Even as the reality of global climate change becomes undeniable and the predictions of experts (including NAI’A passenger Dr. J.E.N. “Charlie” Veron) are beginning to come true, not all reefs are showing signs of decay. Local conditions continue to affect the health of reefs and marine life more than do global ones, at least in the short term. NAI'A's divesites in Fiji have never been heavily fished and are too far offshore to be affected by run-off. As a result the reefs are healthy and robust and the clouds of fish above them are sometimes too thick to see through. So if all the doom and gloom on TV gets too bleak, come hide your head in a hole (in the ocean) and be instantly transported to the sunny side of life.

What a great combination: a New Years cruise in Fiji and the chance to work alongside a world class filmmaker!

Many of us are aspiring underwater filmmakers. I have a huge library that I’m sure includes some magnificent footage, except that it is buried among 200 uncataloged tapes growing moldy in an old Pelican case. There are a few who have done much better, and one of the best is hosting a natural history filmmaking seminar during next year’s New Year expedition (2010/2011).

Meet Mark Shelley, a founder and the executive director of Sea Studios Foundation, a non-profit team of filmmakers, scientists and social entrepreneurs, united by common passion to inspire a healthy and sustainable future. The producer of many award-winning films, Sea Studios Foundation is best known for the National Geographic prime-time series, Shape of Life, and Strange Days on Planet Earth.

During ten days aboard NAI’A, Mark will team up with his mentor, retired Monterey Bay Aquarium Senior Scientist (and co-founder), Steve Webster, to conceive, write, shoot, edit and present a short natural history documentary. Mark, with more than 30 years experience making ocean films for global broadcast, will focus on the story, shooting and editing while Steve, who is allegedly the reincarnation Doc Ricketts, will help with the story and critter biology/natural history. Everyone aboard is invited to jump right in and learn the ropes from the masters. We’ll build the videos the first seven days and share them the last three.

I say “we” because I’m so excited about this opportunity that I have sent the Cruise Directors away on holiday so that Cat and I can run the trip. We’ll have three aspiring actresses aboard too, our 5 and 6 year-olds and Mark’s 10 year-old. It’s gonna be fun!

Speaking of Steve Webster, he and Steve Bailey just led another Monterey Bay – New England Aquarium expedition on NAI’A. An entire group of dedicated fish nerds, they found all sorts of great stuff. And had great fun. And contributed to the further protection of the best of Fiji's reefs.

They maintained a blog during the trip which is exceptionally good reading. Check it out.

Everyone is a bit shy about making long-term financial commitments these days except the US Government (but they get to print their own money). During the last few years NAI’A trips have filled up more than a year out, but nowadays people are waiting later and later to book travel. While that isn’t particularly good for us, it is great for you. Several trips this year, including two of our Tonga whale expeditions, still have space. So when you finally decide you deserve a holiday, check with us to see if you can still join us for a week or ten days away from CNN.