Live Cruise Update: Le Meridien Bora Bora

Note: This week I'm blogging and tweeting live from the Society Islands in French Polynesia. We're sailing aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin from Paul Gauguin Cruises and will also enjoy overnight stays at the InterContinental Resort Tahiti and Le Meridien Bora Bora.

On Day 1 at Bora Bora we stayed at Le Meridien to get the overwater bungalow experience. Here are a few snapshots to tied you over until I can blog more and tell you all about it.

This morning we're in Moorea and are about to attend a lecture by Mark Eddowes, who's been appointed National Geographic expert in French Polynesia. We'll also take his walking tour later today.

More details to come!

Le Meridien "base" on Bora Bora. This is where you pick up your boat shuttle to the resort, which is on a motu off the main island.

The boat shuttle to Le Meridien.

The pier flanked by rows of overwater bungalows.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photos © Leonard Hospidor and Andrea M. Rotondo

Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi

Born in November 1835, Rani Laxmi Bai is the bravest soldier of First War of Indian Independence. Even in her childhood she was known for her bravery. Even though not from royal family she was well versed in horse riding, sword fighting and archery.

At a very young age she was married to Raja Gangadhar Rao, the Maharaja of Jhansi. After the death of her husband, she adopted a son and appointed him as a successor of Jhansi. But on the pretext that adopted son is not entitled to throne the British annexed Jhansi from her. Rani was not ready to give up Jhansi to Britishers which rightfully belonged to her.

In March 1858, the Britishers attacked Jhansi. With her trusted warriors Rani Laxmi Bai fought for about two weeks against the British. However, after this great war, Jhansi fell to the British forces. When the situation was not in control, Rani of Jhansi with some of her warriors departed from Jhansi. But regrouped her warriors and she captured Gwalior, which was under the control of British then. Again a fierce battle took place. Rani Laxmi Bai fought with deathless patriotism and martyrdom. However on the second day of battle,on 18th June of 1858 she lost her life at the very young age of 22.

Live Cruise Update: Day 1 in Bora Bora

Note: This week I'm blogging and tweeting live from the Society Islands in French Polynesia. We're sailing aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin from Paul Gauguin Cruises and will also enjoy overnight stays at the InterContinental Resort Tahiti and Le Meridien Bora Bora.

m/s Paul Gauguin in Bora Bora's Lagoon Off Vaitape

Yesterday was our first of two days in Bora Bora. We woke early and headed to the Grand Salon at 8:15 am to queue up for the Shark and Ray Watching By Glass-Bottom Boat Tour. If you're looking for a low-impact tour that's also a bit more exciting than an air-conditioned bus ride around the island, this 1.5-hour trip is for you.

About 10 of us boarded a small glass-bottom boat and boated out to the lagoon to view black-tipped reef sharks and lemon sharks. Through the glass, we did manage to find two or three lemon sharks. They stay at the bottom of the ocean so you'll only see those through the glass or while diving. Our captain also baited the water and drew the attention of about 15 black-tipped reef sharks.

Our glass-bottom boat captain piloting us toward the shark-viewing area.

The view through the glass bottom of the boat.

You can just make out the outline of a lemon shark.

Here are two of the black-tipped reef sharks that stopped by to say 'hello' and get some food!

After we had our fill of shark photo ops, we moved to a more shallow part of the lagoon where we met some stingrays. These animals are very tame here and are used to people arriving each day to feed them. Your guide will attract the stingrays and feed them while you touch their backs (very silky) and swim alongside them.

Our guide feeding a stingray.

It is easy to get out of the boat and the water is very shallow in this part of the lagoon so there is no reason not to take part. The stingrays are very gentle and it is not scary at all. This is a short excursions but well worth the while! The cost per person is about $90.

After the tour, we headed back to the Paul Gauguin to pick up our overnight bag and went to Le Meridien Bora Bora for the afternoon and evening. I need to download our photos from that stop and then I'll upload some for you to see. The resort is stunning and we loved swimming with the sea turtles in Le Meridien's lagoon. Our overwater bungalow was also stunning. More details to come...

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photos © Leonard Hospidor and Andrea M. Rotondo