Cruise West is a preferred small ship cruise line for Incredible Journey. They pride themselves on providing up-close, casual and personal cruise experiences. Cruise West has been considered the leader in small-ship cruising for 30 years because of their exceptional spirit of exploration.

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Dear Endora,

"Why should I use a travel agent?" With all the different options available online nowadays what is the advantage of using a travel agent?

Confused traveler

While there are many reasons to visit the "Big Island" of Hawai'i, none are bigger than the opportunity to get a close up look at Kilauea, the world's most active volcano. Much to my delight, it has been acting up again and sending lava steaming into the ocean. One of the real highlights of my travels (I tend to like adventure travel) has been to hike down to the actual lava flows and stand so close that I could have stepped into the boiling lava. Witnessing Kilauea's molten lava flows, curling steam clouds, vast lava fields, heated steam vents, sulfur banks, prehistoric lava tubes and huge summit caldera is an unforgettable experience.

Lately I have been spending a lot of time poolside. The heat wave which has affected Northern California has turned my office into the pool (well at least I look at the pool a lot from the confines of my desk!). But when I am done working, and actually slide into the refreshing water it is nice to unwind with a refreshing drink. I came across this recipe in the Hawaii Magazine, it is the Mai Tai recipe from the Royal Hawaiian - one of the most nostalgic hotels in all of Hawaii.

The world-renowned hotel is located on beautiful Kauna'oa Bay, considered by many to be the island's single most picturesque beach. Crescent-shaped with pure white sands and shimmering aqua waters, it is perfect for water activities including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, catamaran riding, whale watching and deep-sea fishing.

Even at night, guests step onto a circular lava outcropping overlooking the Bay, to watch the manta rays swim beneath.