Your travel specialist on: Tahiti, Fresh Polynesia and the South Pacific

One of the first Destination Specialists training courses I took was to be a South Pacific Expert. Over the years, I think I have been over a 100 times to visit Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Samoa, the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Marquesas, and think I have enjoyed the trips on a cruise, rather than staying at a resort in one location. Many times, we have done a combination of both.

The 118 islands and atolls of French Polynesia are what dreams are made of, with their verdant landscapes, white sand beaches, craggy peaks and warm breezes. I love the culture, music, food, flowers and trees, scenery and each place is different. I would recommend flying into Papeete a day or two earlier than the cruise sails. Visit the local market, and do buy a black pearl which the area is famous for. This is a wonderful seven day honeymoon, or anniversary, and if you can manage more time, then do eleven days to include the Cook Islands. These are under New Zealand rule, and the people speak with a Kiwi accent. More reasonably priced than many of the other islands.

Bora Bora is the most famous place for romance, and it is indeed a very special place. I love the over the water bungalows, and the snorkeling and diving is outstanding.

My husband’s favorite way to see French Polynesia is on a Paul Gauguin cruise. He likes the casual living, and low key experience. You get to see several islands, only 332 passengers with 217 crew so the service is excellent. You have your own balcony, and all the water sports gear is complimentary. The m/v Tere Moana takes only 88 guests, with a crew of 62 if you want a smaller vessel.

My first choice would be the seven night Tahiti and the Society Islands if you haven’t been to this part of the world before. You will go to Papeete, Huahine, Taha, Bora Bora, Moorea, and back to Papeete. Zodiacs are optional dive excursions and optional PADI scuba dive program and certification.

If you can manage eleven days, then go to the Cook Islands and the Society Islands visiting Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands, Huahine,Society Islands, Aitukai,Cook Islands, Rarotonga,Cook Islands, Bora Bora, Society Islands, (Overnight) Taha, Society Islands, Moorea, Society Islands (overnight) and Papeete, Tahiti, overnight. There is also a 14 day cruise taking in the Marquesas.

This is a casual voyage, mainly shorts and swimsuits and I bought a sarong at one of the island markets and wore that every night. They sail twelve months of the year, so you have a large selection of dates. There isn’t a best time, every month can be enjoyable. This company was voted the best small ship fifteen years in a row by Conde Nast Traveler. They can go into small, most beautiful, unique and unspoiled ports, ones that large ships couldn’t dream of visiting.

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Maureen Jones

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.