Jetsettersblog

KOSRAE, Micronesia- In the South Pacific, the island of Kosrae asks volunteers to help protect their pristine reefs by capturing them with their camera. Just below the Pacific’s cerulean surface, tropical fish, pristine hard coral reefs, turtles, rays, even friendly sharks are ready to show their colors. Every fall Kosrae Village hosts an annual Coral Monitoring Project which looks at the health of some of the last remaining pristine fringe reefs in the world and their marine life.

The two-week long project attracts volunteer divers from around the world. New in the last year volunteer scuba divers will now be asked to take photos of the reefs as a way of detecting changes. Diving conditions typically include 150+ foot visibility with air and water temperatures around 84°F.

Kosrae Village, an eco lodge and PADI 5 Star Dive Center, is very active in the project and helps subsidize costs for volunteers. During the project, volunteers enjoy sleeping beneath the palm fronds of traditional Kosraen cottages and listening to the nearby waves calming crashing. Learn more about the history of the Coral Monitoring Project and other Reef Protection Projects on Kosrae at www.kosraevillage.com

www.kosraevillage.com

Tweet: Discover the Wonders of the South Pacific on two March 2012 Yacht Cruises with Award-Winning Compagnie du Ponant; http://tinyurl.com/3t5twa3

Miami, FL – White sand beaches in Fiji, volcanic peaks and lush rainforests in French Polynesia, the world’s largest lagoon in the Isle of Pines, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef – the wonders of the South Pacific are within easy reach for guests aboard Compagnie du Ponant’s newest mega-yacht, L’Austral. The two March itineraries are designed for the traveler who prefers visits to off-the-beaten­-path, unspoiled destinations, on a ship that is well-suited to sailing into the smaller, less-visited ports, especially one that has been rated as a “Cleanship” by Bureau Veritas. The 16-day “Papeete – Noumea itinerary,” departing March 2, visits 10 ports between French Polynesia and New Caledonia, including the stunning island of Moorea, named “the most beautiful island in the world” by Arthur Frommer, and Fiji’s capital city of Suva, home to a large expat community. On March 17, L’Austral sets sail on its 15-day “Noumea – Darwin” itinerary, exploring several French and Australian treasures, such as the Isle of Pines, nicknamed l’île la plus proche du paradis (“the closest island to paradise”), and the Great Barrier Reef. Stylish accommodations, elegant design, and discrete and attentive personalized service – assured by a staff to guest ratio of greater than 1:2 – all contribute to the guest’s “private yachting experience.” Prices range from $6,075 to $16,070 per person, double, for the “Papeete – Noumea” itinerary and $5,670 to $14,998 for “Noumea – Darwin.”

Guests on the “Papeete – Noumea” cruise visit several French Polynesian ports, including the capital city of Papeete, on the island of Tahiti; the pristine beaches of Moorea; Raiatea, an agricultural island producing vanilla, pineapple and coconut; and Bora Bora, a volcanic island surrounded by a veritable aquarium of whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles. After stops in Aitutaki and Rarotonga, two of the Cook Islands, the ship makes its way across the International Date Line to the Vava’u island chain in Tonga and the Fiji islands of Fulaga and Suva. The voyage concludes in the same port that the second cruise begins: the protected deep water harbor of Noumea, the capital city of the French territory.

The “Noumea – Darwin” itinerary sails to the fore mentioned Isle of Pines before continuing on and spending three days at the Great Barrier Reef, whose vulnerable and endangered species reside among 2900 reefs and 900 islands stretching more than 1,600 miles. On the mainland of Australia, the ship ports in Townsville, known for “The Strand,” a tropical beach and garden strip; Cooktown, with its rich biodiversity; and the tropical cities of Cairns and Port Douglas. L’Austral then stops at Australia’s most northerly town, Thursday Island, before making its final port of Darwin, the Northern Territory’s most populous city.

The 466-foot L’Austral mega-yacht instills a feeling of sailing on a private yacht while also providing guests all of the comforts of a true vacation. The “Cleanship”-rated ship boasts two restaurants with delicious cuisine – both haute and country French, several spacious lounges, theater, games area, two open-air bars, a swimming pool, library, fitness area, expansive sun decks, and comprehensive spa in partnership with Paris’s Sothys. The 132 well-appointed staterooms, 124 with private balconies, have king size or twin beds, desk, minibar, dressing table, marble baths with showers, L’Occitane products and all the latest technology, including flat screen satellite TVs and Wi-Fi. The “Cleanship” rating is given to vessels that exceed the MARPOL convention for waste treatment, antifouling or propulsion systems, a very select group.

Included in all sailings are all meals, accompanied by wine, beer and soda; Captain’s welcome aboard cocktail party and gala dinner; 24-hour room service; and all entertainment, events and shows as indicated within the itinerary. Port charges/taxes, gratuities, optional excursions and transfers are additional.

Established in 1988, Compagnie du Ponant is a member of both La Charte Bleue d’Armateurs de France and IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators). All of Compagnie du Ponant’s ships and cruise itineraries are designed to protect marine wildlife, coastal environments and local flora and fauna.

Compagnie du Ponant’s North American sales office is located at: 2 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 2000, Miami, Florida 33131. For reservations and further information, call: 1-305-398-9849 or toll free: 1-888-400-1082; fax: 1-877-533-3043; email: USreservations@ponant.com  or go to www.en.ponant.com

Compagnie du Ponant’s newest mega-yacht L’Austral is offering two cruises in the South Pacific in March.

The 16-day cruise from Papeete to Noumea, departing March 2, visits 10 ports between French Polynesia and New Caledonia, including Moorea and Fiji’s capital city of Suva.

The March 17 15-day cruise explores French and Australian places, including the Great Barrier Reef. Prices range from $6,075 to $16,070 per person, double, for the Papeete-Noumea itinerary and $5,670 to $14,998 for Noumea to Darwin.

The Papeete-Noumea cruise also visits Papeete, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Aitutaki and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, the Vava’u island chain in Tonga and the Fiji islands of Fulaga and Suva.

The voyage concludes in Noumea, the capital city of the French territory. The Noumea-Darwin itinerary sails to the Isle of Pines, the Great Barrier Reef for three days, and Townsville, Cooktown, Cairns, Port Douglas and Thursday Island in Australia.

For more information, call 888-400-1082,

email USreservations@ponant.com

or visit www.en.ponant.com

United Airlines is offering special airfares for North Americans flying to Palau, Micronesia, for travel between Nov. 1 and Dec. 15, and Jan. 10 to March 31. Roundtrip airfares start at $1,250 from Los Angeles, $1,350 from Houston, and $1450 from other select U.S. cities.

Stopover in Yap International Airport is permitted for a fee of $75. Fares are per person based on a roundtrip purchase in economy class. Tickets must be issued seven days prior to scheduled departure. Fares require a six-day minimum and a maximum stay of 30 days. For more information, visit www.united.com

KOSRAE, Micronesia- Looking for a new winter vacation spot away from the cold and snow?

A place where you can wander through underwater gardens, race through tropical rainforests in search of hidden ruins, paddle through mysterious mangrove channels and fall asleep in a cottage on the beach?

Kosrae Village in the South Pacific has an adventure for everyone after stepping off the plane.

Underwater Playgrounds- Ever wonder what it would be like to swim with Nemo? Scuba dive or snorkel at sites like Hiroshi Point or Walung Coral Gardens and watch colorful fish and invertebrates play. Keep a look out for turtles, rays, urchins, and anemones.

Diving classes and all gear are available with Sleeping Lady Divers.

Mangroves Paddle outrigger canoes or kayaks through Kosrae’s mangroves where trees appear to be walking through water. A local guide can show you the way, and maybe the next day you can strike out on your own.
Ancient Ruins Search for signs of ancient civilizations on the island.

When hiking through the rainforest, watch for ancient ceremonial sites or artifacts.

You can even visit a manmade island, which was once home to Kosraen royalty. Modern historical relics are also sprinkled around the island. Take a trip to a WW II bunker or search for a Japanese radio.

All of these adventures and others such as beachcombing, surfing, fishing, weaving, and tidepooling can be found on Kosrae. Kosrae Village’s Family Fun package includes 6 nights and 7 days for less than $550 per person. Kids under 12 stay free.
www.kosraevillage.com

One ticket for round trip airfare to the Micronesian island of Kosrae!
On this unspoiled island you’ll experience true eco-adventure and a diver’s island paradise. Kosrae is a 42-square-mile island located 1,418 miles southeast of Guam and 2,960 miles southwest of Hawaii.
Create a video – 5 minutes or less, telling how you would spend your time on this small tropical paradise.
Make us giggle, make us think, impress us with your fish or coral knowledge, film or graphic skills (i.e. Don your scuba gear and sing us through a day on Kosrae!) The deep blue ocean is the limit, but creativity is key!
SELECTING THE FINALISTS

The finalists in our video contest will be selected by participants’ friends. family, coworkers and anyone else who votes for a video during the judging period. People can vote for each video submission once per day. The Kosrae Visitors Bureau will select the grand prize winning video from the five videos that get the most votes.
IMPORTANT DATES
Submit Videos: October 17 – October 31
Voting period: November 1 – November 15
Jury selects winner: November 16 − 18
Winner Announced: November 21

KOSRAE, Micronesia- In parts of the world fall brings golden aspens, ruby maples, and terracotta maples front and center. This autumn after you’ve had your fill of pretty leaves and the winds turn cold, head to the South Pacific for a new interpretation of fall colors. Kosrae Island is a diver and snorkeler’s paradise. Just below the Pacific’s cerulean surface, tropical fish, pristine hard coral reefs, turtles, rays, even friendly sharks are ready to show their colors. Novice divers can watch for octopi, shrimp, and reef fish amongst the Walung Coral Gardens. Nearby the Walung Drop Off showcases resident schools of rainbow runners and barracuda with surprises hidden between the coral heads. World class snorkeling is to the east at Hiroshi Point where schools of parrotfish and eagle rays swim amidst the large hard corals. Technical divers are invited to help with a 150 ft. deep island circumnavigation goal and discover new wonders.

On the island Kosrae Village, a local eco-lodge and dive shop, offers a Divers Delight package. The package includes 6-nights, 7-days accommodations, 4 days diving- including 1 night day, and Nitrox (training included if needed) for under $1000! For those new to diving, the dive shop also provides PADI certification. If planning to visit in October, find out about the annual Coral Monitoring Project where volunteers collect data about the health of local fringing reefs. This fall experience the colors and adventures of the South Pacific and Kosrae Village.

www.kosraevillage.com

Palau, Micronesia Introduces NEW Eco Theme ParkVisit us at www.visit-palau.blogspot.com

(Palau Micronesia — Recently opened, the Palau Eco Theme Park introduces a whole new brand of adventure to this Micronesian paradise.

The theme park features Palau’s only zip-line course for those who enjoy the adrenaline rush of flying above treetops. Famous as a premier destination for underwater thrills,

Palau now boasts its new sky adventure with a three-course zip-line soaring over the Taki Waterfall Park in the State of Ngardmau. “Zipline is getting popular around the world, and it will become another major attraction of Palau,” said Chris Kay, President of Palau Leisure Group Inc., a Korean company that built the US$2.2 million adventure facility that also includes an eco-theme park and a monorail.

Eun Song Cho, chairman of Palau Leisure Group said, “I started our zipline project in Palau first because I was attracted by the beauty of the waterfalls in Ngardmau. I was fascinated by its legend.”Ngardmau’s waterfall carries the legend of a magical eel that metamorphosed into a river, with its head becoming the waterfall. Story-telling is also a feature of the amusement park.”Combined with the local legend, the theme park will also include the Asian legend about the mythical one-winged bird,” Cho said.

Unlike scuba-diving which requires certification, zip lining only requires willingness to unleash one’s inner Tarzan and primal scream as he or she gets whisked along a cable, 250 feet from the ground, from one platform to another for a ride that goes from 30 seconds to one minute. The length of each course is between 300 meters and 340 meters and is said to be one of the longest in the world. For more information about the Palau Eco Theme Park, please call (680) 747-1004. Palau, Micronesia

Located in the westernmost corner of Micronesia, Palau is an archipelago of more than 586 islands with about 20,000 inhabitants. Consistently ranked as one of the world’s best dive destinations, Palau is the ultimate paradise for the adventurous traveler, boasting some of the most spectacular water features and beaches as well as the world famous Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake. With 1,450 species of fish and 500 species of coral, some have called Palau the “8th Natural Wonder of the World”, while others have identified Palau as “One of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World.” For more information about Palau, please visit www.visit-palau.com

KOSRAE VILLAGE, Micronesia- Leave the blizzards and family squabbles at home this holiday season and head to a tropical island paradise. In the South Pacific a picturesque island complete with pristine coral reefs and lush rainforests awaits.

Let Kosrae Village become your holiday home and explore the pathways and palm frond cottages.

Ready for adventure, there’s plenty here. On land wander the rainforests or search for WW ll bunkers and ancient local ruins. Kayak the coconut and panadanus mangroves or watch marine life in tide pools along the beach.

At sea try out surfing, blue hunting, or snorkeling fringe reefs. Scuba divers can check out sunken plane and pirate ship wrecks or spectacular tropical fish and drop-offs. Certified scuba instructors can have new divers ready to dive in no time.

On Christmas Day experience local celebrations during the annual Christmas Marching. Area villages divide into groups which begin practicing songs and marching routines in November. Christmas Day brings the performances and a few festive surprises.

After the show, the audience votes for their favorite group with small donations, which go to the winning performers.

Kosrae Village offers a number of packages with 6-night, 7- day stays for under $1000.

To get here check out Continental Airlines Fly Micronesia Fare, which departs four times a week from Guam and Hawaii. The new Star Alliance Micronesia AirPass lets travelers visit up to 10 islands in Micronesia. This winter leave the cold and chaos behind and find your island adventure.

www.kosraevillage.com

KOSRAE, Micronesia –Now is the perfect time to leave behind the stress of daily life and head to the peace of your own thatched beach-front cottage in Micronesia.

Eat: Kosrae Village boasts the island’s best restaurant. Here, chefs offer traditional Micronesian fare alongside other international dishes, using the freshest local fish and produce. Prepare to meet some locals here, Inum is a favorite eatery for Kosraeans as well.

Pray: New England missionaries arrived on Kosrae Island in 1852 and, over time, converted the majority of Kosraeans to Christianity. Visit during December and see the intertwining of Christianity and island culture during the annual Christmas March.

Dive: This is a prime destination for divers from around the globe. If pristine coral reefs, tropical fish, and a variety of turtles and rays aren’t enough, there are underwater ship and plane wrecks beckoning to be explored. And, many of Kosrae’s dive spots have mild currents, which are perfect for novice divers and underwater photographers.

Making travel to Kosrae Village even easier, United Continental is now offering a Micronesia AirPass. When you’re ready to escape the frenzy of the everyday, catch a plane to Micronesia and the cerulean waters of Kosrae Island. Here travelers can find delicious cuisine, tranquility, and unsurpassed diving on a journey to self-discovery.

www.kosraevillage.com