We docked in Juneau, the capital of Alaska, at 7.43am and it was interesting to see modern office blocks alongside little wooden quayside shops and cafes.

The early morning sailing into Venice harbour was reminiscent of sailing into Sydney for this cruiser. The hush of the sinking city that lay in slumber was palpable.

The heat was palpable on arrival into Dubrovnik and I was glad that I had booked the ‘Best of Dubrovnik’ shore excursion rather than relying on just wandering around on my own.

When one goes to bed at 8am, it is normal to not wake before midday is it not? Just in time for lunch was the perfect time for me to wake on our first fun day at sea in the Med.

Waking to picture perfect weather for a private tour of the Amalfi Coast makes this cruiser bounce out of bed regardless of the lack of sleep from a very late night!

Welcome to a new age where the first international flight from Auckland landed at the Sunshine Coast Airport on the 1st of July 2012.

Having spent some time in Rome just before this cruise, I was keen to return to the city that had truly captured my heart.

Today, June 20, was the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the ship docked in Haines just before 6am.

The day dawned bright and extremely early – there’s about 22 hours of daylight here on the summer solstice and we’re only a couple of days away from that.

Today passed by in a pleasant relaxed haze after a tour of the Rotterdam Dining Room’s galley in the morning (I love seeing those acres of gleaming stainless-steel and industrial-sized pots and pans).

While the Glacier Bay Park rangers boarded the ship (left), my day started with a 45-minute yoga session at the well-equipped gym and fitness centre on the Lido deck.

Something that never fails to amaze me when cruising in Europe is how you can go to sleep one night in one country and be in another country when you wake.

A mere several hours of sleep (albeit in a ridiculously comfortable bed) does not make one look forward to a self tour of a new city, but Marseille was calling and I was determined to put those French skills to the test for my last day in France for this trip.

It takes three flights (Sydney to LA, LA to Seattle, Seattle to Anchorage) to get to Alaska, America’s 49th State – and it’s probably a miracle that only one bag was (temporarily) lost in transit.

Anticipation mounted as I met my cruising buddy, Travel Manager Michelle, at Barcelona Airport to embark on a voyage aboard Carnival's newest ship, Carnival Breeze.

Travellers who visit Pompeii with a guide from Rome-based tour company Through Eternity are in for a treat.

I am a beach girl. I like the feel of the sand between my feet, the warmth of the sun and the rolling waves.

Don't even think of visiting Rome's top attractions without being part of a tour.

One of the most alluring cities in Italy—and one of the most popular for visitors—is the capital, Rome.

As any international traveller knows, Italy is one of the most popular destinations in the world.

Through Eternity: How To Bake A Successful Tour Company Cake