The kids are grown and gone, the mortgage is paid off and it is winter! For the first time you are free to let reality and fantasy trade places with thoughts of lush faraway places. And now it's your turn.
Staring at my bookshelf the other day, one volume stood out. "Mutiny On The Bounty"! A tale of sea going excitement and bravado through the breath taking South Pacific.
Ah, why not an adventure to the islands of French Polynesia, to Tahiti and the Society Islands. And what better way to do it than by modern cruise ship. The delightfully informal and un-regimented way of life emulated on board a luxury vessel!
Fortunately, the tribulations of Fletcher Christian and Captain Bligh will not accompany you on your journey. Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, Windstar Cruises and Princess Cruises can be your passport to this place of exquisite passion and beauty.
Radisson's m/s Paul Gauguin, named after one of France's greatest painters, is dedicated to Tahiti and the surrounding islands where he spent much of his most productive years. In fact, Gauguin is quoted as saying, "I have come to an unalterable decision - to go and live forever in Polynesia".
In the 1890's, it took Paul Gauguin two months to reach Tahiti. Today you can reach your beautiful ship in just seven and a half hours from Los Angeles - only two more hours than flying to Hawaii.
A visit to the ship's "Fare Tahiti Gallery", filled with books and videos on the history and culture of Polynesia will introduce you to the islands' colorful heritage. On board lecturers and exciting folklore shows featuring the arts of the islands are given on board to enhance your dream vacation. Each cruise will bring the post card beauty right to your cabin door.
You can experience an electrifying performance of ote'a - a complex line dance accompanied by drums telling the ancestral legends of the Polynesian people. Or, imagine yourself taking a lesson in the technique of paddling an outrigger canoe (it's easy once you know the secret!)
The Tahitians, renowned for their health, physical beauty and spiritual serenity are more than familiar with the medicinal and cosmetic benefits of the plants and flowers of their islands and aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin you are offered an environment that is equally conducive to health, beauty and happiness.
The beautiful on board pool invites you to an early morning dip and the fitness center features a full range of exercise equipment and health spa to provide the spoiling you have waited so long to indulge in.
Imagine a ship, which is more your private yacht, hosting only 300 guests and taking you through the reefs of Tuamotu Archipelago, renowned for world class diving. The ship's small size and shallow draft allows it to navigate shallow shimmering lagoons and narrow channels where larger vessels cannot go.
My favorite feature (in addition to the fine French cuisine and complimentary wines with dinner) is the specially designed, retractable water sports platform at the aft of the ship which takes you down to sea level to hop aboard a Windsurfer, launch a kayak, try a little water skiing or don snorkeling or scuba gear to explore underwater adventures in pristine waters.
Ready to eat! Did I mention that the m/s Paul Gauguin features French and continental fare with menus inspired by two-star Michelin chefs served in open dining, allowing you to eat and sit with whom you want, when you want and where you want. Not only do you have your choice of two elegant restaurants, but also an outdoor grill and 24 hour complimentary room service.
Your cabin is spacious and as relaxing as the gentle trade winds wafting through your open window. Freshly picked tropical flowers spill out of a vase competing for your gaze with the view from your private verandah.
In addition to Radisson, Princess Cruises offers 10-Day Polynesia/Cook Islands, and 10-day Polynesia/Marquesas Islands aboard the Tahitian Princess and 29-day Hawaii/Tahiti/South Pacific aboard the new Diamond Princess. Many of these Tahiti cruises have overnight stays at the ports of call!
Tahiti is my favorite part of this wonderful planet we call home. Now is the time for you to enjoy the sky and sea in harmony with the magnificent and sensuous sights of Bora Bora, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Moorea and the Marquesas, all inclusive, and you unpack only once and awake to find a new piece of paradise at your doorstep each morning.
Sailing the beautiful French Polynesian Islands is like stepping into one of Gauguin's paintings, only better, because you're free to move around.
Sid Kaplan
Cruise Vacations Guide
Sid Kaplan has extensive experience in the travel business. He owned and operated a large retail cruise only agency in Canada and his wife has 25 years experience working for major cruise lines. Their website is Cruise Vacations Guide which offers advice and tips to those looking to create memorable cruise vacations. Shore excursion and land tour information is also provided. Cruise, hotel, car rental and vacation adventure booking online.
Relaxing in your canoe on a beautiful calm lake, fishing... Read More
Between the Alaskan mainland and its islands, lies an intriguing... Read More
Alaska cruises can be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance... Read More
First-time cruisers sometimes confuse about choosing the destination for neither... Read More
For centuries, the Nile River has been at the center... Read More
These areas, like any other car engine and compartment that... Read More
Every cruise vacation offers passengers a luxurious cruising experience. Some... Read More
It has been called "the big ditch", "the bridge between... Read More
"Whether you boat on fresh water or on the ocean,... Read More
So you are in the pressure washer business and you... Read More
We were on the Radiance of the Seas for the... Read More
Boats are a fine part of any man's retirement. They... Read More
A luxury cruise is just what the name implies, a... Read More
There, you have just got a boat. A nice new... Read More
Philippines surfing is not quite a destination that would conjure... Read More
If you're the "outdoorsy" type, prefer to work on a... Read More
As anyone who's ever bought a used car knows, you... Read More
The Alaska cruise is a major attraction drawing vacationers with... Read More
One of the most famous and popular brands in the... Read More
Spending the day or weekend on your boat is one... Read More
Kids and vacation ? trying to find the perfect option... Read More
You can watch movies about it, you can hear about... Read More
"If you build it, they will come."That advice, which prompted... Read More
Holland America Cruise Lines has initiated a program of up-scaling... Read More
If you want to have fun for one low price,... Read More
Determining Oxidation Levels on Your Yacht and how to deal... Read More
A great addition to cleaning boats in a marina will... Read More
Thinking you could use an escape from the wintertime blahs,... Read More
Experiencing the magic of Disney at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney... Read More
Finding Cruise Deals are half the battle when considering a... Read More
If you find your boat with gray and weathered teak,... Read More
It's not just the size and opulence of their sleek... Read More
Of the six states that comprise our country's quaint New... Read More
Boat Winterization Services and Charges, Part IIIf you own a... Read More
When it comes to sailing, there are all kinds of... Read More
Philippines surfing is not quite a destination that would conjure... Read More
The most famous of the Dodecanese, beautiful and famous for... Read More
Experiencing a Hawaii cruise is a dream come true for... Read More
Early summertime is the time of year, when boat owners... Read More
A carnival cruise is one of the best-loved types of... Read More
Every cruise vacation offers passengers a luxurious cruising experience. Some... Read More
The Alaska cruise is a breathtaking adventure that you'll never... Read More
The best advice is to be informed about cabins and... Read More
If you want to have fun for one low price,... Read More
For centuries, the Nile River has been at the center... Read More
A great cruise is much more than a journey. Blending... Read More
If you want to expatriate to Mexico to find an... Read More
Why is it, that when you are looking to buy... Read More
Of the six states that comprise our country's quaint New... Read More
It has been called "the big ditch", "the bridge between... Read More
The mere thought of getting together for a family reunion... Read More
If you are a first time cruiser you are in... Read More
For some, the ideal cruise consists of a lounge chair,... Read More
If you're the "outdoorsy" type, prefer to work on a... Read More
Being our next door neighbor, Mexico can sometimes be forgotten... Read More
Exploring Europe can be such a unique experience with a... Read More
Spending the day or weekend on your boat is one... Read More
The results are in for 2004. The number of people... Read More
August 7, 2005 -- Taking a cruise is now one... Read More
So, you are contemplating a European cruise. You are looking... Read More
When cruising to St. Martin (or Sint Maarten), some of... Read More
I spend almost all my summers sailing around the Greek... Read More
It is important to follow these procedures when sealing a... Read More
Some people step onto a boat and are straight at... Read More
If you are a boater, in particular a sea or... Read More
Europe is one of the premier cruise destinations in the... Read More
Cruising & Sailing |