Just completed a Bucket List trip on a Princess Cruise Auckland To Sydney.  Enjoyed New Zealand more than expected as I had always heard it is like BC where we live.  Our tour guides were very laid back, relaxed, soft spoken people. Beautiful scenery lovely experiences there. Hobart Tasmania was on our itinerary and saw Tasmanian Devils at the Bonorong Sanctuary. Interesting place.  The Cruise ended in Sydney.  We stayed at the Holiday Inn Old Town Sydney.  We were able to walk to the hotel from the cruise terminal.  Great location.  My highlight was a tour of the inside of that spectacular Opera House. From there we went to Cairns and did a Semi Submarine and glass bottom boat trip on Green Island part of the Great Barrier Reef.   Despite MUCH RAIN we enjoyed our time in Australia as well.  Highly recommend.  Flew Air New Zealand also a recommended airline. 

Just returned from the Luxury Cruise Line Crystal Symphony.  It was a 7 night round trip Vancouver to Alaska visiting Juneau, Skagway Ketchikan and cruising the inside passage and seeing Endicott Arm and Glacier.  Crystal is all inclusive in gratuities, all beverages and internet.  Specialty Dining is also an option included (except the Vintage Room).  Shore excursions have a fee. Food and service are excellent.  They have enrichment lectures and computer classes for those sea days as well as a gym, pool, Spa, Casino and shops.  First class and with a smart casual dress code.,

I had the privilege of sailing with a friend round trip Alaska on Crystal Symphony for a 7 day cruise end of June.  Then later in the year another friend and I sailed on the Symphony for a 5 night Puerto Vallarta to San Diego and prior to that cruise stayed at the Riu Palace Pacifico all inclusive for 2 nights. This was middle of December just before Christmas.  The Hotel was beautifully decked out and of course the ship was as well.  Love Crystal very much.  Gratuities, wifi and all beverages included. Highly recommend.

Had 3 nights at the Riu in Miami. Liked the 4 mile boardwalk on the beach behind the hotel strip. Excellent to be able to walk away from traffic, see the ocean but also have some shade. Enjoyed the free trolley. Took an all  day tour down to the Florida Keys. Spent time in Key West . Excellent way to see the area very long drive. Did a Spring Break cruise with daughter, husband and 2 teenage grandchildren who have not been on a cruise and that went well. Good ships for families for sure.  Would recommend Rodeway Inn Fort Lauderdale (closer to airport). Our flight home was 6 PM departure booked a day room there.  They picked us up at the Pier and took us to the airport. Very reasonable and lovely way to hang out rather than sitting at the airport with all your luggage.   Would recommend the hotel that has very reasonable rates including a very nice breakfast room.

Celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary going to some ports of call we have not seen .One of our favorites was Dubrovnik Croatia and we walked the ancients walls of the City. Kotor Montenegro was also a beautiful place.  The Island of Corsica was delightful and seeing Aix en Provence very special.  Stayed one night in Barcelona only to take the time to see inside the Sagrada Familia Gaudi's famous cathedral.  A MUST SEE WHILE IN BARCELONA.  Spent some time in Bordeaux then the last few days in one of my favorite cities. Paris.  Love the St Germaine area so easy to walk about, took a wonderful Seine Luncheon cruise that truly surprised me as to the quality and presentation of the food. Celebrated with friends who were also in Paris at a beautiful restaurant around the corner from our very cute hotel called the Welcome Hotel, very small rooms, delightful and quaint and in a great location.