CRUISE AGAIN WITH HEIDI Hi, I'm your Cruise Director for Dignity 14. June 18-24 2001 enroute to Tahiti and the South Pacific




Tahiti, is the largest of the 130 Islands in French Polynesia. We arrived via an 8 hour flight from Los Angeles, tired but excited, we were escorted to the R-3 cruise ship. The elegance of this ship is exemplified by this setting in the ship's Library. The luggage arrived within an hour and we began the cruise with a fine meal in the Cafe Dining Room before turning in for the night. Tomorrow we'd have a full day in Tahiti starting within the capitol of the French Polynesia, Papeete. With the tropical warmth and cooling sea breezes we awoke in the midst of paradise on earth. The slow pace of the local people showed in their courtesy towards pedestrians right down to the friendly "hang loose" hand signs.

The 600 foot R-3 was small in comparison to other cruise liners, but proved to be ideal for the itinerary of this cruise. It served us well as a floating hotel and restaurant during our many day excursions on different islands.
Dinner on ship with Me, Monika, Delores, Carol (back row) Emilee, Marga, Lori and Marsha (front row). The service was great and we were treated like royalty.


Protected from the surf the reef provided perfect protection for thousands of beautiful fish

Mt Mauaputa, commonly called Bali-hi, on the island of Moorea
Marsha and Monika at Belvedere overlooking Opunohu Bay, Mt Rotui and Cook Bay on the island of Moorea. See that little spot in Cooks Bay? That's our cruise ship.


Crossdressing is not foreign in Tahiti, in fact it has a deep heritage in Polynesia. Tahiti's third sex, the "mahu" (transvestite) lives on and plays an important role in the Polynesian culture. They are a popular and honoured member of every village. One becomes a mahu by choice, by being coaxed into the role or both at an early age. The individual associates primarily with females and learns to perform the traditionally feminine household tasks. It is not uncommon that the first born male to be raised as a female. After puberty, the mahu may assume a woman's role by cooking, cleaning, looking after childrem and wearing feminine clothing. He may dance what are normally women's parts during festivals, often with greater skill than the women around him. In the villages he may work as a maid, and in Papeete can often find employment as a waiter, professional dancer or bartender.
The R3 anchored in Cooks Bay. We "tendered" (took the ships lifeboats) to shore and back. (Nice to know they worked... "giggle"). The water was crystal clear and you could easily see over a hundred feet while snorkeling in the warm water.
The water was warm enough to feel no chill, but refreshing in the tropical heat.
Me, Monika, Lori and Marsha after a great day touring around Moorea
Paradise is warm breezes, palm trees and good times
There were so many things to do. Some opted to go on organized bus tours of the islands, some snorkeled, went scuba diving, rented cars, bicycled, rode horses, and others shopped. There were plenty of fun things to experience!
On Raiatea, Patty, Jenny Lou, Monika and I signed on for an outrigger canoe trip to Tahaa. It began with a visit to the small island of Teavapiti for a swim, followed by a cruise over to the island of Tahaa to visit a Black pearl farm. Then we went to another small island off the reef where we swam in a small enclosure filled with small manta-rays! You have never felt such soft velvet like creatures, so friendly and curious. This was followed by a feast of local fruit, all fresh and served by a cute polynesian family. What a treat, and all for $20 each.
ME, Monika, Patty and Jenny Lou, enjoying a fine dinner after a fun filled day on Raietea and Tahaa.
Sunrise over Bora Bora... South Pacific Paradise. To see the Southern Cross fade in the early morning light. Sigh.......
The sounds of the wind thru the Palms, the warm moist air, the feel of it all....yes, I shall come back....
Bora Bora, a bit more comercialized, but far from that of the least in Hawiian standards. Truly an unspoiled paradise.
Our group. Class of 2001 Dignity Cruise 14
Back to Papeete, Tahiti, looking back over to Moorea. Memories abound, experiences sealed into our souls...




Thank you for visiting my cruise page, please stay around and check out my other pages. Sharing these transgendered adventures are for YOU. Come out and join us on the next cruise...May 2002 to Alaska for a 7 day cruise. Click on the "SHIP" below to find out the details.



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