The Disney Magic has three swimming pools - one for adults only, one for families, and a third for kids. The adult pool is much quieter than the other two pools. A large screen used for movies, videos, and special events like the Super Bowl, overlooks the family pool. The kids' pool is shaped like a Mickey head and includes a large water slide that all the children love. We watched some of them going up the stairs and down the slide dozens of times.

Photos of the Pools and Deck Areas on the Disney Magic

Disney Magic Pool (c) Linda Garrison

Sometimes smaller is better, as I found out last month when sailing the Galapagos Islands on the 32-guest M/V Evolution of Quasar Expeditions. Since I love science, wildlife, and outdoor activities like hiking and snorkeling, I've long dreamed of visiting this archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, so my expectations were high. The Galapagos Islands greatly exceeded those expectations, in large part because Quasar Expeditions and the crew of the M/V Evolution yacht presented the package of activities and sights so skillfully, thereby enhancing the memorable Galapagos experience.

We had up-close looks at the fearless wildlife the Galapagos are famous for like giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies, and learned first-hand about the diversity of species and fascinating natural history of the island group. I saw vast numbers of marine life when snorkeling, including sharks, penguins, sea lions, and large schools of manta rays. I had a baby sea lion tickle my leg with his whiskers and watched the elaborate courtship of the blue-footed boobies. All in all, it was a marvelous voyage.

More on Galapagos Cruising with Quasar Expeditions

• M/V Evolution - Expedition Ship Profile and Photo Tour
• M/V Evolution Photo Gallery
• Galapagos Cruise Travel Log - M/V Evolution Cruise
• Galapagos Wildlife Photo Gallery
• Galapagos Landscapes Photo Gallery
• Galapagos Activities and Shore Excursions Photo Gallery

Quasar Expeditions' M/V Evolution (c) Linda Garrison

The "Meeting of the Waters" occurs about 8 miles from Manaus, Brazil, when the "white" Solimoes River meets the "black" Rio Negro, forming the Amazon River.
Amazon River (c) Linda Garrison

Today is the annual Trooping the Color ceremony in London, which is held as part of Queen Elizabeth's annual official birthday celebration on a Saturday in June each year. (Her real birthday is April 21.) The idea of marching the regiment's colors by the troops as a rallying point dates back to the 17th century and has been incorporated into the British monarch's birthday celebration since 1805.

Trooping the Color is English pageantry at its best. The ceremony starts at 11 am, when the Royal Procession arrives and The Queen takes the Royal Salute as she drives slowly past the Royal Guards and the Household Cavalry. After the inspection, the Royal Family gathers at 1 pm on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch a flyover of RAF planes. It's all very impressive!

Buckingham Palace (c) Linda Garrison