Blue Planet Journey

Caroline checks out a snorkeling site on Vanuatu.  Swimmer, snorkeler, PADI rescue diver, and previously lifeguard certified, with Italian made Cressi mask, snorkel, and fins... she is prepared.   I really just want to comment on 2 things that relate to the Celebrity Solstice,  and perhaps most cruise ships.  The first is safety in a reef environment (snorkeling).   The second is a commitment to reef conservation. "National Geographic" gear The Celebrity Solstice shore excursion team promotes snorkeling gear sales.   I'm not sure who makes this equipment, but it is sold under a licensing agreement allowing for the "National Geographic" label to be attached (as if NG has any specialized experience in snorkeling gear... you won't find any real divers using it).  The insinuation is that, if National Geographic endorses this gear, the gear is quality, and you are going to have a great and safe time snorkeling.  Who needs, say,...

Yesterday the Celebrity Solstice  left New Caledonia territory for a few hours and sailed to the nation of Vanuatu.  The destination?  Mystery Island. Caroline is standing on the grass runway for the island's airstrip. Other than the beaches, the main feature is the grass runway. Actually, I can't find much about "Mystery Island." The island we visited actually is Inyeug Island , which is uninhabited but used for a cruise destination and the regional airport for Aneityum , the southernmost island in Vanuatu .  I think "Mystery Island" runs off the tourist brochure and tongue better than " Inyeug Island ." We spent an hour walking around the perimeter of the island. We usually walk pretty fast, and this walk should have taken us 20 minutes or so, but we kept being distracted by the thousands of little hermit crabs scurrying on the beach. You had to be careful not to step on these little guys! Finally, after scoping out t...