Mention Bora Bora, and you think about luxury resorts with over-the-water bungalows. This 12-square-mile island is world-famous as a bucket list destination for tourists and newlyweds. On Windstar's "Dreams of Tahiti" cruise on Star Breeze, we spent a half-day touring the island paradise. Take a look. -- Gerry Barker Small, private "motus" (islands) are sprinkled throughout French Polynesia. On our Windstar "Dreams of Tahiti" cruise on Star Breeze, the cruise line arranged for us to have a beach BBQ on Motu Mahaea. We were ferried over in Zodiacs, eight at a time, to spend the day lounging on the beach, playing water sports, sipping cocktails and enjoying delicious food. Plus the scenery isn't bad, either. -- Gerry Barker (Press Release) Juneau, Alaska / Montego Bay, Jamaica (March 14, 2024) — Huna Totem Corporation, the award-winning Alaska Native Village Corporation with operations across the state, today announced that it has taken a stake in Chukka USVI, which previously acquired Cruise Ship Excursions, the over 50-year-old tourism business dedicated to creating unforgettable memories for visitors to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. (Press Release) SINGER ISLAND, Fla., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- A reimagined beach escape, The Singer Oceanfront Resort – located on a pristine, four-mile stretch of Singer Island, Florida's hidden gem between Palm Beach and Jupiter and the eastern-most point in the state – will debut this spring following a transformative, multi-million-dollar renovation and rebrand. Just steps away from turquoise blue ocean on one side and the calm waters of the Intracoastal on the other, The Singer offers an unmatched retreat on the Atlantic Coast with easy access via Palm Beach International Airport just 12 miles away. With its grand opening, The Singer transitions to Curio Collection by Hilton, operated by Davidson Resorts. (Press Release) Seattle, Wash., March 15, 2024 — Holland America Line opened its 2025-2026 Mexico and Pacific Coast seasons, including longer calls at unique ports like Mexico’s Loreto and Topolobampo, and a new seven-day Great Bear Rainforest itinerary — a rarely cruised route that reveals the beauty of British Columbia, Canada. Cruises run from August 2025 to May 2026 and range from one day up to a 29-day Collectors’ Voyage. (Press Release) DENVER, March 14, 2024 – Award-winning TV Host, Producer, Travel Expert, and now Godmother Alle Pierce christened Riverside Debussy yesterday in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, on the first day of the 2024 American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) River Cruise Expo. Riverside Debussy’s inaugural year starts on March 23 and will cruise three- to seven-night itineraries on the picturesque Rhine, Danube, Main and Moselle rivers. On select itineraries, guests transit the Main-Danube Canal, or cruise farther down the Danube beyond Budapest, Hungary, to Serbia, Croatia. On all voyages, Riverside Debussy stays late or overnight in some of Europe’s most captivating cities, so guests can immerse in authentic cultures and destination nightlife. Throughout, guests enjoy Riverside’s all-inclusive, luxury experience and intuitive and personalised service from every staff and crew member. Travellers with more time can also combine consecutive voyages that bring guests on extended explorations of up to 21 nights without repeating stops. For more information about Riverside Debussy and Riverside Luxury Cruises, please visit Riverside-Cruises.com/en (Press Release) Guilford, CT—March 14, 2024-- American Cruise Lines announces an exciting summer season of New England cruises--the only coastal itineraries in the region that visit only U.S. ports of call. On these exclusive sailings, most guests can leave their passports at home and explore the region’s picturesque coastlines, islands, historic ports, and seaside villages, just as they would along one of the company’s domestic river cruises. American’s 2024 New England season features 6 small ships, including three new Coastal Cats, sailing a selection of 8 to 15-Day itineraries, including brand new Yankee Seaports cruises between Boston, MA, and New York City, and new Hudson River Summer Classic cruises, roundtrip from New York City. One of the stops on our Windstar "Dreams of Tahiti" cruise was Raiatea, the second largest of the 118 Society Islands in French Polynesia. More quiet and laid-back than Tahiti, Moorea or Bora Bora, During our time here, we saw a pearl farm, a botanical garden and Marae Taputapuatea, a historical religious complex at Opoa on the south eastern coast of Raiatea. Let's start the tour: -- Gerry Barker (Press Release) MIAMI (March 14, 2024) — Crystal is celebrating its triumphant return to the seas by launching the 2024 Crystal Grand Challenge. With $450,000 in awards, this contest is designed to honor and reward the dedication of top travel advisors and welcome newcomers to the exceptional world of Crystal. Moorea, or Mo'orea (Mo-o-RAY-a) as it is also known, is one of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, located some 17 miles from the main island of Tahiti. It's a favorite destination for honeymooners, who favor the resorts located along the coastline. Tourism is the main business, and you can expect a warm and friendly welcome from the islanders. It was a stop on our Windstar "Dreams of Tahiti" cruise, and after the cruise, we spent three additional days here. One visit and you'll know why it's so in-demand for newlyweds and travelers from around the world. -- Gerry Barker Moorea Photo TourCook's BayCook's Bay Hotel and Suites is located on Moorea's north coast, on a tranquil lagoon. It recently reopened after a two-year renovation project. Its 38 suites offer amazing views of the resort's picturesque setting. The property also features a restaurant, Le Cook, connected by a footbridge over the lagoon. If you are looking for paradise, you've come to the right place. Taking a Private Tour of MooreaOn our last day, we opted to go on a private tour,. We hired Damon to show us the sights and tell us first-hand about the island's culture and attractions. Among other things, he introduced us to coconut bread, and we are totally hooked. Looks like we'll have to come back to get more! |
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