“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” - Augustine
We are often asked what our favorite cruise line or cruise is. We are also asked what we believe the best or “perfect” vacation to be. These questions are not easy to answer because it is really very subjective based on personal likes and dislikes. I will qualify and provide context for my thoughts by pointing out that what we define as a “perfect” vacation is that of a couple in our late 50's (okay one of us is in our real late 50's) married 35 years without a great need for exciting night life. Truth is we seldom make it to midnight on New Years Eve. We like laid back, peaceful, warm environments that soothe our frayed nerves from living in a large urban area, particularly after our recent winter weather blast. A clue to our idea of great entertainment may be found in our grown children referring to us as the King and Queen of elevator music.
As agency owners, we have the opportunity to go on many different cruises. Most are great and it is hard to fault any of them significantly. One however, stands out as what we would consider “the perfect vacation”. The journey is 14 days to the South Pacific in French Polynesia, a true tropical paradise.
Our journey starts with a three day pre-cruise package in overwater thatched bungalows at the Le Meridian in Bora Bora. Glass floors in the living room let you enjoy spectacular marine life and a diving platform off your bungalow entices you to snorkel and swim in crystal clear tropical waters. Seafood is so fresh that you watch local fishermen bring their catch of the day to the outside entrance of the kitchen and the chef negotiates a price with them. The bungalows are very intimate, well appointed and very comfortable. Incredible is the best way to describe the experience you will have.
A cruise aboard the luxurious Regent Seven Seas Paul Gauguin from Tahiti is a treat. The cruise is spectacular with ports of call in Papeete, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora & Moorea with a stop at Motu Mahana (a private island with incredible fine white sand, palms, pink hibiscus and bartenders with floating bars that come out to you as you float in the water to make and serve your drink). This is a trip of a lifetime through the most beautiful islands in the world! The food and service aboard the Paul Gauguin is exquisite. We were in a category C Verandah and it was perfect for us. Breakfast on the verandah every morning taking in the beautiful scenery and outstanding weather puts new meaning in the word relaxation. It is a true six star luxury vessel. The Ship is small with 339 passengers but very stable and enjoyable. It is like sailing on an oversized private yacht with a group of friends. The quality of the on-board enrichment programs is second to none. Proof of that is when speakers are so captivating they keep passengers inside the theater listening to their presentation rather than being outside enjoying paradise. The shore excursions were definitely a cut above average with fascinating glimpses of the history and culture of these beautiful islands. A trip into one of the most beautiful lagoons imaginable by outrigger to visit a stilted Black Pearl farm is hard to describe.
A three day post cruise stay at the Beachcomber in Moorea in a beachfront bungalow with a large double hammock strung between Palm trees beside it will make you not want to go back home. It was great! We cannot think of a more peaceful, relaxing and beautiful environment to escape to. French Polynesia is very non-commercial and a pleasant switch from the ports of call in the Caribbean.
The vacation I described will roughly run in the range of $10,000 for two people. There are many variables that can affect price including time of year you want to travel, type of stateroom, etc. There are free air and two for one specials that run periodically that can save you money. There are also alternative cruises available with longer itineraries such as the Tahitian Princess. Feedback from all the guest we have had on Princess has been excellent. The ship is about twice as big as the Paul Gauguin but still small by today’s standards in cruise ships holding a little over 600 passengers. Many people prefer the 10 day cruise itinerary since they are traveling so far. The flight to Papeete is 8 1/2 hours from Los Angeles. Air Tahiti Nui has very comfortable planes flying this route. If you are looking for a piece of paradise, this trip is one not to miss. It is a great surprise anniversary gift or any special occasion for that matter. This is paradise defined.
Bon Voyage!
We are often asked what our favorite cruise line or cruise is. We are also asked what we believe the best or “perfect” vacation to be. These questions are not easy to answer because it is really very subjective based on personal likes and dislikes. I will qualify and provide context for my thoughts by pointing out that what we define as a “perfect” vacation is that of a couple in our late 50's (okay one of us is in our real late 50's) married 35 years without a great need for exciting night life. Truth is we seldom make it to midnight on New Years Eve. We like laid back, peaceful, warm environments that soothe our frayed nerves from living in a large urban area, particularly after our recent winter weather blast. A clue to our idea of great entertainment may be found in our grown children referring to us as the King and Queen of elevator music.
As agency owners, we have the opportunity to go on many different cruises. Most are great and it is hard to fault any of them significantly. One however, stands out as what we would consider “the perfect vacation”. The journey is 14 days to the South Pacific in French Polynesia, a true tropical paradise.
Our journey starts with a three day pre-cruise package in overwater thatched bungalows at the Le Meridian in Bora Bora. Glass floors in the living room let you enjoy spectacular marine life and a diving platform off your bungalow entices you to snorkel and swim in crystal clear tropical waters. Seafood is so fresh that you watch local fishermen bring their catch of the day to the outside entrance of the kitchen and the chef negotiates a price with them. The bungalows are very intimate, well appointed and very comfortable. Incredible is the best way to describe the experience you will have.
A cruise aboard the luxurious Regent Seven Seas Paul Gauguin from Tahiti is a treat. The cruise is spectacular with ports of call in Papeete, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora & Moorea with a stop at Motu Mahana (a private island with incredible fine white sand, palms, pink hibiscus and bartenders with floating bars that come out to you as you float in the water to make and serve your drink). This is a trip of a lifetime through the most beautiful islands in the world! The food and service aboard the Paul Gauguin is exquisite. We were in a category C Verandah and it was perfect for us. Breakfast on the verandah every morning taking in the beautiful scenery and outstanding weather puts new meaning in the word relaxation. It is a true six star luxury vessel. The Ship is small with 339 passengers but very stable and enjoyable. It is like sailing on an oversized private yacht with a group of friends. The quality of the on-board enrichment programs is second to none. Proof of that is when speakers are so captivating they keep passengers inside the theater listening to their presentation rather than being outside enjoying paradise. The shore excursions were definitely a cut above average with fascinating glimpses of the history and culture of these beautiful islands. A trip into one of the most beautiful lagoons imaginable by outrigger to visit a stilted Black Pearl farm is hard to describe.
A three day post cruise stay at the Beachcomber in Moorea in a beachfront bungalow with a large double hammock strung between Palm trees beside it will make you not want to go back home. It was great! We cannot think of a more peaceful, relaxing and beautiful environment to escape to. French Polynesia is very non-commercial and a pleasant switch from the ports of call in the Caribbean.
The vacation I described will roughly run in the range of $10,000 for two people. There are many variables that can affect price including time of year you want to travel, type of stateroom, etc. There are free air and two for one specials that run periodically that can save you money. There are also alternative cruises available with longer itineraries such as the Tahitian Princess. Feedback from all the guest we have had on Princess has been excellent. The ship is about twice as big as the Paul Gauguin but still small by today’s standards in cruise ships holding a little over 600 passengers. Many people prefer the 10 day cruise itinerary since they are traveling so far. The flight to Papeete is 8 1/2 hours from Los Angeles. Air Tahiti Nui has very comfortable planes flying this route. If you are looking for a piece of paradise, this trip is one not to miss. It is a great surprise anniversary gift or any special occasion for that matter. This is paradise defined.
Bon Voyage!