Princess brings The Love Boast cast back to sea

Second theme cruise set for August

By Patti Pietschmann, Cruise and Travel Diva

In the wake of the second of its inaugural Love Boat cruise in 2022, Princess Cruises is reviving the voyage that features the cast of the successful, long-running TV series. On board the Enchanted Princess from Aug. 31-Sept. 7 will be beloved characters Doc, Goher, Isaac and Vicki Stubing. Missing in action is the late great Gavin MacLeod who deftly played Capt. Stubing,

Actors, from the original show, Jill Whelan, Bernie Kopell, Fred Gandy and Ted Lange (pictured above) will be reprising their parts.

Love Boat-themed activities during the cruise include a Sailaway party introducing the castMeet-and-greet photo and signing opportunities. There will also be The Love Boat-inspired guest activities with prizes and cocktail demonstration hosted by Ezra Freeman and Ted Lange.

Adding to the romance at sea is a symbolic renewal of vows ceremony, officiated by the cast. Passengers will also be able to do a Q&As sharing favorite memories of the show and stories of their careers.

And they can watch old episodes on the movie screen set up under the stars or on their staterooms televisions.

The seven-day Canada/New England Love Boat theme cruise aboard the 3,660-guest Enchanted Princess sails roundtrip from New York City and visits Newport, Rhode Island; Boston; Rockland, Maine; Saint John, Canada (for Bay of Fundy); and Halifax, Canada.

The Love Boat is credited with bringing cruising to the masses and showcasing the romance of the sea, taking Hollywood’s biggest stars to sought-after destinations as story lines always ended on a happy note. In the fall of 2022, Princess was featured again as the setting of The Real Love Boat on CBS and Paramount+, reality dating adventure series where three real-life Princess crew members and 12 singles looking for love joined hosts \
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

Crystal creates clever theme cruises

Need an excuse to book a cruise with one of the top luxury lines in the industry? How about two exciting-sounding theme cruises that appeal to the duffer and thespian in you,

First on the list is one designed for film and theater buffs that sails from Laem Chabang (Bangkok) to Hong Kong, Feb 16 – 28, 2024. Presented for passenger pleasure on this one is a wowza lineup such as Grammy-nominated Christine Allado,  Broadway musical historian Steven Friedman, former regional marketing director for United Artists and Columbia Pictures Andrew Friedenberg and esteemed American movie and TV actor Bruce McGill will also be aboard for fireside chats to share industry anecdotes.

A duffer’s delight

Next in line is a golf fans foray from Lisbon to Dover from July 18 to July 30. On this cruise passengers will be tutored by instructors David Leadbetter and Roberto Borgatti on perfecting their swings. Leadbetter is known for his work with legendary players such as Nick Faldo, Greg Norman and Ernie Els, and has a track record of coaching 26 players to Major Championship titles. Borgatti leads clinics for players of all skill levels, helping aspiring candidates pass the PGA Player Ability Test.

Back to Broadway

Broadway buffs can get their fix on the Oct. 10 to 18 voyage from the Big Apple to Quebec city. Starring oln this one is American actress and singer Rachel York. Known for her iconic stage roles in productions such as City of Angels, Les Miserables, and Kiss Me Kate, York . Additional notables will also be in attendance and be announced soon.

“We are thrilled to bring back our themed cruises, each tailored to provide an immersive and enriching experience for our guests and were extremely popular in the past,” said Vice President of Entertainment Keith Cox.  “Whether you’re a fan of film and theater, a golf aficionado, or a Broadway enthusiast, these voyages are designed to exceed expectations and create lasting memories for our guests.”

About Crystal

Crystal Cruises made its bow 30 years ago with a big splash. It was one of the most elegant cruise lines of its time and maintained the reputation for years. That was until it fell prey to bad managment and went bankrupt two years ago. It was saved by the bell by Abercrombie and Kent who bought it at auction from a bankruptcy sale.

Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony are sailing again under the A&K label. They are all spruced up with larger, updated suites with artisanal finishes, new cutting-edge wellness offerings, upgraded entertainment, and complimentary world-class dining that includes the return of UMI UMA – the only dining experience by Michelin-Star Chef Master Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) at sea. With a legacy of unrivaled service and commitment to sophistication and elegance at every touchpoint, once on-board passengers feel as if they are perfectly at home.  

Crystal Creature comforts

From full room service options (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, cocktails etc) to impeccable attention to passenger comfort, Crystal still ranks as one of the tops at sea.

Fares are inclusive of all hard and soft beverages and tips.

Bon voyage.

Teenage boy dies from fall on MSC Seashore cruise ship

By Patti Pietschmann, Cruise Diva

The boy allegedly jumped from deck 16 

By Patti Pietschmann

New York Post photo

A holiday tragedy at sea. This time a 15-year-old  died after falling or jumping from) 16 floors down to a lower deck on MSC Seashore during a five-day Caribbean cruise last week. The ship was heading back to Miami when the incident occurred about 7:30 at night.

Early news reports erroneously said the boy plunged into the sea. But according to to the Miami-Dade Police, the fatal fall occurred inboard of the rails. In a social media update, a passenger reported that the victim jumped from Deck 16, striking Deck 8 without reaching the water.

Sketchy details

https://www.youtube.com/embed/SIbsBx497eA?wmode=opaqueDetails are sketchy and the incident is being investigated. Preliminary supposition is that he committed suicide. But this has not be validated.

The boy’s identity had not been revealed at this writing.  MSC Cruises says the bit was  individual was traveling with his family. It said in a statement that he “appears to have died of suicide.” Chaotic videos posted to social media by passengers after hearing the a “man overboard” alarm (but the boy didn’t not fall into the sea but landed on a lower deck) could  be heard over the loudspeaker, although police said their investigation later revealed that the death happened on board.

Suicide PSA

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.

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Passenger tests positive for coronavirus after disembarking from Holland America Westerdam

Patti Pietschmann 

New York Times photo of Diamond Princess in Yokohama, Japan

Since the outbreak of the virulent coronavirus in China earlier this month the travel world has been turned upside down, especially the cruise industry. 

As you know by now the biggest victim is Princess Cruises Diamond Princess which has been under quarantine in Yokohama, Japan for more than two weeks. So far 355 passengers on the ship have tested positive for the virus.

But other cruise lines have been effected by the need to change  itineraries because some countries are banning ships from entering their ports.

Breaking news now

Coronavirus has been detected on an 83-year-old woman who disembarked Holland America’s MS Westerdam in Malaysia.

The woman disembarked the shp last Friday and then reported feeling ill at the airport in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and tested positive for coronavirus.

“We are in close coordination with some of the leading health experts from around the world,” said Grant Tarling, chief medical officer for Holland America Line, said in the release. “These experts are working with the appropriate national health authorities to investigate and follow-up with individuals who may have come in contact with the guest.”

 

Other news you should know: https://pattipietschmannthecruiseguru.blogspot.com/2020/02/355-now-confirmed-with-coronavirus-on.html

Cruise Diva now at Pavlus Travel

Dear readers, while I will still be posting here, you will find a lot more of my stuff now at https://pavlus.com/pavlus-blog/.

I hope you will check it out, read the posts and leave some comments/feedback.

Pavlus is one of the largest travel agencies in the US so if my stories make you want to book a cruise or tour all you have to do is call Pavlus.

Here’s just one sample post on Viking Cruises:

Viking continues to win praise from Travel+Leisure readers

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By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva

The line is also loved by just about every past passenger

Viking Cruises is all the rage. Passengers rave about the ships. And Travel + Leisure continues to award it high marks. In fact this marks the fourth consecutive year that the popular magazine’s readers gave Viking® a World’s Best Award.

Alas Viking is  one of the few cruise lines I haven’t been on. But I’m working on it.

When I ask past-passengers what’s so special about Viking they give me a litany of likes. One of which is that ‘they don’t nickel and dime you.” Another is the food. They also rave about the staterooms and service. Most also like that the ocean-going ships are just the right size. Not too big or small.

 

Scandinavian style

While he may be a bit prejudiced, Chairman Torstein Hagen says, that Viking is designed for discerning travelers with interests in history, art, music and cuisine. It’s “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. Ships are small to get guests closer to their destination, with more time in port and more overnights.”

The Scandinavian design is an eye-catcher. Public rooms are both beautiful and functional, quiet and filled with light. There are also lots of outdoor dining venues serving regional fare.

More cerebral than sedentary Viking offers several cultural experiences and exotic shore excursions. But there are amenities such as this infinity pool.

The T&L awards

Travel + Leisure’s readers ranked Viking as the #1 Ocean Cruise Line for ships carrying 600-2,199 guests and one of the World’s Best River Cruise Lines. Since the launch of Viking’s ocean cruises in 2015, the company has been named a #1 Ocean Cruise Line every single year. Viking has also been voted a World’s Best River Cruise Line every year since the award’s inception in 2010.

Viking will also be featured in the magazine’s World’s Best issue, which will be on newsstands in July; the full results of the awards can be found at www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best.

Viking offers very compelling  fares. Everyone gets an outside stateroom as well as a complimentary shore excursion in each port of call. Also included are beer and wine at lunch and dinner; alternative dining, WiFi, self-service laundry and all port charges and government taxes.

Guests even get free access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service.

Booking Details

Viking is offering some pretty spectacular fares. So better call Pavlus for more details and bookings.

A Viking backstory

Viking launched in 1997 with four ships that were purchased from Russia.Today the line operates a fleet of 78 vessels. The vessels include riverboats and ocean liners.

Hope to see you on board one of these days.

By Patti Pietschmann|July 14th, 2019|Dining, Sea, Stuff|1 Comment

Check out Patti’s Pavlus Travel Blog

My posts cover the cruise and travel industries. You will find cruise news, cruise and travel tips and a whole lot more. https://pavlus.com/pavlus-blog/

With the Alaska cruise season in full swing you might enjoy this one: https://pavlus.com/going-on-an-alaska-cruise-be-sure-to-pack-smart/

Please follow it an ‘like’ it. And if you need a travel agent, contact one at Pavlus.com. They are truly efficient and friendly.

Thank you.

First look at a few wow factors on Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady

Due to debut in 2020 with stylish staterooms

Heavenly sea beds for a good night’s sleep

Hammocks for swingers

 

 

Glam tables to do your makeup in your cabin

Reservations go on sale on Valentine’s Day at www.virginvoyages.com. Adults only may apply, no one under 18 allowed on board.

Dine in any of 20 venues with no surcharge.

Free bottled water. Beautiful bars and lounges.

Spa, fitness, activities galore.

No nickle and diming as per Richard Branson.

Rockstar suites on top deck designed for the diva in all of us.

 

 

Mega cruise line teams up with small luxury operator

Royal Caribbean Ltd. buys big stake in Silversea Cruises

Patti Pietschmann 

Silver Muse joined Silversea fleet in April 2017 two sister ships are on the horizon

Although some insiders suspected that small, luxury ship operator Silversea was ups for grabs, he news last week  that giant cruise ship operator RCCL was buying a major stake in the little luxury line, sent shock waves through the cruise industry. 

What’s happening, pending approval from various sources, is Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is buying a 66.7% stake in Silversea Cruises–the tony cruise line that operates intimate luxury liners and expedition ships designed for discerning seafarers.

Royal Caribbean’s stake has an enterprise value of somewhere between one and two billion dollars depending on your source. The purchase price of the equity being acquired is approximately $1 billion. RCL plans to finance the purchase through debt.

In addition, Silversea chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio will qualify for an estimated contingent consideration of approximately 472,000 RCL shares, payable upon achievement of certain 2019-2020 performance metrics.

 

“Silversea is a crown jewel, and the acknowledged leader in luxury and expedition cruising, two key markets that are poised for growth,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “Uniting our two companies presents an extraordinary opportunity to expand vacation options for guests and create revenue in strategic growth areas.” Fain added: “We are proud to welcome aboard Manfredi Lefebvre, a visionary leader whose high standards and history of innovation we deeply respect. Manfredi will remain Executive Chairman of Silversea, continuing to lead its strategy long term.”

 

“This partnership will bolster the growth of this exceptional brand founded by my father,” said Lefebvre. “I have always been kindred spirits with Richard and we share a vision of offering excellence and leadership to our guests. This new partnership gives Silversea the opportunity to accelerate the growth of the most successful luxury and expedition cruising brand in the world.” The strategic rationale for the partnership includes:

• Driving long-term capacity growth in the burgeoning luxury and expedition segments at a much larger scale than what Silversea would achieve independently;
• Diversifying Royal Caribbean’s portfolio and increasing its expedition offerings by adding a premiere ultra-luxury brand;
• Leveraging the global footprint of the combined companies to generate demand and increase vacation and destination options for the guests of both companies;
• Realizing significant synergies related to global market access, supply chain, purchasing power and other economies of scale.
   

Lefebvre said he is confident that the significant investment stake he is retaining will sizably increase its value through the growth this long-term partnership will enable.

 

Lefebvre and Fain also confirmed that Silversea’s CEO Roberto Martinoli will continue in his role, working with the existing Silversea management team.

 

Silversea’s sterling fleet covers the world sailing to more than 1000 global destinations. The company’s  unique luxury expedition vessels add a pioneering ultra-luxury brand to RCL’s industry-leading brand lineup.

RCL’s largest brand, Royal Caribbean International, is a contemporary brand focused on adventure-seeking families, Celebrity Cruises is a premium brand providing a modern luxury experience to discerning global travelers, and Azamara Club Cruises is a destination immersive brand offering luxury voyages to unique ports. The company also operates the regional TUI Cruises and Pullmantur brands as part of long-term joint ventures.

The closing is expected to be completed later in the year, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.

Some of Silversea’s shining ships

For more about Silversea click www.silversea.com. You can also find many articles about its ships on this blog or at www.cruiseable.com and  https://pattipietschmannthecruiseguru.blogspot.com/2018/03/silver-muse-launches-new-chapter-for.html

Royal Caribbean International is a cruise line brand founded in Norway and based in Miami, Florida, United States. It is owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.As of May 2018, the line is operating 27 ships, has five additional ships on order, and controls 21.9% of the cruise market worldwide.^[3] All ships under the Royal Caribbean International brand have names ending with “of the Seas” (e.g. Freedom of the Seas) a practice which began in 1991.

Oh how cruise industry has changed since the 1990’s

What a difference decades have made on cruise styles

 Patti Covello Pietschmann

Silversea  helped redefine luxury cruises in 1994

Silver Muse debuted in 2017 raising the bar higher on  top of the line cruising

The following article, by me, was published in 1992, just after Crystal Cruises (1990)  and before Silversea Cruises (1990  redefined luxury cruises.  Many of the ships and cruise lines are long gone, but it is interesting to read about cruises back in the day…..so much has changed. There are now more balconies, freebies such as your tips, drinks, WiFi, higher standards but it was still fun to cruise….

Top Ships For Cabins, Food, Fitness And More Cruising  published April 05, 1992 |By Patti Covello Pietschmann. Special to the Tribune.
Once upon a time, back in the 1990s, a savvy seafarer set out in search of the best cruise ship. Not an easy task, considering the number of passenger vessels, around 150 at last count, according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Relentless in his quest for quality, this seafarer (hereafter to be called S.S.) booked voyages on dozens of luxury liners. She scrutinized each ship from stern to bow, top deck to lower, outside cabins and suites to below- waterline closets that pass as berths.

From ship to ship S.S. searched until she could no longer stand to elbow her way through another midnight buffet, watch one more magician pull a rabbit out of a hat, listen to another off-key singer belt out oldies or endure one more washed-up comic trying to revive his career. When her mission was accomplished, S.S. concluded that while all cruise ships had something going for them, some did a few things better than others. Eager to share the knowledge with other potential seafarers, S.S. jotted down a few important categories (such as food) and matched them with the ships that excel in each.

In this old Chicago Trib piece the S.S. went public in this exclusive Savvy Seafarer`s Somewhat Scientific Ship Survey:

The best nautical cuisine (remember we’re talking the 1990’s

Sure there`s always plenty of chow on a cruise, but only a handful of galleys dish out the quality fare of a Crystal Harmony (Crystal Cruises), Sea Goddesses I and II (Cunard), Seabourn Pride and Seabourn Spirit (Seabourn), Wind Star and Wind Song (Windstar Sail Cruises) or Song of Flower (Seven Seas Cruises). We`re talking tasty, creative, beautiful dishes designed for discerning palates, gourmets, gastronomes, foodies who know their way around quail soup, pheasant and foie gras.

Also recommended: Paquet`s Mermoz (for fabulous French Provencal food); Alas this line has since bit the dust, but it was wonderful.

Princess Cruises` Star Princess, Crown Princess and Regal Princess for homemade pasta dishes, Royal Cruise Line`s Golden Odyssey and Crown Odyssey`s Greek salads and entrees and Holland America for its fresh fish and outstanding pastries.

Most civilized meal hours (This has completely changed with many lines now offering dine when you like options and/or reserved or open seating alternative dining venues)

Usually you have only one choice in this matter: early sitting (6:30 p.m.) or late (between 8 and 8:45 p.m.). The savvy seafarer just hates that. If you feel the same way, these are the ships best suited to your taste:

Sea Goddesses I and II (now under the SeaDream Yachts moniker), Wind Song, Wind Star, Wind Spirit, Seabourn Pride and Spirit (expanded in several more ships such as Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn EncoreSeabourn Quest, Seabourn Ovation) , Club Med 1 and Seven Seas Cruises` (now Regernt Seven Seas) Song of Flower and Crystal Harmony. If you don`t feel like going to the dining room, you can have a full-course meal served in your stateroom, and, in most cases, in courses.

Dawning of a more deluxe era with Seabourn Encore in the 2000’s

While the late great Crystal Harmony had two seatings in the main dining room, passengers had the option of dining at two other restaurants between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Today’s Crystal Cruises swank ships Symphony and Serenity have open seating and alternative  dining choices in an Italian, Asian and continental restaurants).

Classiest cruise ship

Back then it the 900- passengers Crystal Harmony since replaced by Crystal Serenity and Symphony. Most cabins on both boast balconies, free WiFi, spacious sitting areas, twin beds that convert to queen or king, mini-fridges, upscale toiletries, terry robes and round-the-clock room service. Bulters man accommodations on Penthouse decks.

In the small-ship division, it doesn`t get much better than Silversea’s fleet of fancy vessels:  Seabourn`s equally elegant chic offerings, Regent Seven Seas and for an amazing sailing experience  Windstar Sail Cruises four-masted, 440-foot sailing ships sport diving platforms and luxurious staterooms.

There was also the now defunct fledgling Song of Flower, (former Explorer Starship until Japanese-owned Seven Seas Cruises bought and renovated it), has garnered rave reviews since its debut a year ago. The 172-passenger luxury liner has a crew of 144 along with outside staterooms that range from 183 to 258 square feet. Ten larger suites (321 square feet) have private verandas and another 10 have 398 square feet.

Tops in entertainment

I wrote back then that this area is in dire need of improvement on most ships. Too often the

Gregory Porter performed  outstandingly on  QM2  last fall

“talent“ just doesn’t have any. I can’t tell  you how many shows we walked out of in the past (1990s).  But today’s another story with class acts appearing on Princess, Crystal Cruises, Cunard especially QM2 crossings, Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas. Even Carnival’s gotten more into the act.

Back in the day my  exceptions included the SS Norway, a luxury liner that housed the Saga Theater, the best Broadway-style theater at sea and presented a floating jazz festival each fall. That year the 10th Annual Floating Jazz Festival took place Oct. 24-31 featuring 65 performers-among them: Dorothy Donegan Trio, Anita O`Day, Gary Burton and His Quintet and a special trio of Ed Higgins, Keter Betts and Jackie Williams.

Free-flowing booze and wine was pretty much a dream in the 1990’s but is now  a reality on Silversea, Seabourn, Crystal, Regent Seven Seas and SeaDream with lines like Viking Cruises offering complimentary beer and wine with lunch and dinner.  Even Champagne is free on Silversea, Seabourn and Crystal.

The then most exciting ship on the horizon was SSC Radisson Diamond, a twin-hulled, 354-passenger catamaran-like, hi-tech, knocked-your-socks-off , Today’s most exciting new launch to look forward to is Celebrity Edge which debuts with a blast in December 2018.

Shopping  has now  gone overboard on many ships with glitzy boutiques purveying high-priced goods, but back then the glitziest lobby/shopping arcades were  on Crystal Harmony`s showstopping Crystal Plaza atrium features glass sculpture, a waterfall and the 3,000-square-foot Avenue of the Stars shopping arcade. Princess Cruises` Crown and Regal`s three-story atrium lobby with its circle staircase and fountain sculpture is topped by a two-level Galleria shopping arcade. The Star Princess Plaza, another three-story affair, has a vivid kinetic sculputure with a circular staircase leading to shops and restaurants.

Boffo cinemas in the 1990s  for late run movies  was Crystal Harmony`s 270-seat Hollywood Theatre and the Star, Regal, Royal and Crown Princess theaters are some of the most comfortable and also offer the best sound systems and wide screens. Today Princess show films on a behemoth screen over the pool and in the theater. Crystal continues to run new releases, too, in its theaters.

Best casino bets were on Crystal Harmony`s Caesars Palace at Sea which at the time was  the most authentic Las Vegas-like casino afloat, with a staff direct from the gambling capital of the world. Now Carnival Cruises is king of the gambling game.

Best pools for swimming i the 1990s

Crystal Serenity pool  2016 by Richard Pietschmann

Not all ship pools were made for swimming. Notable exceptions include Carnival`s Ecstasy`s attractive 50- by 16-foot pool, complete with water slide and two Jacuzzis.
The Royal Caribbean Cruise Line`s (RCCL) Monarch of the Seas (to debut in November), Sovereign of the Seas and Majesty feature two 13- by 46-foot pools on deck. Crystal Harmony also has twin pools: the Seahorse, measuring 40 feet long and the 21-foot-long Neptune, an indoor/outdoor arrangement. Princess Cruises` Royal Princess boasts a true lap pool that measures 14 by 33 feet, in addition to its 50 by 16-foot main pool. The main pool on the Star, Crown and Regal Princess sports two Jacuzzis, a swimup bar and measures 18- by 27-feet. On the Crystal Harmony, there are Jacuzzis at either end of the Seahorse pool while the ship`s indoor/outdoor pool (the Neptune) is about 21 feet long and has a swimup bar.

Today best pools are on Silversea Silver Muse and Crystal’s two ships. The water’s inviting also on some of the behemoth builds from NCL, RCL  and Carnival.

Best tipping policy was pretty nebulous back then  and tedious, passengers used to fill envelopes with cash to dole out. Then came automated adding to your shipboard tab and on Crystal,  Silversea, Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn a no tipping policy.

There was little or no WiFi in the early 1990s but now every ship offers it for a fee or free.

Want to read more about cruising in the 1990s? Go here.

Posted 1 week ago by Patti Pietschman

A little yacht that feels like a fare floating around Bora Bora

Sailing on the Haumana in like being in a floating fare

Patti Pietschmann

Over water fares in Bora Bora by Richard Pietschmann

Over water bungalows aka: fares, are the preferred accommodations for most people visiting French Polynesia–but they do come with a price. However, it just doesn’t get any better than being able to slip into the water off your porch or view the azure-colored lagoons from your coffee table. Except possibly taking an all-inclusive cruise on a tiny luxury yacht from beautiful Bora Bora. The fares start at $1,800 a person for three nights accommodations, all meals, a selection of free wines, a half-day excursion to Taha’a, the Vanilla Island; and activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, a barbeque on a motu and other aquatic and cultural experiences. It may sound steep, but this is quite a bargain when you factor in all the extras.

Otemanu in Bora Bora by Richard Pietschmann

Before we go any farther, let me say that French Polynesia is very expensive and doing it a la carte can break most people’s bank accounts. But this cruise includes all extras so you don’t have to worry that a drink will cost a fortune (it does at some bars) or dinners will be a set back to your kid’s college fun or your mortgage payment.

The little boat follows the routes of the ancient Polynesians and is manned by a 100% Tahitian crew who impart their love of their islands — as well as its music and crafts. Having been to the area many times I can tell you that the food served on the islands is exceptional. After all, it is French Polynesia and the French are fussy about their food. So I believe it when they tell me the chefs do a fabulous job of fixing meals on the Haumana. Obviously I have yet to sample the fare.

The yacht is cozy and comfy more barefoot than spikes and a great way to pay a leisurely visit to the one of the most stunning destinations in the world.

Of course you woudn’t want to fly all the way to French Polynesia just for three nights. There are many hotels from which to choose but be sure to take the American Plan which comes with three meals or the Modified American Plan that comes with two, because as I said, it can be very expensive. Met many unsuspecting couples who wished they have booked their room with meals. One couple was practically living on French bread (which is really crusty and good but not that nutritional) when they realized how expensive lunch and dinner were.

To book your cruise or get meet information click on https://haumana-tahiti.com/en/itineraries/ and to find other packages with hotels and yacht go to https://www.tahititravel.com.au/haumana-poerava-cruise-10-night-package/, You will find one great sounding deal for $7,699 for 10-days all inclusive. After you sample French Polynesia for the first time, you’ll want to go back. Once is never enough in this tropical paradise, trust me.

Tahiti by Richard Pietschmann 

Are you ready to find paradise?