Tahiti cruises, redux
It’s been over 20 years since I first visited Tahiti. Then it was on a 7-day Tahiti cruise on the Liberte (long expired). While the Society Islands are gorgeously beautiful, that visit was a bit of a disappointment, not because of the stunning visual candy, but because it didn’t really provide the enrichment I generally crave from my travels: good museums, better opportunities to experience or gain insights into the local arts and culture, the presence of a bit of a snooty French attitude here and there, and enjoying things was always compromised by an awareness of how expensive it was.
I’m heading back next week. Recently it was my 30th wedding anniversary, and it seems like such a perfect destination to celebrate the occasion. It’s time to revisit the experience, this time on the far more luxurious Paul Gauguin cruise line. I know there are those that would rightly point out that if I truly want to experience this paradise, a cruise may not be the best way to do so. I know. It’s not the same. But the advantage of the cruise is that within a week I can have a comfortable trip with multi-island diverse experiences, not to mention I love being on the move at sea.
On a land vacation, after all, I’d rather stay put for a few days and not move around so much. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Likewise, the Paul Gauguin cruise claims to provide a truly Tahitian experience. It’s new owner, after all, is a resident there and committed to the concept of the Paul Gauguin cruises being an expression of these islands. I’m eager to find out. (And after all, I need to check out the product and see what these Tahiti cruises are all about. And our clients are raving about the revitalized Paul Gauguin cruises since the new owners took over at the beginning of this year.) More when I get back. In the meantime, we welcome your opinions!
Dan Ilves, CTC, MCC
dan.i@travelstoreusa.com
