jilly08

Thanks Mercruiser.

I usually can sleep at least some of the way on the airplane. I keep reading how uncomfortable the ATN coach seats are. Slightly worried about that. Not that it will keep me from going.. .

Hoping the flight is not sold out--maybe then I can stretch out!

I did read your review previously but didn't recognize your name right away.

Jill

The ATN aircraft are not comfortable. If you are able to sleep on an aircraft then a redeye is a good choice. If you cannot, consider an afternoon flight out of LAX (also a morning flight PPT-LAX) I stayed the nite at the ICTahiti, had a good sleep and a breakfast incl then took the midday ferry to Moorea and was swimming off our OWB deck by 3:00. This is the view we woke up to Moorea off in the distance:

What did you find uncomfortable on the ATN?

Air France could be an option but only if their premium economy is reasonable. I don't think I could handle 3/4/3 configuration in regular coach.

Jill

Thanks Everyone.

Still don't know what I am going to do.... but appreciate the input.

Jill

Would like some opinions on flying to Papeete from LAX. There seem to be 2 options. A red-eye leaving at 1150 and getting to Papeete at 510AM or an evening flight that leaves LA at 430 and arrives at 950PM.

When I arrive, I am planning on going to Moorea via the ferry for 4 nights prior to the cruise. I know I can save a night at a hotel if I fly overnight but I also don't want to waste a day on Moorea because I am so jet lagged.

I guess there are advantages to doing it either way.

Suggestions?

thanks,

Jill

I will be taking my first solo cruise next year on Princess in French Polynesia. I am SO excited. I've always cruised with others and could find no one interested in this 10 night cruise. I've always wanted to visit FP. And I am also doing a land vacation prior to the cruise.

I don't think going solo will be an issue for me at all. I'm comfortable with only myself as company! If I meet some people, great..if not, no worries!!!

My kids are all grown and living on their own, so it's jillytime!

Debating on a place to stay.

Cook's Bay or Haapiti?

Opinions? Recommendations?

thanks,

Jill

add a few more days and do BTB cruises:D it would be cheaper and you would still have lots of time on both islands to do what you want to do and you would see some of the other island!!!

Very true. Hadn't thought of that!

Thank you so much for your input Tiki! This will be so valuable in helping us make up our mind!

Jill

Thank you Tiki. I hope you don't mind looking at two more rentals for me.

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p648676a

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p648676a

I'm done now!

I keep leaning toward Moorea over Bora Bora. I don't know why. I think the pictures are just appealing to me more.

Thanks again for your input.

Jill

Hi Tikiintahiti,

Here are a few links to the places I found:

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p273185#summary

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p667148a#ratesAnchor

(same pictures on these but appear to be two different rentals)

http://www.temanuata.com/en/rates_en.htm

http://www.bora-bora-ecolodge.com/hebergement.html

http://www.nonipension.com/

Any input would be appreciated.

thank you!

Jill

Thank you all for your input. We appreciate that!

We are still considering a rental through VRBO--some will also rent you a car.

As I said, we want to stay in a place that has a kitchen so we don't have to eat all our meals out. Is that a good plan ?? Or should we look for a decent hotel with place nearby? Do we need a rental car on Bora Bora?

thanks again.

Jill

Hi All,

I am in the planning stage of a cruise to FP with Princess. I have a choice between 2 itineraries.

1.Tahiti, Tahiti, Huanhine, Sea Rangiroa, Sea Raiatea, Bora Bora, Bora Bora, Moorea, Tahiti, Tahiti

2. Tahiti, Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Sea, Sea, Nuku Hiva, Sea, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Tahiti

We are planning to extend our stay on land after the cruise. We are trying to decide 4 nights in Bora Bora or 4 nights in Moorea. We are looking at some places on VRBO or B&B--or even a nice hotel--not interested in OWB. We also want to rent a car as well.

Our interests are diving, snorkeling, beaches.

We are sort of conflicted--if we stay in Moorea, we will do the cruise with 2 days in Bora Bora. If we stay in Bora Bora, we will do the second cruise...possibly (don't like that extra sea day)

Are any of the ports a 'do not miss'??

Any suggestions or words of wisdom you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Jill

Hank,

I did actually look into the Scavi tours but I'm still trying to figure out what we will realistically have time to do. Of course, I want to see as much as we can but don't want to set a 'death march' sort of pace. I'd like to linger at a cafe and people watch a little too.

Also, I've read posts where people have seen "X" number of sites in one day but did they just stop and take a picture and move on or did they spend time at the site. That's what I'm trying to figure out.

My initial plan is:

Day 1: touring the Vatican, St. Peters and Castel De Angelo.

Not sure how much more we will do this day as this is our arrival day and we will be jetlagged from the overnight flight....

Day 2: Collesium, Forum, Palentine, Capitol possibly Domus Aurea 8 hours?

Evening --Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona

Day 3: Galleria Borghese & Villa Guilliana 4 hrs (time limits at G Borghese 2hrs) remainder of day walking around looking at Bernini creations.

I am currently fascinated with Bernini and the Etruscans. :D

Does this sound reasonable or have I tried to see too much? It's so hard to tell.

Thanks for any advice.

Jill

Hank,

I've enjoyed reading so many of your posts. We have adopted your philosophy and are arranging all of our tours ourselves... and with others on our cruise.

We will be visiting Europe for the first time in April and spending 3 nights pre-cruise in Rome. I cannot wait. I don't think I've ever been this excited about a vacation.

I am a research freak so I'm sure I will have memorized every fact regarding our ports by the time we cruise.

BTW, I feel like I should know you--I grew up in New Cumberland. :D

My parents still live there.

Jill