Kylie Stokes Travel & Cruise

30/03/2025

And just like that, my cruise has come to an end in beautiful Amsterdam! ✨🚢

I’ve loved every minute of the cruise, incredible ship, outstanding crew, delicious food and the absolute joy of only unpacking once while exploring new places. I can’t wait for my next adventure with Emerald Cruises! ❤️

Now, I’m making the most of my final day in Amsterdam. I’ve already had a wander through the charming streets, soaking in the canals and historic buildings. This afternoon, I’ll be seeing the city from a different perspective on a canal cruise before starting the long journey home.



Emerald Cruises

28/03/2025

Stepping Into a Fairytale in Cochem ✨🏰

Sailing into Cochem felt like drifting straight into a storybook with Reichsburg Castle perched high above the town. 💫

Our walking tour through the charming cobblestone streets of this medieval riverside gem finished at a local vineyard, where we wrapped up the experience with a delightful wine tasting. 🍷

But what truly made Cochem special was the warm and charismatic locals! One highlight was the lively man at the mustard shop—his passionate, and very specific, instructions on mustard care were as entertaining as they were informative. Naturally, after tasting, I couldn’t resist bringing some home! 😆

This was easily my favorite stop so far! ❤️



Emerald Cruises

26/03/2025

Exploring the Charm of Koblenz!

Such a beautiful city! I love a good walking tour, and today was a fascinating dive into Koblenz’s past and present. 🏰

One of the highlights was the History Column, a striking fountain that tells the city’s story through ten detailed three-dimensional scenes. It’s like a time capsule in sculpture form, showcasing the many layers of Koblenz’s history.

I also loved the Schängel Fountain, a playful nod to the town’s mischievous spirit. The cheeky little figure isn’t just a fountain feature, Schängel even makes an appearance on the town’s manhole covers! 😆

Koblenz is such a captivating blend of history and charm, walking through its streets today was an absolute treat. ✨



Emerald Cruises

25/03/2025

Düsseldorf – A Dream for Architecture Lovers! 🇩🇪

Wandering the streets of Düsseldorf reminded me of walking along the High Line in New York, everywhere you turn there is another architectural masterpiece to admire 🤩

If you love incredible buildings as much as I do, this city won’t disappoint! From historic charm to futuristic designs, Düsseldorf blends the old and new in such a striking way.

My absolute highlight? The Neue Zollhof, the Kö-Bogen and the Rheinturm! Designed by Frank Gehry, these buildings are nothing short of spectacular! 🤍🩶🧡



Emerald Cruises

25/03/2025

A Beautiful Colour at Keukenhof Gardens! 🌷🌿

Today we explored Keukenhof Gardens. Open from late March to mid-May, this world-famous garden is a must-visit if you’re in the Netherlands during spring!

Even though we’re visiting early in the season, when not everything is in full bloom, the gardens are still spectacular. Vibrant tulips, fragrant hyacinths and beautifully landscaped displays make for an unforgettable experience.

If you’re dreaming of a spring escape filled with colour and charm, Keukenhof should definitely be on your list!



Emerald Cruises

24/03/2025

🚢 Welcome Aboard Emerald Destiny! 🚢

For the next week, this stunning ship will be my floating boutique hotel as I explore the Rhine River through the Netherlands and Germany with Emerald Cruises! ✨

One of the things I love most about cruising is that I get to visit multiple destinations without ever having to repack my suitcase! Instead, I get to settle into my Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and a drop-down top half, so I can let in the fresh river breeze at the touch of a button.

From the spacious public areas to the beautiful dining and lounge spaces, everything on board is designed for comfort and style. There’s even a heated indoor pool with a retractable roof, perfect for a swim no matter the weather!

As I’ve been exploring the ship, I also managed a peek into an Emerald Stateroom, which features a lovely picture window for natural light and even an Emerald Single Stateroom, an ideal option for solo travellers.

The friendly crew and exceptional service make this experience feel extra special and I can’t wait to share more of my journey with you! Stay tuned for more from the Rhine River adventure💙



Emerald Cruises

23/03/2025

Exciting news! ✈️🌍 I’ve been invited to join an exclusive educational trip with Emerald Cruises, alongside travel agents from around the world. Over the next six days, I’ll be travelling through Europe, experiencing one of their boutique Star-Ships on a round-trip journey from Amsterdam.

Our itinerary includes Düsseldorf, Koblenz, Cochem and Bonn ✨

I can’t wait to share the experience with you! Stay tuned for updates as I explore the cruise and these incredible destinations. I was also lucky to catch one of the last seasonal direct flights from Cairns to Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific 🛫, making my journey to Amsterdam smooth and easy. The trip home, on the other hand, might be a different story! 😅

If you’ve ever wondered what Cathay Pacific’s Business Class is like, here’s a peek!

The second leg of my journey, from Hong Kong to Amsterdam with Cathay Pacific, was more comfortable. While the seats may look similar to those on the first flight, the larger aircraft means more space, always a bonus on a long-haul flight of over 14 hours! 😴



Emerald Cruises

04/03/2025

Hobart and Bruny Island, two places I always include on itineraries for my clients.Hobart & Bruny Island, two places I always include in itineraries for my clients and for good reason! ✨🏝️

I didn’t have nearly enough time to explore Hobart, but I did squeeze in a visit to the Salamanca Markets and a wander through the city. There’s so much history, culture and amazing food, I could have easily spent a few more days here!

Then it was off to Bruny Island for a foodie tour with fresh oysters, artisanal cheese, locally made honey, chocolate, premium wines and beer, all while soaking in the island’s stunning landscapes. It was the perfect mix of delicious food, beautiful scenery and island charm! 🦪🧀🍷

If Tasmania is on your bucket list, Hobart and Bruny Island are must-visits! ❤️

02/03/2025

Another day and another highlight. The Gordon River Cruise is an absolute must-do in Tasmania! 🚤🌿

The scenery? Breathtaking. I know I keep saying that about everywhere I’ve been in Tassie, but it’s true! Cruising along the Gordon River and walking through the rainforest really drives home why conservationists fought so hard to protect this incredible wilderness. It’s a place of pure, untouched beauty. 🌲✨

The cruise also included a visit to Sarah Island, yet another penal colony and like Port Arthur, it’s hard to believe that being exiled to such a stunning place was considered punishment! 😮

If you’re heading to Tasmania, this cruise needs to be on your list! 💚

Check it out here: https://www.gordonrivercruises.com.au/our-cruises/gordon-river-cruise

28/02/2025

Devils @ Cradle—a last-minute addition to my itinerary, but one I’m so glad I made! 👿

I’m not usually a fan of seeing animals in captivity unless there’s a good reason for it, like conservation or rehabilitation. But after hearing about the Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease and the devastating impact it’s had on their population, I decided to check out this sanctuary.

Devils @ Cradle is part of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, working to protect genetic diversity and create an insurance population for future rewilding efforts. Watching these little guys interact was absolutely fascinating, they’re full of pers

This place is definitely worth a visit and these incredible creatures deserve to be saved!

Find out more here: https://devilsatcradle.com/

Want to see these little devils in action? Check out the video in the comments! 👿 They make the most awful sounds, but it’s absolutely fascinating to watch!

27/02/2025

Cradle Mountain is easily one of the most magical places I’ve ever been! 🏔✨

The landscape here is totally different to the rest of Tasmania, rugged peaks, ancient forests and breathtaking alpine scenery!! It’s absolutely fascinating.

One of the highlights? The wildlife! 🐾 I spotted wombats, pademelons and wallabies, but the wombats totally stole my heart, they are adorable creatures, I could have watched them going about their business for hours! 😍

I even saw a superb fairy wren. I’ve seen them at home but this one was such a bright blue, like the colour of a Ulysses butterfly, so beautiful, it was just a bit too quick for me to get a photo 💙

My only regret? Only staying for one night! I would have loved at least another night or two to explore more of the incredible walking trails. One thing’s for sure, I’ll definitely be back!

24/02/2025

Last week, I finally ticked off a bucket-list foodie experience with an oyster farm tour with Oyster Bay Tours in Coles Bay! 🦪🌊 And let me tell you, it was absolutely worth it.

I love a good food tour and this one did not disappoint. From wading out into the pristine waters of the Swanport Estuary to learning the art of oyster farming and shucking, it was such a fun and hands-on experience. Our guide, Declan, was fantastic, very knowledgeable and engaging. And, of course, the best part, enjoying fresh oysters right by the water, paired with a local wine. Perfection! 🍷✨

I also discovered that waders are not the most fashion-forward outfit choice… but totally worth the awkward struggle! 😂

Who else loves oysters as much as I do? 💙

If you’re ever heading down this way and you love oysters, I would highly recommend doing this tour. Check them out at https://www.oysterbaytours.com/

21/02/2025

Yesterday was all about history and stunning scenery! 🌿📸

I started the day in Richmond, a picture-perfect little town where it’s almost impossible to take a bad photo, especially of the Richmond Bridge, Australia’s oldest bridge! ✨

Then it was off to Port Arthur, a place with a dark past but in an undeniably breathtaking setting, it’s hard to imagine people were sent here to be punished.

As a plant lover, I was very drawn to the manicured Government Gardens, a definite highlight of the visit! 🌸🌿

20/02/2025

Another couple of days and another stunning stretch of Tasmania’s coastline! 🌊✨

Exploring Bicheno, Freycinet National Park and Swansea, every stop is a reminder of just how beautiful this part of the world is.

One of the highlights for me was lunch at the Lobster Shack! 🦞 Fresh seafood with a view—what more could you ask for? Although you had to compete with the seagulls ready to pounce on your food if you looked sideways.

From dramatic rocky shores to peaceful sandy beaches the East Coast of Tassie is truly special! 💙

18/02/2025

Wow, what an incredible start to my long awaited holiday to Tasmania 🤩

The Bay of Fires is breathtaking with its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches and striking orange lichen-covered boulders, is just as stunning in person as it is in photos 🩵🧡

I can’t wait to see what the rest of Tassie has in store, there’s so much to explore. Stay tuned for more adventures!

21/11/2024

🌊✨ Ship Inspections Like This Make My Job a Dream! ✨🌊

I had the absolute pleasure of stepping aboard the stunning EUROPA 2, and wow… what an experience! With a maximum of just 500 guests, this ship is all about individually tailored service, personal space and a luxurious crew-to-passenger ratio that makes every moment onboard feel like a VIP experience. 🌟

This beauty perfectly combines the comfort of an exclusive resort with the adventure of a yacht, meaning she can visit small, off-the-beaten-track harbours while still offering next-level luxury. The route diversity opens up endless opportunities to discover unforgettable destinations—dreamy, right?

From the moment I stepped onboard, I could feel the attention to detail: exquisite floral arrangements, stunning artwork, and beautifully designed public spaces that make every corner feel special. And let’s talk about the suites—every single one comes with a balcony. No interior cabins here! These modern, spacious, and stylish suites are perfect for unpacking and truly settling in for your journey. 🛋️✨

If you’re looking for a luxury hotel at sea, EUROPA 2 has nailed it. She’s an absolute showstopper. I can’t wait to help you experience this incredible ship for yourself. 💙
Would you love to wake up to a new destination every day while enjoying all the luxuries of a boutique resort? Let’s make it happen! 🛳️

20/11/2024

✈️ Exciting Airline Update for Cairns Travelers!

Cairns will be more connected than ever with direct flights to Nadi starting in 2025 with great connections to USA. Holiday to Fiji anyone?

Bula Fiji Airways, welcome to Cairns! ✈️🎉

Cairns Airport is excited to welcome direct flights between Cairns and Nadi from 10 April 2025, just in time for the Easter school holidays. 🤲

Flying three times weekly (Tue, Thu & Sat), with a flight time of approximately 4 hours, this is the perfect opportunity for North Queenslanders to explore the pristine beauty of Fiji in one easy trip. 🌴

There is also the added opportunity to enjoy a seamless one-stop connection to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Dallas, making your journey to North America even more convenient. 🗺️
Ready to travel? Take advantage of these special introductory fares!
Fly Cairns to:

📍 Fiji (Nadi) from just $539 Lite return*
📍 Los Angeles (via Fiji) from $999 Value return*
📍 San Francisco (via Fiji) from $999 Value return*
📍 Dallas Fort Worth (via Fiji) from $1,099 Value return*

Book now: https://www.fijiairways.com/en-au/

Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Queensland Government, Advance Cairns, Cairns Chamber of Commerce, Cairns Regional Council

*T&C's apply. Flights are per person. Fares are on sale for a limited time until 26 November 2024 and valid for travel between 10 April 2025 - 30 October 2025.

30/04/2024

Scenic Eclipse II

We were very fortunate to have this stunning, ultra-luxury yacht in Cairns today and even more fortunate to be invited onboard.

This is absolutely one of the most luxurious and sophisticated small ships I’ve been lucky enough to inspect.

We were warmly welcomed onboard by the crew and even some of the guests. There’s such a relaxed, happy atmosphere onboard I don’t feel like anyone would feel out of place on this ship.

Exploring Australia, the South Pacific and East Antarctica from 2024 to 2026, guests can look forward to enjoying immersive experiences in unique and remote locations. There’s never been a better time to consider a cruise close to home.

For more information about Scenic’s exceptional discovery yacht cruising email [email protected]