First post - sailing on Star Flyer 3/22/09 - anyone else?

[One Cent]

I just discovered this web site - it was mentioned on the Flotilla (Jammerbabe) site.

First of all, I want to thank all of you for the really helpful posts about Star Clippers, and specifically about Star Flyer in French Polynesia. This is our very first cruise ever, and I have read everything on here I could find about that trip. Sounds like we chose a really good one to start with - we might get spoiled!! I feel pretty well prepared thanks to all of your reports and tips - but would still welcome anything anyone can add!

A little history - I had heard about Windjammer cruises 30 years ago and have wanted to go on one (a sailing cruise) ever since. But alas, I waited too long. First husband wasn't the least bit interested. Wonderful new husband loved the idea, but when we were going to book for our 5th anniversary last year I discovered that WJ had self-destructed. I was sooo disappointed! Lesson learned: don't wait too long to do the things you want to do!

So I started looking for other options and put myself on the mailing lists for all the sailing ships I could find (the big cruise ships just don't appeal to us.) When we received the promo offer last fall for "Free Air Fare to Tahiti", we jumped on it - we didn't want to miss another wonderful opportunity. And by reading all the posts both here and on the Flotilla, I think that Star Flyer will probably be a better match for us. And now it's only 2 1/2 weeks until we sail!!

We would love to connect with someone else going at the same time (3/22/09). Is anyone going then?

Thank you all again for all your friendly, helpful posts and information.

Penny (One Cent)

[Sassy Chassis]

You're going to have a great time.

Click my PhotoBucket link if you want to see some pictures before you go. :D

[One Cent]

Thank you, Sassy Chassis!!!!

Great photos!! So many beautiful ones - plus I loved the ones of the signs, sodas, vanilla beans, etc. Really adds a fun, personal touch.

It was also nice to see so much blue sky. Another set of photos I looked at had ALL moody, stormy looking skies for the whole trip. I fully expect rain off and on (albeit WARM rain), but I am hoping for a bit of sunshine, too, since we live in cloudy, rainy Oregon!

BTW, did you hear from other passengers about any shore excursions that didn't seem worthwhile (or worth the price?). And are there any that come highly recommended? We're not divers, but we do like to snorkel, kayak, hike, explore. Also want to have time to relax and enjoy the ship. Trying to find a balance and identify our top priorities for excursions (for both time and money's sake). We often like to strike out on our own rather than taking an actual tour, but not sure what opportunities exist there.

2 weeks, 1 day (till we fly to LA), and counting!!

Penny (One Cent)

[Zam]

Hi Penny,

We are on th Star Flyer in July and are looking forward to hearing about your time when you get back - will you be doing a review? Hope you have a great time!

Scott

[MSEm]

Have a great time, I'll be waiting to read your after cruise report.
We are booked on the Star Clipper B/B out of Athens in May 2009.

MSEm

[Zam]

Hi Penny,

Just wondering if you are back and if yes, how was the trip? can you give us a full report? Thx! Scott