Tourism leaders from French Polynesia have unveiled an ambitious new push into the Australian market, built around a simple proposition: Tahiti is no longer just a honeymoon destination for the wealthy. It is a diverse, accessible and sustainable destination that is best explored by ship.
Virgin Voyages, billionaire Richard Branson's foray into cruising which quit Australia two years ago, is back.
But only, at this stage, with a sales office.
The night before our cruise, we get a text message from Carnival to say adverse conditions are expected for Noumea and Lifou, forcing an itinerary change.
She's the most specious ship yet from luxury line Oceania Cruises. James Sitters tells Rose Kelly and Peter Lynch what's on board the new class of ship, including restaurants, spas and suites.
