Air Tahiti Nui Communication

I got this emailed to me from the airline; just passing along the info.

What is Tahiti? Officially know as French Polynesia, Tahiti & Her Islands is an overseas territory of France. The territory covers over two million square miles in the South Pacific Ocean and is comprised of five archipelagos with 118 islands and atolls. The island of Tahiti is home to the capital city of Papeete and is the largest of these islands. Other nearby islands are Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha’a, and Huahine. Other often-visited islands include the atolls of Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, and Fakarava and the mysterious islands of the Marquesas. Where is Tahiti? In the Pacific Ocean, south of the equator, in the same time zone as Hawaii, and halfway between California and Australia. You do not cross the International Date Line to fly to Tahiti from North America. What's the time difference? Two hours behind Pacific Standard Time. Three hours behind during Daylight Saving Time (April-October). Time in the Marquesas is half an hour ahead of the rest of the islands. Will we need to exchange money? If so, what's the rate? Upon arrival in French Polynesia, most visitors exchange some money at the Faa’a Airport or at their hotel. Since most credit cards are readily accepted in all tourist areas, it is not necessary to exchange large amounts. The currency is the French Pacific franc or CFP. Click HERE for today's exchange rate Is English Spoken? French and Tahitian are the official languages, but English is spoken and understood in tourist areas. Brushing up on a few basic French phrases and learning Tahitian greetings is always appreciated and can make your visit more enjoyable. What Are the Seasons and Climate? It’s always summer in Tahiti with plenty of sun and just enough rain to keep the waterfalls flowing and the flowers blooming! The climate is tropical but moderate, with sunny, pleasant days and an average yearly temperature of 79°F. The ocean and lagoon waters average 80°F year-round with less than a degree of variation from the surface down to 150 feet. For a comparison of climate versus North American cities, visit http://www.tahiti-tourisme.com/planner/tahitiweather.asp What Should I Wear? The climate and lifestyle on the islands call for casual and comfortable clothing. Pack loose-fitting, natural fabrics and plenty of shorts. Pareus and swimsuits can be worn during the daytime at the resorts, while casual shirts and walking shorts provide the most comfort during island explorations. For dinner, casual slacks and sport shirts are the best choice for men; cool, sundresses are most appropriate for women. What Are the Essentials to Bring? Every Tahiti visitor is encouraged to bring sunscreen, brimmed hats, sunglasses, swimsuits, reef-walking shoes, bug repellent, prescription medicine, and a camera. What Kind of Shopping Is There? What Souvenirs Should I Bring Back?  Among Tahiti’s most popular products are black pearls, coconut and tiare soaps, monoi oil, Hinano beer, vanilla beans, shell leis, carved wooden bowls, fine woven hats and baskets, and the colorful handmade pareu fabric worn by the island natives. The bustling Papeete public market, called Le Marché, is open daily and is a favorite with visitors. Do I Bargain at Shops and Markets? Bargaining and haggling over prices with Tahitians is not customary; the price marked is the price paid. How Do I Buy Pearls?  Every trip to Tahiti should include the purchase of a Tahitian Pearl. This natural gem is born in Tahitian waters at over 1,000 pearl farms. All sizes and price ranges are available from merchants located in the resorts, on the cruiseships, and in most towns throughout the islands. . What Kind of Diving Can I Expect? The islands of Tahiti offer world-class diving. The clear, calm lagoons, coral gardens, underwater passes, and oceanic drop-offs all create an abundant aquaculture where docile sharks, sea turtles, colorful fish, and huge manta rays abound.

Dive Group Reminder About Insurance

Just a reminder that in order to dive with the group in Tahiti, you guys will need proof of dive insurance - like DAN.  Mary Ann from Top Dive wanted me to pass this along to you.  In the event you do not have dive accident insurance, there are companies where you can purchase it for the dive trip only - though it will cost you about the same as the annual premium for DAN.

Here is more info about DAN

June 2013 Wave Damage

Between 31th May and 3rd of June 2013, strong waves hit several polynesian archipeligos in South Pacific. 

Based on information I got from our agent, Suzy Cruisy, on or around June 1 there was a rogue wave that hit the Intercontinental Tahiti’s motu and beach overwater bungalows, causing many to be damaged.  It will take them time to repair these and no timetable was given.  If you are looking at that property or already booked it on your own, just a heads up warning on that.  The ones over the Lagoon are OK as are the ones on the land.  But the close to shore bungalows got damaged.

Top Dive Pre-View

We have made arrangements to dive with Top Dive in Rangiroa, Bora Bora and  Moorea.  Like you, I am interested in learning more about the dive operation, though I know some in the group have had a good experience diving with them the last time they visited Tahiti.  That's the reason I felt good about booking our dives with Top Dive.   They have 10 locations on 5 islands; Bathys Diving has merged with TOPDIVE.

 TOP Dive's concept of no-fuss, easy mobile, inter-island diving is outlined at their website:

Comfort: hot showers on site, personal lockers and changing rooms, no carrying tanks, fresh water showers on board and much more…

Service : our dive centers are open all day and all year round with a dive shop where you can purchase diving equipment and dive merchandise. All our equipment is new and top-of-the-line from Aqualung, as well as customized boats dedicated to your diving convenience…

Safety: we provide free Nitrox , dive gauges with integrated computers, not to mention a team of professionals and licensed skippers on board to insure surface safety while you dive…

Pre-Dive Orientation

This information is for all the divers new to the Scuba Cruise.  Our pre-dive meeting format has not changed; however all dive group members must attend the Pre-Dive Orientation on day two of the voyage to Tahiti. You will received a Group Cruise Planner via email with the date and time.  We will go over each port of call’s debarkation procedure and discuss the particulars of the dives we plan to do during the week. As our scuba cruise alums will tell you, we pretty much follow the same procedures every year! The Pre-Dive meeting will give you an opportunity to visit with your dive group buddies, ask questions and most importantly, review the debarkation procedures and turn in your liabilty release form.

We are scheduled to meet on Deck Four in the Lobby near the staircase at a time yet to be determined every morning you are scheduled to dive with the group. If you are a Scuba Cruise Alum, this procedure will be very familiar to you. You must not be LATE, so please plan accordingly.


Once off the ship, we will head over to the dive operator and remain together on the dive boat until it’s time to head back to the ship.  Information about the dive and emergency contacts at the dive operation will be turned into the Group Coordinator/Purser, but please note these are not ship sponsored shore excursions, so technically, you are on your own in port.

Pre-Dive Orientation Overview

We have not yet been assigned a time or a room where we will gather on the ship for this hour long meeting, however it has been tentatively scheduled for the 2nd day on the ship later in the day so you have an opportunity to explore Papeete. It is importnat that all divers in the group attend.  I will review our dive day debarkation procedures with you as well as let you know what to expect in each dive port of call. The hour goes by quickly and like you, have better things to do on a ship than sit in a meeting! 


Morning Check-In Procedure

The procedure to get off the ship will be the same each morning we are in port.  The dive group will meet in the same location - on Deck Four of the main lobby, near Guest Services and the Excursion Desk; there are comfy chairs and hopfully, a place where you can get some coffee.. 

Please refer to your Group Cruise Planner as to the meeting time.  I will check you off of the dive manifest and also ask to see your C-Card every morning.   It is important to note that if you are not ready to depart with the group at the time posted in the Group Cruise Planner, we may leave without you. If you check in and then disappear, we are not going to look for you. I apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause; however, it will be your responsibility to get to the dive boat on your own. 

Equipment, ID and Money

If you have your own gear - have it ready to go the night before. Please bring a backpack type dive bag for your gear, or a small roller. Large dive bags can be a problem, The best dive bag is a small study one with rollers. I don't recommend you take a beach towel - consider a small shammy like towel that is small and compact. Many dive boats do not allow footwear; I recommend you wear inexpensive flipflops which you might be asked to leave behind on the dock. Leave expensive clothing and sunglasses on the ship and take only what won't break your heart if you leave it behind.

You will need cash for tips. Tipping is a personal thing, but the average tip is $5 per tank - less for bad service and more for exceptional service. I strongly recommend you purchase a small plastic waterproof ID bag that you can put your money and ID into so you can keep it inside your wetsuit while you dive.

Dive Boat Etiquite

We don't have any newbies this year in the group, so I expect you guys all to know the drill - suit up early, store all dive bags below deck or under seats, and make sure you keep the floor in front of you clear of dive gear. Always stay put while the boat is moving, and make sure you listen to the dive master as he/she reviews the dive site. If you have any dive related issues, no matter how small, let the dive master know. If you need assistance getting back on the dive boat, say something. If you are quick to consume air, let the DM know, so you can surface when you need to and still allow the rest of the group to complete the dive.

In addition, remember to watch out for the divers with cameras both on the diveboat and in the water. Never rinse your gear in the water with expensive camera equipment. And make sure when you see Mike with the camera, that you are aware he is probably taking video or still prictures of you for the group DVD!

Dive Sites

I am still working out the details with each dive operator on which dive sites we will visit, but by the time we meet on the ship, I will have this information for you. Until then, all dives sites will include one deep dive - maxing out at around 90-110 feet and a more shallow one - maxing out at around 60-80 feet. We could end up doing a reverse profile. Since you are incontrol of your depth, remember, if you know you have issues with air consumption, watch your depth and swim a little above the group.

There are those in group for whom air consumption is not an issue, so you will notice some of us descending a little deeper at the start of the dive. The key is for you to find your most comfortable depth and to watch your depth guage closely.

Group Activities

Activities scheduled for the group are also published in the Group Cruise Planner - as stated earlier, a copy will be emailed to you prior to the cruise, but no planners will be available on the ship. We recommend you customize it based on your activities and dive schedule.  At the Pre-Dive Oreintation we will be referring to this document, so I recommend you print out a copy and take it with you on the cruise.  You will receive reminders on the ship prior to any group activity scheudled on the ship; they will be delievered to your stateroom the night before.

Conclusion

If at any time you have a question, please email me, Suzi, the group leader.  The purpose of the Pre-Dive Orientation is for all of us to meet and to review our cruise schedule; we'll have our annual raffle, do a champagne toast enjoy each other's company in the process. 
  Suzi

Ocean Princess Patters & Review

Princess Patters for our 10 night Tahiti cruise can be found at this website that includes a log of the cruise as well as other information. 

Ship Stats:

Cruise Line: Princess Cruises

Maiden Voyage:

as Renaissance R4: 1999
as Tahitian Princess: 2002
as Ocean Princess: 2009

Gross tonnage:

30,277 tons

Length: 594’

Capacity: 688 Passengers, 373 Crew

Departure Port: Papeete, Tahiti

April 2013 Newsletter

Dive Group Update

I know we still have over 300 days before our trip to Tahiti; however, I would like to request that all divers on the Dive Boat Manifest  verify where you are signed up to dive.  I ask because on paper, we have a larger than normal dive group and everyone is currently signed up to dive in each dive port.  I don’t want to take you off the list if you are not sure yet – which is most of you I know – but there may be a few people on the dive boat list who already know they won’t dive in each port.  If that’s you, please let me know so I can remove your name from that dive port.  Please note that there is no problem accommodating all the divers on the list – the dive operation – Top Dive – has the dive staff and boats to insure we all have a great experience.   It’s just good practice to keep the dive boat list as accurate as possible even this far out.  

Airfare to Tahiti

Reminder: this is your official notice to start checking prices, since airfare is now posted for our departure and return.  Presently, rates are very high.  Please keep your eyes open to any promotions or fare reductions and post your finding at our Facebook group page.  Please visit our group website for links to air carriers, including Air Tahiti Nui, etc.

Princess also offers airfare to Tahiti; you may want to add the unrestricted fare to you booking just in case, since you have until the final payment due date in November, to pay.  Simply go to the cruise personalizer and use the prompt to add air to your booking.  The last time I checked, restricted airfare was about $500 more than the cheapest fare I could find online on my own - not a good value.  I have a felling unrestricted fares are going to be even higher.  That said, you have to remember we are over 300 days out, so keep checking! 

Pre & Post Cruise Hotel Accommodations

Once you figure out what you plan to do before or after the cruise, please contact our group agent Suzy at www.SuzyCruisy.com or (925) 200-8166 or (877) 278-4790 10am - 4:30pm Pacific Time Monday – Friday.  She has several hotels and resorts on file in Tahiti whose prices are very competitive; it’s worth your while to check with her first, as you may find a lower price booking through her.  Unless Mike and I find an amazing hotel deal (which is not likely to happen, I am sorry to say) Mike and I will be flying in on February 19^th and heading home after the cruise.  

Ship Information

During a November 19 - December 2, 2009 drydock in Singapore, Tahitian Princess was transformed into Ocean Princess.  Here are two sets of photos taken during the dry dock process.  Set one  and Set two will give you a glance at what you can expect to see when we cruise to Tahiti in February.  Princess also has a nice video with additional detail. 

Scuba Cruise Dive Boat Etiquette

Scuba Cruise Boat Dives




Boat dives are a great way to bond with your fellow Scuba Cruisers, but along with it comes an unspoken code of conduct. So whether you’re a rookie diver or a seasoned pro it’s good to know the do’s and don’ts of dive boat etiquette to preserve order and just get along when diving in groups.

1. Never keep the boat waiting.

Always get to the meeting area on the ship early so we can leave as soon as the ship is cleared by local authorities. Once we hook up with the dive operator on the first day, be ready to show your C-Card and to fill out any extra waiver forms requested by the dive operator.

2. Pack as compact as your can.

Use a small roller gear bag or backpack and not a massive piece of luggage to transport your gear. Be prepared to leave your dive bag behind in the dive shop if the dive boat is small. It's also possible that the boat captain will request that you leave your flip-flops or shoes behind; please leave your designer sandals on the ship! When you get on the boat, set up your dive gear and store your weight belt, fins and mask under your seat. Remember, you won't be alone and so we ask that you be considerate about space which is a valuable commodity on dive boats.

3. Check and assemble your dive gear on the way to the dive site.

Keep all your scuba equipment and gear centralized in one place on the dive boat. Work from your Scuba gear bag and don’t spread all your gear and equipment in a pile on the deck floor for someone to trip over. Assemble and check all your gear well before you reach the dive site and not once you arrive.The whole idea is to be ready to jump in the water once the boat stops at the dive site. Getting ready before you have to dive in also helps if there is a problem with your gear or if something has to be changed without holding up the others waiting their chance to jump in.

4. Pay attention to the dive briefing

Please listen to the dive master and his instructions; keep your mouth shut and your ears open during the brief. Chit-chatting while someone is talking is not only rude but makes you look inexperienced!

5. When it’s your turn, be quick.

When you get in line for the gate you better be ready. Don’t dilly-dally at the gate. While you’re zipping up your wetsuit, opening your Scuba tank valves, adjusting straps and what not, you’re blocking the gate for someone who was smart enough to get all geared up while on the bench. Some dive masters don’t want you to put your fins on at the bench; some do.

6. During the dive

Watch your buoyancy, dive computer and your depth. If you know you run out of air faster than most people, remember to swim above the group. Stay with your buddy and remember, to not go up and down a lot. Stay with the dive group and when the dive master calls your attention to something, remember to give divers with cameras a wide berth.

Most of the dives on this trip will be deep, often in current so staying close to the dive group will be essential. All dives will be no-decompression dives, but we will be making the normal safety stop. A reliable dive watch is recommended.

7. When you come up

When the dive is over, you must wait your turn to get back onto the dive boat. You may be asked to remove your weights and BC before you get back onto the dive boat or you will be asked to get on geared up. Move quickly over to the place where dive boat personnel want you to go. This may not be where you were suited up. While divers are still climbing onto the dive boat, stay seated or move to the back of the boat - you can get your fins later. Once everyone is back on the dive boat, locate the rest of your gear and place your fins and weight belt under your seat.

8. Surface Interval Time

Some dive boats will have water, soda and juice as well as snacks while others will only offer you water - no idea what's normal for Top Dive. Please pay close attention to your dive computer; dive masters usually ask how everyone is doing - he's not asking how you you are enjoying the dive so far! What he really wants to know is what your dive computer says - are you in the green?

9. The Second Dive

Second dives are usually shallower than the first, but don't be surprised if we go down to 70 or 80 feet. Please pay close attention to your dive computer and watch your depth. If you have to, swim above the group.

10. Heading back to the ship

On the way back, pack up your gear and make sure you have everything! Double check! WARNING: Every scuba cruise, someone leaves something behind - a prescription mask, a wetsuit, flip-flops, jewelry, tee shirt, a brush, sunglasses, etc. Though you will notice that Mike will usually go back onto the dive boat and look around, please don't head back to the ship until you are sure you have everything - sometimes stuff is left on land! Everyday we are in a new port of call; you'll probably need what you leave behind. So save yourself the hassle! Be alert!


Mike and I usually head back to the ship after diving; if you want to be dropped off in town, let the driver know. You are responsible for yourself! Don't get lost and please make it back before the captain pulls up the gangway! Wet scuba gear is heavy - you might want to go back to the ship and drop off your gear first.

Itinerary

Itinerary Review

Day	Port / Date	Arrive	Depart
1	Tahiti (Papeete), French Polynesia Wednesday, February 19		Overnight Stay
2	Tahiti (Papeete), French Polynesia Thursday, February 20		5:00 PM
3	Huahine, Polynesia Friday, February 21	8:00 AM	5:00 PM
4	At Sea Saturday, February 22
5	Rangiroa, Polynesia Sunday, February 23	8:00 AM	5:00 PM
6	At Sea Monday, February 24
7	Raiatea, French Polynesia Tuesday, February 25	6:00 AM	11:00 PM
8	Bora Bora, French Polynesia Wednesday, February 26	8:00 AM	Overnight Stay
9	Bora Bora, French Polynesia Thursday, February 27		5:00 PM
10	Moorea, Polynesia Friday, February 28	8:00 AM	5:00 PM
10	Tahiti (Papeete), French Polynesia Friday, February 28	8:00 PM	Overnight Stay
11	Tahiti (Papeete), French Polynesia Saturday, March 1	7:00 AM

Dive Boat Manifest Update

Attention Divers:

We currently have 17 divers scheduled to dive in the following ports of call.  Please go to the Dive Boat Manifest to see where you have signed up to dive; please contact Suzi, the dive group leader, if your name needs to be removed from any port.  

Day 2 Feb 20 
Papeete Tahiti 8am, 10:30 am 

Day 5 Feb 23 
Rangiroa Atoll 8am, 10am 

Day 8 Feb 26 
Bora Bora 8am, 10am

Day 9 Feb 27 
Bora Bora 8am, 10am

Day 10 Feb 28 
Moorea Island 8am, 10am

Tahiti Airfare Update

Time to check on airfare to Tahiti!  Airfare for our February  departure and March return is now available; currently, it's pricing with tax and fees over $1450pp from LAX.  Special pricing for this spring (on trips before June) is coming in around $850pp.  Anything under $1200 with tax and fees is considered a "bookable" rate.  Please check pricing often and report back to our facebook page if you find a decent price.

Here are some helpful links to resources:

Air Tahiti Nui  Don't forget to check pricing on ATN's code-share partners:

American Airlines

Quantas Airlines

Airfare Watchdog

Bestfares.com

January 2013 Dive Package Update: Port Briefing

As I get ready to negotiate our dive package with Top Dive in Tahiti, my goal is learn as much as I can about the diving around the islands we will visit during our Scuba Cruise. Our proposed dive package will include 5 days of diving in the following ports of call.  Based on my initial research, here is what I am learning about the diving.  Never having been there, I have nothing to compare it to, so I welcome your input.

Comments posted at Scuba Board regarding the quality of dive sites fall into two categories: 1) more experienced divers who went to Polynesia and spent time on one or more island and 2) less experienced  divers who went scuba diving while on a cruise.  More experienced divers seem to be more critical of dive sites in Papeete and Moorea in particular, and favor Rangiroa over all the others. Divers on a cruise tended to enjoy diving in general, though a common thread did indicate that shark diving was the norm in Papeete (the kind where you sit on a sandy bottom and watch a guy in chain mail feed sharks).  All agree that Tahiti is amazing and must be experienced.

In the weeks to come, I will be contacting the dive operator and then all the divers in the group via email with more information.

Day 2 Feb 20
Papeete Tahiti 8am, 10:30 am

There has been a lot of damage to the reefs in this area; as a result, dive operators like to push shark dives.  I need to get your input about this, as this might be a port we skip diving altogether.  Many comments on Scuba Board about skipping diving here altogether. 

Day 5 Feb 23
Rangiroa Atoll 8am, 10am

From what I can see, this wil be the best diving - a must for all divers.  Too bad we can't spend more time diving here!


Day 8 Feb 26
Bora Bora 8am, 10am

and

9 Feb 27
Bora Bora 8am, 10am

Bora Bora is famous for manta rays and lemon sharks, but parts of the reef are not great.  Mixed reviews on the diving here from very experienced divers - some of the more shallow dives with input from newbies tend to give Bora Bora a more positive spin.  My take it's still worth checking out.  Is it worth diving for 2 days?


Day 10 Feb 28
Moorea Island 8am, 10am

Moorea was ravaged by a cyclone a couple of years ago and has an ongoing Acantaster (crown-of-thorns starfish) problem so the undersea flora scene is rather lunar according postings at Scuba Board. Although the fauna is incredible...you'll see at least 3 types of reef sharks!   I'd much rather see sharks while diving then a feeding dive in Papeete.  How about you?

$100pp Deposit

The next Princess sale will be on Jan 28 - Feb 12; look for a reduced deposit for the Scuba Cruise!