Hi all,

Today we are in the French Polynesian Island of Moorea and yesterday (and last night) we were in Papeete on the island of Tahiti.  We are back on board and will be leaving these islands and headed for Hawaii.  We are onboard for the next 5 nights sailing to Honolulu.

It was very nice to have an extended stay in Papeete.  We visited the Radisson Resort and the Sofitel Hotel.  Both properties with beaches, but more like city hotels than island resorts.  Both of these properties have a number of guests that do pre and post cruises as well as guests that fly in internationally and stay over before traveling on to one of the outer islands such as Bora Bora or Moorea.  Kim and I were off the ship for dinner and enjoyed eating from street vendors cooking food from their trucks in a park like area next to the ship.  More locals hanging out there than folks off the cruise ship.  This takes place most nights.  Papeete is a medium size city with very good bus service and lots of shopping areas and an international airport.  We have been getting a few calls and emails from customers and working on their requests while on shore.  For those of you wanting to travel to Australia – We found a great price ($100 a night) to break up a long flight to Australia by stopping over in Tahiti.  The flights can be cheaper too.

Moorea is a real jewel of an island.  It is 51 sq. miles with a population of about 15,000.  It is only 15 miles from Papeete and a short inexpensive ferry boat ride.  A very rural feel and is very clean and well kept.  One of our taxi drivers called it Switzerland of French Polynesia and this is very good description.  Moorea is a mountainous volcanic island with beautiful waters and views from every angle.  I think Moorea might edge out Bora Bora as far as a place that I would want to come back and stay (it is still expensive, but less than Bora Bora).   The Hilton in Moorea is a picture perfect property with over the water bungalows that takes your breath away.  We were shown around by the hotel general manager (French) and he was excited to have us visit and very proud of his hotel.  Pictures will be posted to Facebook once we get to Hawaii and a faster internet connection.  We also visited Legends – a very nice villas resort that is more economical than most resorts with full kitchens and two and three bedrooms.  They have a private beach with free boat service for their guests.  The villas are up on the mountain with spectacular views.  (I’m running out of adjectives!)  This would be a great family option for Moorea.

The last two nights in the Casino have not been as good.  Nothing serious but Kim and I agreed to stay out for a few days and attend some shows.  The casino gets a little boring to me without a craps table.  Maybe this will change our luck.  I expect the casino staff will be sending us “get well soon” cards when we don’t show up.

That is all for now.  Probably less news during the next 5 sea days.

Keith Q.