Tia Moana - Superyacht Bora Bora Cruise and Le Taha'a Private Island Resort and Spa (Le Tahaa) Review Ship Embarkation

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2005 Date: 1/17/2005

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Helicopter Transfer to Bora Bora	Helicopter To SuperYacht
After a breakfast at Vanilla and checkout at Le Taha'a Private Island Resort and Spa (Le Tahaa), we took a short ride in the electric golf cart with our luggage to the other side of the motu, to the helipad. The helicopter arrived shortly thereafter and within a few minutes we lifted off for the incredible 10 minute flight to Bora Bora airport. Flying into Bora Bora via helicopter is amazing and beautiful. The volcanic peaks jut out from the myriad of colors surrounding the island. The lush tropical peaks are usually cloud encrusted, which give the island a great deal of fresh water from precipitation.
	Movie- 2005 Day 5 SuperYacht - Ride from Resort to Helipad

Airport Greeting and Transfer to Tia Moana Yacht	Greeting at Bora Bora Airport Before Transfer to Yacht
We were greeted at the helicopter by the yachts hotel director, champagne and tropical fruit juice. After acquaintances, we found out that there were only one other couple on their honeymoon on the 240 foot motor yacht. Total passengers, four. Total crew 36. Not too bad for a week in paradise.
	Movie- 2005 Day 5 SuperYacht - Helicopter Arrival Landing

Tia Moana	Leaving Channel at Bora Bora Airport Headed to Yacht
We circled around the anchored yacht after a 10 minute ride out from the airport (which is located on a motu just outside of the main island of Bora Bora. The yacht is huge, and very impressive. Apparently last week, Sharon Stone was supposed to be on the yacht, but she changed her plans. It's in incredible feeling being one of only four passengers on a yacht this large. Tia Moana has a sister ship, the Tu Moana.
	Movie- 2005 Day 5 SuperYacht - Helicopter to Yacht Take-off

SuperYachts and Boutique Cruising	The Yacht - Tia Moana
The crew is very international, with more emphasis on French personnel for the staff. Language aboard is French and English. The ship uses V-Ships to staff (same as Radisson).
	Movie- 2005 Day 5 SuperYacht - Helicopter Ride Enroute to Bora Bora

Check-in	The Yacht - Tia Moana
Once aboard, we went to the front desk to fill out a credit application for on-board charges, then we were showed to our cabin, on the bridge deck aft. Just outside our cabin was a huge aft deck lounge area. Just above, was the sun deck with lounge chairs, and jacuzzi and bar. Just below was the bar and lounge (with large screen and projection TV). The deck below that was the dining room.
	Movie- 2005 Day 5 SuperYacht - Outside Dining Deck One

Cabin	Stateroom 142
The cabin is compact, and very well appointed. There is a Aquos flatscreen LCD TV with DVD player. I made a music CD on my Powerbook, which played just fine on the Sharp DVD player. There is ample room for two, with luggage storage under the bed. In the desk area there is a 220 V outlet, and you can get a 110 V converter at the front desk. There are a maximum of 30 staterooms, however the yachts (both Tu Moana and Tia Moana) are being refitted so that there are luxury suites with more room on the upper decks.
	Movie- 2005 Day 5 SuperYacht - Stateroom 142

Bathroom	Bathroom
Our cabin had a very compact bathroom-- probably the most compact I have had in 14 cruises, however it was also the most elegant and functional. There is a blowdryer built-in to the wall, along with 220V and 110 V outlets. The shower was too small for my taste, but I have been informed that the bridge deck will have junior suites at some point in the future with more overall room than what is currently available.
	Movie- 2005 Day 5 SuperYacht - Outside Dining Area

Afternoon at the Motu	Sebastien Serving Us Drinks in Our Stateroom Upon Arrival
After a nice lunch on the aft outside deck, we took the yachts launch to the motu, which is at Pearl Beach. After some snorkeling and kayaking, I took a short massage and then we relaxed until about 5:00 p.m. when the launch took us four passengers back to the ship.
	Movie- 2005 Day 5 SuperYacht - Outside Lounge Area

Early Evening Cocktails and Dinner	Lounge and Bar Area with Projection Screen for DVD's
After some melonballs at the bar, and some conversations with the captain, we proceeded to dinner. Dinner was fantastic. It was like we were on our own private yacht. I had the seared tuna steak and requested some sushi for some dinners to follow. Even though I'm not a big fan of French food, the quality and presentation of this food was so good, it was hard not to appreciate it.
	Movie- 2005 Day 5 SuperYacht - Pan of Sun Deck and Jacuzzi

After Dinner Drink and Bridge Visit	Outside Dining Area - Aft Deck
After dinner, we proceeded to the bar for a glass of Drambouie, and then we went to the bridge to watch the ship navigate through the channel out to sea. We were headed for Raitea, where we would anchor the next morning.
	Movie- 2005 Day 5 SuperYacht - Sun Deck - Top Deck

Overall Impressions	Outside Dining Area - Aft Deck
This is the most elegant yacht I have been on, and certainly the most luxurious ship. This is one of the worlds best kept secrets. What better way to travel ? The yacht is adorned with beautiful art and comfortable, casual surroundings. The service is unequaled.

Top Deck	Bar on Top Deck
The top deck has a jacuzzi, aft lounge, and deck lounging chairs for sunbathing.

Afternoon at Motu	Motu
Almost every day, the yacht anchors out near a motu, where a bar, massage tent, chairs, and water toys are set out.

Lounge Area	Lounge and Bar
Before dinner drinks are served in the lounge, or champagne can be served on the top deck to watch the beautiful sunsets.

Before Dinner Sunset Photo	Pepe
My routine before dinner is to always watch the sunset with a glass of champagne, or a martini.

Itinerary Map	Route Map
Map of scheduled route amongst the islands.

Hotel Director	Welcome Note
Victor, the hotel director was like our personal guide for each days activities. If there was something we wanted to do, we would ask him and he would take care of it. It's like having your own personal concierge aboard.

Welcome Aboard Information	Welcome Info
Info

Welcome Aboard Information	Welcome Info - Page Two
Info

Welcome Aboard Information	Welcome Aboard Info Sheet in .pdf Download Format
In .pdf download format.

Cruise Excursions	Excursions Info - Page One
There are only a few excursions to choose from. We found them to be alot of fun-- of course there is never enough time to do everything. The excursions were limited to the best activities available. Of course, you are welcome to do everything, or nothing and just enjoy the SuperYacht.

Cruise Excursions	Excursions Info - Page Two
Excursions.

Cruise Excursions	Excursions Info - In .pdf Download Format
Excursions Info - In .pdf Download Format

Daily Newsletter	Newsletter
Each night, a daily newsletter is left in your stateroom which describes the next days activities.

Newsletters - .pdf Download	Newsletter in .pdf Download Format
You can download the entire week of newsletters by clicking on the image to the right.

Informational Guide Download	Information Guide - in .pdf Download Format
The stateroom has an informational guide, which I scanned into .pdf format. Click on the image to the right to download.

Additional Photographs: Ship Embarkation