Winter is still here but today a beam of light pierces the clouds. Spring will soon be here and with it another cruising season for the crew of Diminuendo and their guests.
Like you, Ron and Mari too like to escape to other places for a well deserved vacation. Of course the nature of our business means that our vacations must be taken in winter. Sara from HolidayFactors was kind enough to volunteer some ideas for us to consider for next winter. We wanted to share some of her suggestions:
7 exotic islands you must see by cruising
It is often said that nothing can heal your soul that traveling and it has come quite true for many. In fact, traveling has cured many from depression, anxiety, loneliness and mental illnesses. So, if you are one of those who loves to travel and see the world then you must try visiting islands by cruising. Yes this sounds quite interesting. Cruises are a great way to have a comfortable and luxurious holiday and taking trips to different islands on a cruise will definitely bring you close to the nature.
Here is a list of seven exotic islands you must see by cruising. Enjoy the post!
1. Islands of Tahiti
This is one of the most popular islands in the world. We have watched a lot of Hollywood movies where the exotic beauty of the islands of Tahiti has been shown. Now you can visit this island on a cruise ship. The amazing weather condition makes this island a paradise for surfers and vacationers. While you are visiting the island on a cruise make sure you attend the Tahitian dance festival which happens in July. The Heiva festival of Tahiti attracts thousands of tourists. This festival features the traditional art, crafts, culture, dance and other performances by the natives of the islands. If you are a surfer then you should visit the islands between May and August. A lot of travel agencies offer cruise to the Tahitian Island. All you need to do is book one of them as per your convenience.
2. Lord Howe Island
The Lord Howe Island is one of the most exotic islands that lie in the Tasman Sea just off Australia. So if you are taking a cruise from Sydney or Brisbane then you can reach this island quite easily. There are various travel agencies that operate cruise from Sydney and Brisbane that will take you to the Lord Howe Island. You may spend a day or even stay there for a few days while catching a cruise ship back to Australia. The island is a paradise for bird watchers and there are some rare animals that you also see. If you are planning to stay on the
island then look out for the cottage, lodges or even the treetop houses for accommodations.
3. Tanna, Vanuatu
If you wish to see an active volcano on a remote island then Tanna in Vanuatu is the best place for you to visit. Since this is a remote island it is best to go there by a cruise ship. Mt. Yasur is the most popular attraction of the island. However, you can also enjoy the nature at its best with rainforests, hot springs and the coffee plantations. If you are coming on a cruise ship then you can stay here for a day enjoying the village life as well as the serene and secluded beaches. You will be getting down at the port Lenakel from where you will be taken to the village for accommodation.
4. Ouvea, New Caledonia
The Ouvea Island in New Caledonia is one of the newest hot spots for sunbathers. The beaches are perfect for getting the perfect tan. You can reach this island on a cruise ship. This tiny French territory is situated in the South Pacific. Thus you may take a cruise ship from Indonesia to this remote island. You may need to search for the cruise companies who ply to and from the Ouvea Island.
5. Laucala Island, Fiji
Fiji is one of the best places that you can plan your vacation to and Laucala Island is one of the most luxurious islands of Fiji that is located just off the coast of another island named Taveuni. This tiny island is only 12 square kilometres and has some of the most luxurious residences and restaurants to cater to the tourists. You can take a ship from Fiji to Laucala Island, check out this beautiful and exotic island and come back by the end of the day. Please do try the water sports while you are in this island.
6. Vava’u Islands, Tonga
If you are planning a cruise vacation in the South Pacific, then you should not miss the Vava’u Islands in Tonga. Tonga is a Polynesian country which has clusters of beautiful and exotic islands tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. It is so remote that you can actually swim with the humpback whales on this island. You can make special arrangements with the tour operators of the island to go for a swim with the whales. Or you may anyway watch them while you are cruising. you can stay on this island for a day or two to enjoy nature’s bounty.
7. Rarotonga, The Cook Islands
The island of Rarotonga is one of the most popular wedding destinations on The Cook Islands. The in the recent times, destination weddings have made this island quite popular and expensive. However if you are taking a cruise in the South Pacific ocean then you can embark on this island for a day and look around for the natural flora and fauna that thrives best here. The island is only 32 square kilometres in size.
Wrapping up!
Now that you have this list of some amazing island destinations, you can plan your cruise holiday accordingly. It is quite evident that you would not be bored and will have a great time enjoying the people, culture, and food of these exotic islands.
Sarah is a senior content curator in HolidayFactors.com, a leading holiday portal in Dubai, UAE
