I was a little hesitant as I arrived at the port and saw the size of my home for the next two weeks – Holland America Line’s ms Oosterdam, for which I was about to embark.

I’d heard comments that cruise ships were for “oldies” and with a capacity of over 1800 guests – that’s a whole lot of “oldies”. But as I waited in the check-in line, I was surprised to see that there were people of all ages and as I later found out onboard – they were from all places and walks of life. It made for a very interesting experience.

The ms Oosterdam had a lovely modern feel to her and all the public areas were bright and relaxing and what surprised me was that there was always a bar or quiet area to go to that took you away from the many guests if you just wanted some time-out.

Every evening when you turned in to your stateroom for the night, there was tomorrow’s daily activity list that was jam-packed with fun. There were so many things that I wanted to do that I found myself rushing form one event to the other just to do everything that I possibly could. There were movies (with yummy popcorn), culinary classes, walk a mile along the promenade and so many more that should be mentioned. The most popular though, was the bingo and I found myself hooked on the daily event were the money jackpots are in the thousands and even chances to win future cruises. No luck there – so thought I’d try out the casino. A small win on the blackjack table and I was in high spirits. The shops, comprising of jewelery, fragrances and beauty care, alcohol and cigarettes and souvenirs would take care of my new found winnings!

The food was in-describable with so many options that you could go on at least a one week cruise and not have the same food twice. And there is a dining experience for every occasion – feel like dressing up for the formal dining, relaxing with a casual ambience or pulling on the pyjamas and having dinner bought to you in your stateroom – it can all be done and I tried them all. But it’s not just breakfast, lunch and dinner – if I feel like a pizza by the pool in the afternoon, or chocolate at midnight – there is food all day. And just when I thought I was so full from lunch I spotted the ice cream shop – enough said!

After hardly being able to walk after eating so much at dinner – I ventured to the show lounge where there was a new show every evening. The magician was world class and I’m still trying to figure out how he managed his tricks, the opera singer entertained the whole room and the dancers amazed me with their energetic routines. And to top it of, there was a crew show where the crew members performed some of their traditional Indonesian and Filipino rituals – truly fantastic.

I disembarked the ms Oosterdam with a sad feeling and wished I could cruise away every day on the Holland America Line ship., but the happy memories will last a lifetime.

Chiva Som - nestled on Thailand’s Royal Beach Resort, Hua Hin, is commonly referred to as the ‘Haven of Life’. At only a 3 hour drive south of Bangkok, this luxurious resort feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. Hua Hin Beach should not be thought of as the pristine beach of white sand and blue water that is typically associated with Thailand as this will only lead in disappointment - but the clear water and short shoreline is what encapsulates and contrasts this resort with the 7 acre property featuring lush tropical gardens and stylish accommodation and guest areas.

Focusing on the mind, body and spirit, Chiva Som is not particularly for the guest who wants to relax around the pool. This said, the outside pool (overlooking the beach) is lovely, although not extremely large - but with a daily activities list that is filled with ample things to do to occupy all guests, why would you want to.

From water-aerobics (in a separate activities pool), beach walks, cooking classes, tai chi, yoga, a well equipped gym and personal well-being courses - there truly is something for everyone. And for the guest who wants a little more pampering than physical activity, the spa is the best I have ever seen and offers so many treatments that you wouldn’t be able to do them all in the standard 7 night stay. Chiva Som also offers packages tailored to each individual, for which you are cared for and assisted by your own highly trained Wellness Consultant. And you will always be in the hands of a skilled and qualifies team of Body Therapists, Specialist Consultants, Doctors, Nurses, Naturopaths, Physiotherapists, Counselors, and Fitness Trainers dedicated to support you in achieving lasting results.

The restaurant offers a fantastic restaurant designed to be healthy yet enjoyable with an ever-changing menu. At breakfast, a separate tea menu will be handed to you with a list of tea’s and what it will do to assist in any symptoms ranging from tiredness to tummy upsets. Chiva Som prides them-selves on focusing on everything that will have you leaving the resort refreshed and revitalised.

You won’t find a mini-bar in your room (alcohol is not favoured except for an occasional wine at dinner), but Chiva-Som rooms offer luxury and comfort with fittings and features providing a perfect balance between Thai architectural beauty and Western standards. From marble bathrooms to Thai sculptures and individual DVD players in each room, your creature comforts are taken care of.

The stay will leave guests understanding the philosophy of Chiva Som - “Good health equates to vitality, wellness, peace, harmony, and balance”.

I was lucky enough to experience a land tour of Alaska and The Yukon and my experiences with this beautiful destination were both memorable and magnificent.

The contrast between the emerald lake on the Klondike Highway to the dirty white glacier at Mendenhall Glacier were remarkable, not to mention the expansive scenery of the Denali National Park.

And what about the towns I visited – Juneau, Skagway, Cacross,Whitehorse, Haines Junction, Moose Creek, Dawson City, Guggieville, Eagle, Chicken, Tok - have you ever heard such names – and each offering it’s own unique experience.

But my highlight, albeit a strange one – would have to be becoming a member of Captain Dick’s Sour Toe Cocktail Club. I don’t think there’s anywhere else in the world that would offer this odd little tradition. What is it you ask? Well you might just have to visit Dawson City in the Yukon to find out the answer to that one!