Star Flyer Dec 5-27 Panama/Tahiti

[porcia]

If you are going on this cruise, please reply and we will start a list of those signed up for this great cruise. Will be great to meet everyone; it is a wonderful ship.

[Sailingmaster]

22 days at sea seems an opportunity for those who wish to share personal/travel experiences, professional topics, and the like OR maybe someone has a short educational seminar to give. We will be many different people from many walks of life and travels - would you be willing to share?

 

A topic I recently gave was on travel in Mongolia and I could also talk about and show phots of Russia and a bunch of other places. Then too, I give a professional seminar on personal communications that is always fun and my ladyfriend is a specialist in Astrology. What would you like to share or discuss? I love learning so such interaction is enjoyable. One of my specialities is sailing as I am a US Sailing Instructor and would gladly teach a little about the art.

 

But, of course, this follows 20 laps around the deck to get the blood moving or Tai Chi to wake up and set the mind at ease; anybody a good leader here?

 

Maybe we could talk the captain or mate into a short celestial nabigtion primer or if the Star Flyer has an HF radio aboard - Amateur Radio would be a kick from sea.

 

Comment?

 

Sailingmaster.

[vtbobby]

If you are going on this cruise, please reply and we will start a list of those signed up for this great cruise. Will be great to meet everyone; it is a wonderful ship.

 

OK!?...but, I thought I already started a thread with this topic, just a few threads back.

 

Kathy and her husband signed in...and I just noted that you did also.

 

My wife and I were on the Flyer last month in Greece and had a wonderful time. We will be on the Barbados to Panama leg with about 50 of the old Star Clipper Regatta gang (staying pre-cruise at the Savannah, in Barbados). I'll be using the "stay-aboard" package for three days in Tahiti, using the ship as a hotel till 30 December...then flying to San Francisco to meet my wife for New Years Eve.

 

Did Star Clippers tell you how many have signed on for this trip? Welcome aboard all!

 

Cheers, :cool:

 

Bob Ring

[biglagoon]

Hi Bob,

you are correct, somehow we have two threads going.

Do you know how to combine them?

 

Sailingmaster has a good idea--there will be people who will have lots to share with fellow passengers.

On the Star Clipper Fall 2006 transatlantic crossing many of the passengers gave talks personal/travel type presentations that were of interest to many of us.

We passengers can make our own entertainment!

We are getting off the SF Dec. 27 then reboarding Dec. 30 for the 7 day cruise around the Society Islands. Getting excited even though it is months away!

Kathy

[porcia]

Sorry...missed the other thread. Was so excited that we finally found about this part of the cruise. We had checked last year and they said no, no, no. And, then here is this notification. Haven't heard how many is a limited number of passengers, but we can all count ourselves as part of the the lucky ones. Have wanted to sail the Pacific since we crossed the Atlantic; dream come true. We even got to get the same cabin. Now we just need to pink grasshoppers and passing bats to make the cruise complete. Or, maybe we have orange grasshoppers in the Pacific......Will be nice to meet everyone.

[biglagoon]

I was told by Star Clippers person that they were taking 50 passengers on the Panama to Tahiti crossing. She said they were only taking people who had sailed before with Star Clippers. So I am assuming that we will be a seasoned lot of sailors!

[porcia]

We are flying off the day we arrive? Anyone else? Have you heard what they are going to do with us all day? I have asked, but not gotten a response. For 2008 passengers they have a day hotel set up. Thanks

[porcia]

Has anyone heard if dress for dinner is still long pants or are we good to go with shorts as this is a "working" sail?

[porcia]

Have I left anyone off the list for the Panama to Tahiti?

 

VtBobby

BigLagoon

SailingMaster

Porcia

[biglagoon]

Hi Porcia

I know of a few other people who are going on the Star Flyer Panama/Tahiti but they are not posting to this forum.

I do like Sailingmaster's suggestion of us sharing our personal/travel experiences and professional experiences.

Like you, I am excited about this trip.

Kathy

[porcia]

Kathy...do you remember if they have hairdryers? For the life of me, I just can't picture one in our room - maybe in a drawer? Thanks

[biglagoon]

Hi Porcia

Yes all the cabins have hair dryers. It is on the wall in the bathroom. This is so good for people like me who does not travel with hair dryer.

 

a thought about your dinner attire question. I will put on a dress for dinner.

my husband will have long pants for the dining room.

I like to change for dinner no matter where I am and what I am doing.

right now I am thinking about which books we will be bringing with us.

Kathy

[porcia]

Kathy...

You know when we went the Trans-Atlantic 23 days of no land, I read very little. I think I only finished one book the entire trip of 37 days. Not sure what I did, watched the horizon, visited with new friends, talked with the sail master when he repaired sails, walked the decks; time went very quickly and I was never bored, so I guess I was happily occupied. And, I had packed a stack of books to catch up on. Will cut that in half this time.

 

You are right, after a day of warm sun, a bath and dress will fill nice. I don't travel with a hair dryer anymore either, but definitely need one. Thanks for the help. Porcia

[porcia]

Has anyone heard any info re the cruise? All I have gotten is that we depart from Fort Amador -Embark at 4PM and sail at 6PM. Thanks.

[vtbobby]

Has anyone heard any info re the cruise? All I have gotten is that we depart from Fort Amador -Embark at 4PM and sail at 6PM. Thanks.

 

Hi Porcia & Kathy, et al...sorry to be away from these boards for so long.

 

The only news I have heard from my TA is that there is a total of 40 passengers signed up as of last Friday. I've booked a 11am AA flight MIA/Panama for 03 December, a hotel in Panama City, and transportation to the ship. I'll be in the MIA Airport Hotel the night before the flight.

 

My wife and I will be on the Barbados/Panama leg, with two days in Panama City for tours...so when I return to Florida, I'll be able to report fresh impressions of the Flyer, crew making the crossing, and Panama City itself.

 

Bob

[biglagoon]

Hi Bob, Porcia and all

We are booked on the American flight from Miami to Panama on Dec. 2.

We, and several other passengers will do a little sightseeing before we sail on Dec. 5.

This should be an exciting adventure. Never thought we would sail on one of the clipper ships with so few passengers.

Kathy

[vtbobby]

Hi Bob, Porcia and all

We are booked on the American flight from Miami to Panama on Dec. 2.

We, and several other passengers will do a little sightseeing before we sail on Dec. 5.

This should be an exciting adventure. Never thought we would sail on one of the clipper ships with so few passengers.

Kathy

 

Hi all...I was off by a day on my previous post...I arrive at the MIA on 03Dec; fly on 04Dec; overnight at the Sheraton Hotel in Panama.

 

Only other news is that Capt. 'Bruno' is rejoining the ship in Barbados, so he will probably be our skipper for the crossing. He loves to sail all the time, and have everyone participate. He is usually running around on deck with his shoes off, pulling on lines.

 

We head to Florida next week, and fly to Barbados on 02Nov.

 

Cheers,

 

Bob :cool:

[vtbobby]

Hi all...I was off by a day on my previous post...I arrive at the MIA on 03Dec; fly on 04Dec; overnight at the Sheraton Hotel in Panama.

 

 

We're back in Florida...a week of Dentist visits...and back to Panama City. I'm ready to GO!

 

Barbados-Panama was a ball...mini-review in other thread. Canal absolutely Awesome in a night crossing.

 

I'll be at the Four Pointes Sheraton on the night of the 4th...on the Miami flight that day. Cab to hotel should be $30 US...unless you have made other arrangements. I do not recommend the El Panama Hotel (a little late for this advice if you are booked there). We ate twice at the Marriott, and it looked very good...didn't see rooms.

 

Capt. Brunon rejoined the ship in Barbados, and will be our skipper. Frederick, the cruise director, will not be with us...he is going ahead to Tahiti to plan excursions. Herman is the Maitre'd, Ramon the barkeep.

 

I heard different numbers for the number of passengers on our crossing...but we will have a full crew!..They have had many problems with Tahiti immigration and visa problems for Asian crewmembers flying to Tahiti.

 

I was told that the ship's laundry will be fully functional...and am packing accordingly.

 

If you are interested in the Canal...I strongly recommend the Panama Canal Museum, It is in the Old City, on the Plaza, near the Presidential Palace. Your hotel Concierge can arrange an English speaking driver to take you there, pick you up at a designated time, and then go to the Miraflores Locks for the Canal Visitors Center. There is a restaurant at the locks. It was a flat taxi fee of $10 US each way for the museum. We decided to skip the locks since we had seen them the night before...and we spent so much time in the museum. Everything, except historical documents, is in Spanish at the museum...but the visuals and videos are so good that it doesn't matter. Everyone there was very friendly.

 

We had planned to take a "Margo" tour that included the locks and a return train from Colon...but the internet price of $90 US jumped to $155 each when we called to schedule...so we cancelled.

 

Do you all have ship's transport to the pier? We landed at Pier 6 in Balboa, but nobody knew if that was the departure point. My documents are arriving tomorrow via Express mail...maybe the answer is within.

 

Any cigar smokers going? Many fine Habana's available under $10..."Cohiba" and "Romeo & Julieta" ...and 20+ days to enjoy them (downwind from the rest of us, of course ;) ).

 

Looking forward to seeing all...

 

Bob Ring :cool:

[budaman]

Glad you had a grand time! Been looking forward to some updates on the Flyer as she prepares to head to Tahiti. That leg of your adventure should be amazing. Did they mention what they will be doing to the Flyer while laid up?

 

Also, are you staying over for a few days after arriving in Tahiti and if so what hotel? I am so ready to go now....I envy you:) I've already set up the picture of the Flyer in Barbados that was posted on another thread as my desktop pic.

 

Mike

 

http://gallery.mac.com/csealove#gallery

[vtbobby]

Glad you had a grand time! Been looking forward to some updates on the Flyer as she prepares to head to Tahiti. That leg of your adventure should be amazing. Did they mention what they will be doing to the Flyer while laid up?

 

Also, are you staying over for a few days after arriving in Tahiti and if so what hotel? I am so ready to go now....I envy you:) I've already set up the picture of the Flyer in Barbados that was posted on another thread as my desktop pic.

 

Mike

 

http://gallery.mac.com/csealove#gallery

 

Hi Mike...loved your gallery...great photography. I tried to access your website to send you some better Star Clipper/Flyer shots for your desktop...but just got errors. If you send me your email at sfbobby (at) gmail (dot) com, I'll send some.

 

They are replacing much of the teak deck, sandblasting and painting the hull in drydock, refurbishing cabins and passageways...and other general maintenance. We could hear a definite "ping" in the shaft or bearings...hopefully that is being looked after. Before we left, many sails were off being patched and sewn. Topside, she looked in good shape...much work was done in the Med...a new laundry was installed and galley work done.

 

Work will continue on the crossing. We've been warned to expect dust, noise, etc...but promised good food, bar, and laundry. Only "...hardy, serious sailors" were accepted as passengers...and we are prepared to help. The Purser said 27 (cruise director said 37) passengers will be aboard...two, from Switzerland, have been aboard since Rome!

 

I have appropriate books by Theroux, Michener and McCollough...24 DVD's...iPod loaded (Buffett, Kingston Trio, Beach Boys, etc.)...sun, sailing, ocean, food, beer and rum...what more could I ask.

 

I've arranged to stay aboard, and not get a hotel. If time permits, I'm planning a round-Tahiti tour...and ferry to Moorea + tour. My flight is at night on the 29th...the Flyer leaves for her first cruise on the 30th.

 

While looking for your website I saw the Mazda connection...I drive a '91 Miata BRG Special Edition...Mint...only 14,000 miles!

 

Cheers,

 

Bob :cool:

[budaman]

Thanks Bob!

 

The pics would be great...wife didn't feel comfortable setting up the site to have outside access for downloading. My email is:

mazdasouthmike(at)hotmail(dot)com

 

It would be a shame if the shaft bearing went out in the middle of the Pacific with no wind......might have to stay aboard another week or two;)

 

Hold onto that Miata....it's only going to increase in value. Good 1st generations are getting real hard to come by...with all the spec racing classes now, they're getting turned into racers. We sure took a lot of flack from 1st gens. when they came out with the green on the 2nd geners.

 

One other thing, how was the food? Been reading where the have brought in a 3 star Michelin chef to revamp the menus on all the ships, cocentrating on bringing more local flavor to the food.

 

Oh....one more thing:D could you check with the divemaster when you're on board & see if they are still going to have DIN valves on the air tanks. I'll need to get DIN converters for our regulators before we go if they do.

 

Thanks & keep us posted! Only 247 more days.........

 

PS..... on my gallery,did the link to the video work & if so, how long did it take to load. I can't access it from my work computer because of 'websense' & at home on the computer I set it up, it immediately plays when I access the link

 

Mike

 

http://gallery.mac.com/csealove#gallery

[freedom2cruise]

Just returned from the inaugural trip in French Polynesia, and had a great time. Although this is the rainy season, we only had one day of rain, and this did not dampen our spirits. This compared to the previous week in the area when we heard they had 6 out of 7 rainy days - so we feel very lucky.

 

Stops were at Huahine, Tahaa, Bora Bora, Raiatea, and two bays in Moorea, then back to Papeete. We were greeted with fanfare everywhere we stopped, as this is a big deal for a new ship to arrive in the area. Some islands had musicians and dancers to greet us, some came on board to welcome us, and some had island dignitaries for photos. We appeared in several local newspapers with photos. All stops included great scenery. Could have spent another day in Bora Bora though. Passengers were mostly in the 45-60 age group, although exceptions on both sides.

 

Most excursions were great, although a few were more taxing than expected, and most had food and drinks. Best was shark and ray feeding excursion in Bora Bora, and worst was the rainforest hike in Raitea. Island tours were very popular. There were limited beach days with the sports team, as beach ownership/access laws are a bit convoluted.

 

Food for dinner was great, and service good, but breakfast was another matter, as pancakes, sausage and potatoes were always cold (go for the omelettes and fruit). Sports team, bartenders, and cruise director were great and it sounded like diving was good with numerous shark sightings. Plenty of after dinner activities to liven up the atmosphere, and plenty of quality sailing time.

 

Only negatives were the fact that the ship was not quite shipshape, and the departure time on the last island (Moorea). They apparently did not have enough materials to complete some of the major projects (getting the new deck in place), had several experts to upgrade several areas in need (a new water system), and were working on these constantly - although crew was not at all in the way. As mentioned, the departure time the last day was the biggest issue, and many were not happy. We left Opunohu Bay Moorea at 2 pm on Saturday (Jan 5th), then sailed directly back to Papeete only 18 miles away. This only took 3 hours, where we sat at the dock until 9 am the next day when everyone disembarked. No one is exactly sure why they did not leave Moorea at midnight or later, but everyone had an opinion. This meant we were only able to have a short excursion or jaunt into town that day, and everyone felt very rushed and shortchanged. And, the problem with getting to Papeete at 5 pm on Saturday - no shops are open, and there were no excursions planned. (BTW - shops are also closed on Sundays). But, we had a last time with the sails up - although that was only for 45 minutes or so. This was a big negative, as it seemed we had a 6 day cruise and not 7, and not sure if this will remain the same or not.

 

Overall, a nice cruise where you can meet new friends and enjoy a wonderful part of the world - that is highly recommended. Probably better later in the year when rain is not expected. We are looking forward to our next Star Clippers Cruise.

[budaman]

Thanks for posting a report! Been hoping someone was going to post soon. Too bad the ship was not totally squared away, but sounds like you still had a great time. Have many questions, but I'm sure your head is still spinning......mine was for several weeks after returning.

 

Oh, welcome to the Board!

 

Mike

 

http://gallery.mac.com/csealove#gallery