Cruise Diary

Such a variety of interesting places you visited. Enjoying your book, Jacki. Had to look up Monkey Puzzle as I had never heard of it.

I love the idea of the map of the North and South Islands of New Zealand with all the place names etc; noted and the added images from your trip. I think it makes a lovely introduction page to your Cruise Diary.
However, and this is just my own thoughts, I am not a fan of all the coloured dots scattered around the page and especially those on top of the photos. I know what they are meant to convey I just don’t think they are necessary. So I would dispense with them and with those top left also.
I would instead provide a simple little piece telling the story of when you left Melbourne and finishing with when you returned to Melbourne.
Again it’s what you like that counts Jacki. This is your story after all and it should be done your way.

I agree with what has already been suggested - the dots are redundant. Your itinerary is in narrative form - easy to follow. 

It's picky, but I don't like that every other label is on the curve, but one. I know why you did it - because of the map, but...

As for this being your introductory page - I like it for page 2 - kinda like a 'table of contents' page

It's not that this wouldn't make a great first page - the overall design is very good and easy to read - but it just seems like an over-view of the trip and it feels like page 2 to me.  

I'd probably go for a more simple page for the top page - maybe a photo of the cruise ship and the dates of the trip - you could frame the page or something.

I notice I had previously suggested that type of page as the first page, but I’m rethinking my advice. 😉

I'll experiment with ideas later - and see what I can suggest.

Edited version

With a little tweaking, I believe this would make a great title page...


I really like the book with your photo on the left side -

Make the book smaller and move it to the left - change the right page of the book to a photo of the ship - a landscape photo of the ship will allow more text on the bottom of the right book page - detailing the scope of the trip -- the dates of the trip and the ship's name -

Put a tag with the text "port melbourne" in the top third of the background photo - telling us where you began your trip

Add a title or a couple word comment in the area of the background photo - in the space you'll create when you make the book smaller. 

Or just leave the book that size and keep the info confined to the right page of the book


Of course, that will mean you'll have to change the text on the next layout you created - (and maybe others) and you may not wish to start tinkering with other pages

It's just that I love the simplicity (and beauty) of this photo as the background for the title page - it is the true beginning of your journey

And, for me, a large title or comment makes it feel more like a title page - that's why I suggested you make the book smaller and move it - to give you room for a title 

I think this looks so much nicer Jacki. I really like the dotted line. For me at least, it really indicates a journey has been taken and it takes the eye around the page.