Before I went to the B.C. Tourism Educators conference held this year on a large cruise ship, I debated whether it was possible to have a Reinventure i.e. a journey of self-discovery, on a vessel designed to deliver as much comfort as possible. I'm happy to report that it IS possible to have a Reinventure under mass tourism conditions, but you need to work at it. You have to be determined lest the all-you-can-eat buffet lulls you into a deep slumber. And be a self-starter because some of the best opportunities won't be pointed out by the staff.

Twice I carved out a few hours to scan the horizon and was rewarded for my patience with the sight of dozens of whales feeding and frolicking. Humpback and grey whales are now making their way north to feed in the rich waters off Canada and Alaska. With a set of moderately-powered binoculars I was able to watch the whales diving, swimming and slapping the water. One whale even surfaced close enough to hear the spout and I was on the 10th deck!

Granted, there were some long moments of tedium between whale sightings, but that is why take-out wine was invented! I also had to forgo dinner one night (the viewing was too good to leave) and I felt decidedly frumpy on deck with all my fleece layers as one fellow cruiser after another, most dressed in sequins and strappy sandals, asked if there were indeed whales out there? "Yes," I replied, "tons of them!" Most passengers were shivering too much to get the pun or the full whale show, but I was thrilled. I found my Reinventure and a world-class wildlife experience!

Carol