Windstar Opens 2014 Tahiti Voyages

Windstar's Wind Spirit Will Sail in Tahiti in 2014

Windstar Cruises announces 2014 Dreams of Tahiti voyages open for sale. Wind Spirit, the line’s newly renovated 148-passenger sailing yacht, will sail seven-day voyages from the capital city of Papeete, Tahiti, beginning May 2, 2014, with stops through the Society Islands of Moorea, Tahaa, Raiatea, Huahine, and Bora Bora. Dreams of Tahiti will sail through to November 7, 2014, with voyages starting from $2,799 per person.

 

“There is no better way to experience the true wonder of Tahiti than from on board our sailing yacht Wind Spirit,” said Hans Birkholz, Windstar Cruises’ chief executive officer. “Our guests can enjoy the beauty of Polynesia as we voyage from one island to the next, staying overnight in most ports to give guests time to savor paradise.”

 

The week-long voyage on Wind Spirit begins in Papeete, Tahiti and sails to:

• Moorea (overnight) – the beauty of this unforgettable island of love lies in drama and adventure.
• Tahaa – this fragrant island is known for its abundance of vanilla and offers a glimpse of the traditional tranquil life of the Tahitians.
• Raiatea (overnight) – recognized through French Polynesia as the ‘Sacred Island,’ it also serves as the cultural heart of French Polynesia.
• Huahine (overnight) – known as the Garden of Eden, with lush forests, untamed landscapes and quaint villages.
• Bora Bora (overnight) – an island paradise in the South Pacific, known worldwide for its natural beauty.

 

While on board, guests will delight in the engagement of the island culture brought to life in Windstar style. Traditional Tahitian dancers will come on board for a magical evening to remember, while regional dishes are served during Windstar’s signature deck barbecue, held under the sails and stars one night per cruise. Windstar will also be running an onboard scuba program allowing for the ultimate dive experience. In addition, guests can soak up the crystal-clear lagoons from Wind Spirit’s Water Sports Platform, which offers paddle boards, kayaks, Hobie Cats, wind surfing, snorkeling equipment, and more. 

 

On shore, excursions are delivered in true French Polynesian style. Vacationers can hop on a colorful Le Truck in Papeete for a scenic drive and cultural experience all in one; watch villagers on Tahaa wade into the lagoon and beat the water with rocks in the ancient practice of stone fishing; experience life in a traditional Tahitian village at the Tiki Village Cultural Center on Moorea; or just simply gaze into a fiery sunset and watch for the green flash as the sun melts below the horizon.

 

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Princess Cruises Adds New South America and Tahiti Sailings in 2014

Crown Princess - Princess Cruises - Adds Modified 2014 Itineraries.

Princess Cruises has added several new Exotics cruise options in spring 2014, giving passengers additional vacation choices in the popular destinations of South America and the South Pacific. Options include a new South America grand adventure aboard Crown Princess – the first such voyage for the vessel. In addition, Pacific Princess will add new departures of the line’s signature Tahiti & French Polynesia cruises plus additional Hawaii and South Pacific voyages.

During Crown Princess’ South America debut, passengers can enjoy highlights such as an overnight call in vibrant Rio de Janeiro during the city’s famous Carnaval celebrations, sailing around legendary Cape Horn, an optional overland tour to the dramatic Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, and Princess’ first call to Ilhabela (“beautiful island”) an island that lives up to its name with lovely beaches and natural beauty. The new 49-day voyage travels from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles, sailing first to Brazil, then around Cape Horn along the Chilean Fjords and up the Pacific coast. Shorter segments of 16- to 33-days are also available.

To add more of the line’s signature Tahiti & French Polynesia voyages, Pacific Princess will move to the South Pacific to offer three additional departures of this popular 10-day itinerary. The ship will also offer new departures of a 16-day New Zealand & South Pacific sailing from Sydney to Tahiti; a 12-day Hawaii & Tahiti sailing from Tahiti to Honolulu, and a 10-day Hawaiian Islands crossing from Honolulu ending in Vancouver, British Columbia. Many voyages can be linked for a Grand Adventure of 22 to 26 days.

“South America and the South Pacific have been among our most popular cruises recently, so these new voyages offer wonderful additional opportunities for passengers to explore the natural beauty and colorful cultures of these destinations,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Whether passengers want to meet a penguin or learn to hula, these cruises offers a great way to find the experience of a lifetime.”

The new Exotics sailings include:

49-day South America Grand Adventure – Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles
Featuring an overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro during Carnaval and Princess' maiden call to Brazil’s Ilhabela, this adventure also starts off with calls in St Thomas, St Kitts, Barbados, Trinidad, and Recife. After an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, the cruise then sails around the famed Cape Horn at the tip of South America and features scenic cruising of the Chilean Fjords, plus calls in Montevideo, the Falkland Islands (Port Stanley), Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego), Punta Arenas (Chile) and Puerto Montt. While traversing South America’s Pacific coast, this voyage offers the opportunity to take an overland tour to the famed Inca ruins at Machu Picchu, plus port calls including La Serena (Coquimbo), Pisco (San Martin), Lima (Callao), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), San Juan Del Sur (Nicaragua), and Puerto Vallarta.
Departs February 15, 2014 on Crown Princess

10-day Tahiti & Polynesia – Roundtrip Papeete
One of Princess’ classic voyages, featuring an overnight in Papeete, Tahiti, plus visits to the idyllic isles of Huahine, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora (for a two-day call), and Moorea.
Departures on March 12, March 24, April 1, 2014 aboard Pacific Princess

16-day New Zealand & South Pacific – Sydney to Papeete
From Sydney, the ship heads for three calls in New Zealand – Tauranga, Auckland, and Bay Of Islands. After crossing the International Date Line, passengers can relax in paradise with visits to Pago Pago, Bora Bora, and Moorea, before arriving in Tahiti.
Departs February 25, 2014 on Pacific Princess

12-day Hawaii and Tahiti – Papeete to Honolulu
The Polynesian paradises of Tahiti and Hawaii will enchant passengers on this cruise featuring calls in Moorea, Bora Bora, Hilo, Kona, Maui (Lahaina), and Kauai (Nawiliwili)
Departs April 11, 2014 on Pacific Princess

10-day Hawaiian Islands – Honolulu to Vancouver
Passengers can revel in visits to Kauai (Nawiliwili), Kona, and Hilo before heading across the Pacific for relaxing time at sea on the way to British Columbia.
Departs April 23, 2014 on Pacific Princess

Pacific Princess’ 2014 World Cruise will be cancelled to allow for these new sailings; however the first segment of the cruise departing January 20, 2014 will remain available for purchase. The 35-day sailing from Ft. Lauderdale to Sydney will feature a transit of the Panama Canal, calls to Ecuador, Peru, Easter Island, French Polynesia and New Zealand before arriving in Sydney on February 25, 2014.

Crown Princess’ previously scheduled Caribbean cruises from February 15 to April 26, 2014 have been cancelled to allow for the new South America voyage. Passengers on the rescheduled sailings are being notified and assisted with finding alternate cruise options.

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Paul Gauguin Cruises Offers Discounts on Tahiti Cruises

Everyone's in the mood for romance on Valentine's Day, and Paul Gauguin Cruises has the perfect gift package for that special someone. In honor of the holiday, if you reserve any 2012 Tahiti & the Society Islands 7-night sailing aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin between January 30 and February 18, 2012, you'll receive a special gift package*, including:

• $100 per-person credit at the onboard Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm
• Box of Leonidas chocolates
• Flower turndown service

That's a $230 value -- absolutely free!

At the Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm, expert therapists and aestheticians offer an extensive menu of massages, skin care, and facials, including authentic Polynesian treatments, for you to enjoy.

No place on Earth is more romantic than the magical islands of Tahiti and French Polynesia, home of The Gauguin. Aboard this exceptional ship, you can also enjoy intimate gourmet dinners for two ... watch the sun set over against the stunning backdrop of the South Pacific ... hold hands while strolling a private white-sand beach ... and so much more.

Remember, this special offer is in addition to our extraordinary savings offer of 50% off standard cruise fares plus FREE airfare from Los Angeles, an additional value of $3,200 per couple, good for all 2012 departures.

*One Valentine's Day gift package per booking. New bookings on 7-night sailings only. Please refer to promotion code: Valentine's Package. Not combinable with groups, two-week sales, and other select reduced-rate offers. Flower turndown service available on first night of sailing only. Offer expires February 18, 2012.

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Princess Cruises’ 2012-2013 Hawaii, Tahiti and South Pacific Program

Mention “paradise” and most people will conjure up images of pristine beaches and lush, tropical islands. Princess Cruises passengers can make paradise a reality with 10 itinerary choices to the breathtaking islands of Hawaii, Tahiti and the South Pacific between fall 2012 and spring 2013.

New next season, Princess will offer more Hawaii cruises than ever before, with four ships sailing roundtrip to the islands from both Los Angeles and San Francisco. In addition, the renovated Grand Princess will make her debut voyages to Hawaii as part of her first West Coast season.

In total, eight Princess ships will sail on 56 voyages throughout the Pacific, including favorite itineraries such as the 10-day Tahiti & Polynesia route that sails roundtrip from Papeete, Tahiti to some of the most gorgeous islands of French Polynesia. An 11-day Hawaii & Tahiti itinerary offers the best of both the Hawaiian Islands, as well as the highlights of French Polynesia. And the cruise line’s 28-day Hawaii, Tahiti and Samoa itinerary that debuted last season returns with two sailings roundtrip from Los Angeles to American Samoa, taking in Hawaii and Tahiti along the way.

“The storied and romantic South Pacific just might capture the imagination of travelers more than most destinations,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “We’ve been traveling to the South Pacific for more than 30 years and these idyllic islands never cease to deliver a breathtaking and relaxing vacation to our passengers.”

Princess’ 2012-2013 cruises to Hawaii, Tahiti and the South Pacific include:

Tahiti & Polynesia – This classic Princess itinerary sails roundtrip from Papeete, Tahiti for 10 days among the islands of Polynesia, with two overnight visits. Ocean Princess starts with an overnight in the Tahitian capital and then calls on Huahine, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora (Two-day Experience includes two full days and an overnight), and Moorea. Sailings depart on December 18, 2012; January 19 and 29, and February 8, 2013.

Hawaii & Tahiti – Travelers can enjoy the intimacy of a small cruise ship on a voyage that features both the Polynesian paradises of Hawaii and French Polynesia. These 11-day sailings between Papeete and Honolulu on Ocean Princess include calls at Moorea, Bora Bora, Hilo, Maui, and Kauai. Sailings depart December 28, 2012; January 8, February 18, and March 1, 2013.

Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa – This 28-day itinerary aboard Sapphire Princess and Star Princess offers an unusual roundtrip voyage from Los Angeles, to three island groups in one convenient roundtrip sailing. The ship calls at Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai, Maui, Pago Pago, Apia, Bora Bora, Moorea and Papeete (overnight). Two sailings depart on October 20, 2012 and March 26, 2013.

South Pacific & New Zealand Cruises – Sailing between Sydney and Papeete, Ocean Princess offers a 16-day voyage including Tauranga, Auckland, Tonga, Apia, Pago Pago, Bora Bora, and Moorea. The ship departs on December 3, 2012 and March 12, 2013.

Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific – Sea Princess sails across the Pacific between San Francisco and Sydney on a 27-day voyage to Honolulu, Kauai, Papeete, Bora Bora, Pago Pago, Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and Fiordland National Park scenic cruising. The sailing departs on September 20, 2012.

Hawaiian Islands from Los Angeles – Golden Princess, Sapphire Princess and Star Princess will sail from Los Angeles on a 14-day roundtrip voyage to the “Land of Aloha” with calls at Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai, and Maui, plus Ensenada, Mexico. The ships will sail on 24 voyages between September 26, 2012 and April 24, 2013.

Hawaiian Islands from San Francisco – Star Princess and Grand Princess will offer 15-day itinerary round-trip voyages from San Francisco, with calls at Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai and Maui, plus Ensenada. The ships will offer seven departures between October 6, 2012 and April 25, 2013.

Aussie Experience Voyages
Sailings aboard Sun Princess, Dawn Princess and Sea Princess head to the islands from Sydney or Brisbane and feature onboard amenities tailored to appeal to Australian tastes.

Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific – Sea Princess will sail on a 35-day roundtrip voyage from Sydney, with calls at Nuku’Alofa (Tonga), Apia, Honolulu, Kauai, Maui, Hilo, Kona, Papeete, Moorea, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Pago Pago, Suva (Fiji) and Nouméa (New Caledonia). The ship sets sail on April 15, 2013.

Fijian Jewels – Sun Princess sails roundtrip from Brisbane on an 11-day journey to Nouméa and Isle of Pines in New Caledonia; two Fiji ports, Suva, and Port Denarau; and Vila (Vanuatu). The ship sails on November 7, 2012 and January 13, February 7, and March 18, 2013.

Fiji & South Pacific – A popular roundtrip sailing from Sydney featuring 14 days with calls at Lifou, Vila, Port Denarau, Suva, Savu Savu, Dravuni Island and Nouméa. Available on Dawn Princess, Sea Princess and Sun Princess, sailings depart August 29, October 10 and December 29, 2012; January 25 and April 12, 2013.

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South Pacific Cruise Ship Paul Gauguin to Undergo Refit

Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the Paul Gauguin, has announced the largest renovations in the ship's 14-year history. Scheduled for completion in January 2012, the $7 million renovation will feature extensive enhancements to both interiors and exteriors of the ship.

The renovations will take place in January during the ship's 10-night crossing from Tahiti to Brisbane and 11-night drydock in Brisbane. When joining the South Pacific Discovery sailing departing January 26, 2012, guests will be aboard a vessel that has been thoroughly updated and redecorated for even greater comfort.

Following the renovations, all suites and staterooms will feature new carpeting, refinished furniture with new fabrics, new teak railings on the balconies, decorative side panels around the windows, and new bathroom flooring. Renovations throughout the ship will include new flooring and replaced carpeting, elegant new furniture, new window treatments and decorative wall panels, and new signage, providing a lighter, brighter feel.

La Veranda will offer guests a redesigned entrance, refinished indoor and outdoor furniture and solar shades throughout. Le Grill will boast new decorative partitions and divider walls, as well as a new buffet area and new lighting. L'Etoile will also feature a redesigned entrance in addition to video equipment for conferences.

Promenade Deck 5 will boast a new built-in banquette and expanded casino in Le Casino, and Deck 6 will receive a new integrated display case for books and art. La Palette will feature a decorative stone band along the front of the bar and an updated lighting system, as well as new outdoor furniture. Le Grand Salon will offer a refurbished dance floor to provide the perfect venue to dance the night away under the South Pacific sky.

The Gauguin's previous renovation, totaling $6 million, was completed in January 2009. The upcoming refurbishments show Paul Gauguin Cruises' level of commitment to the vessel and the importance of the overall product and guest experience.

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