Hybrid Solar Eclipse of 2005 April 8
 Polynesia, Pacific Ocean

To observe the hybrid (annular-total) solar eclipse on April 8, 2005, I had first planned to go near the Oeno Atoll (Pacific Ocean - 1,500 mi from Tahiti) on a sailing catamaran. In the end because of a lack of time, I finally switched to a 15-day cruise on board the Radisson M/S Paul Gauguin. This cruise ship, the most luxurious one sailing French Polynesia year-round, was rerouted to offer a cruise, departing from Tahiti, that will permit to observe this eclipse.
The weather being, with 50% odds to see the eclipse, uncertain at the eclipse interception point this cruise offered some relaxing time and unforgettable moments, such as the visit of Pitcairn Island (Mutiny of the Bounty).
This cruise will also be used to get prepared for the 2010 July 11 total solar eclipse. Observing this eclipse during 4 minutes and 41 seconds in between the Easter Island Moai could be an exiting adventure.

You can use this solar eclipse calculator to compute the local circumstances of the eclipse. The time exposure calculator is there to help you choose your camera settings.