On Saturday August 29th, the passengers and crew of the Mein Schiff2 – which called at La Seyne-sur-Mer cruise terminal in the bay of Toulon had the very nice surprise of waking up to the sound of Tahitian music and dancing performed by the “Polynesia spectacle” band. This off-beat welcome ceremony was organized in line with the “Pacific Festival” that took place the whole week-end in La Seyne-sur-Mer. Tahiti is a French Polynesian Island in the middle of south Pacific and, since Toulon is the biggest navy base in Europe, those two French areas found ways to connect and Polynesian families settled down in the vicinity of Toulon, creating locally a small Tahitian community.
About 45 dancers and singers, dressed in bright typical costumes, have entertained the Mein Schiff2 passengers and crew on the pier during a show that lasted nearly 1h30. A delightful and original way of introducing the many aspects and diversity of the French culture; even though Tahiti is 16 000 kms away, this type of greeting reminds every one of the richness of traditions and the legendary Tahitian hospitality symbolically shown by songs accompanied by guitars and ukuleles.
Once again, the Var Chamber of Commerce and Industry, undertakes special initiatives to welcome the ship and its cruise guests in the best conditions as possible for a memorable experience ashore.
