into frozen waters and have a chance to witness the magnificent nature of the Arctic, including the opportunity to view polar bears, seals, and whales in their natural habitat. We can take you on a journey to explore Arctic national parks, research centers, and (if you’re lucky) have a glance at the northern lights.
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Planning Your Epic Year of Travel
It’s time to indulge in what makes you happiest and chase after those life-changing moments. Rather than putting off that vacation until a more convenient time or holding out for a special occasion, think about travel as an opportunity! We’re here to put choices in front of you and then tailor-make them to fit your needs. Choose your path and we’ll handle all the details.
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Where does your 2024 travel story begin? Wherever you choose to travel, we’re here to make your experience effortless at every turn. From selecting the right destination to reserving exquisite accommodations and handling all the details, we’re here for you every step of the way. With our global connections, you’ll travel the world like an insider. From the beginning to the end, each moment is especially crafted for you and your story.
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Ready to explore the world with the help of a travel advisor? Whether you're dreaming of a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a solo exploration, our expertise can turn your travel dreams into reality.
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Happy World Whale Day!
Among sailors, seeing a whale is a sign of good luck. They are symbols of wisdom, longevity, and peace. However, it is estimated that less than 1% of people will see a whale in their lifetime. A cruise to Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that takes you to the whale’s natural habitat. Give yourself a chance to see these grand animals in nature. We can help you plan your trip during migration season. Increase your luck and let us plan!
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In the true spirit of g'day, Australia is inviting you to get to know them and experience what makes Australia so special. Explore sparkling beaches, indulge in food and drink, meet friendly wildlife and connect with the unique culture. There's never been a better time to go and experience the magic of Australia. We’ll craft the perfect itinerary just for you, so you can go and say g'day!
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Another exquisite town in New Zealand.

Paeroa, The Coromandel Visit Paeroa, events capital of The Coromandel. Cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail, wander the antique shops and walk the Karangahake Gorge - one of New Zealand's ...

https://youtu.be/iVgbMbo6DnQ?si=K-zvf5cc6-RP8zG9

If You Seek The Sun and Then Some Bask in New Zealand's sun and the warmth of its welcome. From adrenaline thrills to new friendships, the more you give, the warmer it gets in return! ☀️Learn...

Wishing everyone a joyous New Year filled with happiness and prosperity.

Best wishes for a year filled with special moments and cherished memories.

Merry Christmas baby.....

Merry and hoppy Christmas from Pippa and all of us. 🦘🎄✨❤️💚 Thank you for all your support, kind words and love this year. 🙏🏽

Two of my favorites combined. Stay out of the kitchen!

Part of the pickleball nation? We're ready when you are, our tennis courts are pickleball primed.
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I had a fabulous time on my Blue Lagoon Cruise in October.

Is there anything better than coconut water straight from the shell? 🥥🌴

Captain Cooks' new ship the MS Caledonian Sky will allow you to experience Fiji's small islands in luxury. The cruise includes swimming and snorkeling daily. My favorite was swimming in the Sawa-i-lau islands famous limestone cave lagoon. You will also visit small villages, schools and be treated to cultural performances.
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Best wishes for a joyful Thanksgiving.

Join Authentic As for a private guided Starry Night Adventure in Wai Tāhuna, Aotearoa (Queenstown, New Zealand), where you will be introduced to the breathtaking wonders of the Southern Night Sky. Their passion for the night sky and expertise in astrophysics will provide you with a unique celestial experience. They offer various ways to explore the night sky, including laser pointers, binoculars, and a Unistellar Equinox telescope for up-close views of Jupiter, Saturn, nebulae, and galaxies. Your private guide will also capture stunning astrophotography of you under the night sky as memorable souvenirs and reminders of this awe-inspiring experience.
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Photo credit: AuthenticAs

Island Bound Travel Let's book your dream vacation!

My stay at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa was perfection. They offer the excellent Niu Kids Beach Club on the family side of the resort. For adults looking for a quiet space, the Waitui Beach Club offers pools, cabanas and restaurants for adults only. I ordered lunch from my private cabana. It was difficult to leave so I am already planning my return. The photo is of the room and my balcony overlooking the Waitui Beach Club.
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On our last full day of the Blue Lagoon Cruise we visited a village school in the morning and spent the afternoon snorkeling from yet another beautiful beach. I will miss the happy faces of the village children, the warm smiles of the Fijian crew and the amazing fish and coral that we saw in abundance.
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