8th January – 6 days in the Pacific

Having left Los Angeles on the 5th, we're now 3 days into our journey down to the South Pacific for our first port of call, Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands. Fortunately, the often-capricious Pacific Ocean has been kind to us so far – just a bit choppy (long may that last), and it's getting warmer every day.

Even though there's 6 days at sea before we see dry land, there's no chance of getting bored – the other lecturers onboard are Terry Waite (the famous hostage negotiator/hostage), the BBC's Michael Buerk, and opera expert, Thomson Smillie. Throw in ice-carving, bridge, quizzes, gym sessions, cooking demonstrations and non-stop opportunities to eat and drink, then people scarcely have a free minute.

3 days down, 3 to go.