They call this part of the world The Big Blue, but when Seabourn Odyssey dropped anchor off Hamilton Island it was more like the The Big Grey. A heavy low pressure system swamped the Whitsunday Islands in the morning and you could hardly see the tops of the hills on the islands and the rain was constant.

It was a disappointing start, especially for the overseas guests but the heavy weather did begin to lift in the afternoon and for a few hours we all managed to see why this place is regarded as one of the most beautiful romantic getaways in the world.

Very few holiday destinations can boast 74 islands with beautiful white sand beaches, lush tropical rain forests and coral reefs teeming with colourful fish and each day is usually finished off with a surreal sunset over the islands.

From snorkelling and scuba diving, to sailing, whale watching, reef fishing, riding in a helicopter, water skiing, jet skiing, parasailing, sea kayaking, hiking in rainforests, fish feeding, picnicking on secluded beaches - it’s a romantic getaway and adventure destination all rolled into one which caters for all tastes, but there’s no shame in sitting on deck of the Seabourn Odyssey with a cocktail in hand to catch a few rays.

We got up in the air in a short helicopter ride to take a few more photographs of this beautiful island group and the highlight is Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. This beach is routinely voted one of the best beaches in the world and it’s easy to see why. Its pristine white sand is like icing sugar and the water is the deepest blue and plenty warm as well and there is no development here so it retains its untouched and unspoiled demeanour. Day trippers do come out here on the boat and helicopter tours but nothing is left behind so that the next lot of visitors have the same perfect escape to enjoy.

We’re off to Townsville and Cairns next on Seabourn Odyssey and hopefully the weather improves on the way up.

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