My Happy Place: Around the World with our Oceania Club Ambassadors

Where is your happy place? When you travel far and wide, there are always those corners of the globe that beckon you to return again and again. Our Oceania Club Ambassadors – who love to share their insights and expertise as they help you plan your next cruise on board – understandably have a deep-seated passion for travel and plenty of favorites. Inspired by the new travel adventures everyone is planning, our ambassadors have shared their top destinations in the world – their happy places – along with an expert tip for experiencing it.

Jennifer Faust
Home City & Country: Anaheim, California, USA
My Happy Place: The Lost City of Petra in the Kingdom of Jordan

My Expert Tip: When visiting the Lost City of Petra for the first time, give yourself plenty of time, wear comfortable walking shoes and prepare yourself for the wonderment and awe of experiencing one of the most historical UNESCO sites on earth. Take as many photos as possible – depending on the time of day and the angle of the sun, the vibrant colors may actually change during your visit. It’s a must-see for the intrepid traveler.

Iwona Goodman
Home City & Country: Kraków, Poland
My Happy Place: Kobe, Japan

My Expert Tip: Our ships often spend two days here and an overnight in Kobe is wonderful because it also gives you an opportunity to visit the metropolitan areas of the cities of Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. If you are a fan of Chinese and Japanese cuisine and you would like to have a sample of Kobe beef, I would recommend stopping by the street food market – this is where you will find me if we cruise together in Japan!

Sioux Shelton
Home City & Country: Alicante, Spain
My Happy Place: Amazon River, Brazil

My Expert Tip: Everyone should experience the Amazon at least once – or, if you are like me, as often as you have the opportunity. It’s a fascinating place with so many exciting experiences: pink dolphins, piranha fishing, meeting of the waters, the children so proud of their homes in small villages…I could go on for days.

Michael De Sadeleer
Home City & Country: Halifax, Canada
My Happy Place: Cozumel, Mexico

My Expert Tip: The best way to see Cozumel is to rent a jeep or scooter and circle around the whole island to see the rugged natural east side, the beautiful beaches of the west side, snorkel, stop for fish tacos and shop local in downtown San Miguel. I have visited Cozumel countless times and always feel at peace and happy there – it’s tranquil, beautiful, fun, friendly and full of things to do and see. Tulum, which is one of my favorite ancient ruins, is a day trip away and is perched on a cliff with spectacular vistas.

Holly Bevan
Home City & Country: Portsmouth, UK
My Happy Place: French Polynesia

My Expert Tip: When I think of French Polynesia, I get butterflies. These islands bring back wonderful memories – I could go 1,000 times and never be bored. Visit a local pearl farm to “dive” for your own rare Polynesian pearl and bring home a wonderful keepsake jewelry piece that you personally farmed. Take a gentle hike up the lush and scenic mountains of Moorea to the incredibly rewarding and breathtaking views and relax on the sand of the most untouched and crystal beaches on any of the islands. In Bora Bora, swim with sharks and stingrays and reward yourself with a cocktail with sand beneath your toes at the famous Bloody Mary’s restaurant. Pass the day in a luxurious resort full of floating bungalows, private beaches and astounding views.

Rosanna De Ria
Home City & Country: Kauai, Hawaii, USA
My Happy Place: Jerusalem, Israel

My Expert Tip: There’s a kind of magnetism in this place. Walking the old, cobbled streets in Jerusalem, my senses tingle: the fragrant food, the sounds around me, the changing beauty at every corner. One thing you will need, especially if you’ve never been here before, is an experienced guide. Luckily, every guide I ever came across in Israel was fantastic and each one has been so different.

Kristina Milutinovic
Home City & Country: Belgrade, Serbia
My Happy Place: Istanbul, Turkey

My Expert Tip: Wander inside Topkapi Palace, be mesmerized by the Basilica Cistern, enjoy bargaining at The Grand Bazaar, shop for spices and souvenirs at the Spice Bazaar – there is so much to do and see in Istanbul. Fortunately, we often overnight here so you have more time to take it all in. I also recommend strolling through the historic neighborhood of Bebek and taking a boat tour – the view of the Maiden’s Tower is gorgeous.

When you’re back on board, know that our Oceania Club Ambassadors stand ready to answer your Oceania Club questions and help you plan your next dream cruise, so be certain to stop by the Oceania Club desk or office and say hello. Discover more travel inspiration and articles in our newest edition of the OLife newsletter and be sure to tell us where you’re dreaming of traveling next on our Facebook page.