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 AT THE BAR.
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, crab races, 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 not possible due to the deck configuration.
and must be done ashore. 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."
TO SEE RESULTS OF OUR SHIP SAIL JULY 2008, CLICK HERE!
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 Travel Leaders/Future Travel available beginning
August 2009). [Important note: Since flights arrive usually late in the day, you should elect to arrive the previous day in order
to guarantee you won't miss the ship departure. Transfers to a nearby hotel on July 7 plus a day tour featurign a
trip to Point Venus where Capt. James cook observed the transit of the planet Venus across the face of the sun
in 1769] are available at extra
cost.] 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.
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".
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
July 8 (Thursday): ARRIVAL INTO PAPEETE, TAHITI, SOCIETY ISLANDS
Sunset in Papeete........................................................The Day Market
July 9 (Friday): COOKS BAY, MOOREA, SOCIETY ISLANDS
Arrive Cooks Bay, Moorea at 200am. Full day in Cooks Bay. Sunrise is around 6:35am, sunset 5:47pm.
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.
Early morning optional Eclipse 5k Run for the Sun. Transfer to shore and back and complete the run/walk before breakfast.
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 and viewing matters.
Restaurant aboard ship
One of the ship's two pools
July 11 (Sunday): ECLIPSE DAY!
Arrive at the solar eclipse location around 400am. Estimated location will be near 18 degrees 36 minutes north
latitude, 147 degrees 17 minutes west longitude. This will be a location at or near the centerline where
we hope to see 4 minutes
and one second of totality around 8.32 am local time. 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. Note that snorkel equipment is
available on the ship and the cruise director will specify where snorkeling can be done. As always, snorkeling
and diving are weather dependent at all locations.
Typical hotel and church on Tiputa
A view of the southern sky during darkness when there is no moon.
July 13 (Tuesday): TIPUTA, RANGIROA, TUAMOTU ISLANDS
All day at Tiputa. Depart at 500pm.
Rangiroa is the second biggest atoll in the world and is the most famous tourist destination in the Tuamotus. For
divers all over the world it is a Shangri-la. It is the epitome of diving for intermediate to advanced divers
with amazing drift dives due to the
pass currents and desnity of pelagics, particularly sharks. Visibility defies description often exceeding 40m (130ft).
From July to October there is a good chance to see manta rays and eagle rays with schools of snappers, convict suregonfish,
unicorn fish and groupers as well as soldier fish hiding in caves. You can find good snorkeling at Nuhi Nuhi as well
as novice diving.
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.
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 16 (Friday): HUAINE, SOCIETY ISLANDS
Depart Bora Bora at 500am arrving Huahine at 1000am. There are many things that make Huahine stand out among the
Society islands, but perhaps the most treasured one is the much saught after idea of solitude and quietness. Similiar
to its cousins Raiatea and Tahaa, Huahine is far less touristed than Moorea, Bora bora and Tahiti! (and that's a good
thing) This island is so relaxing and stress free that many people pick it as their favorite Society Island after
traveling here just once. There's also an abundance of long and beautiful white sandy beaches on Huahine...
and the good news is that on this island, most of them are easily accessable for total quality beach and sun worshipping.
Huahine is made of two islands attached by a bridge over a channel. It is born of three separate volcanoes. In the
small river of Faie live a rare species of blue eyed tame eels whose length reach 2 meters (6.6 ft); village children spend
the day with them and feeding them to the point where they have practically become domesticated.
Huahine coastline
Also good snorkeling and 5 dive sites at Huahine. The "canyon" is a dive site featuring a large corridor flanked
by steep cliffs decorated with soft and hard coral. The bottom is at 27m (55 ft) but it is not necessary to go that
deep in order to explore fissures and cavelets sheltering moray eels.
Depart Huahine at 600pm for Oponohu Bay.
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 or if you elect, you may leave the
ship early and catch a late night flight back to the US.
Oponohu Bay image
Another view of the bay
July 18 (Sunday): PAPEETE, TAHITI, SOCIETY ISLANDS
After breakfast you can walk about two blocks from the ship and tour the day market where produce and souvenirs
can be found in town. Disembarkation from the ship will be complete by 10am. [Important note: Since most flights occur late at night
or early in the morning, you may choose to explore Papeete or transfer to a nearby hotel (optional cost) until
your departure that night.]
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:
OPTIONAL COST GROUND TRANSFER PROGRAM
After the July 2008 dry run of the cruise and air connections, we have had to readjust our tour planning. Airline flights into and out of Tahiti are mistimed for this cruise. Therefore we have had to build a ground transfer package in order to cope with the expected scheduling in 2010. The most direct routing into Papeete, Tahiti is on Air Tahiti Nui from Los Angeles where there are typically two or three flights per day. Flight arrival into Tahiti (early and late evening) on Air Tahiti Nui from Los Angeles are the most direct routings; the ship departs at 10:00pm on July 8. There is a high risk of a missing the cruise departure should the flight be delayed or cancelled. If this happens you are responsible for catching up to the ship. There are no refunds possible based on terms and conditions.
The ship arrives in Papeete around 8pm on July 17 and the last flight leaves at 11:30pm for Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui. It may seem like there is more than enough time but the process is very slow as each flight has about 300 passengers to board. Cruise participants normally overnight on the ship and disembark July 18 around 930am then take the flight out later that night.
The above scenarios mean that passengers take the following package: Arrive Wednesday night July 7, 2010, transfer to Sofitel Hotel. Overnight July 7, transfer to the ship around 4pm on July 8 when boarding is first allowed. On July 18, transfer from the ship to the Sofitel until 8pm that night; then transfer to the airport. There is an optional cost tour offered during the day that amongst other things will visit Point Venus, where in 1769 Capt. James Cook observed the transit of Venus across the Sun.
The cost for this optional ground transfer program is
$589. per person, double occupancy which includes 4 transfers and 2 nights hotel without meals.
While this seems expensive, Tahiti is a very expensive place and the prices are typical for the islands. The
transfers will be for the evening arrival flight on Air Tahiti Nui July 7, transfer from Sofitel on July 8, transfer
from the ship on the morning of July 18 to the Sofitel and transfer from the Sofitel to the airport on the evening
of July 18. If you deviate from the arrival/departure plan this is an extra cost item and any transfer/hotel
deviation will be a new separate charge by the ground operator. One thing we are trying to arrange is for the
ship to be in port around 6pm on July 17. This means that you could exit the ship early and catch the late night
flight back to Los Angeles. All you would miss is one night on the ship. Should this occur it would eliminate one
night at the hotel and thus reduce the price by around $200. More on this as it develops.
IMPORTANT: If you elect to arrive and transfer on your own on the day of cruise departure you risk a misconnect.
Should this
occur, you will have to find some way to get to Moorea (perhaps via air or ferry) on your own in order to meet
the ship the following day. If you elect to leave the ship early on the night of final return to Papeete, there is
also a chance of misconnect which depends on actual port arrival time and amount of time to disembark luggage and
transer to the airport.
OPTIONAL COST AIR PACKAGE
The following air package on Air Tahiti Nui is now offered for July 2010 between Los Angeles and Papeete and the
price is per person:
$1624. economy class
$4660. business class
Fares are not guaranteed until purchased and unfortunately air taxes could be increased since they are not official
until August 2009. Taxes and fuel surcharges as of July 8, 2008 and are included in the rates here. To reserve
the base airfare at the above price (exclusive of any future tax, fuel charge increase), send a $200. deposit
in addition to the tour deposit below.
What will remain fixed is the air cost; taxes and fuel surcharges will change until ticketing is completed and that
cannot be done until August 2009. Schedules for 2010 are not known at this time but are expected to be
quite similar to those in effect in 2008. Note: if you arrive on your own and have not purchased the transfer
package above you are responsible for getting to/from the ship and any other non-cruise related services.
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)
Travel Leaders/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
