Paradise is Tahiti!

by Plaza Travel Consultant, Jennifer Schwartz

I have just returned from a spectacular week in TAHITI on Windstar. It was my first experience on a small ship and I was very impressed with the service, the personal attention and the friendships that are quickly acquired and enjoyed within a week�s time.

Getting there was easy - only 3 hours from Honolulu. I flew on Air Tahiti Nui non-stop from LAX. The staff was friendly and efficient with excellent service. We were immediately transferred to the ship upon our arrival and within ten minutes we were unpacking our suitcases in our cabins.

The cabins are all the same with beautiful dark woods, TV, Video and CD players with hundreds of free cds and movies provided in the ships library, and plenty of room in the cabin to stow your clothes. However, you really don't need many clothes! By the second day you basically wear your bathing suit, or shorts. And a flower behind your ear - a Tahitian tradition. You have arrived not only to the most beautiful place on earth-you are so relaxed because this is a casual cruise. No formal attire ever. The most men wear at dinner is a casual tropical shirt with pants and women a sundress or skirt. Dinner is served in the formal dining room- but one night it's a traditional Tahitian BBQ under the stars on the top deck. A different menu is offered every day. One afternoon is dedicated to a lovely BBQ Beach Party on a private island with massages available after lunch. Ahhhhhhh! Massages and beauty appointments can be booked on board, too.

Fresh local fish and international dishes are featured with pastries and desserts created by the ships Pastry Chef. And yes, you can order two of everything if you like! Room service is available 24 hours and is incredibly efficient.

Distributed for the week is your very own (no additional cost) snorkeling equipment. Inflatable vest, mask, snorkel and fins. Bringing your own aqua socks is a good idea. The sand in Tahiti is crushed coral so one must be mindful of your feet when walking, but especially snorkeling. Also, plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses and hat gear. This ship is famous for its drop-down sports platform. Banana boat rides, water-skiing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming and snorkeling are available. Again, at no additional cost and one can have water play everyday!

I took advantage of many of the shore excursions that were offered and at very reasonable prices. The snorkeling was by far the best I have ever experienced - aquamarine waters with the most beautiful and unusual fish. Also, you don't have to be an experienced snorkeler -you can stand in the water with a mask and look in! I loved the 4X4 Land Rover Jeep tours, Parasailing, Beach BBQ and Stingray feedings. There are also Shark feedings, Dolphin and Whale Watch and Pearl Farm Expeditions.

Tahiti is renowned for the best quality of Black Pearls, Vanilla Plantations, and the Tahitian art that is displayed in their clothing. Also wood carvings, woven hats, baskets and shell jewelry. If you are a photographer, bring lots of film�you will want to capture the beauty to show all your friends!

Jennifer Schwartz