Island-Sity

The new line will operate two ships that have been out of commission for several years, the 80-passenger Wilderness Discoverer and the 66-passenger Wilderness Adventurer. The company finalized the purchase of the vessels in August from a bank that has held them since the bankruptcy of Glacier Bay Cruise Lines in 2006.

American Safari executive vice president Tim Jacox tells USA TODAY the vessels will undergo a top-to-bottom renovation before setting sail for the new line.

Jacox says InnerSea will offer seven-night voyages between two of Southeast Alaska's iconic towns, Ketchikan and Juneau, but in an unusual twist, the sailings won't include a single port call. Instead, the ships will spend the entire week exploring the tree-lined fjords and inlets of the mountainous Southeast region in search of wildlife and natural beauty.

Jacox says nature guides stationed on the vessels will take passengers on frequent off-ship excursions on inflatable boats and kayaks to explore glaciers and icebergs, look for wildlife such as whales, bears and sea lions, and make landings for hikes through remote forests.

Other adventure activities will include paddle boarding, snorkeling, "polar bear club swims," fishing, birding and glacier walks. The line even plans optional overnight backpacking and kayaking outings from the ships.

"There really aren't small ships in Alaska offering this kind of adventure," says Jacox, noting that the two other major small ship lines in the state, Cruise West and Lindblad Expeditions, build a lot of time in port towns into itineraries. Jacox and several other top America Safari executives are Cruise West veterans.

By foregoing calls in Southeast Alaskan towns such as Skagway, Haines and Wrangell, InnerSea's ships will have more time to explore rarely visited and sparsely populated parts of Southeast Alaska such as the West side of Prince of Wales Island, says Jacox.

"If we go into ports, it steals away from that time," he says.

Jacox says InnerSea ships won't be as all-inclusive as America Safari ships (on American Safari, just about everything from alcoholic drinks to tips is included in the price). The InnerSea ships also are bigger than American Safari's yacht-like, 12- to 36-passenger vessels, but they're still smaller and more intimate than just about any other cruise vessel sailing in Alaska.

Calling the InnerSea experience an "un-cruise," Jacox says voyages on the small ships will exhibit none of the hassles associated with typical cruises such as crowds of people and long lines. There will be no herd mentality, he says. The idea, he says, is to let passengers interact with the landscape in a meaningful way.

Jacox says the company conducted a number of focus groups with prospective customers and travel agents while developing the concept. He says the voyages should appeal to adventurers who thrive on new experiences and want to push themselves physically, mentally and emotionally.

Still, the cruises will be designed so passengers who don't want to participate in the most active adventure activities won't be left out. Onboard diversions include yoga and massage. InnerSea Discoveries will offer occasional departures designed specifically for families with kids, and there will be discounted rates for children 11 and under.

The island has got many sandy beaches. Some can only be accessed by boat which is no problem as there are plenty of cruising boats that operate daily cruises to various destinations. The Beaches
Navagio beach (Shipwreck)

The beach of Navagio is the most famous of Zakynthos beaches and one of the most famous of all the Greek beaches. It is the trademark of the island and has been photographed millions of times. Laganas beach Famous as it is a birthplace of the endangered specie of sea turtle Caretta-Caretta and therefore consists a part of the National Marine Park.

Eddie is a Filipino who moved to Britain when he was 18 but rediscovered his birthplace on an extended trip home 10 years later. That's when he fell in love with the remote islands of Palawan, the country's westernmost province, often labelled its last frontier. Now he's set up Tao Philippines, offering bespoke sailing trips to adventurous travellers, with his British best mate, Jack Foottit.

Their base is El Nido, a tiny village overlooking Bacuit Bay, the northerly tip of the largest Palawan island. It is here, under cover of darkness, that I board the Aurora, a 23-metre wooden bangka. Bangkas are traditionally used for fishing and are typified by their long, thin hull and extended outriggers that give support and improve fuel efficiency. The Aurora has been adapted for guests, with a working kitchen and second upper deck, where my shipmates (three Australian conservationists, two Americans, a Canadian wildfire fighter and a British photographer) and I sleep.

We are aged between 27 and 37 but Tao attracts all ages, families, as well as backpackers. Four local crew are also there to look after us: Lito the captain, Butchok the chef, Oggie and Ollie the boatmen, with Eddie and Jack as our guides, plus Ulan, the ship's dog.

Jack hands out beers while Butchok prepares a feast of cuttlefish flavoured with small calamansi limes, guacamole, giant garlicky prawns and coconut crab curry. After dinner, we leap into the sea, our skin sparkling with phosphorescence.

I wake early to my first sunlit view of our spectacular surroundings: behind us, the cliffs of Palawan drop into the sea, undergrowth lining the shore; ahead, islands rise like mountains from the sparkling water. The boys pull out a battered map and over breakfast we plan the day ahead – there's no set itinerary on Tao Philippines' expeditions.

The Philippines comprises 7107 islands and Tao Philippines' trips cover the 200 islands between El Nido and Coron, 150 kilometres to the north-east. There's so much uncharted territory that, despite the crew's local knowledge, each day is a new adventure.

At Cadlao, one of the region's wild islets, we leap overboard with our snorkels and swim towards a dramatic limestone cliff. We then navigate our way through a cave, only visible above water in calm weather. We pop out in a huge electric-blue lagoon full of multicoloured fish, waves lapping gently on this secret beach. We are totally enclosed, hidden from the world, not a footprint marks the sand.

Further down the coast of Cadlao, we climb bamboo ladders to see caves full of nesting swiftlets and hunt for coconuts to fill with rum at sundown. A vast central mountain means we can't cross the island on foot, so we sail around to an abandoned fishing village owned by Tao, which they plan to turn into a retreat. There are no guesthouses or restaurants here, just a few islanders whose social welfare projects, which provide female healthcare and school materials, Tao supports.

The retreat is ready enough for us to spend the night in huts on stilts stretching from the shore into the jungle. A path lined with banana and guava leads to a well where I shower under the canopy of a huge tropical fig tree.

Later, we eat lobster beside the campfire, the only sounds being the crickets, waves and our chatting. Over the next six days we visit several other remote islands and explore vast networks of lagoons.

We make it to far-flung Linapacan, clinging to the sides of the boat as we traverse mountainous waves (at the bottom of the swell we cann't see land).

We snorkel off the island's coast, see an underwater wreck and beautiful coral reefs, trek through jungle to a hidden Spanish fort, eat a pig fattened especially for us, sing karaoke with some villagers and host a full moon party – just us, the villagers and Miss Gay Palawan. Some afternoons we simply laze on the top deck in the sun, trading tales. We are in Neverland. Eddie and Jack, the boys who never want to grow up, and we, the guests who never want to go home.

The Seychelles
Located off the east coast of Africa, these islands are pure paradise. If anywhere in the world would get me to give it all up and live in a beach hut, the Seychelles. Perfect beaches, perfect water, tons of islands to choose from and all the seclusion you want. The Seychelles are my dream and should be yours too.

This group of 115 islands offers everything a beach lover could ask for. Sadly, these islands are pretty expensive but I guess there is a price to pay for paradise. The best time to visit is during the cool season from May to September, when it rains less.

The Maldives
Located in the middle of the Indian ocean, this chain of 1,000 (200 are inhabited, and only 5 have any substantial population) is just a series of coral atolls that are barely above sea level. During the 2004 Tsunami, many of these islands were completely washed away. The government has build flood barriers to help lesson any future tsunamis. These little coral islands are surrounded by excellent diving and snorkeling, white sand beaches, and filled friendly locals. Private resorts litter the islands and a vacation here is also very pricey. However, Bangkok Airways offers cheap flights to and from Thailand. The best time to go to the Maldives is during November to May, when the weather is cool and dry. June through October sees wetter and hotter weather due to the monsoon season.

Ko Lipe
Located in southern Thailand, this semi-off the map island is one of my favorites. Here on Ko Lipe, the super friendly locals bring in the daily catch for amazing seafood as the island’s water is teeming with life. Accommodation is still basic and most places turn off the electricity around midnight. Close to the island is an a little island that provides excellent snorkeling opportunities. You may even spot a few reef sharks. Bathtub warm water and fine sand beaches kept me here for over three weeks. It will do the same for you. Visit during in November or March for the best weather and the fewest people. May through October sees a harsh monsoon season that shuts the island down. (There is a last boat!!). The best way to get there is by boat from Pak Bara.

Bali
This tourist mecca is voted one of the best islands in the world year after year. There’s enough room on Bali for everyone, the surfing is great, the food amazing, it’s dirt cheap, the parties are great, the locals some of the friendliest in the world, there’s a volcano to climb, temples to see- Bali has it all. Bombings in 2004 and 2005 back hurt tourism on the island but the government increased security and there has been few problems since. For those looking for a move active tropical vacation, Bali is the place to go. The weather remains pretty constant all year round, though April to October sees slightly drier weather.

Fiji
Though this country has some 322 islands, less than a third are inhabited. Most of the action happens in western islands but no matter where you go this is heaven. Most young people head to the Yasawa Island group. Anytime the name Fiji is heard, visions of beaches and tropical ocean dance in people’s head. There’s good reason for that- because this place is one of the best places to go in the world and with so many islands, you’re bound to find one you like. It’s a popular destination with young people and honeymooners with something for anyone. The temperature remains mostly constant through the year with cyclones occurring between November and January.

Tahiti
You know those pictures you always see of tropical bungalows in the water? That’s Tahiti. The name has long been synonymous with tropical paradise. One of the biggest honeymoon destinations in the world, Tahiti offers pure paradise and a lot of romance. Here you can relax in the sun, scuba dive, enjoy fine seafood, and take a morning dip right into the water from your bungalow. The island is expensive and caters to a more affluent tourist crowd. The weather is tropical all year round and very humid though May to October sees cooler temperatures.

Big Island Hawaii
Hawaii’s biggest island has everything you could ever want to do and more. But what separates it from the other islands is Volcano National Park. Explore volcanoes, climb through old lava tubes, and watch as new lava oozes into the ocean. Then there’s all the waterfalls on the island too. Big Island has it all. I mean it’s Hawaii- how could you go wrong!? The west season is from October to March though the weather is cooler. However, despite being located near each other, weather conditions on each islands can vary greatly so you never know what to expect!

The Cook Islands
Another south pacific island group (see a pattern here?), the Cook Islands are pretty far off the map. OK, not too far but they are considerably less visited than some of its neighbors. These tiny islands are named after James Cook, the intrepid man who discovered them. With few amenities, this place is the best place to find your inner cast away and escape modern life. The islands see similar weather to the rest of the area with temperatures hot and humid all year round.

Curacao
Located in the Caribbean ocean, this Dutch owned island is prefect. Voted one of the best in the Caribbean, Curacao is like being in tropical Holland. The town is built in the Dutch style but the surrounding areas are all tropical. Hit the beaches, lay in the sun, and party the night away. This may not be Gilligan’s Island but what it lacks in privacy it makes up for in romance and fun. The weather is pretty stable here. It’s always hot and usually sunny. If it rains, it’s between November and January. Don’t worry about hurricanes- it’s below the hurricane belt!

Perhentian Islands
Located on the eastern coast of Malaysia, the Perhentians are two islands. Both are stunning covered with a lot of palm trees, wide beaches, and crystal blue water. There’s not much to do here and visitors typically lay on the beach all day, resting from the night’s drinking before. It’s the perfect place to put up a hammock. A strong monsoon season limits when to go between March and October. During the other times, it’s best to head to Thailand where the weather is nicer.

“Ratua’s model of ethical and ecological tourism is the beginning of what will lead to a self-sustained retreat, while preserving better quality of life,” said a spokesperson for Ratua Private Island.

“Guests will find large fans in place of air conditioning, solar and 100% renewable energy, horses instead of cars and an absence of plastic and television.” The exclusive private island resort offers guests 10 individual villa-style homes handcrafted from 200-year-old teak wood.

Ratua is one of the rare islands in the world that can be rented for your private luxury vacation for up to 24 friends and family. Preserving the true sanctuary of a private island, Ratua recreates the living environment without compromising the integrity of the place by renovating existing houses in total respect of their ancestral architecture.

Good-natured teasing followed as the tension eased among our party of West Michiganders.After all, this wasn't a scene from "Open Water." It was a shark-encounter excursion arranged from our resort, Ocean Blue, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Swimming with the dozens of nurse sharks and stingrays in a netted area the size of a football field far offshore was a highlight of a family spring break trip. There's nothing like a little terror to enhance family bonding.

Ocean Blue was a first for our family. We'd never taken the all-inclusive route, preferring on previous vacations to arrange our own meals and stay in more than one locale. But because several teenagers accompanied us, it became the perfect senior-year send-off.

And if you're considering such a trip, now is the time to start booking your getaway to ensure flights are available and passports and other documents arrive in plenty of time.

The trip started with a good travel agent. We described what we wanted: Lots of sunshine but somewhere a little different from Florida and Mexico. Somewhere not too over-the-top luxurious but still upscale. (After all, most teens don't prefer gourmet cuisine but are willing to try foods from other cultures.)

And all-inclusive meant once the up-front costs were paid, we never had to consider the price of food, beverages (including alcohol for the adults) or even many water sports during the vacation.

Sure, you can just spend a day touring about Taboga Panama, but since there are some nice options for Taboga Island hotels, you might choose to steal away here a bit longer. Historical buffs will relish in the island's rich history, and should you fancy flowers, it's a floral paradise. It doesn't get its nickname "Island of Flowers" for no good reason.

Isla Taboga Panama, as it is known in Spanish, figures quite prominently in Panama history. It was more or less founded in the year 1524 by the Spanish Conquistador, Vasco Nunez de Balboa. Originally, Balboa named the piece of land the Island of San Pedro. The Indian word "aboga" would influence the name change to what we have today.

The Indian population had come primarily from Nicaragua and Venezuela. They did not come by way of choice, however, instead traveling with the Spanish as slaves. The actual village of San Pedro was founded after the Spanish built a church of the same name.

The Iglesia San Pedro (San Pedro Church) is credited as being the hemisphere's second-oldest church, and you will find it today resting in the center of town. Isla Taboga Panama boasts one very interesting piece of Latin American history. It was here that the Spanish Conquistador, Francisco Pizarro, received funds for his conquest of Peru from the dean of the Panama cathedral, Padre Hernando de Luque..

Come the 17th century, Taboga Island Panama was the aim of many a pirate and buccaneer. The famous Welsh buccaneer by the name of Henry Morgan is known to have plundered the island, just after ransacking nearby Panama City. Subsequent pirate invasions would continue, and if you are a treasure hunter, there's supposedly quite a bit of booty left behind. That might pique your interest in Taboga Island vacations. While overflowing treasure chests haven't exactly been turning up in Taboga Panama, workers building a health clinic did find some 1,000 pieces of 17th century silver. Not a bad find at all. Adding to the historical intrigue of Taboga Island Panama are the gravestones that bear Anglo-Saxon names on them. In the mid-1800"s, the Pacific Steamship Navigation Company built facilities here, as the island was a key shipping base. Hundreds of workers from Ireland were brought in to provide labor. Also, about that time, the California Gold Rush was on, bringing in scores of gold seekers who were passing through the Panama isthmus on their way west. East Coast Americans found the route through Panama to be safer than going across America, as fierce Native American tribes were known to pose a considerable threat. As the Panama Canal was being built, Taboga Panama would serve as a resting site for canal workers. The French, who were the first to attempt a canal in Panama, built a hotel on Taboga Island for their workers in the 1880"s. It cost some $400,000, which was quite a sum in those days. The United States would eventually take over the hotel when they began their canal in the early 1900"s. After the Panama Canal was finished in 1914, the hotel went on to serve other purposes before its demise, among them being as a major social center for the island.

As you can see, there is no shortage of history to enjoy when it comes to Taboga Island vacations, and when you need a break from learning, you can always head to the beach to chill out. Residents of Panama City like to head here to escape the heat, and the beaches here can get pretty crowded on the weekends. If you can't make it to some of the other great Panama beaches, like those in Bocas del Toro for example, those on Taboga Island should suffice. The soft sand here is a plus, as are the inviting Pacific waters. All of the beaches on Taboga Panama are free, so you might find your way here to enjoy some sun and surf should you be visiting Panama City. The ferry ride out offers great views of the Panama City skyline, though you will have to pay for the ride. The fees aren't too bad, and it's really worth it for the experience. You won't find cars here, just a lot of beautiful flowers and nice people. There are many great tours in Panama that you can take, and this one is as easy as they get. There's so little planning involved. Just hop on the ferry and enjoy the ride. Considering the charm of Taboga Island vacations, it's not hard to see why this is one of the country's top destinations.

In her new role as business development manager, Smith will be responsible for Tahiti Legends’ travel agent relationships on the West Coast.Industry veteran Stan Enden joins Tahiti Legends as East Coast sales representative.

Stan brings more than 30 years of experience in the travel industry, most recently having served as district sales manager for Happy Vacations. He is a member of the Long Island Travel Agents Association, Travel Agents of Suffolk County, Travel Agents of Nassau County, and Travel Agents of Brooklyn and Staten Island, Rochester Travel Professionals.

One hotel they reviewed was the Ritz Carlton Rose Hall Resort & Spa.Ritz-Carlton. No-brainer, right? Wrong. Now, according to Tripadvisor, the Ritz Carlton Rose Hall is the No. 1 rated hotel in the immediate area, garnering four out of five stars based on a whopping 533 reviews.

Experienced surfers are offered large waves at a reef on the right hand side of the bay. Closer in, at the pier, the waves lose energy and are perfect for beginners. Variably sized waves are served at the middle sections good for boogie boarding and intermediate level surfers. The beach is never crowded and offers plenty of room to play.

Unfortunately the weather and surf dont always cooperate. Winter storms can bring chaotic ocean conditions, with run-off from rainfall sometimes dirtying the water. Storms and rainfall can also change the beachs sand by littering it with debris and rocks. During the summer the bay turns into a placid lake thats good for swimming and a favorite for beginner paddle boarders.