Approved!
We are set and approved for our South Pacific cruise! We leave on Monday the 21st- From cold-wet and gray Seattle for a 2 week adventure in the tropics of the South Pacific! I am super excited but also a tad bit scared to be away from my kiddies (My 3 pets) for over 2 weeks-- But it is a trip of a lifetime opportunity. Being a boy "kane" from Hawaii, it has been a dream of mine to visit Tahiti for many years....I never imagined we would have the opportunity to do a tour to this magnitude... it will really be a dream......I will be so be wanting to go to tribal council to vote off other guest on our cruise! Day 1 - ARRIVE IN FIJI / VITI LEVU, FIJI
A day room awaits you at the elegant Westin Resort Denarau. Freshen up before an afternoon tour of Lautoka, the sugar city, surrounded by the azure Pacific Ocean on one side and green-gold sugar cane on the other. Take part in a traditional Kava ceremoy and tour the beautiful orchids of the Garden of the Sleeping Giant.
A day room awaits you at the elegant Westin Resort Denarau. Freshen up before an afternoon tour of Lautoka, the sugar city, surrounded by the azure Pacific Ocean on one side and green-gold sugar cane on the other. Take part in a traditional Kava ceremoy and tour the beautiful orchids of the Garden of the Sleeping Giant.
Day 2 - BEQA, FIJI
Watch in disbelief as Sawau tribesman walk seemingly painlessly over searing hot stones reaching 1200 degrees Fahrenheit in a fire walking ceremony, a tradition passed down through generations. For two weeks before the event, chosen participants eliminate coconut from their diet and segregate themselves from females in order to “purify” themselves before practicing the ancient art. There is world-class snorkeling and diving in Bequa’s beautiful waters.
Watch in disbelief as Sawau tribesman walk seemingly painlessly over searing hot stones reaching 1200 degrees Fahrenheit in a fire walking ceremony, a tradition passed down through generations. For two weeks before the event, chosen participants eliminate coconut from their diet and segregate themselves from females in order to “purify” themselves before practicing the ancient art. There is world-class snorkeling and diving in Bequa’s beautiful waters.
Day 3 - TAVEUNI / KIOA, FIJI
A breathtakingly beautiful island, Taveuni has a rich natural history including plentiful bird life and a coral reef nourished by strong currents. Hundreds of waterfalls crash down around the coastline. Visit Bouma National Park, Fiji's most pristine, mist-enshrouded rainforest. This afternoon, travel to Kioa Island to visit with the 300 inhabitants of this unique, isolated Polynesian community. Settled in the mid-20th century by residents of Tuvalu, today's residents are fiercely protective and proud of their culture, and will entertain us with incredible singing and dancing.
A breathtakingly beautiful island, Taveuni has a rich natural history including plentiful bird life and a coral reef nourished by strong currents. Hundreds of waterfalls crash down around the coastline. Visit Bouma National Park, Fiji's most pristine, mist-enshrouded rainforest. This afternoon, travel to Kioa Island to visit with the 300 inhabitants of this unique, isolated Polynesian community. Settled in the mid-20th century by residents of Tuvalu, today's residents are fiercely protective and proud of their culture, and will entertain us with incredible singing and dancing.
Day 4 - AT SEA
Day 5 - NIUATOPUTAPU, TONGA/CROSS INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE
Captain Cook deemed the island of Tonga the "friendly islands," for the warm reception he received. The Tongan people have a reputation for being the friendliest South Sea Islanders, and you’ll have a chance to decide for yourself as we visit their village and meet the people. Visit with the local villagers, watch a Kava ceremony, or if you like, hike around the barren lava flows, or swim or snorkel in the pristine waters. Watch horses haul wet pandanus leaves from the lagoon where they are soaked in preparation for weaving.
Day 5 - NIUATOPUTAPU, TONGA/CROSS INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE
Captain Cook deemed the island of Tonga the "friendly islands," for the warm reception he received. The Tongan people have a reputation for being the friendliest South Sea Islanders, and you’ll have a chance to decide for yourself as we visit their village and meet the people. Visit with the local villagers, watch a Kava ceremony, or if you like, hike around the barren lava flows, or swim or snorkel in the pristine waters. Watch horses haul wet pandanus leaves from the lagoon where they are soaked in preparation for weaving.
Day 6 - APIA, SAMOA
The capital and only city of Samoa. In Apia, you’ll have time to visit Vailima, the home built by Robert Louis Stevenson, where he lived his last years, high above the seat. Take time to wander through the charming house and gardens. Shop for treasures in the delightful market, and explore the downtown area.
The capital and only city of Samoa. In Apia, you’ll have time to visit Vailima, the home built by Robert Louis Stevenson, where he lived his last years, high above the seat. Take time to wander through the charming house and gardens. Shop for treasures in the delightful market, and explore the downtown area.
Day 7 - SAVAI'I, WESTERN SAMOA
Savai’i is one of the largest islands in Polynesia but also one of its least populated. Here nature rules, and you’ll delight in the rain forests, lava coast, caves, and blowholes where you can toss a coconut and watch as an explosive jet of water propels it skyward. Explore ancient ruins, virgin rain forest, white-sand beaches, black-lava fields, massive volcanoes and traditional Samoan life.
Savai’i is one of the largest islands in Polynesia but also one of its least populated. Here nature rules, and you’ll delight in the rain forests, lava coast, caves, and blowholes where you can toss a coconut and watch as an explosive jet of water propels it skyward. Explore ancient ruins, virgin rain forest, white-sand beaches, black-lava fields, massive volcanoes and traditional Samoan life.
Day 8 - AT SEA
Embrace the warm, salty air of the vast, blue Pacific. Let it fill your lungs and soothe your skin.
Embrace the warm, salty air of the vast, blue Pacific. Let it fill your lungs and soothe your skin.
Day 9 - PALMERSTON, COOK ISLANDS
This tiny island, only one square mile in size, was settled by Englishman William Marsters in 1863, and its population of 50 are all descendants of him and his three Polynesian wives. Olde English – with a distinct Gloucestershire accent – is still spoken on the island. Visit with island residents enjoying a barbecue, weather permitting.
This tiny island, only one square mile in size, was settled by Englishman William Marsters in 1863, and its population of 50 are all descendants of him and his three Polynesian wives. Olde English – with a distinct Gloucestershire accent – is still spoken on the island. Visit with island residents enjoying a barbecue, weather permitting.
Day 10 - ATIU, COOK ISLANDS
Atiu is known as “Land of the Birds,” and you’ll find out why. Participate in a birding excursion. You’ll have an up-close view of nesting birds and with luck, you may spot one of the very rare Kakerori (Rarotongan flycatcher) now being reestablished. Explore the island by local truck, and meet the local villagers, watching them perform traditional dances, and visiting their ancient marae sites.
Day 11 - AT SEA
Mingle with friends or kick your feet up and enjoy some down time.
Atiu is known as “Land of the Birds,” and you’ll find out why. Participate in a birding excursion. You’ll have an up-close view of nesting birds and with luck, you may spot one of the very rare Kakerori (Rarotongan flycatcher) now being reestablished. Explore the island by local truck, and meet the local villagers, watching them perform traditional dances, and visiting their ancient marae sites.
Day 11 - AT SEA
Mingle with friends or kick your feet up and enjoy some down time.
Day 12 - HUAHINE, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Archeologists have found that human habitation dates back over 1,300 years on the island of Huahine, home to over 200 ancient marae or stone sites, waiting to be explored. Huahine is known as “The Garden Island” due to its lush green tropical foliage and wild jungle-like scenery. We’ll disembark for a tour of well-preserved ancient maraes, or platforms where rituals were once performed.
Archeologists have found that human habitation dates back over 1,300 years on the island of Huahine, home to over 200 ancient marae or stone sites, waiting to be explored. Huahine is known as “The Garden Island” due to its lush green tropical foliage and wild jungle-like scenery. We’ll disembark for a tour of well-preserved ancient maraes, or platforms where rituals were once performed.
Day 13 - TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Disembark and enjoy a tour of Tahiti. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in individual day rooms at your luxury hotel. Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.
Disembark and enjoy a tour of Tahiti. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in individual day rooms at your luxury hotel. Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.
5 comments:
You simply must send me your flight arrangements to/from LAX. I must keep an eye out for you. The cruise sounds ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! You may never come back.
Now THAT's a vacation... wow!!...I'm jealous, but in a good way!
xoxo
Sounds fantastic! Enjoy.
Mark :-)
I am so jealous..if you ever get to Disney I can hook you up...
Have a blast!!!!
PS--More to tell ya about "T"...LOL
Where do you plan to rest up after this voyage? Damn! Your so lucky. Take lot's of pics.
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