Asia Pacific
Regent: Paul Gauguin - Jul 5 - 16, 2008
Travel with Linda and Stephen Young, who are hosting a complimentary Virtuoso Voyager Club excursion in Moorea with lunch. Moorea is where South Pacific was filmed, and you will pass by some of the scenes from the film, enroute to an ancient archaeological dig and a Tahitian stone temple. Join us for eleven days of natural beauty, cultural experiences, fabulous snorkeling, or just total relaxation aboard the Paul Gauguin, which has been voted over and over the #1 favorite ship of discriminating cruisers.
Thailand: Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are perfect destinations for those looking for something a little out of the ordinary. This trip promises to be educational and is filled with new experiences and wonder. As you ride elephants through the jungle and take wooden flat rafts down the river, you will come across acres of beautiful rice fields as well as locals bathing in the water. The food and fish markets are quite popular as well, as is the trip up the mountain to Long Neck Karen Village where their culture is to add rings around the ladies' necks, arms, and legs for beauty and tradition. The night market runs until the wee hours of the morning, and massages in city center come at a low price of about $10. The Four Seasons Chiang Mai is about 20 minutes from town, but well worth the experience. Abercrombie & Kent specialize in this region as well and offer a multitude of exciting programs.
French Polynesia
French Polynesia consists of the Society Islands of Bora Bora, Raiatea, Tahaa, & Motu Mahaina; and the Tahitian Islands of Moorea and Papeete. Visiting them is a little like having a sneak preview of Paradise. These islands are incredibly beautiful, and the snorkeling is the best if you want to see countless varieties of tropical fish. I counted over 30 species in my first five minutes in the water. You can wade into the warm water and be surrounded by fish a few feet away from the shore. We loved it!! Other new experiences included feeding the sharks, swimming with the stingrays, and hunting for the bottle-nosed dolphins with a naturalist who not only had named the pods or families, but could call each one by name as they twirled out of the water. A cruise there is delightful, giving you a chance to see many islands, snorkel in different places, and participate in many different activities. If you choose a land stay, the grass-roofed bungalows are charming, especially if you select one over the water with a removable glass coffee table and your very own pier. This was one of our most fun, romantic vacations!
