French Polynesia

The Magnificent Islands of French Polynesia

The islands of Tahiti comprise the Society Islands of the South Pacific.  These magnificent islands were first known to be inhabited by the Polynesian people who migrated from South East Asia.  A succession of European visits in the 17th and 18th century brought the European culture to these sun drenched islands.  The peculiarity of all of them is that they have small islands called "motu"s surrounding the main island.  The waters in between the main island and the motu is shallow providing ample opportunity for fishes and humans to get closer to one another - something that is unique about Tahiti.  Following is a brief description of the main islands of Tahiti.  Tahiti:  This "Island of Love" is the largest in the 118-island Polynesian island archipelago with a land area of 402 sq. miles (1,042 sq. km.).  It is shaped as if it was comprised of two islands: Tahiti Nui (big) and Tahiti Iti (small).  Rugged peaks, natural flora and fauna surrounded by crystalline waters are its characteristics.  Papeete (located in the north west) is a major port-city and can transport travelers around the world by jumbo jets.  Major hotels and resorts are found here.  The marina is also located within a short distance. Moorea:  A short sailing distance north-west from Papeete (11 miles), Moorea is full of natural wonders.  The volcanic peaks are covered with pineapple plantations and (to prevent erosion) also with planted pine trees.  A safari ride on this island will take you to the heart of the Tahitian people and their history.  Jagged peaks, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls and breathtaking bays make a stunning backdrop for your tropical adventure.  Lots of anchorages are available in two of the largest bays here: Cook's and Opunohu bay. Huahine:  Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti are located 90 miles north-west of Moorea, this georgeous island has fantastic anchorages almost all places.  Vanilla beans are cultivated for commercial export as are black pearls.  Also grown on the island-motus are watermelon and cantaloupe.  The island's friendly folks flash a smiling face and a waving hand as they see tourist vehicles pass by.  Because of the long passage between Moorea and Huahine, one often sails at night to reach this destination from the east.  Coconut trees line its white sandy beaches as they do the surrounding motus. Raiatea and Tahaa:   Raiatea is the second largest island of the Society Islands.  It is in close proximity (2 miles) to its neighbor, Tahaa (pronounced Taa 'a), and is a convenient location for starting sailing charters as all the other islands are close by.  Many  These two islands are an excellent resource for the curious traveler wanting to find the roots of the Polynesian culture.  They are also famous for vanilla growing, snorkeling or plain relaxation.  Plenty of anchorages and protected bays surround these islands.  It has a fairly large market and you can get black pearls for a lesser price.  Taxis are available (fare between US $10-$30 depending upon distance) easily, but buses are not as frequently available as in Papeete. Bora Bora (Pora Pora):  The remarkable island of Bora Bora is truly a nature's wonder.  Here, not only you will find the best of the best hotels & resorts including the "overwater bungalow" types that are a specialty of Tahiti, but also spot the ocean-facing houses of the "rich and the famous".  Its surrounding "motu"s provide an ideal setting for several activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, beach relaxation, water-skiing, swimming and para-sailing.  A beautiful necklace of coral and "motu"s surround this magical spot on earth.  Must see: the lagoonarium (natural aquarium) for shark feeding, manta-ray feeding and enjoyable observation/feeding of the spectacularly colored fishes.  Must do:  coconut de-husking and enjoying fresh coconut water on a remote private motu. Rangiroa:  About 200 miles northeast of Tahiti lies the Tuamotu archipelago, composed of the largest collection of coral atolls in the world.  The waters of the Rangiroa motu in this archipelago are a dream for the most avid scuba diver.  The underwater scenery is breath-taking and simply amazing (sharks and colored fishes abound its reef).  Three major diving clubs exist on Rangiroa.  Cabin crewed charters are a Boatz 'n Yachtz' specialty as is the knowledge of this islands' exclusive hotels.

Stateroom Door Magnets

All group members will receive a door magnet for your stateroom; beside's being a nice souvenir, it will also help me identify your cabin when delivering group related correspondence.  It will be delivered to your cabin after you have checked-in.  

I would appreciate it if you could place it on your stateroom door at your earliest convenience.

Thanks.

Suzi

Last Minute Reminders

As we near our departure date, I thought I would post a Scuba Cruise group update as well as some last minute reminders:

1) Copy your Important Documents.  It is my understanding that at check-in, you might have to surrender your passports; I strongly recommend keeping a hard copy of your most important documents (your C-Card and Passport) in your safe on the ship or a copy online in an email file (this is what we do).

2) Embarkation.  Arriving at the pier, you will be greeted in at a large tent.  You can either carry-on your luggage or check it and have it delivered to your cabin. It sounds like the process goes quickly. On other Princess ships, the restaurant is open for lunch; I don't know about the Ocean Princess, however if it is, that is where Mike and I plan to eat.  If you are able to board the ship before 10am (I read some have done so in the past), chances are your stateroom will not be ready. Remember, passengers can remain in the room until 10am.

3) On the ship.  If we do not see you at the pier, please call Mike and Suzi in cabin 3009 to let them know you have boarded the ship - you can use any phone in the public areas of the ship. It is my understanding that you can come and go freely between the ship and the shore.  Dinner is open seating that first night.



4) Bon Voyage. The ship will have a mandatory Life Boat Drill around 3:45 pm on day two of the cruise. Our Bon Voyage Party/Pre-Dive Orientation is scheduled in the Tahitian Lounge for 5pm; everyone should plan to attend.

5) Communication.  We don't have a lot planned, but all group activity reminders will be delivered to your cabin usually the night before, so please check your mailbox regularly.  Most of you have been diving with us before, so the same procedures apply to this cruise.  If you become ill and can't dive, please contact Suzi as soon as possible so that we might be able to sell your spot on the dive boat to another diver on the ship. If you meet a diver on the ship who is interested in joining us, please refer them to Suzi or Mike.

6) Group DVD.  Mike will again be producing the Scuba Cruise Group DVD, so he will be asking you to contribute island and uw photos and video.  When you have some down time, please delete your bloopers so we can cut down on the amount of time Mike spends editing.  During the cruise, there will be one group meeting scheduled mid-way so we can share our photos and download them into Mike's computer; the location is still pending, but we were told that it will be held in one of the alternative restaurants.

7) Wine & Spirits.  Princess Cruises will allow you to bring on board as many bottles of wine as you like; the first two bottles are free, the rest have a corking fee that will be charged to your shipboard account. Hard liquor will be confiscated, according to Princess.  Please transfer your wine bottles into your carry-on; those in checked bags will trigger a search and a visit to the Naughty Room.  Same for bags with hard liquor.  If you do plan to bring spirits, please use some creativity when packing.

Like you, Mike and I are looking forward to this trip to Tahiti.  See you in Paradise!

Suzi

Movies Showing Onboard the Ocean Princess

Movies playing on the Ocean Princess:

GRAVITY: Starring Sandra Bullock. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón. Rated PG-13, 91 mins.

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS: Starring Tom Hanks. Directed by Paul Greengrass. Rated PG-13, 134 mins. 

Ladies Spa Activity Schedule Change

Spa Day on the Ocean Princess

Group Meets Here in the Lotus Spa Lobby on Deck 9

The Scuba Cruise "Spa Day" afternoon has been rescheduled for 2:30pm on day 6; it was originally scheduled for 3pm so please make note of this change in your Group Cruise Planner.  We will give group members an opportunity to get together and download photos (which will end up in the group video) that same afternoon, so moving the time up to 2:30pm made more sense.  This year, our Polynesian Themed treatments will include a complete facial and hair conditioning. Please shower and wash your hair (no conditioner) if you would like to deep condition your hair in the spa. I recommend you wear a bathing suit under your robe.  This is a free, come as you are, do it your self spa treatment; we will be utilizing the dressing room and the steam room in the Lotus Spa.  Suzi will provide all the products needed to exfoliate & nourish your face and deep condition your hair; from start to finish, allow about 45 minutes.

The Steam Room on the Ocean Princess

Scuba Cruise Tee Shirts & Other Items are Ready to Order

Front Logo

I received the graphic for the front chest logo last night, so the tee shirts and other items are ready to order.  An email containing ordering instructions is being sent to you this morning; you have until Thursday to get your order into me, though it would be best to let me know what you want as soon as possible.  I will NOT be waiting to turn in your order - I will turn it over to the tee shirt guy as soon as I get it.

If you have any special color request or want an item that I do not have listed, please contact me, as I can check if they have it in stock.  My goal is to have your orders ready to ship before the weekend.

The Back

Here is the Price List & Available Colors:

Light blue, white, tan and light gray (I can inquire about other colors too)

Sizes small through XL
Add $3.00 for 2XL or 3XL. 

long sleeve $15.00
short sleeve $12.00
tank top $14.00
polo $25.00
crew neck sweat shirt $18.00
hooded sweat shirt $25.00

2014 Scuba Cruise Tee Shirt Ordering Information

Attention 2014 Scuba Cruise Group Members:

Ordering information concerning the 2014 Scuba Cruise Items will be emailed to you shortly - we are awaiting the front logo.  Because I will need to insure you get your items in a timely manner, I am publishing the directions here, so when you get the email, you will be ready to reply with your order.

If you are interested in ordering a 2014 Scuba Cruise Group tee shirt or other item, you will be asked to cut and paste the "order form" below into your reply and return it to me as soon as possible, but no later than February ____ - you will have 24 hours. You are welcome to pay for your items by sending me a check or through PayPal*.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

* PayPal is free for the sender and recipient (that's me) when you send money using your bank account or PayPal balance.  In the email I send you, I will include my address and email connected to my PayPal account.

Here is the Price List & Available Colors:

Light blue, white, tan and light gray (I can inquire about other colors too)

Sizes small through XL
Add $3.00 for 2XL or 3XL. 

long sleeve $15.00
short sleeve $12.00
tank top $14.00
polo $25.00
crew neck sweat shirt $18.00
hooded sweat shirt $25.00

Please indicate below the items in your order; include quantity, size, the  type of shirt, color and price.  One line per item.  Total up your order and tell me where to send it and how you intend to pay.  

Example:

1 XL short sleeve tee shirt, blue  $12

1 M tank top, gray $10

Total Order: $22

I will send you a check

The order form here will be in the body of the email you will receive. 

Order Form

Shipping Information:

Contact Phone Number:

My Order:

 

First Copy of Front Logo for Scuba Cruise Tee Shirt

The logo on the left is the first design turned in for the front of the Scuba Cruise group tee shirt. I originally gave the tee shirt people a Polynesian turtle design that I thought would look good on the back, but they had trouble with it, so they came up with the blue map and manta ray design, which I liked.  You guys also indicated you liked the design.  I do not care for this logo; however, I also need your feedback.

I think the reason this logo bothers me is because it looks so much like the 2012 version.  I also don't care for the turtle design or the font that was used because it doesn't connect with the design on the back of the 2014 tee shirt.  If you recall, our design back in 2012 had sort of a pirate feel to it with the map design on the back and this logo on the front.  I sent an email last night suggesting that they incorporate the font from the back (see below) and the manta ray or hibiscus flower or both into a logo for the front. I still like the dive flag idea, but not the circle.

What do you think? Your opinion is very important, so I need your feedback.  I am confident I will get a new logo back today or tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Suzi

More Information on Diving in Bora Bora

Known as the island with one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, Bora Bora is an island paradise .

There, you will discover dive sites of unique biodiversity.  Like that of ANAU, where manta rays come to get a grooming from the cleaner fish on the site. On other sites, you will encounter an abundance of rich marine fauna like turtles, sharks, manta rays and countless other species.

1. Tapu

2. Muri Muri (White valley)

3. Haapiti

4. Teavanui pass

5. Toopua

6. The Aquarium

7. Anau

Confirmation of dives in Bora Bora

We are confirmed to dive in Bora Bora; just passing along the dive operators note. 


Ia Orana Suzy, 

Thank you for your message to our diving centers.
I know that you have received a message from Rangiroa and Moorea, and for Bora Bora I am the one to answer :)
The meeting point will be in front of Tourism Office on the cruise dock at 08:30am.

We will see you very soon.

Sunny Regards

---

	Sandra DOBINET Assistante commerciale Sales Assistant TOPDIVE Bora Bora infoborabora@topdive.com
	Tel. : +689 60 50 50

Group Tee Shirt Orders

You will receive an email with ordering directions in a day or two.  The price includes shipping. I am unable to hand out tee shirts myself, as it would take up another suitcase; however getting you the order via USPS should not be a problem.

Sizes small through XL
Add $3.00 for 2XL or 3XL.

long sleeve $15.00
short sleeve $12.00
tank top $14.00
polo $25.00
crew neck sweat shirt $18.00
hooded sweat shirt $25.00



If you have another style request, let me know and as long as it is in stock, I can obtain pricing for you.

Recommended Colors: white, light grey, tan or light blue. However, if you have another color in mind, and its in stock, it will be accommodated. Details about placing your order will be posted AFTER the front design is available, which hopefully will be later today.

Thanks.

Suzi

Ocean Princess Cruise Reviews

Until now, I have not read much about the ship as I have been dealing with our dive package.  As most of you know, Cruise Critic posts reviews from past passengers; the more recent ones for the Ocean Princess have all been positive.  If you have not already done so, please take a look.

Here is an excerpt from Melissa Paloti, a contributor at Cruise Critic:

Ocean Princess Ratings

Editor Rating 

Member Rating 

Dining	4.0	4.3
Public Rooms	4.0	4.7
Cabins	3.0	4.6
Entertainment	4.0	3.9
Spa & Fitness	4.0	4.3
Family & Children	2.0	1.0
Shore Excursions	4.0	5.1
Enrichment	3.0	NA
Service	4.0	4.8
Value-for-Money	4.0	4.2
Rates	4.0	4.4

For someone who's traveled on Princess' bigger ships -- like Sapphire Princess and the still-sparkling Crown -- I boarded Ocean Princess, one of the line's two small vessels, not knowing what to expect. Immediately, it was clear I'd left the cookie-cutter world of mega-ships for something unique. Burgundy carpets and dark woods dominate the decor throughout the ship, creating a completely different feel than the peachy tones on newer mega-ships like Crown and Sapphire Princess. Sitting areas on either side of the reception desk feature sedate blue couches around a coffee table on Oriental-style carpeting. In a strange way it felt like coming home (or staying at a friend's very large English country house).

Ocean Princess, which, despite offers some of Princess' more exotic itineraries in Asia, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and Africa, has its own story to tell. Princess acquired the 30,277-ton, 680-passenger ship and sister-ship Pacific Princess in 2002 from now-defunct Renaissance Cruises where it was one of eight near-identical mid-size ships. Its one of two "R-class" ships in Princess' fleet. (Pacific Princess is largely identical.)

On Ocean Princess, the exterior received the bulk of the changes: The ship was outfitted with Princess' trademark blue-tinted windows and a fresh coat of white paint. However, the interior went untouched. The lobby resembles that of a boutique hotel, with a grand staircase reminiscent of the Titanic as a dramatic focal point with wrought iron railings. Even some of the signage remains from the ship's Renaissance days. The oval plaque outside Sterling Steakhouse, for example, reads simply the Grill; if you are looking for Sabatini's, Princess' Italian eatery, well that's labeled Italian Restaurant.

Once inside, however, the experience is distinctively Princess. Menus are in line with the same eateries elsewhere in the fleet. Indulging at Sabatini's brought back memories of my first experience at that restaurant, on Sapphire Princess in Alaska -- just the same, you choose your main entree only, and a parade of hot and cold appetizers, salads, and pastas are served automatically. It's truly an event, and a Princess trademark I was glad to revisit.

The ship is elegant and gorgeous ... and intimate. There's only one pool (really all it needs) and a cabaret lounge takes the place of a main theater. Only one public space -- the Tahitian Lounge -- really feels Polynesian, with murals of tropical flowers and dark-skinned women gracing the walls. What's sometimes odd about a cruise on Ocean Princess is that menus and entertainment do not spotlight the itineraries it cruises. Aside from sailaway, the onboard atmosphere is generally very different from life on the other side of the gangway (or tender).

Having sailed on modern Princess ships including Sapphire and Crown, I found that the size of this gorgeous ship made it possible to get to know the staff onboard; almost all would stop what they were doing to say hello, whether I was passing by with my laptop and coffee first thing in the morning, or coming back onboard from a day ashore. It's that personal interaction more than anything else onboard that sets Ocean Princess apart from its larger fleet mates.

Ocean Princess Fellow Passengers

The majority of Ocean Princess' passengers are in their 40's, 50's and 60's, with the average overall age falling somewhere between 50 and 55. On our sailing, there were also a few kids and a handful of honeymooning couples; most guests hailed from North America (the U.S. and Canada), though there was also a decent showing from Europe and Australia/New Zealand.

Ocean Princess Dress Code

During the day, most passengers conform to a casual, country club-style of dress. I was surprised by how many passengers donned sparkly gowns and tuxes for our trip's two formal nights, but plenty of others went a little more casual, wearing shorter dresses or light suit jackets. I made a nice sundress (floral, but black, so somewhat "formal") and high heeled shoes work, leaving pantyhose behind altogether.

Ocean Princess Gratuity

Gratuities, which are automatically charged to onboard accounts, are $11.50 per person (including children), per day, for passengers staying in standard accommodations and $12 for passengers staying in mini-suite and suites. A 15 percent gratuity is added to beverage purchases onboard, including wine at dinner. Spa and casino staff members do not share in the gratuity charges -- if you use these services, tips are advised.

Diving in Moorea

Once we get over to Moorea, a dive boat will be meeting us at the tender pier.  They will have tanks and gear ready to go, so we will get an early start and probably be back on the ship by around 2pm.  Here are links to dive sites around Moorea.

1. Tiki point

2. Aito

3. Taotoï pass

4. Taotoï

5. The Rays' Corridor

5. The Rays' corridor drift

6. Opunohu coral wall

7. The Anemones

8. The Garden of Roses