The Delightful Land beyond Imagination
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.
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In my case, my 'Reluctant Sailor' status comes largely down to a fear of venturing into an alien environment, where I am not in control.
I do not like not being in control. When a yacht tips over, I want to know that it ? that I! ? can do something to correct it. When we are picking our way through a narrow channel, I want to know how to avoid hitting unseen rocks or other boats, and when my children are sitting on deck, I want to know how to rescue them if they fall into the water.
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But my reluctance stems not only from fear. There are many other reasons why I have no interest in sailing. It is cold. It is wet. It is usually raining, and always uncomfortable. Be honest now. How many good nights' sleep have you ever had on a yacht?
And yes, while there are around three days out of every year when weather, location and company combine to make sailing a blissful experience, does that really make up for the other 362 days when it is not?
My husband thinks it does. And so, nine years after we exchanged our dinghy for a baby and a pair of patio doors, I have finally relented. We have bought a yacht.
He is happy. The kids are happy. And I?. I have come up with some ground rules to keep me happy?
The Force Four Rule ? The Reluctant Sailor will not set foot on the boat if the forecast even hints at winds above force 4. [This rule is an adaption of the existing 12 ° C rule for dinghy sailing]
The Sunshine Rule ? The Reluctant Sailor will not go sailing if there is no prospect of sunshine over the period of the sailing expedition.
The Anchorage Rule ? No anchorage will be acceptable to the Reluctant Sailor unless it is within 100 metres of a pub/restaurant/hotel, and preferably a small town with a guaranteed escape route.
The Fair's Fair Rule ? The Sailing Fanatic will match every week/weekend that the Reluctant Sailor spends sailing with a week/weekend somewhere warm, dry and comfortable - preferably abroad.
The Don't Shout Rule ? The Sailing Fanatic must not shout excitedly when asking the Reluctant Sailor to do something. The Reluctant Sailor reserves the right to tell the Sailing Fanatic where to stick his boat if he raises his voice.
The Rain Rule ? Unless the presence of the Reluctant Sailor is required on deck to avoid capsize, collision or other near-death experience, the Sailing Fanatic will deal with all work on deck while it is raining. The Reluctant Sailor will be having coffee and Kit-Kat's in the cabin.
The Maintenance Rule ? The Reluctant Sailor shall not be expected to maintain the boat under any circumstances. The words 'anti-fouling', 'sanding' and 'painting' are of absolutely no interest to the Reluctant Sailor.
The Too Much Time Rule ? The Sailing Fanatic is not allowed to go into a huff when the Reluctant Sailor casually mentions that the Sailing Fanatic has spent the last four weekends 'fiddling with that wretched boat', and that the handsome divorcee from next door has moved in to keep the Reluctant Sailor company.
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