It's not the honeymoon I need help with, it's trying to find the best way to reduce the air fare from Balt/DC to South Pacific destination in April 2001(still undetermined? Bali, Fiji, Tahiti). I'm not made of money, and admittingly not well versed in the FF arena. Any direction on what to start looking for, doing, memberships, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Even a game plan on limiting first class damage would be at the top of the registry. Thanks in advance.

how much vacation time do u have?

have u thought of a cruise? last year we went to Tahiti on Radissons Paul Gaugin... that was the best cruise we have ever taken... and there were at least 7 couples on their honeymoon....
i strongly recommend u to consider this cruise!

AA has partnered with Air Pacific but you don't have very long to come up with the miles. Credit cards and MCI help. you may want to keep an eye on political unrest in Fiji as they have been having quite a problem.

I person after my own heart. Although I haven't been on the cruise myself, belle3388's suggestion might be your best way to go if you're interested in Tahiti (my person favorite). Take a look at onsale.com. They are always offering the cruise (with airfare) that belle spoke of. I have seen the cruise go for about $3,000. That's not bad for a cruise for two with air. I do believe you can upgrade to 1st class for $800 per person more. Taking into consideration how much air alone is, this is a bargain. I know that business class to Tahiti on Air Pacifi (an American partern) is about $3800 per person. Be award that the auctions on onsale are for upcoming, probably within the next 2-3 months, sailings. I don't think they will offer it for auction now for sailings next year. You can always get it directly through the company and get a decent deal. On a side note, I have some friends who went to the Cook Islands. They said it was just as spectacular as Fiji/Tahiti but ALOT less expensive. Something to think about.

In order to cut down on excessive tourism, cruise ships are restricted in the French Polynesian islands. Only three ships are allowed year round access: One from Radisson Seven Seas Cruise Line (m/s [i]Paul Gaughin[/b]) and two from Renaissance Cruise Lines (R3 and R4, I believe).

Renaissance is a killer deal. Yes, it looks expensive, but it really isn't when you look deeper. For example, the package includes air from LAX and a hotel night in Papette. Plus, all meals are covered when on the ship.

I like cruises, but there is also something special about spending several days in a resort. Ideally, the weeklong cruise (either Renaissance or Radisson) plus a week in a resort (I recommend Le Meridian Bora-Bora) would be perfect.

In case you can't tell, I love the Society Islands!

Many thanks for the help. I have about two full weeks, with most likely losing a day in LA on each end. The cruise sounds like an efficient and romantic method, but it may be a tough sell to my fiance who has not expressed a desire to be on a boat for extended time. I will check it out further!

This is great! I appreciate all of your input. Thank You RDURES1, birdyy and Banker.

u r not literarily on a boat on an extended time, yes, u r travelling on a boat, a five star hotel, where ur bed is made two times a day, all ur meals including five course dinners r paid for, u dont have to lug around suitcases hopping from airport to airport, and u arrive each morning at a new island....
on the boat, there r so many activities, the paul gaugin has a sports deck that opens to the sea level, we went kayaking on the lagoons of borabora, moorea... heavenly!
hmmm, just thinking of it now makes me want to go back on the cruise to tahiti...

You should consider Bali for your honeymoon in my opinion.

The Ritz Carlton starts at $115 USD and you can spend time on the beach then go inland to Ubud area (Four Seasons Sayan is one of the best hotels I've ever stayed at.)

Try www.balivillas.com for a chat room on Bali.

For lower cost air to Bali, try booking from West coast cities like SFO, LAX, SEA, or even ORD, DFW, IAD, or NYC/BOS. You might save $1000+/person by just lucking onto a low cost flight out of a port city. Also consider a consolidator.

Good luck!

Carberry

"You should consider Bali for your honeymoon in my opinion."

I could not agree more. The "Land of a thousand smiles" is great

-Another, who'd a very happy Balinese honeymoon.

BTW- Of course my wife had us stop in Singapore to do some shopping too!

yeah, Bali will work too... we loved the Four Seasons we hired a knowledgeable local tour guide who spoke english through the concierge, had a marvellous time!

after all this, please let us know where u DO finally choose to go for ur honeymoon...
would love to hear about ur trip as well...
good luck!

Bali! Ritz or Intercontinental...or if you ARE made of money...the Four Seasons.

Dorian

Dorian,

I agree about the Ritz and the Four Seasons...but the Interconti really sucks in my opinion. It was outdated and dark in the suite I had. Worn down comes to mind.

Now that said, the location/beach is GREAT. Tradeoffs!!!

Carberry

Carberry,

I was there in the early spring and could not disagree with you more. The room I had (@ USD129/night) was outstanding as were the amenities.

Maybe just back luck/good luck?

Dorian

Thanks for confirming one of my choices, The Four Seasons at Bali. I have information on both Sayan and Jimbaran Bay and both post 1 bedroom villas at $525USD per night with 21% tax. Not a wealthy man but if I can keep airfare in check somewhat, I may procede with plans to honeymoon in Bali. Do any of you seasoned visitors know if you're compelled to dine at pricy Four Seasons during stay or are there other reasonable options to mix in here and there? Any more insight on Bali would be wonderful, many thanks.