Small Ship Cruise Options for the Islands of Tahiti

Aloha and Ia Orana,
Cruising around the islands of Tahiti for a romantic cruise celebration sounds like a fabulous idea to me! Lets review some small ship cruise options for you:

7 Night Haumana Cruise

A unique experience of discovery in the pristine ocean environment of Rangiroa!  Cruise in luxury in one of 12 well-appointed cabins, with all-inclusive gourmet dining and charming motu picnics. Swim, snorkel, hike, or relax on the deck at sea in this romantic paradise. The 7 night cruise departs from Rangiroa on Saturdays and Wednesdays. The guests fly into Papeete, stay overnight 1 night, then they will be transferred by plane to Rangiroa.

Location: Rangiroa, Tahiti.

Haumana Cruise Amenities:
Air Conditioning, Bar (On upper deck & open all day.), Bathroom Amenities, Boutique, CD Player, DVD Player, Hair Dryer, Housekeeping (Twice daily), In Room Safe, Jacuzzi, Mini-Bar, Television, VCR.

Haumana Cruise Activities:
Dolphin Watch, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Jacuzzi, Jet Skiing (At an additional cost), Kayaking, Nature Excursions (Visit unspoiled motus and virgin reefs), Polynesian Dance Lesson, Snorkeling, Surfing, Vineyard (Dominique Auroy’s Vineyard).

Attractions:
Snorkeling, swimming, authentic island craft demonstrations and performances by local cultural groups.

If you would like to experience the romantic islands in the South Pacific,

Call 800 644-6659 or email Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net for more details

_____

The Aranui III offers 86 cabins & is an Inter-Island Freighter!

Have you ever longed to hop a freighter to the romantic South Seas? Well, now you can, with Aranui Cruises - a delightful alternative to the more sumptuous cruises in and around Tahiti. The Aranui III is a state-of-the-art freighter that delivers supplies to the Marquesa Islands and also carries passengers.

Inspired by the tales of Herman Melville, Jack London and Robert Louis Stevenson, travelers go along to get in touch with the spirit of adventure that lies dormant in us all, and because no other cruise offers such an authentic slice of Polynesian life.

The Aranui III offers 13 to 16 night trips with Saturday departures.

Aranui Amenities:
Air Conditioning, Balcony or Patio, Bathtub, Cocktail Lounge, Gym/Fitness Center, Laundry Service (Washers & Dryers available; No Dry Cleaning), Library, Live Entertainment (Members singing and playing hand craft ukuleses), Refrigerator, Shared Bathroom.

Aranui Activities:
Fishing, Horseback Riding (On Ua Huka Island), Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Surfing, Swimming Pool.

If you would like to experience the romantic islands in the South Pacific,

Call 800 644-6659 or email Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net for more details

_______

Paul Gauguin Cruise

Named after France’s greatest Post-Impressionist painter, whose work is indelibly linked to Tahiti and Polynesia, the Paul Gauguin is the ideal ship on which to explore the world’s last natural paradise. The ship accomodates 318 passengers and departs out of Papeete. Come experience the ultimate in luxury, service and impeccable cuisine aboard a ship that celebrates the art of living in true Gallic style.

Paul Gauguin Cruise Amenities:
Air Conditioning, Bathrobe, Bathroom Amenities, Bathtub, Beauty Salon, Boutique, Business Center (There are four computers and a printer), Butler Service (In Suites only), CD Player, Concierge, DVD Player, Direct Dial Phone, Dry Cleaning Available, Fax Machine Available (Sent/received through the reception desk), Fruit, Gym/Fitness Center, Gym/Fitness Center, Hair Dryer, Internet Access, Laundry Service, Library (A wide selection of books is available), Medical Services (Doctor & nurse equipped to provide medical care), Mini-Bar, Refrigerator, Room Service, Room Service (24-hour room service), Shower, Spa Services (Carita Spa & Beauty Salon), Television (TV/ VCR), Video Library.

Paul Gauguin Cruise Activities:
Art Gallery (Fare Tahiti Gallery), Casino, Casino, Dance Club (La Palette Lounge, Piano bar & romantic nightclub), Diving, Island Excursions, Kayaking, Kayaking, Night Club (Polynesian performances, dancing, cabaret singer), Outdoor Pool, Scuba Lessons, Snorkeling, Swimming Pool, Water Skiing, Windsurfing.

If you would like to experience the romantic islands in the South Pacific,

Call 800 644-6659 or email Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net for more details

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Get to Know Brisbane, Australia

The city of Brisbane offers the traveler a range of luxury hideaways that include modern architecture to classic buildings dating from as far back as colonial times.

The lucky visitor will also find museums that were built by convicts and housed Generals, to the Brisbane City Hall that holds the city’s museum, Brisbane is rich in a history that can be traced by simply walking around.

Qantas Airways offers daily services to Australia from Los Angeles, and their newly launched service from DFW, Brisbane has never been more accessible.  So, whats there to do in Brisbane?

Tours & Sightseeing: There’s so many ways to discover Brisbane! Take a balloon ride, cruise the river or take in the sights on one of many bus tours.

Arts & Culture: Take the time to discover some of the pockets of expressions reflection scattered around Brisbane. Including independent theater companies, art galleries and indigenous galleries.

Fun for Free: This foot friendly city offers world-calls galleries, parklands, museums, tours, live music, and more… absolutely FREE!

Shopping & Fashion: Dynamic, positive, forward thinking and creative sums up Brisbane’s impressive fashion scene.

Parks & National Parks: The stunning fringes of Brisbane are world-class, and often heritage listed, and best of all, they start less than one hour away from downtown.

Heritage & Architecture: Discover Brisbane’s life during colonial times, the influences and the events that changed the city forever…

Bikeways & Walkways: Brisbane is truly a foot friendly city with over 750 miles of walkways, paths and bikeways.

Sport & Recreation: Outdoor enthusiast? You can test yourself in Brisbane without leaving the city. Want to be closer to the water? Then kayak your way around every bend of the Brisbane River.

For more information contact http://www.visitbrisbane.com.au or Teresa@Luxuryhideaways.net and lets go to Brisbane!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

All-Inclusive Safari Explorer Yacht arriving in the Hawaiian Islands soon!

We are getting so excited!!! Countdown has begun for our newest (and most fabulous) weeklong yachting experience to set sail for our shores here in Hawaii!  The American Safari Explorer is due to arrive October, 2011 - don’t miss the boat!  She caters to only 36 lucky Guests at a time.

Right now the only weekly cruiseline we have is NCL which is a large cruiseship and its my opinion its not the best way to see the islands and learn about the local culture.

The Safari Explorer will be cruising inter-island with a flexible itinerary that will not be based on a “set timetable”. Instead, it will feature a cruise thru the islands at a slower pace, allowing the guests to enjoy extra time snorkeling in a quiet cove or kayaking to a secluded beach. Guests will be able to explore the islands by foot, kayak, sailboat and motor launch.

Along the way, the Guests will experience traditional Hawaiian culture with opportunities to meet the locals on their land and in their homes. Each evening, the yacht sets anchor in a different sheltered harbor or inlet.
While onboard the Explorer, guests enjoy an “all inclusive” experience and will be pampered with excellent local seafood dishes, just-baked breads, hearty soups, fresh fruit salads, exquisite entrees, sinfully delicious desserts, as well as fine wines and spirits. Everyone is served at one seating, family-style; dress is always casual.  Of course, they will be happy to plan for any special dietary needs, and if there’s something you’ve got a craving for, let them know. Milestone events are celebrated in great style onboard.

With the exception of a gratuity for the crew - which is a personal decision - everything is included on the cruise:

• Gourmet meals
• Premium wine, beer and spirits
• Kayaking and shore boat exploring
• Snorkel gear
• Exclusive shore excursions
• Onboard Expedition Leader/Naturalist or wine expert
• Airport transfers
• Port Charges, taxes, fees
• Massages
• Visits with local residents - “talk story”

Stay tuned as the Explorer charts its course for the Hawaiian Islands.

Me ke aloha pumehana,
(With warmest aloha)
Teresa

Teresa Nelle
Luxury Hideaways - Affiliated with Park Avenue Travel - A Virtuoso Agency
Extraordinary Luxury Travel by Land - Sea - Air
Toll free 800 644-6659      fax (888) 337-9102   skype- hawaiibound22
www.LuxuryHideaways.net       E:Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net
www.OnlyCruisesTravel.com    Blog with us at: http://SeeTheSouthPacific.com
Rated A+ by Hawaii Better Business Bureau!

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Haumana Cruises - For a limited time only!

The Haumana will begin cruising the spectacular lagoon of Rangiroa in French Polynesia from July 09 until October 1st 2011.

There are two cruises from which to choose - but after I read them both - I would want to stay on for the entire week! Plan your dream vacations around either of the Haumana cruise itineraries listed below:

The Blue Lagoon Cruise - 3 nights, from Wednesday to Saturday

Wednesday : Haumana Base - Embarkation

Meet & greet at the Rangiroa airport
Polynesian welcome onboard, with flowers and tropical drinks, and check-in
Snorkeling tour at the Rangiroa’s natural Aquarium
Pre-dinner cocktail hour & presentation of the next day’s program
Dinner followed by fishing from the aft platform
Departure during the night for the Blue Lagoon area

Thursday : Blue Lagoon & Faama

Morning excursion to the Blue Lagoon of Rangiroa, stunning chain of islets within the lagoon of Rangiroa : swimming, sunbathing, shark feeding adventure.
Lunch onboard while the Haumana navigates towards Faama, also called the Reef Island
Afternoon at leisure in Faama : snorkeling, kayaking, “farniente” on the beach, fishing
Pre-dinner cocktails, presentation of the next day’s program and pareo tying class
Dinner followed by night fishing from the Haumana platform for those interested
Overnight in Faama and early morning departure the next day to Motu Ai Ai

Friday : Motu Ai Ai

Full day tour on Motu Ai Ai, starting with the exploration of the islet, and reef outing to get acquainted with the different species of fish, shells and sea urchins that can be seen in Rangiroa
Discovery of the “feo” fossilized coral formations, a lunar landscape typical of the Tuamotu archipelago
Swim in these natural pools, refreshed by the ocean’s waters
Coconut demonstration & BBQ lunch feet in the water
Afternoon at leisure on this Robinson Crusoe paradise islet : kayaks, snorkeling, fishing, “siesta”
Pre-dinner cocktails & Tahitian dancing, followed by dinner
Overnight in Motu Ai Ai and early morning departure to the base the next day

Saturday : Haumana Base - Farewell

Or, stay onboard and continue the adventure…..

The Pink Sand Cruise - 4 nights, from Saturday to Wednesday

Saturday : Haumana Base, Embarkation

Meet & greet at the Rangiroa airport
Polynesian welcome onboard, with flowers and tropical drinks, and check-in
Departure during lunchtime for Onetere
The Haumana will anchor in Onetere in the afternoon
Time at leisure in Onetere
Pre-dinner cocktail hour & presentation of the next day’s program
Dinner followed by fishing from the aft platform for those interested
Departure during the night for the Pink Sand area

Sunday : Shells Islet, Pink Sand Islet and Birds’ Islet

Morning visit to a local family on their private “motu” islet, the Shells Islet : discover their way of life, away from civilization. This family is one of the only ones still digging Rangiroa’s hostile grounds to find those very precious orange shells used in the islands to make the beautiful shells necklaces.
Snorkeling at the Coral Garden and lunch onboard
Afternoon at leisure at the Pink Sand islet, a beautiful natural sand bank floating above a crystal-clear lagoon Participate in a shark feeding adventure or relax on the beach
On the way back to the yacht, stop by the Birds’ Islet, a natural birds’ sanctuary
Dinner under the stars, on the beach, to the sounds of ukuleles and Polynesian drums
The Haumana remains at anchor overnight

Monday : Motu Teu & Kiroria

Early morning departure for Motu Teu
Morning excursion to Motu Teu explore the islet at your own pace. (Possibility for troll fishing early morning)
Coco demonstration and tasting followed by lunch feet in the water at Motu Kiroria
Afternoon at leisure : walk to the reef, snorkeling, kayaks, fishing or “farniente”
Pre-dinner cocktails, presentation of the next day’s program and pareo tying class
Dinner and fishing from the aft platform after dinner

Tuesday : Otepipi & Mauahatea

Morning excursion to Otepipi ancient village
Reef outing and discovery of the island’s fauna and flora
Lunch onboard and navigation to Mauahatea
Afternoon visit to Mauahatea : discover Rangiroa’s interesting landscape of “feo”, fossilized coral formations sculpted by time. Take a refreshing dip in one of the natural spa pools.
Overnight in Mauahatea and early morning departure to the Haumana base the next day

Wednesday : Haumana Base - Farewell

Today, it will be time to say farewell to the magic of Rangiroa and end your “paumotu” dream and your barefoot chic adventure in Tahiti and her islands.

Contact the Travel Gal for the best deals!!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort Dive & Rejuvenation Package

Bula!
Check out this amazing package the award-winning Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort is offering their Guests! The Rejuvenation package also includes 2 free nights when you reserve 7 nights at the resort. You will find world class coral reefs, blissful massages from nurturing Fijian hands as well as creative gourmet meals to name a few of the delights that await you.
7 night’s accommodation* pay only for 5 nights!
All gourmet meals
Unlimited bottled non-alcoholic drinks
Choice of three days of 2 -tank dives for 2 adults or three days of 2 tank days for one adult and three 60 minute massage treatments for one adult. *
Ground transportation between Savusavu Airport and the resort
Foot massage upon arrival

Complimentary activities include: guided snorkelling trips with resident marine biologist, kayaking, catamaran sailing, yoga classes, visit to local village, rainforest and waterfall walk, tennis, volleyball, table tennis, glass bottom boat excursions, Savusavu town market trip, traditional Fijian medicine guided walk, coral city slide show, Fijian story telling, reef walks, night snorkeling & more.

Includes meet & greet at Nadi & Savusavu Domestic Airports, all gourmet meals, unlimited bottled beverages, specialty loose leaf teas, ground coffee, most activities including 4 off site excursions, vehicle transfers from Savusavu Airport to the resort, Bula Club for children and an exclusive nanny for each child 5 years and under.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands ResortDive & Rejuvenation package**: Stay 7 / Pay 5:
Valid for travel from Oct 18 - Dec 17, 2010 & Jan 11 - Mar 31, 2011 inclusive.

**Offer available for all new bookings from February 9 2010 on all bure categories* except for Oceanfront 2 bedroom & Oceanfront Suite for travel Oct 18- Dec 17, Jan 11 - 31 Jan 2011 & is non combinable with any other offer.

Call the Travel Gal for details and booking restrictions -800 644-6659 or Teresa@Luxuryhideaways.net

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Wadigi Island was the honeymoon of my dreams!

Hi Teresa,
Oh my goodness - words cannot describe how perfect Wadigi Island was for us! First, for future, we will CERTAINLY helicopter over to Wadigi. After flying for so long on a plane, we just wanted to be there and waiting around for so long was the only “un-fun” part of the trip. So, I know we could only go early if no one was there, but the 2-hour catamaran really did drag on. So, I know you warned us and we should have listened…the extra money would have been worth the helicopter - so next time.

But, WOW when we got there, everything was worth it! We knew it the moment we saw the island. I get teary-eyed just thinking about it. Boof the dog was waiting for us with his beautiful lei on..he was so cute. Tia came over and picked us up on the boat and while we were coming in, everyon was waving and waiting for us.

But we walked up all the stairs and got to the top where the Fijian staff was singing and playing guitars and waiting with a nice welcome drink. We just wanted to take a shower, but afterwards we enjoyed a wonderful lunch. The food was absolutely amazing the entire time…seriously very gourmet. The accomodations were incredible. We loved the outdoor shower and it was air-conditioned in the suites so that was nice too. We ate outside everyday with the breeze blowing. The infinity pool was to die for...we spent a LOT of time there.

Ryan likes to tell people “the water was as blue as the sky, which was bright blue EVERY day.” and that is so true. The weather could not have been nicer. Bright and sunny every day - very little humidity.

While we were there, we went snorkelling several times - Vika always packed us a nice cooler full of sodas and water so we could enjoy a cold drink out on the water. Tia and Meke were so much fun - they took us to all these places and helped us with EVERYTHING. We had never been snorkelling so I was a bit scared and Tia just eased me into the water and I was a pro in no time!

We went tubing and water skiing…we even got Meke to try! It was so much fun. Tia took us to his village (which was no extra cost) and it was very cool to see the different culture. We bought lots of souvenirs from them, which they thanked us profusely for.

So, what did I leave out? Something, I’m sure. But everything was phenomenal. We had the BEST time. It was soooo romantic and we had lots of romantic moments and time to ourselves. But when we wanted someone to help us with something or make us a drink, they were right there. It was perfect - if we wanted to be left alone, you wouldn’t even know they were there…you could walk around nude! But, if you needed ANYTHING, they were right there. Boof was great b/c we LOVE dogs and we missed our boy Jake so much.

You know, when we first booked this place we did it because we knew we would never do something like this again. We wanted a honeymoon we would never forget. And, we got it. However, we are already planning on how we can save enough money to go back!

Well I have taken up enough of your time - I could talk about it forever - I really could. I have my pictures in an album and I have been showing EVERYBODY back here. Everyone is so impressed and just can’t believe their eyes. They were in awe…which is exactly how we were the whole time on the island. I cannot thank you enough for the honeymoon of my dreams…I will never forget it. And we will be calling you in the near future to try and set up going again.
Vinaka!
Angela & Ryan

If you too would like to relax on your own private island in the South Pacific
Call Me at 1-800-644-6659
Your ‘See the South Pacific Specialist’ at Luxury Hideaways

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Cruise New Zealand Aboard Your Own Private Yacht

Cruise aboard the M.Y. Galerna - a fully crewed, luxury charters through New Zealand’s finest coastline - a travel experience for the discerning, unlike any other.

Make your rendezvous with New Zealand as luxurious and uniquely memorable as possible by experiencing this exquisite land from the stunningly beautiful sea surrounding it aboard your own private luxury motor ketch.

The M.Y. Galerna once host to the Danish Royal family, and the artist Salvador Dali, this classic Scandinavian motor yacht, fitted out to the highest specifications, offers guests the ultimate in cruising comfort. Galerna is 87 feet and is fully crewed to provide the ultimate in ocean-going pleasure. Teak and mahogany interiors embrace you; state of art technology and entertainment systems pamper you. All meals and drinks are provided by your gourmet chef.

From the simple joy of ‘taking the air’ on the expansive wooden decks while enjoying the ever-changing southern scenery, to soothing away stresses and strains in the Scandinavian sauna, everything is undeniably first-class. The haute cuisine, centered on the fish and shellfish harvested daily, is superb; the New Zealand wines captivating.

Accommodating up to 6 guests in three stylish guest cabins, each with full ensuite facilities, Galerna offers pleasures to stimulate the most jaded traveler: luxury tenders for exploring shallow areas and rivers, water skiing, wind surfing, wake boarding, game fishing, hunting, archery, kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving.

The very best in navigational and marine safety equipment ensures Galerna provides the ultimate in safe luxurious cruising. Enjoying exclusive use of so elegant and finely appointed a vessel as Galerna provides you with the perfect platform from which to discover New Zealand’s unique cruising playgrounds.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!