Regatta: South Pacific 1st Timers! Tips/Insights?

[TLCOhio]

On 9/18/2019 at 4:40 PM, melody hounddog said:

Great info.    Terry - I would love to hear your experience with O air once you return. Thanks in advance!

 

Appreciate this nice comment and follow-up.  YES, with our upcoming Oceania Regatta sailing from Auckland to Tahiti in the South Pacific, I will share much more.  Both in doing a live/blog and by posting any and all added information, responding to questions, etc. Now about four and a half month till we do our fly-away to New Zealand.  

 

As to O Air, we used that last year for doing our Athens to Dubai sailing with Oceania on the Nautica.  Things worked reasonably well for us.  We made adjustments to the schedule to allow us to arrive in Athens two days ahead of the cruise boarding.  Plus, we added extra time in Dubai after the conclusion of our 20-day cruise.  In addition, we were interested in using American Airlines in order to gain their Frequent Flyer miles and wanted that airline in order to make it easier for me to upgrade/purchase extended leg room seating, be on the newer aircrafts we desired and minimize the number of different flights/plane changes.  Oceania gave us exactly what we wanted and desired.  Had to push a little, but the cruise line was responsive.   When doing some "custom" air, there are some additional costs, maybe, but it was worth it to make our logistics flow and work well for our interests and travel style.  

 

Now that we are fully paid up, as of last week, for our South Pacific sailing, Oceania should be finalizing the American Airlines flights we have picked out previously and have on hold.  Then, hopefully, later this week after Oceania finalizes this AA ticketing, I can go ahead and get the upgraded leg room seats that we desire through American Airlines.  Does this help?  Need more background?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

From late 2018, you can see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 15,977 views.  Connect at:

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[Verokaren]

Hi Terry, 

 

We are booked on the March 15th sailing of the French Polynesia and are very excited!  I'm interested also in hearing about your experience booking flights through Oceania.  I went ahead and booked ours privately, as I wanted control over the seating, flights, etc.  I am curious about the financial differential.  

 

Thank you for your wonderful posts!

 

Karen

[TLCOhio]

On 9/24/2019 at 8:47 AM, Verokaren said:

Hi Terry,   We are booked on the March 15th sailing of the French Polynesia and are very excited!  I'm interested also in hearing about your experience booking flights through Oceania.  I went ahead and booked ours privately, as I wanted control over the seating, flights, etc.  I am curious about the financial differential.  Thank you for your wonderful posts!   Karen

 

Hi, Karen!  Good questions and interests.  Last week, we made our final cruise payment and this week Oceania finalized the air ticketing as we had desired and requested earlier.  Yesterday, with the ticketing done (not just placed on hold), I was then able to follow-up with American Airlines on-line and by phone with Air Tahiti Due to get the desired better seats (and pay the added cost) for such extended leg room locations on each individual flight.  

 

WHAT DID IT COST?  Clearly, as advertised, these air tickets through Oceania with their O-Life plan, are pitched as "free".  But, we know in the real world, free is not always quite that cheap and easy.  Especially if we seek to make it work for our exact and personal travel needs.  Here is more as to how the "rest of the story" worked.    First, from Columbus, Ohio, where we live, the free air is only from certain more major, larger airports.  As with most other cruise lines, that adds another $99 per person, each way, for flying from a "secondary" airport with this free economy air.  Next, it was our choice to have a air flight plan customized to our personal needs and to request an exact flight schedule to fit our desires.  Otherwise, Oceania would just give you THEIR plan and best "deal" to fit their flight timings available, their airline choices, the lowest pricing to fit their budgets and timing schedules.  

 

We wanted "CUSTOMIZED" including using American Airlines where we would get our frequent flyer miles, arriving a week early in New Zealand, having only one plane change in going to Auckland and  one plane change in coming back from Pepeete.  That "customizing fee" added $175 total per person to have it be totally our choices for flights, airline, timing, etc.   If we had not used the customized schedule we desired with only one stop in Los Angeles in going to Auckland, we probably would have had three different flights including needing to fly to Australia before arriving in NZ.  In addition with the air flights we desired, the overall cost was a little higher and we had an "Air Differential" charge of $200 per person extra.  YES, it was custom to our first priority choices!!  It is costing us more, but personally we believed it was worth it for our needs, comfort, timing and interests.  Oceania was good in getting us what we sought. We told them what exactly we wanted and they provided it.  This was similar to what we did last year in using Oceania for the first time in going from CMH to London and then to Athens.  After that first cruise with Oceania, we came back from Dubai through Heathrow to CMH.  Long flights, but all worked according to schedule and our desired plan. 

 

Clearly in going all of the way to New Zealand and the South Pacific is more challenging given the vast distances and long flight times.  That is why we were more motivated to customize and make the journey a little more manageable.   Does this help?  Added questions?  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 224,955 views.

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[TLCOhio]

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Daily Mail this morning, they had this headline: “50 best islands in the world” with this background sub-head: "Over 5,000 people took part in a poll to compile a ranking of the 50 best islands from around the world". 

 

The island of Bora Bora gained top honors with this story highlight: “A small island in the South Pacific, Bora Bora in French Polynesia makes it into the ranking's top 10. It has a turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef and has a dormant volcano in the centre of the island. Big 7 Travel says: 'It's home to some of the clearest water in the world thanks to its shallow reefs, which are ideal for snorkelling and other water sports' ".   Congrats to Bora Bora!  Looking forward to having two full days to explore and experience this very scenic and dramatic location with so much beauty and character.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-7507787/The-50-best-islands-world-2019-revealed-Iceland-Washington-State-Scotland.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

From late 2018, you can see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 16,132 views.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

 

 

From the website of the St. Regis Bora Bora resort, here is one of their potential views from this location that we hope to do on March 3 when we have a "day pass" to explore and relax at this location on this scenic island.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

[TLCOhio]

From the Travel Section of USA Today last month, they had this headline: “10 best things to do in Auckland, New Zealand” with these highlights: “Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and it is beautiful and buzzing with potential”.  They have a video slide show with ideas, tips and suggestion for this dynamic city and nearby.  Lots of good ideas and options to consider.

 

From our early 2014 cruise from Sydney to Auckland, we fortunately had a great, initial sampling of New Zealand's North and South Islands.  Plus a couple of added days in Auckland after completing that cruise.   Before doing this Feb. 2020 Oceania Regatta sailing from Auckland to Papeete, we will arrive nearly a week early and be able to explore and enjoy more on the North Island and around Auckland.  Love seeing these various ideas.  Those fresh oysters look tasty and fun!!  What other good ideas and tips would you share for us to consider in visiting these scenic areas?

 

Full story at:

https://www.usatoday.com/media/cinematic/video/2363962001/10-best-things-to-do-in-auckland-new-zealand/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 85,369 views.

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From USA Today, here are some screen shot samples fromtheir video and some of their top suggestions and ideas to enjoy in and around Auckland.  Look good and interesting?:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

 

 

 

 

 

[cruiseaholic78]

Terry,

This is what we did on one of our days precruise in Auckland.

https://www.fullers.co.nz/timetables-and-fares/?from=AUCK&to=WAIH

It was a great combination, we finally got off at Cable Bay Vineyard for some wine and food and wandered back on foot to the ferry.

How about that for wine with a view.

On our return we nearly had a heart attack to see the Insignia arriving in Auckland! she was a day earlier than planned!

Rosalyn

Have fun in the South Seas we did a roundtrip San Diego with the Eurodam in March and loved every minute of it.

 

 

 

 

Edited October 2, 2019 by cruiseaholic78

[TLCOhio]

8 hours ago, cruiseaholic78 said:

Terry,  This is what we did on one of our days precruise in Auckland.

https://www.fullers.co.nz/timetables-and-fares/?from=AUCK&to=WAIH

It was a great combination, we finally got off at Cable Bay Vineyard for some wine and food and wandered back on foot to the ferry.  How about that for wine with a view.  On our return we nearly had a heart attack to see the Insignia arriving in Auckland! she was a day earlier than planned!  Rosalyn

Have fun in the South Seas we did a roundtrip San Diego with the Eurodam in March and loved every minute of it.

 

Appreciate your note and linking the wonderful ferry that goes from Auckland to Waiheke Island.  Maybe you missed it, but on post #25 on this thread, I shared some details and visuals from our visiting wonderful Waiheke Island in 2014.  Yes, did a day there and view it as an excellent sampling of New Zealand charm, character and beauty, etc.  Highly recommend seeing this island.   Keep up the great sharing.  

 

 

From CEO Magazine in late September, they had this headline: “New Caledonia: A tropical playground” with these highlights: “Located to the south of Vanuatu and east of Australia, New Caledonia is a French colony. A combination of French flair and Melanesian hospitality, travellers can indulge in French delicatessens in Nouméa, frolic on the white sand beaches, etc.  Nouméa is known for its beaches and mix of French and native Kanak influences, as well as being the home of the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre, which showcases Kanak heritage.  Restaurant Le 1881 is a beachside restaurant located in the grounds of the former penal settlement dating back to the late 19th century. It is one of Nouméa’s most exciting restaurants with a Sydney-trained mixologist behind the bar and a former Michelin-starred chef in the kitchen. The restaurant serves modern French–Pacific cuisine.”

 

In the past, I had never heard much about New Caledonia, but am excited about our two upcoming days there in early 2020 while sailing on the Oceania Regatta.  

 

Full New Caledonia story at:

https://www.theceomagazine.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/new-caledonia-a-tropical-playground/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

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From this CEO Magazine website, here is their picture used to illustrate an aerial view of the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre near Nouméa on New Caledonia.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

[TLCOhio]

We are now at a little more than two months away from when we depart for Auckland, do some New Zealand North Island exploring and then do the boarding of the "new" Oceania Regatta on Feb. 17, 2020, for our 18-day South Pacific sailing to Papeete.

 

One big "mystery" or question is as to our options for day six of our cruise when visiting, Maré Island, New Caledonia, Sat., Feb. 22, while tendered at Tadine Bay, on western side of this very wooded island, 9 am-5 pm.  Still nothing on the Oceania website as to any tour/ship options or specifics.  From my research, I know this location has a small population with limited options/infrastructure.  Any past travelers to Maré Island who can share their experiences, tips, insights??  Look forward to any smart ideas for this location, plus for any other stops during this cruising.   Plus, also love to hear from those who have been on this update ship with its new interiors, etc.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

From late 2018, you can see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East on the Oceania Nautica. Now at 16,728 views.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

[Tansy Mews]

On 6/27/2019 at 6:30 PM, TLCOhio said:

Appreciate these great comments and follow-up from our friend in the Vancouver area.  From the Washington Post yesterday, they had this headline: “Americans will need a travel document to enter New Zealand, starting Oct. 1” with these highlights: “Previously, Americans visiting New Zealand could simply show up, passport in hand, and enter the country. However, starting this fall — or spring, for Southern Hemisphere dwellers — the island nation will require some extra minutes of pre-departure planning.Though the United States is one of 60 visa-waiver countries, Americans and other nationals from this group will need to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for travel starting Oct. 1.”  

Easy to do this on your own. There is an app that we used on our iPhone. Just be sure to check that everything is accurate before you submit. At least two of us (someone in another roll call) had issues with a misspelled middle name and have to request a revision. It came from the scanning of the passport.

 

On 6/27/2019 at 6:30 PM, TLCOhio said:

 

 

[Skai]

On 6/3/2019 at 1:27 PM, Hawaiidan said:

A note on beaches.....with  a small exception  Bora has no public access beaches.   Beaches all are owned by a hotel or some one and you have to pay to use then.    Almost all beaches are in the lagoon not on Bora Bora  and require a boat  tour to get to.   In the 5 times in Bora  I have found no real difference in snorkeling.   

 

This is incorrect.

 

Matira Beach is a very popular public beach on the island.  I would think that a person having been there 5x would be familiar with it.

[TLCOhio]

On 12/6/2019 at 11:42 AM, Tansy Mews said:

Easy to do this on your own. There is an app that we used on our iPhone. Just be sure to check that everything is accurate before you submit. At least two of us (someone in another roll call) had issues with a misspelled middle name and have to request a revision. It came from the scanning of the passport.

 

Appreciate these follow-ups and added background, including about the required New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority.  Sounds like a tax/revenue producer to me and my thin wallet??!! 

 

From the Travel Section of the Sydney Morning Herald and other Fairfax newspapers in Australia earlier this year in February, they had this headline: “10 best islands in the South Pacific to visit beyond Fiji” with these highlights: “There's no safer, nor cleaner – nor more geographically blessed – region on the planet. While we wish it didn't take us a day to get to Europe, or North America; we can rejoice that we have the South Pacific islands at our back door.”

 

Here are some story highlights regarding Samoa :  "This could be the Pacific's best-kept secret. Life here remains largely unchanged. Locals live by fa'a Samoa – 'the Samoan Way' – in traditional villages with laws governed by paramount chiefs.  Some of the Pacific's most romantic resorts can also be found here. Samoa is the most authentic of all Pacific societies – just being here gives you the opportunity to observe what life has always been like in Polynesia."

 

Here are some story highlights regarding New Caledonia :  "Noumea has one of the Pacific's best dining scenes, while archipelagos of islands lie protected inside the world's second largest reef. Noumea is the Pacific's cultural hot-spot – the home of museums, art galleries, colonial-era mansions, theatres and gastronomical restaurants."  

 

Here are some story highlights regarding Vanuatu:  "Go beyond the capital, Port Vila, and you'll find Vanuatu is as wild as you want it to be. Home to 80-plus islands, the country offers everything from some of the world's best wreck-diving to its most accessible live volcano and, arguably, its best beach.  Vanuatu has the right blend of adventure mixed with luxury. There are death-defying river rafting trips and volcano tours.  Vanuatu is one of the Pacific's poorest nations, so infrastructure isn't up there with Tahiti or the Cook Islands."  

 

Regarding Fiji, they highlighted: "A Gallup survey showed Fijians were the happiest people on Earth in 2018 … expect a lot of smiles.  Fiji has one of the best cuisines in the Pacific because it blends Indian, south-east Asian and Chinese influences with its Melanesian staples. And how about that seafood?  How about rafting its wild rivers, hiking to waterfalls, sailing between islands or kayaking around entire archipelagos?  "

 

Full Australia newspaper story regarding these South Pacific islands at:

https://www.traveller.com.au/secrets-of-the-south-pacific-h1awvx

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 226,439 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

[Petoonya]

10 hours ago, Skai said:

 

This is incorrect.

 

Matira Beach is a very popular public beach on the island.  I would think that a person having been there 5x would be familiar with it.

In addition Matira Beach is only a 5 min drive from the dock where you can rent a car. Beautiful beach. The snorkeling is not great if that’s what you’re into. But the Intercontinental is right across the street and they have day stays with a great meal- on the adjoining beach.

[TLCOhio]

From Travel and Leisure magazine yesterday, they had this headline: “50 Best Places to Travel in 2020” with spotlighted attention as a top option for: “North Island, New Zealand”.  Glad we are planning to arrive earlier prior to our Oceania cruise departure from Auckland and spend some additional time exploring around on the NZ North Island.  T+L rates these top areas as "must-visit vacation destinations, and with something to suit every interest — food, shopping, culture, history, and nature."

 

Here are some of the story highlights: "New Zealand’s upper isle is a study in delightful contrasts: it’s smaller than its southern counterpart, yet more populous, and the scenery varies widely, from geothermal geysers to mud pools to white-sand beaches. The rugged South Island has long been the traveler’s go-to for its mix of adventure and wine, but in 2020, intriguing new developments should draw them north.  Come November, the secluded, ultramodern Owhaoko will open in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Forests for adventurers willing to fly in by helicopter. Until then, head to Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the new Sky Waka gondola, the largest of its kind in the country, takes visitors into the clouds of Mt. Ruapehu."

 

Full story at:

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/best-places-to-travel-in-2020

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

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[TLCOhio]

From US News magazine four days ago, they had this headline: “2020 Best Honeymoon Destinations” with the highlight of Bora Bora/French Polynesia and Fiji ranked among the top three places in the world.  St. Lucia was listed as their number one for "Best Honeymoon Destination."  Bora Bora and Fiji were ranked second and third. Since we were married in June 1972, we won't be heading to the South Pacific for honeymoon purposes.  But, it is nice to see the top honors for these upcoming locations.  Their rankings did have Tahiti, French Polynesia, listed at No. 6.  Wow!!  We will be hitting three of these six top destinations in a couple of months.   

 

Here is a link to the US News Travel Guide for Bora Bora: 

https://travel.usnews.com/Bora_Bora/

with these highlights:  “The small island of Bora Bora (just about 6 miles long and a little more than 2 miles wide) overflows with beauty. A dormant volcano rises up at its center and fans out into lush jungle before spilling into an aquamarine lagoon. In fact, author James Michener, who wrote 'Tales of the South Pacific,' called Bora Bora 'the most beautiful island in the world.'  The 18th-century British explorer James Cook even coined it as the 'Pearl of the Pacific.' The very definition of a tropical getaway, blissful Bora Bora abounds with luxurious resorts, sunny skies, warm waters and friendly locals. And as you might've already guessed, the main industry on this petite island in French Polynesia and its swarm of tiny motu (islands) is tourism.”  US News also ranks Bora Bora as its "#3 in Best Beaches in the World".  They, however, have this warning: "there's a catch: Bora Bora is expensive – very expensive."  However, since we are visiting on a cruise ship, we will not have that $600-1200 a night lodging cost.  Added good news?  Their profile shared this tip: "The best times to go to Bora Bora are November and April."  For food, US News said: "Seafood features heavily on the menus of Bora Bora restaurants, and travelers would be remiss if they didn't try some of the local specialities, namely poisson cru, or raw tuna that has been marinated in lime juice and coconut milk."  Plus this key tip: "whether you photograph it at a distance or climb its rocky slopes, Mount Otemanu is a must-see."

 

Here is a link to the US News Travel Guide for Fiji: 

https://travel.usnews.com/Fiji/

with these highlights:  “With its turquoise waters, glittering sands and luxe resorts, Fiji is similar to many other tropical getaways. Likewise, the set of 333 islands caters to lovebirds of all kinds. Plus, adventure-seekers, like surfers and divers, appreciate the archipelago's quality waves and coral reefs. But Fiji differs from other island destinations in its otherworldliness. Since it's more than 1,300 miles from New Zealand's North Island in the South Pacific Ocean, Fiji affords you the delectable feeling of seclusion. You'll be as far from reality as possible when you're sipping Fiji Bitter beer and watching the sun dip below the horizon. Fijian customs will make you feel a million miles away too: Ever tasted the dizzying kava drink? Or watched men defy fire and walk across scalding stones without burning their feet?"   Their food and beverage suggestions for Fiji?:  "Fiji offers a variety of cuisine despite being a remote destination. Aside from seafood, Fiji has international cuisine ranging from Italian to Japanese. For some traditional Fijian food, try lovo: meats and vegetables wrapped in banana leaves and baked directly on hot stones. No trip to Fiji would be complete without sampling kava, a traditional Fijian beverage. It is made with the pulverized roots of the cava plant and mixed with water."  Their profile also suggested this option: "stop to smell the orchids at the Garden of the Sleeping Giant."

 

Full honeymoon ranking story at:

https://www.usnews.com/info/blogs/press-room/articles/2019-12-10/us-news-reveals-the-2020-best-honeymoon-destinations

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

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Edited December 14, 2019 by TLCOhio