By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Ah, Tahiti… The name conjures images of balmy beaches, spectacular sunsets, friendly folks and long lazy days sweeping away cares of the world.

The thought of visiting Tahiti is certainly a dream scenario. Never did I think it would happen but here I am heading for that faraway island.

And I am going to visit French Polynesia in one of the best ways possible – on a 10-day cruise aboard the new Oceania Sirena.

My cruise will begin and end in Papeete, the capital city of Tahiti. Stops will include the islands of Moorea, Fakarava, Rangiora, Huahine, Raitea and Bora Bora. Temperatures are supposed to be in the 80s with lows in the 70s. Ah, heaven!

I have never traveled with Oceania Cruises before and am looking forward to seeing why it is such a popular cruise line. I’ve been told to expect top-notch accommodations, delicious dining, varied entertainment and interesting tours, plus excellent ship officers and crew members.

Word gets around when a cruise line is good as well as when one is not so good and the statements I’ve heard about this floating beauty are quite positive. I’ve had my eye on Oceania and am excited to be cruising on the line’s new ship.

Debuting in April 2016, Sirena can carry a maximum of 684 passengers. The small ship size is going to mean much easier embarkation and debarkation. It also is going to make it simpler to leave the ship at shore stops when there won’t be thousands of people all trying to walk off at the same time.

A wonderful 68 percent of Sirena’s cabins offer balconies. And I already know that I have one which is one of the best parts of cruising to me. Being able to sit on my own private balcony and watch the ocean roll is my favorite on any cruise ship.

Sirena has an elegant main dining room without assigned tables and two no-extra-charge-specialty restaurants where passengers can make dining reservations – Red Ginger and Tuscan Steak. Of course, there is also the buffet near the top of the ship where breakfast, lunch and dinner are offered. Snacks are situated around the ship. No one ever goes hungry, that’s for sure.

For daily lunch, the ship’s main dining room is transformed into a French Bistro created by chef Jacques Pepin. I’ve seen the menu and it looks fantastic. Another big plus is that soft drinks, bottled water and specialty coffee drinks are complimentary.

So, I have done my homework, booked my flight, packed my summer clothes and am ready to go.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourism