November 26, 2025

Champagne Beach, on the island of Santo, Solomon Islands has to be on the list of top 10 beaches in the World! Oddly, we had it all to ourselves on Monday, November 24th! Below are drone shots by another resident that show the spectacular blue water and powdery white sand!

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Champagne beach got its name from this cool effect that happens at low tide, around the rocky reef edges. The coral gets cascading water pushed through it at low tide from the neighboring blue hole and when this cool fresh water mixes with the sea water, as it gushes over the coral reef - tons of bubbles form and the water actually goes cloudy, then clear with each surf surge. We were snorkeling this area trying to figure out it something was off with our googles and then got mesmerized by the bubble! Our friends and fellow ship mates had been here the 2 days before, but none of them mentioned this when telling us what we should see on the island. So we were stumped as to what was going on. Turns out they were there at high tide and saw none of this. Below are my photo's from beach. Wish I could have captured underwater shots to show how cool - will just have to visit again!

Before heading to Champagne Beach we canoed into one of the three Blue Holes on the island. Riri Blue Hole  is the only one with entry by canoe offered. Our driver dropped us upstream on the Crystal River and a oarsman got us situated and did all the work.. It was a very tranquil ride into the lush landscape. I went with Memo and Sue; we were the only ones from our getaway trip, who had the energy to go out and explore today.

Along the way we stopped for fresh coconuts and almonds - which are amazing fresh - first time I have ever had, Yummy!!

KOTA KINABALU, SABAH, MALAYSIA

By Pat Patrick • May 25, 2026
We only had about 8 hours of port time in KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia today, due to Port operations. I went out with Delia to see one of the most notable buildings in town, the floating mosque or Masjid Bandaraya. Our GRAB driver actually took our picture when we asked him to wait for us, and then take us to the mall afterwards.

SANTUBONG RIVER, SARAWAK, MALAYSIA

By Pat Patrick • May 23, 2026
MALAYSIA , on BORNEO ISLAND made palm seed oil their biggest export back in 1966 and was the top global exporter until 2008, when Indonesia surpassed them. Sadly, the resulting tropical deforestation has created major habitat losses and population declines for the Borneon Orangutans, Pygmy Elephants and Proboscis Monkeys . Many of us on the ship took tours to see these amazing creatures and I wanted to share some of their amazing photos too.

KUCHING, MALAYSIA - BORNEO ISLAND

By Pat Patrick • May 22, 2026
BORNEO ISLAND is a fascinating place, that I had honestly only heard of from the reality tv show Survivor. I'm still learning so much, but I had no idea it is the largest island in Asia and 3rd largest island in the World! It is a mini continent, with 3 different Countries sharing the island's land mass ( Indonesia 73%, Malaysia 26% and Brunei 1% ). We are only going to 2 ports in Malaysia now, one in each of the states of Sarawak and Sabah . Below is a video that highlights and explains thing well.