The first step in my dream vacation is where I will get a "taste" of a specific region. I will use a luxury cruise as a mode of transportation to efficiently experience multiple dream destinations.
The purpose of the appetizer is to set the palette for the main course. My choice depends on when I can travel, my mood, who I am with, etc. It will allow me to choose what kind of vacation I want to experience: A romantic getaway in the French Polynesia, an exciting Caribbean quest, or an South Pacific adventure.
Choose one of three Appetizers:
Tahiti and Society Islands
On this two-week cruise, you'll first call at the breathtaking isle of
Bora Bora. This could be easily be described
as the center of the romantic universe, where luxury
resorts and spas dot the island with overwater bungalows,
thatched-roof villas, and fabled ambience. 
Next, explore the mist-covered Marquesas, where you'll discover the islands of Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Ua Huka, and Nuku Hiva. On these wild islands you'll find waterfalls, wild stallions, tiki sculptures, and an arboretum, among other delights.
Hiva Oa is an island marked by wild beauty and a somber bearing. You might visit the village of Puamau to see the largest stone sculptures of Marquesas.
Home to the only arboretum in French
Polynesian, the people of Ua Huka have a commitment to the conservation
and the preservation of their culture that is palpable. The oldest ruins
in the Marquesas are located in the Hane Valley and date back to AD
254-300. 
Known as the “wild” Society for its untamed,
verdant forests, Huahine remains relatively untouched by modern
development. Explore some of the abundant archaeological treasures –
ancient homes, buildings, and marae (stone platforms that served as
places of worship) – excavated and preserved throughout the island. Or
dive in Huahine's crystalline lagoon, which teems with over 450 species
of fish.
The island of Moorea's scenery is like a
dream. Try out some exciting optional watersports like scuba diving
among a host of interesting sea creatures – including sea turtles, a
staggering number of fish species such as barracuda, tuna, jackfish, red
snapper, moray eels, trigger fish, various sizes and shapes of rays and
more. 
Cruise total: $6,000/person
Flight details
- Toronto (YYZ) to Los Angeles (LAX) via Air Canada
- Los Angeles (LAX) to Papeete (PPT) via Air Tahiti
- Paul Gauguin offers free airfare from Los Angeles!
- Papeete (PPT) to Bora Bora (BOB) via Air Tahiti
- flight total: $5,286 (round trip)
Barrier Reef & Gold Coast
On this 16 day luxury cruise you will depart from Benoa, Bali which features calm waters and beautiful white sand beaches that are prime for water sports.
Next you will visit Gili Trawangan, Indonesia which due to its size, mainly produces relaxation and beach-induced bliss.
At Komodo Island you find an authentic ancient culture. The Komodo National Park is home to the iconic Komodo dragon found nowhere else on earth. Apart from dragon spotting, there are some good walks, viewpoints and
game viewing. You can also
board a glass bottom boat cruising the local waters, and there's a good chance to see large sea mammals, such as whales and dolphins.
In Darwin, Australia you will explore its beautiful coastline, as well as numerous parks and gardens. This sociable hub is where non-Aboriginal meets Aboriginal (Larrakia), where urban meets remote, and where industry meets idleness.
On Thursday Island you can experience one of Australia's Indigenous cultures, local art, community markets, relics of the pearling industry, colonial architecture and tours of significant sites from World War Two.
Next you will explore Cairns which is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda, and the Daintree rainforest, a World Heritage protected area.
As the capital of Queensland, Brisbane is
Australia's "most livable city". Brisbane City is a hive of activity
for shopping, dining, culture and nightlife. Striking historic buildings
contrast beautifully with modern architecture contributing to the
fantastic cityscape, best viewed by night. Home of the cultural precinct featuring galleries, museums, theatre and
festivals Brisbane is also the gateway to the sun, surf and beaches of
the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.You will finish off your adventure in Sydney which is a cosmopolitan, multicultural city surrounded by golden sand beaches, World Heritage areas, lush national parks and acclaimed wine regions.
Cruise total: $8,000/ person
Flight Details
- Toronto - Pearson International (YYZ) to Vancouver - Vancouver Intl (YVR) via Air Canada
- Vancouver - Vancouver Intl (YVR) to Seoul - Inchon International Airport (ICN)via Air Canada
- Seoul - Inchon International Airport (ICN)to Denpasar Bali - Ngurah Rai (DPS) via Korean Air
- flight total: $3373 (round trip)
Caribbean Holiday Quest
Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US you will embark on an 18 day tour of some of the most beautiful islands in Caribbean.
Aruba's beaches are world renowned for their sugary white sand, cooling trade winds, secluded coves lively sunbathing and a myriad of watersports. Aruba is one of only a few Caribbean islands where the indigenous Indian population was not decimated by invading Europeans.
Kralendijk (Bonaire), Antilles is lined with delightfully pastel stucco houses, in pinks, oranges and lime greens. Famous for its diving - the island is surrounded by a Marine Park. Bonaire also offers such treats as flamingos, hiking and the only barefoot casino in the Caribbean.
In Mayreau, Grenadines you can relax on a perfect beach with powder white sands and crystal clear seas. Sail to the Tobago Cays, snorkel or scuba dive beautiful coral gardens. Take a stroll to the village, enjoy scenic views, a quaint old church and lovely people.
Barbados is one of the most diverse and active destinations, offering more attractions per square mile than any other Caribbean island. Activities range from submarine tours to helicopter rides; jeep safaris to heritage tours; exciting Caribbean nightlife to fine dining.
Rodney Bay is located in northwest St Lucia. With numerous restaurants, beautiful resorts,
thrilling activities and a historically notorious marina (a bay treasured by pirates in the early 1700s and 1800s),
it is the area with the most tourist activity.
Terre-de-Haut is unhurried and feels like a small slice of southern France transported to the Caribbean.
In St. John's, the capital city of Antigua, farmers markets, candy-
colored architecture and the ruins of sugar plantations vie for
attention with a kaleidoscope of coral reefs and sailing adventures. 
Gustavia (St. Barts), France features include steep, green, once-active volcano hills, deep valleys, and beautiful beaches. Explore cafes, restaurants and boutiques that are housed in old buildings of Swedish colonial and French Creole architecture.
Less is more on St. John. It's the smallest, quietest, least populated and most secluded of the three U.S. Virgin Islands. St. John's unspoiled beauty is its main draw -- two-thirds of the island is made up of the Virgin Islands National Park. Sailing, snorkeling and diving are top attractions.
San Juan, Puerto Rico; Remnants of colonial architecture stand side by side with the most modern high rises in this city of contrasts. Mountain lakes, waterfalls, teak forests, and three magnificent phosphorescent bays offer the visitor a variety of diversions
Half Moon Cay is considered by many to be the most beautiful of the cruise lines’ private islands. This is truly a nature preserve as Holland America takes great strides to maintain the ecosystem of this pristine island
Cruise total: $9,000/person
Flight Details
- Toronto (YYZ) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) via Delta
- flight total: $657 (round trip)
