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• By Amie O’Shaughnessy

Our recent trip to the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador is hands-down one of our favorite family travel experiences to date. Although the destination itself is extraordinary, much of the credit for our joy in the Galápagos goes to  Lindblad Expeditions , the company behind our ship for the week, the National Geographic Endeavour , and program.

The action-packed itinerary provides a true journey of exploration and discovery, Lindblad’s mission. Every sailing includes a fleet of professionals to enhance and enrich the guest experience, from National Geographic certified photo instructors to trained naturalists with an average of 10 to 12 years of experience. Some of the naturalists onboard are from the Galápagos Islands, while all of them are deeply passionate about this very special place.

Lindblad Expeditions Galápagos Islands Trip Review

A 10-day trip includes two nights on either end in Guayaquil, the group meeting point, and seven nights on the ship. There is not a moment wasted; the afternoon we boarded included an introductory visit to an astounding white sand beach filled with life. It is here that we learned our first lesson around the fact that few predators on these remote islands means the animals are comfortable with people, and you can get amazingly close to them. These animals are still wild — distance must be respected — but you can get far closer to them than in any other wildlife destination that I’ve experienced.

Conservation rules dictate that the island route the ship takes must be modified each week to ensure that fragile places don’t receive too much traffic, but the overall experience between the two routes is the same.

Daily Schedule

Each day includes a visit to a new island. Despite their close proximity, the islands are all quite different from one another. Lindblad Expeditions has run these trips for 16 years in the Galápagos; the itinerary is truly optimal in terms of variety and engagement.

The Galápagos is both a land and marine sanctuary and both must be explored to really understand the ecosystem. Almost every day includes at least one snorkeling trip in ‘deep water’ with a current, as this is where there is the most viewing action. It’s intimidating at first, but that goes away and there is always a zodiac nearby, available for anyone who needs or wants to leave the water quickly. Kids under 12 must wear additional flotation devices.

Almost every day includes a walk or hike of some kind, so passengers don’t feel locked on the boat. From fitness-driven fast walks to leisurely docent-led educational strolls, there’s something for everyone.

Five reasons to visit the Galapagos now

This is a once-in-a-lifetime educational trip, in addition to being an unforgettable family vacation. Read more.

Mornings start early to optimize every moment of the day; there’s a daily siesta after lunch for a few hours so guests can rest before afternoon activities commence.

The group always gathers from 6:30p to 7:30p for an information session regarding the next day’s activities, followed by a naturalist-led education session. There are professional underwater and land videographers onboard who showcase the week’s events and activities at points during the week.

Expeditions & Education

The educational opportunity for each and every passenger onboard is second to none. Lindblad naturalists are experts in their field and are equipped with stories and facts that are ready to share. The fun part about the Galápagos is that there is almost always a live example available to demonstrate a point.

Videos are also used as educational tools. It’s impossible not to be engaged with the information dissemination at some level, given the multimedia presentations and varied content.

Everybody has heard of Darwin and his work with evolution, but this is the place where his theories took root. The story of evolution is told from the beginning to end, and more importantly, you see evidence of evolution in action, as each island has life that has distinctly adapted to the unique, remote environment.

As one of the naturalists explained, “The difference between human beings and animals is that animals must adapt to their environment to survive, while humans can get the environment to adapt to them.” We all know that the latter is not always a good thing.

Ship and Staff

The National Geographic Endeavour was built in 1969. The ship is in amazing condition given its age. It’s comfortable and well-sized for the passenger count. Guests can always find a quiet corner to relax. There’s a small swimming pool, a fitness room, and even a spa treatment room. The library is filled with books and there is plenty of seating for lounging as a family or solo.

National Geographic Endeavour Itinerary Overview

Head to Expeditions.com for more detailed information.

There are 72 to 75 staff onboard for 96 passengers, a very nice ratio for personalized service. The restaurant staff is a trip highlight. They are so friendly and go out of their way to please. By the second morning, my coffee was presented just the way I like it  … without asking! This level of onboard service enhances the week for everyone.

The cabins are well-equipped with comfortable beds and, believe it or not, nice showers. We had a triple with a sofa bed and two twin beds. Families of four people need to get two rooms.

The food on the Endeavour deserves a mention. Meals are consistently very good; ingredients are fresh with fruit and vegetables served during each meal. There’s always protein available and always a decadent dessert or two.

You get insanely hungry given the activity level, and the food is substantive with enough variety for even picky pint- and full-sized eaters.

We were on the ship over Thanksgiving. The ship served a fantastic traditional Thanksgiving dinner. They also offer a wonderful, special Ecuadorian lunch showcasing food from around the country.

Kids’ Programming

Of the 96 passengers on our trip, 25 were kids, ranging from ages 5 to 18. I recommend this trip for ages 8 and up so that the kids can fully appreciate the educational side of the trip. This is a wonderful all-family experience and there are daily programs just for kids involving crafts, photography, games, swimming, journal instruction, and, to the delight of our 11-year-old, the chance to drive a zodiac.

Optimal for Multi-generational Trips

The program offers a perfect balance for families to relax together and for kids to have the chance to join and play with other kids. To that end, the trip is ideal for multi-generational trips, as the destination paired with Lindblad Expeditions’ programming is compelling for every age and stage; there’s just enough adventure to draw families together in this extraordinary experience.

TIP: Grandparents need to be in good health and active, as the land excursions in the Galápagos are on rugged terrain.

Conservation

Lindblad Expeditions doesn’t just talk about the importance of conservation; this company puts their money and time to work in the destinations they cover. There’s so much to say on this topic that I’ll save the details for a separate article.

For now, suffice to say that Lindblad Expeditions has a long history in the Galápagos Islands and, for a time, their contributions were as high as 80% of the funding spent on conservation. These days, there are more and more people inspired to be involved and donating, but Lindblad continues to have a consequential positive impact on conservation in Ecuador.

The starting rate for Lindblad Expeditions’ 10-day Galápagos itinerary for 2015 is $6,290 per person based on double occupancy on the National Geographic Endeavour; take $500 off that rate for each child under the age of 18.

Want Help Planning a Trip to the Galápagos Islands?

We can help! Our Family Vacation Planning Service just helped our  first client book their dream vacation . Request assistance on our Connect with a Travel Advisor page .

Editor’s Note: Ciao Bambino received a media rate to experience the Galápagos with Lindblad Expeditions. As always, our opinions are our own. Photos by Amie O’Shaughnessy.

Written By By Amie O’Shaughnessy

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National Geographic Islander

The 48-passenger National Geographic Islander is a versatile vessel that plies the waters of the Galápagos Islands. Designed for year-round discovery and active exploration, this intimate ship provides the perfect mobile platform from which to experience every aspect of the Galápagos—both above and below the sea.

Public Areas

Open-air observation deck, second covered outside deck with hammocks, tables and chairs. Lounge and bar accommodating all guests for presentations and gatherings, dining room, library, Mac kiosks and Internet. The Captain and officers welcome guests to visit the open Bridge.

Served in a single, unassigned seating in a sociable, informal atmosphere with Ecuadorian flair.

Expedition Equipment

Zodiacs, a fleet of kayaks and paddleboards, snorkel gear and wetsuits for both adults and children, video microscope and underwater video camera.

Special Features

Shipboard doctor, Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, video chronicler, snorkel instruction, Wi-Fi access, laundry service, National Geographic Global Explorers family program, Global Gallery.

LEXSpa and fitness center, exercise classes, and wellness specialist.

Self-Disinfecting Ship

Lindblad Expeditions became the first self-disinfecting fleet with the rollout of the ACT CleanCoat™ system in 2019. This photocatalytic cleaning process activates when illuminated, continuously breaking down unwanted microbes such as bacteria, viruses, mold, and airborne allergens. The positive environmental impacts of this non-toxic, chemical-free system are many:

• less plastic in the supply chain and waste stream
• more than one million gallons of water saved annually

The system lowers Lindblad’s carbon footprint and creates a cleaner, healthier shipboard environment for guests and crew alike.

Review: Lindblad Expeditions in Galapagos Islands

T his was a dream trip. It was not how I had expected my adventure to the Galapagos Islands would go, and that’s because I didn’t know what to expect on any trip (I didn’t know it was a destination I’d ever get to see). I understood Lindblad Expeditions would be a high-end cruise with nature guides and some educational experiences, but I didn’t know how the day-to-day tours would operate. It was all a pleasant surprise.

This was a family vacation — I could not afford such a trip on my own (even a sort-of independent tour of the Galapagos would be a stretch). Everything on the tour was included except for the flights to and from Guayaquil, Ecuador — Lindblad arranged the hotel in Guayaquil as well as flights and travel permits for the Galapagos.

Covid Protocol

Aside from the day before departure for the Galapagos , everything was meticulously planned and ran smoothly. In fact, we probably weren’t supposed to go wandering around Guayaquil as we had to have a pre-departure Covid test at the Hotel Oro Verde . We planned to arrive the evening before most everyone else on the tour to ensure we weren’t affected by flight delays. The following evening, there was a welcome dinner at which we were given our Covid test results (no one tested positive). We had the private dining room for breakfast the next day before boarding buses for the airport. We were kept away from locals for the most part and encouraged to wear a mask when not in our rooms.

Part of the adventure is flying in and out of the Galapagos airports — we arrived at Baltra, which is the smallest airport I’ve been to. Flights land, turn around at the end of the runway to allow passengers off and more passengers to board, and take off again for Guayaquil. I was also pleasantly surprised that Galapagos stamps passports on arrival (there’s also a special travel card that travelers need to hold during their stay).

Expectations in Galapagos

Lindblad collected our luggage and boarded us on Zodiacs to take us to our ship — the National Geographic Endeavour II . Aboard the ship, we were given a lengthy welcome briefing and introduced to the crew and naturalists.

The cabins were comfortable and small, which is to be expected on a small cruise ship . I didn’t ask to see any additional cabins to see if there were larger ones for families. This isn’t like more popular cruises — the ship doesn’t have a pool or multiple restaurants or large open spaces. This is an expedition cruise ship. There’s a lounge/bar big enough to accommodate everyone and a dining room. There’s also a small gym, library, shop with local artisan goods, a no-cost doctor, and observation deck. What else do you really need?

Everything on board and off was taken care of (aside from souvenirs, obviously). At least twice a day, we were taken off the ship on the Zodiacs — groups of no more than 16 passengers with each naturalist, and it was easy to choose which group you wanted (I usually went for one of the first groups because I was excited to go).

There were multiple briefings throughout the day. There was usually one after the first activity, before we went to the dining room for lunch, and another before dinner. There were also lectures from the naturalists mixed in, including multiple photography seminars and some history lessons. I only skipped a few of these for a nap (I may have also fallen asleep in the lounge during a couple).

Many of the daily briefings with the cruise director were necessary — Carlos would go over the schedule for the next day or activity to ensure everyone was prepared. We had to know whether it was a dry landing or not; how difficult the activity would be; whether we needed to wear hiking shoes; and, of course, what time to be ready. Those were also the briefings that provided everyone with the schedule for breakfast — if we disembarked earlier, we had to be up earlier to get breakfast.

Lessons on Lindblad Expeditions

There’s something to be said for an open bar on a cruise, and it’s “YES!” That doesn’t mean it’s a great idea. There were themed cocktails each day, but none of them were great. They were lighter, which was likely intentional.

Because I was with my brother and sister-in-law, and there were some people around our age on the ship, I stayed up a little later having a few drinks. There were some beers brewed in Galapagos as well as well cocktails. There was also a sunset wine tasting with Ecuadorian wine as we sailed across the Equator. It was fun getting to know our fellow travelers over drinks, but it wasn’t a great idea to stay up late and tipsy when we had to wake up before 7 am every day.

Then there’s breakfast. It was fantastic every day with all the fresh fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, and whatnot. There is a warning, however. Don’t drink so much coffee at breakfast because you will be disembarking soon after and there are no restrooms on those lovely trips. Yes, you will have to hold it for about three hours. Best advice is to have a cup with breakfast and another upon return to the ship before lunch.

Speaking of meals, the food was always wonderful, but don’t expect anything particularly spicy (they’re catering to a wide range of tastes with limited food options). It is possible to ask for half servings of each option when you can’t decide which to order. I did this a few times, and it was the best choice.

The other great choice in the dining room was dessert. I don’t often eat desserts, but I couldn’t pass up the offerings — they were intriguing and decadent. How could I saw no to passionfruit mousse? I suppose the slow nature walks and kayaking helped burn off some of those calories.

Overall, traveling through the Galapagos with Lindblad Expeditions was amazing. Any mishaps (*cough* breaking my camera *cough*) were my own fault. The crew and naturalists were fantastic — it was fun to get to know the naturalists beyond their expertise as well; they were happy to tell us about growing up in the archipelago and their families. It was a memorable trip every step of the way (and I wish I could afford to go again).

Have you been on Lindblad Expeditions or to the Galapagos? What did you think?

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Lindblad-National Geographic trip to... - Galapagos Natural Life

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Lindblad-National Geographic trip to the Galapagos Islands

There is probably not much to add to others reviews of these trips. The combination of Lindblad and National Geo is hard to beat. Everything is well planned and executed. There were 4 professional photographers on our trip who provided instruction and assistance. So, we all took way too many pictures but it was great fun. This is a cruise on a 95 passenger vessel but you are only on the boat for meals and sleeping. Otherwise, you are snorkeling or hiking and taking pictures. In addition to great flora and fauna, much of which can be found no where else, this trip attracts many very interesting people. Since all meals are open seating, you have the chance to meet a significant number of the passengers. This is a trip for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. If you are looking for a luxury cruise, this is probably not for you. We thoroughly enjoyed it and plan on going on other Lindblad-National Geo trips.

During the first week of December 2012 we took a 9 night trip to Quito and the Galapagos, arranged by General Tours. The trip started with 2 nights in Quito at the Swissotel (very very nice), during the one day we were taken on an excellent city tour of Quito by Henry capped off by a super dinner at the Theatrum(?). We found Quito to be charming. On our third morning we were taken to the Quito airport by Maria of GT and she stayed with us to help navigate through the various stations reqired to go to the Galapagos, which might have been a little overwhelming if we had to do it alone. After arriving in Baltra we were taken to a Zodiac raftboat to be taken out to the Galapagos Explorer II, a 100 passenger (the limit), 70 crew ship. Unlike other ships in the Galapagos, it is the only only one with all outside suites. We found our suite (the lowest price category) to be smaller than we had envisioned, but it was very adequate and comfortable. The week we went there were only 48 passengers with the 70 crew, so we were made to feel like royalty. The food was great-- a breakfast and lavish lunch buffet every day, then a formal sit down dinner. Prior to dinner each evening there was a happy hour party on the jacuzzi deck followed by about a 15 minute presentation by the naturalist on what we would be doing the next day and how to prepare. They tried to have a few after dinner parties, but everyone was just too pooped, so they fizzled. So during the 7 day, 6 night cruise we stopped 11 times on 8 different islands. Each island is different than another as to what it has to offer, both flora and fauna. We were always Zodiaced in, with a few wet beach landings where you jumped off into water no higher than your knees. It really made us feel like we were on an adventure. On land we saw the giant tortoises, iguanas, sea lions, small penguins and numerous species of exotic birds, particularly the famous blue footed boobies. They all have no fear of humans and we got up within a few feet of them to get some postcard quality photos and video. There was always some hiking and/or climbing to see the land sights led by a very informative naturalist, but the pace was always kept slow for the less fit to keep up (like me). There were several opportunities to snorkel and in the water there were tons of beautiful fish, sea turtles, marine iguanas and sometimes a sea lion or two. One day the ship took nonsnorkelers out in a glass bottom boat which was great. The water was about 65 degrees, so even with the shorty wetsuits you can rent from the ship, it was chilly, particularly for the extremeties. There were several opportunities to just veg out on beautiful beaches. At the end of the trip wee were flown back to Quito for one more night at the Swissotel to gather ourselves for the long flights home. Overall, we had one of the great travel experiences of our lifetime.

My friend and I did a 6 day trip of Galapagos on Archipell (II?). The boat and crew were awesome. The food was great. Diving off the roof- about 5 metres- and swiming with sharks and sea creatures was all great. One thing ruined it. A guide named Ivan. There were only 2 of us guys on board (as guests) the rest were female. Ivan started working on a single mum who was there with her young son. His hand wandered over to her knee while he was talking with us about the next days events. This sounds really prude I guess, but I was disgusted more so be cause he showed zero patience or politeness to us guys but was all smiles and plenty of time for the girls. I want to puke. We were treated like a cancer on his side- his competition for scoring a girl. We lost interest in this person fairly soon and couldn't stand the dribble he displayed, so he got no tips from us at the end. We tipped the crew tho. I have since heard stories of guides doing the same thing and hassling girls and pissing off the guys. Beware too, if you're blonde entering dark haired countries such as South and Central America. A rare beauty to them.

Had a great week in the Galapagos Islands with Lindblad Travel. Connections and transportation was smooth. Hotel in Guayaquil was excellent. Visiting the Islands is incredible; so many different attractions to see, such as turtle, crab, and bird watching, and then hikes and snorkeling.

My husband and I did a 7 day cruise of the Galapagos Islands on Celebrity Xpedition. This was an amazing trip. We cannot say enough good things about Celebrity Xpedition. The guides were great, crew were so eager and happy to make our cruise as comfortable and memorable as much as possible. Our cruise director Bitinia was fantastic. Food was very good. We were served lobsters so many times. There was enough selection at the buffet. Crew made sure that we were always safe. I give them a 10. Our destinations in the different islands were just amazing. We saw a whole lot of animals and sealife. This is a trip of a lifetime. Awesome, awesome.

I had the opportunity to participate in the 3rd edicion of the Come To Galapagos Marathon 2012. What an awesome experience it was. I did the Half Marathon, the course was not easy but I finished. I got to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno - de Capital of Galapagos Islands- three days prior to the race and then stayed another three days after the race. What a wonderfult time I had exploring around in the national parks surrounding the city. The Interpretacion Center is great to learn abotu what is that makes the Galapagos Islands the "Enchanted Islands" I also did some exploracion - trekking to the Sea Lions refuge which is a place from heaven where you see sea lions, naturally, black marine iguanas, blue footed boobies, etc. I climbed up to Tijereats and Punta Carolla and saw the beautiful enedemic vejetacion and many different species of birds and animals. Lastly I participated in a post race event planting an endemic plant at the El Junco national park, I actually got to plant not one but three miconia three plants!...Overall I loved this place and will go back as soon as possible to see much more!

Ditch the polar gear: 7 warm-weather expedition cruises that will wow nature and adventure lovers

I f you thought expedition cruising was all about polar destinations, think again. The newest ships and itineraries will have you swapping the thermal gear for swimsuits, basking in bright sunshine and slipping into the warm crystal waters in some of the more remote tropics around the world, including wild frontiers without the bone-chilling cold.

Here are seven of the best warm-weather expedition itineraries to explore.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Seabourn in the Kimberley

The Kimberley is Australia's hottest destination right now, and Seabourn 's ultra-luxe Seabourn Pursuit — which debuts there in June — is the best way to see it in style. The 10-night Waterfalls and Wandjinas tour from Broome to Darwin winds through a wilderness that is almost the size of California but home to fewer than 40,000 people.

Natural wonders abound in this wild frontier etched with rivers, waterfalls, tidal creeks, reefs and white sand beaches — many only accessible by boat. On guided tours, witness ancient rock art, dive into Western Australia's rich pearling history and experience Indigenous culture firsthand with a traditional face-painting ceremony.

On board the 264-passenger Seabourn Pursuit is a wellness spa, 24-hour room service (hello caviar) and the Bow Lounge, which features interactive navigation maps and front-row seats to saltwater crocodiles and the magnificent red sandstone gorges that date back 1.8 billion years. Expeditions are equally mind-blowing, as the Zodiac boats thread through the narrow gap of Horizontal Falls or zip out as the tide turns so guests can see Montgomery Reef surface magically from the sea.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Seabourn cruise ship

UnCruise Adventures in Hawaii

Nothing says aloha like island hopping in Hawaii aboard a 36-guest boutique yacht. UnCruise Adventures ' seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes expedition is one for nature lovers, with opportunities to snorkel with manta rays, swim with sea turtles, float above a coral garden bright with neon fish or peer into the crater of an active volcano.

Hawaiian culture is also in the spotlight. With stops at four islands — Molokai, Lanai, Maui and Hawaii (the Big Island) — you'll have ample time to explore. Cycle local villages, chase waterfalls, hike rainforests alive with birdsong or learn to make poi, Hawaii's beloved dish of mashed taro.

On board Safari Explorer are kayaks, paddleboards and a skiff to explore the dramatic coastline up close. Lounging on the ship's three decks has its own reward. You might spot cavorting dolphins or a humpback whale or two popping out of the sea to wave a fin hello.

Related: The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

Lindblad Expeditions in Baja Mexico

Cruise the Sea of Cortez with Lindblad Expeditions, and you'll soon discover the magic of Baja Mexico from a team with more than 30 years of experience sailing this dazzling 2,500-mile coastline.

Itineraries of six to 15 days dive into this biodiverse landscape — described by Jacques Cousteau as nature's aquarium. Get up close to sea lions, rays, big fish and dolphins. Shore landings are no less awesome, hiking desert arroyos spiked with cactuses and islands clamorous with sea lions and squawking seabirds.

Whale watching is one of Baja's biggest draws, the sparkling waters filled with the spray and song of humpbacks, orcas and the rare blue whale. This is where California gray whales come to breed and huge whale sharks glide through shimmering seas. These encounters are memorable, but Lindblad goes one step further, with expeditions in local panga boats for up-close encounters with the gentle mamas and their calves.

Silversea Cruises in the Galapagos

The Galapagos is the ultimate in adventure travel. This remote archipelago of 19 islands is carpeted with an astonishing 9,000 species of flora and fauna, many not found anywhere else in the world. It's here that Charles Darwin formulated his theory of evolution. More than 150 years later, not much has changed, except perhaps the mode of transport.

Cue Silversea Cruises ' Silver Origin, a luxe 50-suite ship with butler service and a decidedly Ecuadorian flavor found in the ship's food, team of Ecuadorian national expert guides and, of course, excursions. Off-ship expeditions will have you hiking ancient lava flows, snorkeling with huge fish and island hopping through primordial landscapes flush with blue- and red-footed boobies, sea lions and giant tortoises.

Drama is everywhere in the Galapagos — and not just the animal kind. Thirteen of the 21 volcanoes in the archipelago are active. With a little luck, your wilderness outing might include dress circle views of a volcano's billowing peak.

Related: Galapagos cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

Aqua Expeditions in Raja Ampat

Spend a week sailing Indonesia's Raja Ampat with Aqua Expeditions, and you could be forgiven for thinking you'd found paradise. Galaxies of karst islands drift above coral reefs alive with darting fish, pygmy seahorses, black-tipped reef sharks, octopuses and manta rays. The diving and snorkeling are out of this world.

So, too, is life on board Aqua Blu, a 30-passenger superyacht replete with a Jacuzzi, an outdoor barbeque and a Balinese spa. The former HMS Beagle is barefoot luxury at its best with a no-shoes policy for the entire seven-night cruise.

On board are diving and snorkeling gear, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, so you can explore this far-flung Southeast Asian archipelago at your own pace. On landings, unearth hidden lagoons and beaches, and go in search of the rare crimson bird of paradise. One thing is certain: Dropping anchor anywhere in this pristine archipelago of 1,500 islands promises nature writ large.

Aurora Expeditions in Costa Rica and the Panama Canal

Slow-moving three-toed sloths, howler monkeys, toucans and crimson macaws are just some of the wonders of Costa Rica, a nation that lives and breathes sustainability. The newest cruise from eco-minded Aurora Expeditions tours the Central American country's Pacific coastline, diving into the heart of its greenest parks and wildlife reserves, including the small but popular Manuel Antonio National Park.

Panama is another highlight of this 10-night sailing (with a one-night pre-cruise stay in San Jose, Costa Rica). There are stops in the Pearl Islands and a visit to the Indigenous Indian tribes of Embera, a village deep in the rainforest. Miraflores Visitor Center — with the history of making the canal — is also fascinating.

Most cruises head straight through the canal, but Aurora runs expeditions in Gatun Lake, the 21-mile artificial waters that made the Panama Canal crossing possible. It's, of course, a warmup for the main event — a daylight crossing of the 51-mile engineering marvel that connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

Related: 12 best Panama Canal cruises for a bucket-list trip

Captain Cook Cruises in Fiji

Fiji's reputation for being one of the friendliest nations now extends to its cruise offerings, as it's the setting for the friendliest expedition ship, the 114-passenger MS Caledonian Sky. This recent addition to the Captain Cook Cruises fleet is crewed by locals, which means one thing — service with ebullient smiles and no end of welcoming bulas, the Fijian greeting for hello.

The seven-night Southern Lau itinerary takes in an archipelago, far from the high-end island resorts and "flop and drop'' beach holidays of more popular Denarau and Viti Levu. Each day brings two stops at an island or coral reef and visits to local villages and schools. Snorkel, dive with a qualified instructor, kayak or head out in the glass-bottomed boat. Island visits celebrate Fiji's vibrant culture with traditional dances and lovo feasts, banquets cooked using an earth oven.

Can't get enough? Book a two-week itinerary to trace the migratory path of the Tongan Tribe, the last humpback whales to be hunted. It's a rare opportunity to witness these majestic cetaceans soar and belly-flop into the air before blowing a final, salty kiss farewell.

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.