Fiji Islands :

courteous care I experienced will never be forgotten. The Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa, PO Box 100, Korolevu, Fiji, Tel: 679-6530-555. For reservations, email: warwickres@warwickfiji.com.fj.

BLUE LAGOON CRUISES
On Tuesday morning, the alarm buzzed at 5am. The driver from Tour Managers was waiting in the lobby to take me to Blue Lagoon Cruises Boarding Lounge in Denarau. The trip took two hours.

The check-in process only took 20 minutes or so because there were only 60 passengers aboard our ship. After checking in, we all had the chance to be outfitted with snorkeling gear for $90 Fijian dollars. Fiji is known for its world-class snorkeling and diving. If you've never snorkeled before, go for it. The crew will teach you and you'll see more incredible underwater marine life than you ever imagined!

THE FIJI PRINCESS
Once everyone was ready, we boarded a coach for the five-minute transfer to the Fiji Princess. The vessel is approximately 198' in length. It has four decks with 35 staterooms and one exclusive suite located on the Sky Deck. It's not a luxury liner but rather an expedition ship.

The cabins have a full-sized bed and are comfortable. If you're sailing during the summer, I'd recommend a cabin on the Salon Deck towards the stern. This is the most stable part of the ship in rough weather. Another recommendation is not to over-pack, because you'll be tripping over your luggage in your cabin. This cruise is informal and the dress code is casual. Pack shorts, golf shirts, tee shirts, flip-flops and two swimsuits.

The crew delivered my luggage to my room. There is a cabin safe to store your valuables and personal documentation. Everyone had difficulty getting the safes to function. It was actually pretty amusing. It would have been fun to award a prize to the first passenger to figure it out. The electrical system is a bit funky, too. The ship was once French-owned and operated so it has outlets that work off European- and Australian-style plugs. Bring both adapters or you may not be able to charge your electronic equipment.

When you first arrive, you may find your cabin to be a little muggy. Don't worry. It takes a few hours of being underway to cool the cabins down. TIP: Wrap your camera in a towel and place it in your closet. This will help to prevent your lens from fogging up when you venture outside. Never try to clear your lens if it fogs up. Wait a few minutes or you'll damage your optics!

The seven-day, six-night Cultural Cruise rates start at $7,691.48 Fijian dollars for a twin-share cabin on the Salon Deck. The Orchard Deck cabins are priced at $8,584.48 Fijian dollars for a twin-share. Visit xe.com for current exchange rates. Blue Lagoon Cruises, PO Box 130183, Vitogo Parade Lautoka, Fiji Island, Tel: 1-800-148-235.

SNORKELING
Sunrise that morning was spectacular. Surprisingly, only a handful of early bird snorkelers boarded the aluminum skiff. This was one of the best experiences of the cruise. The weather was sunny and the water clear. Big Joe, our Cruise Director, took us to the coral reef. He's a great teacher. If you're a beginner, ask him to help you. The coral is very sharp. As we all know, you're not supposed to touch it but if you do accidentally, it's best to use antibiotic cream to treat coral abrasions. The purser on the ship will assist you if needed. NOTE: Fiji isn't known for its medical infrastructure. For minor health issues, don't worry. But it's best to be prepared should something serious happen to you during your stay. Secure medical travel insurance if your policy doesn't cover you. This insurance would include medical air ambulance service to New Zealand. It's only a two-hour flight away and the hospitals are top-notch. I obtained coverage through International Medical Group.

The tropical fish were amazing. There were thousands of them in all shapes, colors and sizes. The best strategy is to swim along the very edge of the reef where it drops off. Here, you'll find the widest variety of species.

After lunch, everyone went ashore for some beach time. It was one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. It reminded ....