Tahiti: a garden spot of ocean beauty. Here is an aerial view of the island of Bora Bora, one of Tahiti's treasured places.
OBSERVE THE JULY 11 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE CRUISE IN FRENCH POLYNESIA ON OUR
ECLIPSE CRUISE JULY 8 - 18, 2010
Tahiti: a garden spot of ocean beauty. Here is an aerial view of the island of Bora Bora, one of Tahiti's treasured places.
Corona and planets during total eclipse
This expedition will be a cruise on the sailing ship Star Flyer leaving from and returning to Papeete, Tahiti
into the Pacific Ocean in order to intercept the total eclipse of the sun on July 11.
The STAR FLYER
*FOR TOTAL CRUISE COST ADD TO THE CRUISE PRICES LISTED BELOW: $325 PORT CHARGES + $63 GRATUITIES + $80 FUEL SURCHARGE (AS OF 12/20/07)=$468.
NOTE FOR SMOKERS: SMOKING IS NOT ALLOWED IN THE CABINS OR ANYWHERE BELOW DECKS. THE ONLY PLACE SMOKING IS ALLOWED IS OUTSIDE ON THE TOP DECK AT THE AFT END (BACK) OF THE SHIP.
Our 38th solar eclipse expedition features a total solar eclipse that will be visible in the Pacific Ocean early on a Sunday morning July 11, 2010. The expedition takes place aboard the sail ship STAR FLYER, a 180 passenger genuine sailing vessel. This will be coordinated by Paul D. Maley of the NASA Johnson Space Center Astronomical Society and feature members of the RING OF FIRE EXPEDITIONS escort team who participated in past expeditions. These include European Space Agency astronaut Claude Nicollier, Dr. Patricia Reiff of Rice University, Dr. Carolyn Sumners of the Houston Museum of Natural Science and Dr. Jacques Guertin, well known eclipse photographer. Although the eclipse observation site will be pre-determined, we reserve the right to change the locations in real time in order to attempt to maximize the chance of successful eclipse observation due to local weather changes. Note that the vessel is not a huge cruise ship; hence you will be limited to short exposures, low magnification photography and video for recording of the eclipse phenomena.
Deck plan. Find a cabin on any deck.
CABIN PRICES
Look at deck plan above and choose the cabin you would like. Contact us for availability.
....Owner's suite: $12,666. (two persons) + port charges, gratuities & taxes of $468.; cabin size 226 sq.ft.
Category 1 cabin: $4,691. per person + port charges, gratuities & taxes of $468.; cabin size 150 sq. ft.
Category 2 cabin: $4,055. per person + port charges, gratuities & taxes of $468.; cabin size 129 sq. ft.
Category 3 cabin: $3,843. per person + port charges, gratuities & taxes of $468.; cabin size 118 sq. ft.
Category 4 cabin: $3,684. per person + port charges, gratuities & taxes of $468.; cabin size 118 sq. ft.
Category 5 cabin: $3,366. per person + port charges, gratuities & taxes of $468.; cabin size 118 sq. ft.
Category 6 cabin: $3,058. per person + port charges, gratuities & taxes of $468.; cabin size 97 sq. ft.
DESCRIPTION OF THE STAR FLYER
This is a 'cruise only' tour that begins and ends in Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia and features 4 incredible
minutes beneath the totally eclipsed sun. We expect best weather to be located in this region (65% chance of seeing
the eclipse) instead of the main
island overfly of the moon's shadow at Easter Island. Thus we chose the sea option since the advantage to being
on the sea is mobility. If stuck on an island, you have to take what you get.
RING OF FIRE EXPEDITIONS has conducted group tours since 1977 and does not share mailing lists, email information,
and any other private data of its members.
The 360 foot long STAR FLYER weighs 2,300 tons and has 4 masts and 21 sails it is staffed by a crew of 72. Although it
uses primarily sail power, it does have engines which are fuel powered. This is not your typical cruise ship (it is a yachting
experience) and entertainment
mostly consists of things like organized daytime games, vegetable and ice carving demonstrations or a solo musician.
There are no elevators and no room service but room stewards are attentive and thorough. Those with infirmities are
advised that the ship is geared for the ablebodied only; there are no handicapped facilities. Instead of a spa you will
find two small pools. An aerobics class is scheduled on deck although jogging is problematic due to the deck configuration.
While in port there is ample opportunities for exercise. STAR FLYER has neither staff, facilties or programs for
children. There are no formal nights.
Service is described as friendly as crewmembers do double duty as waiters, nurse, etc. Meals are the times when you
get to talk to them the most as they wait on your table from time to time. Interior lounge/paino bar and the library
are the only two public rooms.
The dining options on board are described as follows:
"When you rise, help yourself to a continental breakfast with Parisian croissants, toasted English muffins or
sweet Danish pastries, or savor a full breakfast with fresh tropical fruits and crisp bacon, grilled sausage,
smoked salmon and omelettes cooked to order in the dining room.
Clearly, this is not a cruise ship in the ordinary sense. On Star Clippers, you will find that there are no
rigid schedules. You are free to do as you wish with your days and evenings.
At lunch, a marvellous buffet of seafood, salads and grilled favorites awaits your pleasure. If the day
includes a stop at one of the paradisical islands we frequent, you might also be treated to a succulent
outdoor barbecue on shore.
Cabin interior for category 1 room. Other staterooms will be smaller than this.
When evening comes, our elegantly appointed dining room becomes the setting for the chef’s finest culinary presentations, designed to please the eye and the palate, complimented by a selection of equally fine wines. You’ll find our service to be friendly and gracious, as befits a tasteful restaurant. Of course, we would not presume to dictate your seating preferences.
You are free to dine when and with whomever you wish – including our officers, who join our guests in the dining room most nights. The dress code? No need for formal gowns and black tie, casual elegance is the order of the day and every single night."
Expedition route map beginning and ending in Papeete. The eclipse is in French Polynesia.Where in the world is it?
Arrive in Tahiti on your own (or through air that can be arranged by Carlson Future Travel available beginning
August 2009). After completion of customs formalities, you will be met by a representative holding a
sign reading "RING OF FIRE EXPEDTIONS". You will then be transferred to the Star Flyer. Departure occurs at 1000pm.
Arrive Cooks Bay, Moorea at 200am.
Our adventure occurs during the "dry season" - May through October, is the "on season" for tourism. This is
the Polynesian winter. Temperatures generally range from between 65-82 degrees F (24-28 degrees C), and rain is rare. Day to
night temperature fluctuations are minimal. As to be expected, these favorable weather conditions also bring out
the tourists. July is most likely the favorite and most heavily traveled month for all the Tahitian Islands
because of its many festivals and celebrations during the month long holiday that occurs at that time known
as Tiurai. For those interested in Scuba diving in Tahiti and her surrounding islands, the dry season is favorable
due to increased visibility. There are nearly 500 species of fishes within the Tahitian waters, along with other
amazing creatures such as sea turtles, dozens of sharks species, and the ever so popular dolphin (the "flipper"
kind), porpoises, and the hugely popular humpback whale topping the list of marine mammals. Interestingly, there
are no pinnepeds (seals or other flippered mammals) in Polynesian waters.
Hollywood has made three attempts to capture the Bounty mutiny on screen, with Charles Laughton and Clark Gable (1935),
Marlon Brando (1962) and Mel Gibson (1984) all shot in Tahiti. "An Affair to Remember" (1957), starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr,
was filmed on Moorea, as was A Love Affair (1993). De Laurentis chose Bora Bora for his 1979 film "Hurricane".
July 8 (Thursday): ARRIVAL INTO PAPEETE, TAHITI, SOCIETY ISLANDS
Sunset in Papeete........................................................The Day Market
July 9 (Friday): COOKS BAY, MOOREA, SOCIETY ISLANDS
Full day in Cooks Bay.
Often thought to be James Michener's mythical "Bali Hai," Moorea is an island of savage yet captivating beauty
where emerald mountains rise from sandy shores, towering over pineapple plantations, ivory beaches, and shady
lagoons.
Only 40 miles across, you can easily circle Moorea by car, scooter or bicycle, traveling a well paved road
along the shore. The Belvedere Lookout is one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the world. Located
between Cook's and Oponohu Bay, surrounded by the dense vegetation of the interior of the island, Belvedere is a must for all
visitors. Picture taking is best in the morning before 10 AM when the sun is behind you. Access is easy, either
from Cook's or Oponohu Bay.
In the village of Afareaitu you can view the giant waterfall, dramatic always, but truly amazing after recent
rain has covered the high rocks and ridges. Access is possible with a 4 wheel drive only and we recommend
using one of the local 4x4 excursions to travel there.
You can go on a whale and dolphin watch, departing daily, with marine biologist Michael Poole.
The best ancient temple ( Marae) is on the way up to the Belvedere. It has a unique appearance, not a building,
but instead, flat coral slabs forming a sort of enclosure. All beaches are public and the best one is 1/4 of
a mile down a dirt road, off the main road, between the Sofitel Ia Ora and the airport gas station.
Sunrise image Cooks Bay
Moorea
July 10 (Saturday): SAIL TO ECLIPSE SITE
Depart Moorea at 600am for the eclipse site. Today will be a full day at sea. We will be providing briefings
to each of the observing teams. An eclipse photo guide will be provided but our team leaders will be available
to assist with all eclipse-imaging matters.
Restaurant aboard ship
One of the ship's two pools
July 11 (Sunday): ECLIPSE DAY!
We will be in position over night to arrive at a planned location on the centerline where we hope to see 4 minutes
and one second of totality around 8.32 am local time. The ship will arrive in plenty of time before first
contact. At central eclipse, the sun will be about 26 degrees above the northeastern
horizon. Depart the area at 1000am for Rangiroa.
Planned eclipse location for our ship
If you were under the ocean, maybe this is what it might be like during totality?
July 12 (Monday): TIPUTA, RANGIROA, TUAMOTU ISLANDS
Arrive Tiputa at 400pm. Tiputa is a remote and fascinating destination. What is there to do?
Diving in the Atolls
To “shoot the pass” is to experience what many have called “the world’s greatest adrenaline rush!” Divers,
snorkelers, and even those aboard a glass-bottomed boat are carried in a rush of water between the ocean
and lagoon surrounded by seemingly millions of fish. Outside the reefs is a breathtaking array of large species
along the walls of the drop-offs, including squadrons of eagle rays and schools of sharks and tuna.
Snorkeling
Rangiroa's lagoon carries an astounding assortment of marine life, which makes it a prime spot for snorkeling.
L'Ile aux Recifs Beach, Papiro Point and the Mahuta area are all known for their superb snorkeling. However,
you don't have to go anywhere in particular to snorkel on the atoll of Rangiroa. Just grab your mask and fins,
walk out the front door of your hotel and jump in!
Typical hotel and church on Tiputa
July 13 (Tuesday): TIPUTA, RANGIROA, TUAMOTU ISLANDS
All day at Tiputa. Depart at 500pm. We will likely use this day for our Eclipse 5k "Run for the Sun".
Just how remote is Rangiroa? This account is from 2006:
"Rangiroa was the last stop on our French Polynesian Honeymoon. I can hardly imagine a place more distant
from my everyday life than Rangiroa. When we landed at the "airport", there were dogs wandering around
on the runway. we could walk from one "side" of the island to the other in about ten minutes.
When people ask me what my favorite restaurant is, I always think back to KeKe's, on Rangiroa.
KeKe's is, without a doubt, my favorite restaurant in the world. The owner (KeKe, obviously)
welcomes guests to dine under the moonlight outside of her RV-esque kitchen. I still remember
the rich taste and buttery soft texture of my Grilled Mahi-Mahi in hollandaise sauce.
Whenever I try to explain how far removed from the rest of the world we were in rangiroa, I tell
the story about KeKe's daughter. On an island (actually, it's not even an island; its an atoll,
which is basically the rim of an ancient, prehistoric volcano... but back to the story) as small
as Rangiroa, there is no car rental... there are barely roads, let along cars. If you want to go
to the restaurant (and I do mean, *the* restaurant; apart from being the best, KeKe's is practically
the only restaurant you'll find), you call ahead, and KeKe's daughter will come pick you up in a
jeep. On our ride to the restaurant, Amy and I enjoyed a conversation with KeKe's daughter; we
explained that we were on our honeymoon, that we had been in love for over ten years, that we were
enjoying the scuba diving throughout French Polynesia, etc. She asked us where we were from,
and we told her New York City. She had never heard of it. :) I don't know where else in the world you
can find folks who have never heard of New York City,
but if you find any, let me know..."
Tiputa pass between two parts of the atoll
Underwater view of turtle at Tiputa
July 14 (Wednesday): AT SEA
Enjoy a complete sea day. We hope to see the green flash as depicted below. Look for it at sunrise and
sunset each day, weather dependent.
The Green Flash occurs as the sun sets.
The Star Flyer and Star Clipper--twin ships of the fleet................Library onboard
July 15 (Thursday): BORA BORA, SOCIETY ISLANDS
Arrive Bora Bora at 900am.
Bora Bora island is possibly the single most famous island in all the world. The legends, mysteries, and
romance associated with the words "Bora Bora" bring an almost mystical presence to the island.
It's true Bora Bora is indeed a wonderful place to vacation... but this magical presence is not so unattainable.
Part of the allure has to be its almost unbelievable beauty. Two towering peaks of sheer black rock dominate
the center of the island and make an impressive backdrop to an assortment of blue waters that will dazzle the
eyes. Bora Bora's lagoon is its most treasured feature, and allows the traveler many opportunities to
experience it in a variety of ways. Windsurf, jet ski, scuba dive, swim, bask in its warmth... the list goes on.
In addition there are archaeological sites that can be explored and seven large cannon left over from World War II.
Sunrises and sunsets on Bora Bora are legendary!
Overwater bungalows.........................................................Example of brilliant flora.
July 16 (Friday): BORA BORA, SOCIETY ISLANDS
Depart Bora Bora at 500am.
Lush tropical slopes and valleys blossom with hibiscus, while palm-covered motu circle the lagoon like a delicate
necklace. Perfect white-sand beaches give way to emerald waters where impossibly colored fish animate the coral
gardens. So much has been written about Bora Bora, and yet it is hard to find the right words to describe the magic
that emanates from this island.
A remnant of the US presence are two large cannons hidden in the lush hills overlooking the lagoon. The view of Bora
Bora from the airport is truly breathtaking, and as you travel across the spectacular lagoon you will
soon understand why it is the main area of attraction for most visitors. Bora Bora itself is rather small, and can
be circled by car in about an hour. The lagoon is 3 times the size of the land mass and offers an amazing range
of hues of blue and turquoise as you navigate its crystal waters. To the southeast of the island is the Coral
Garden, a natural underwater park where all types of fish and corals are found.
Bora Bora lagoon offers a multitude of activities and excursions, one of the most popular being the Shark feeding
(video) where from chest-deep water you watch local divers feed 4' to 5' reef sharks by hand. It's a lot of fun and
totally safe. The same routine is done with a large group of friendly gray rays (video). You can also take a
circle-the-lagoon excursion with motu picnic, rent a small boat, visit the Lagoonarium near Le Meridien Hotel
and take a 4x4 excursion to the panoramic view points and the US cannons.
The lagoon around Bora Bora
Map of Bora Bora.
July 17 (Saturday): OPONOHU BAY, MOOREA Arrive in Oponohu Bay at 800am and stay until 400pm.
It is here where Captain Cook actually anchored in 1769 and where the movie "The Bounty" was filmed.
Because of its stunning scenery and accessibility to Papeete, Moorea is visited by many western tourists
who travel to French Polynesia. Especially popular as a honeymoon destination, Moorea can often be seen
in advertisements in American wedding magazines. Charles Darwin was inspired for his theory regarding
the formation of coral atolls when looking down upon Moorea standing on a peak on Tahiti. He described
it as a "picture in a frame," referring to the barrier reef encircling the island. Don the Beachcomber
lived here for some time until his houseboat was destroyed by tropical cyclones.
Set sail at 4pm for Papeete and arrive there at 7pm. Overnight onboard the ship.
Oponohu Bay image
Another view of the bay
July 18 (Sunday): PAPEETE, TAHITI, SOCIETY ISLANDS
Disembarkation from the ship will be complete by 10am. Since most flights occur late at night or early in the morning,
you may have time to explore Papeete.
Market in Papeete.
Downtown Papeete.
BASIC TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: FUEL SURCHARGE
Although the fuel surcharge is currently listed, due to unpredictable changes in the price of oil, it is possible
those charges would change between now and the time of cruise departure. Should fuel prices increase, we may be forced
to institute an additional surcharge which is beyond our control.
BASIC TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
AIR PACKAGE
An air option will be posted in August 2009 when air fares are known with some certainty. In the meantime you can consider to use frequent flier miles to reach Papeete or buy a ticket on your own.
SHORE EXCURSIONS
PAPEETE
BORA BORA
MOOREA, COOKS BAY
MOOREA, OPONOHU BAY
RANGIROA
For details and prices in Euros as of 12/31/07
CLICK HERE.
For details and prices in Euros as of 12/31/07
CLICK HERE.
For details and prices in Euros as of 12/31/07
CLICK HERE.
For details and prices in Euros as of 12/31/07
CLICK HERE.
CANCELLATION FEES (per person)
Carlson Wagonlit Future Travel recommends that each client purchase adequate trip cancellation insurance, medical, baggage, accident and other personal effects insurance. Trip cancellation insurance must be purchased at time of initial deposit. Clients should be aware that we cannot guarantee the weather for this astronomical event or any other.
TO PURCHASE THE "CRUISE, TOUR AND TRAVEL" INSURANCE PACKAGE PERFORM THE FOLLOWING STEPS:
1) Read a description of the Travel Guard package: COVERAGE INCLUDES
2) Fill out the forms to buy the package here: TRAVEL GUARD INSURANCE LINK
