Taking in more than water on a Pacific cruise

I WOULDN'T say I was introverted, but next to me, a trappist monk would be the life and soul of the party. So, when I was asked if I would like to go on a Club Med cruise, I felt as if I'd rather join the voyage of the Ancient Mariner.

However, I decided to risk it, and when I first saw the sleek white hull, 187 metres from bow to stern, filling an entire berth in Guam Harbour, I began to think I might have been wrong about the gung-ho image of the Club Med holiday.

Everything about Club Med 2, which plies the crystal clear Pacific waters of Micronesia is on a grand scale. With five vast sails which can be raised, by computer, in a matter of minutes, it is the largest passenger sailing ship in the world.

It has a crew of more than 200 and can accommodate up to 419 passengers in luxurious cabins. There are two swimming pools, two restaurants with ocean views, four bars, a casino and even a simulated golf range. All six decks are connected by elevators.

The islands of Micronesia, covering more than 11 million square kilometres of the Central Pacific, are to most people an unspoilt treasure, waiting to be discovered.

Club Med 2's eight and six-day tours get as far as the island of Saipan, before returning to Guam. Its 12-day cruise sails to Palau which is reported to have some of world's most spectacular diving sites.

I joined one of the shorter cruises. The flight with Continental Micronesia is direct from Hong Kong and takes about four hours. Club Med passengers spend the first night in the Guam Hilton before boarding the ship.

It normally sails at night, so the whole day is free to enjoy water sports, lounge on the boat, or take an island tour.

Saipan is beautiful, with sheer, craggy cliffs plunging down to meet a dark blue sea that sweeps over a carpet of coral. The island is littered with World War II sites.

At its north end in mid-1994 the fighting was particularly fierce and thousands of Japanese soldiers and their families jumped off the cliffs to their deaths, rather than surrender to the advancing Americans.

Tinian has less of historical interest than Saipan, but the reef around both islands is a paradise for snorkellers and suitably qualified divers.

Club Med 2's well-equipped Nautical Hall provides snorkelling and scuba equipment as well as windsurfing boards and three sailing dinghies.

At night the crew put on shows for passengers and afterwards force the audience on to the stage to participate in a sing-song. The Japanese girls seemed to enjoy themselves. I just wanted to die.

When it got to the hokey-cokey, I snapped, leaping from the stage as if my backside was on fire and made for the nearest bar and a much-needed triple Drambuie.

Following the shows there is a disco and such ''fun'' games as a karaoke competition and a limbo-dancing contest.

However, to be fair, no pressure is put on anyone to attend these evening festivities. You can stay in your cabin and watch a video - they change each day - or stroll along the upper deck and enjoy the sight of the five awesome sails against the backdropof a cloudless, star-studded sky.

Children under 12 are not allowed on a Club Med 2 holiday for safety reasons, and minors under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Otherwise there are no age restrictions.

Club Med 2 sails between June and October.

Room rates vary according to size, deck level and the length of the cruise, but for example, a twin room for six days/five nights, visiting Guam, Saipan and Tinian, costs HK$11,770 (B Deck), $12,970 (C Deck) and $13,420 (D Deck).

That includes return flight from Hong Kong, airport transfer and all your meals. Complimentary wine is provided at lunch and dinner and the wine waiters are generous. The food is outstanding and plentiful. You pay for bar and mini-bar drinks.

Optional tours, such as the ones I made to the islands, and such things as helicopter trips and rounds of golf, can be arranged but at your expense.

Club Med 2 cruises can be booked through a Hong Kong travel agent. Continental Micronesia flies three times a week to Guam.