Arguably, the pinnacle of our vacation was an overnight cruise in Milford Sound. Milford Sound is actually a fjord renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, featuring sheer rock faces, powerful waterfalls like Lady Bowen and Stirling Falls, and a unique ecosystem supported by its high rainfall, which creates a freshwater layer on the surface of the fjord, allowing for diverse marine life to thrive. Our home for the next 18 hours is the Discovery Jewel, a state-of-the-art cruiser that sleeps 18 guests and 4 crew.

During our tour of the fjord, we encountered a pod of bottlenose dolphins. At one point, they were swimming underneath the bow of the ship. As I looked over the railing, I saw one of the dolphins swimming on its side, looking up directly at me with one eye. There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that I was making eye contact with a sentient being.

We also encountered several seals as we traveled close to the large boulders where they like to sun themselves.

I joined a handful of other passengers who elected to stay on the foredeck as the captain pushed the nose of the boat underneath Stirling Falls. My top stayed dry due to my waterproof shell, but my pants got soaked through and through. Fortunately, they lived up to their billing as being fast drying. In the evening, we enjoyed a three-course meal prepared by the ships chef followed by a video presentation narrated by the captain. His grandfather had assisted oceanographer Jacques Cousteau with some of his research and his father had invested in an underwater ROV (remotely operated vehicle) to survey the bottom of the fjord. He was responsible for the discovery of several new species of sealife. The video included underwater ROV footage and aerial drone photography of the sound.

The drive to Milford Sound was as dramatic as the cruise that followed. It is sprinkled with stunning views, including this one of Christie Falls.