British Columbia invigorates winter vacationers with clean mountain air, abundant and untouched wilderness, and beautiful mountain ranges, photographs of which regularly adorn the glossy pages of ski and travel magazines around the world. BC’s destination resorts offer every winter activity, from powder skiing to dogsledding, and are consistently rated amongst the best ski resorts in North America, with Whistler/Blackcomb rated #1 in North America.

The diverse geography and sheer size of British Columbia ensures that there is always great skiing and plenty of other winter activities available somewhere in this great winter wonderland. There are downhill ski and snowboard resorts in all six tourism regions of B.C offering world-class skiing in British Columbia.

Enter a glistening, frozen, fantasyland where the bar, the walls, the tables, the stools, even the life-size sculptures are made out of ice.   A faux fur coat, as well as gloves and hats are provided for you to keep yourself warm in the chilly 17 degrees. But then of course, the vodka helps, too.  As you enter, this frozen chamber, you immediately see rows of iced vodka light by changing hues of blue, green and purple to simulate the Northern Lights.

With a distinctive arctic atmosphere, there is also a giant ice cube that glows and changes colors as the hottest techno beats add to the energy of this unique nightlife attraction.

In addition, NCL’s Ice Bar features a bar, walls, tables, stools, glasses and life-size sculptures all made from ice. Located on deck seven, Ice Bar will accommodate just 25 guests.

I’ve often wondered what a spa vacation to Iceland would be like.  It isn’t just about the infamous “Polar Bear Club” though, where what I would consider “crazy” people jump, dip and sometimes bath in frigid arctic waters just to prove… oh, I don’t think it proves anything.

But Iceland has incredible deals on Spa & Wellness packages that take advantage of the more sublime aspects of the island.  Take for example the natural pools and geysers fed by very deep cracks in the earth that are heated by long-dormant volcanoes.  The geothermal pools are said to have medicinal, and perhaps even spiritual powers to revive the world-weary.

Reykjavik has beautiful hotels, great restaurants, dynamic people, and because they aren’t the “typical” destination you’ll find fewer tourists, and even more chances to rub elbows with the locals and find out what makes Iceland so unique.

Iceland Air is extending their packages through April, so you can take advantage of their lowest pricing.  Packaging air and hotel adds even more value to the off-season, and is accessible non-stop from Boston and Seattle.

As the ship only accommodates 55 cabins (110 people) it’s an intimate, yet refined ship that still maintains a casual feel – the hallmark of true luxury cruising.

Some of the highlights of the cruise for me were:

- the bartender learning my name and favorite drink (Tanqueray Gin & Tonic with a lime) the first night, and somehow passing the word along so that the entire staff was always aware and ready with another one.

- the Bulgari bath soaps, luxury linens and towels, and a “wall” of shower heads and jets unlike anything seen afloat.

- the all-inclusive pricing which meant there was no need to bring all the credit cards to pay for tips and drinks.

- the option to dine when and wherever you like; be it more formally in the dining room or in a cozy nook on deck watching the Italian shoreline go by.

- the ports of call that made the destination come to life, as they can reach ports the larger ships can’t get near.

- the chef inviting passengers to join him ashore for a shopping trip into the local market for fish and herb – which naturally became the featured dish at dinner that night.

- a “Lifestyles Of The Rich & Famous” moment when we were called to the yacht’s pool on deck in swimming suits, to find the staff in full uniform (with white gloves) wading in the pool with life-rings supporting glasses of champagne and caviar, music playing, and the passengers “dancing” our way into the port of Capri.

- the impeccable, reliable service that meant we lacked for nothing, and received our every wish – often without having to ask.

So the ships do a variety of itineraries – all of which can be viewed online at www.seadreamyachtclub.com – but generally cover the Caribbean in Winter and the Mediterranean in Summer; however, we learned that in 2010 they will also be visiting Scandinavia for the first time during the summer months.

Call me if you would like to learn more, and to compare how the pricing is comparable to sailing in a Junior Suite on a “Mainstream” cruise line – but everything is included! No Surprises.

Todd May – President, Identity Travel & Vacations.