RSSC Experience

Activities

Dining

Staff & Service

	Papeete, French Polynesia

The islands of Polynesia are a gorgeous collection of volcanic islands and atolls strewn lazily across the grand Pacific Ocean. The island of Tahiti proper, often called the "Island of Love," is the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that comprise French Polynesia. The 402 sq. miles (1041 sq. km) of Tahiti's surface area consists of mountain peaks reaching over 7,300-ft (2248 m) into a lei of wispy clouds. Around Tahiti- Nui (big Tahiti), a 71 mile (114 km) long road winds between the mountains and the sea. On the peninsula known as Tahiti-Iti (Little Tahiti), the road continues down each coast for 12 miles (18 km). Papeete, the modern and bustling capital of Tahiti and Her Islands, contains government offices, Gendarmerie, hospitals and clinics, banks and many other services dedicated to serving the population of the islands as well as tourists who come for a life-enriching experience to these magical islands. Only the "In Paul Gauguin's Footsteps" tour is available on the Saturday. Other excursions are available to guests remaining overnight in Papeete.

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	Tahaa, French Polynesia

Sharing a common lagoon with Raiatea and accessible only by boat, Taha'a produces about 80% of all vanilla in French Polynesia. Taha'a is the only island in the Society Islands that can be completely circled by boat inside the protected lagoon. With its many deep bays and small deserted motu on the reef, Taha'a is an ideal island to escape the 20th century. Here you can explore the reef and discover the beauty of its multicolored lagoon, enjoy a picnic on a deserted motu or go hiking in the mountains and through the vanilla plantations and learn the mystery of these "orchids." With only a handful of guesthouses and two small hotels, Taha'a is slowly awakening to tourism and yet it still maintains an authentic flavor of Polynesia. Your fantasy of a South Seas paradise probably includes a white sandy beach with swaying palms, a gentle breeze and crystal-clear waters. We are delighted to offer our guests, as an exclusive event, a day at such a beach on our own private island, "Motu Mahana," on the reef that surrounds Taha'a. It's an idyllic day of relaxation, water sports, and Polynesian hospitality in a beautiful, natural setting. Enjoy a delicious barbecue of seafood, steak or chicken grilled to order and be entertained by strolling Polynesian musicians and singers.

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	Grand Turk

Horseback Ride & Swim Tour. You will depart the cruise ship pier in air-conditioned comfort for the scenic twenty minute coach ride along the coast and across the island to the other side. The trip bypasses Governor's Beach, the local airport and one of Grand Turk's natural salinas that has been newly renovated to show visitors to the island how salt is obtained in its natural form. Salt was once Grand Turk's main source of income. You will continue your drive past the charming little city of Cockburn Town, the administrative and political capital of the Turks & Caicos Islands, before reaching the Grand Turk Indigenous Horse Shelter where your tour begins.
Once mounted on your horse, you will go for a leisurely walk along the beach while enjoying the view of the crystal clear Atlantic Ocean. Learn about the history of the catchment area that can be seen in the distance before your swim in the ocean with the horses.
Your guides will then unsaddle your mounts and prepare them for the swim. You then remount your horse, with a halter and enter the ocean for the "experience of a lifetime". Afterward, you can take a shower and relax, before being transferred back to the ship. On the return journey you can enjoy the view of the North Creek where many locals have their boats moored and is the only hurricane shelter for yachts traveling between Nassau and Puerto Rico. If you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of the famous endangered "Pink Flamingos" basking in the sun in one of the many salinas on the Island.

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	Moorea, French Polynesia

Moorea, which has often been likened to James Michener's mythical island of Bali Hai, is only 11 miles (17 km) from Tahiti. Many visitors say it is worth the visit just to see Moorea's spectacular bays. The volcanic peaks, reflected in the tranquil waters of Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, rise like a shark's jaw from the island's basaltic base. The mountain slopes are covered with pineapple plantations, and sandy beaches border crystalline lagoons. Whether you choose to visit the turquoise lagoon or the majestic mountains you'll remember Moorea with fond memories. Shopping is quite good on Moorea. You can find hand- painted designs on clothing that is ideal for the tropical climate. Shop for precious black pearls, curios, perfumes, pareus, sundresses, etc.

MOOREA DIVING: Sighting of sharks on nearly every dive make this island a popular diving destination and the reefs of Moorea are beautiful and rich in hard coral diversity. The inhabitants surrounding the reef are multicolored tropical fish and invertebrates. At times a tuna will come by or dolphins will be heard clicking just out of sight. In the months of August to October, humpback whales are often seen near the entrance of Cook's or Opunohu Bay.

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	Tahaa, French Polynesia

Bora Bora lies 150 miles (240 km) northwest of Tahiti in the leeward Society Islands. The main island, home to 4,225 inhabitants, is in the center of a multicolored lagoon, surrounded by offshore ?motu? islets inside a protective coral necklace. There is only one navigable pass, facing the principal village of Vaitape. 18 miles (29 km) of partially paved road circles the island, passing colorful villages, archeological sites, old Army bunkers and cannons left over from World War II, when 5,000 American GIs made a ?friendly invasion.? Matira, the public beach, has white sand and warm, shallow water. Bora Bora?s lagoon is world-famous for its beauty.

Bora Bora Diving: The lagoon of Bora Bora is constantly replenished with ocean water from the ocean swells that crash over the fringing reef. In the center of the lagoon one side of the extinct volcano still stands as a tall mountain. The old crater has eroded and is now submerged. Within the lagoon the depths of water vary from a few inches to 120 feet. The diving inside it is pure delight.

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