Luckyladyh

Thanks everyone.

I am just beginning my research for our June cruise - running a bit behind. I keep reading about a ferry - is there a ferry option from Kings Wharf and where does it go? Why would one take it versus a cab? Just trying to understand.

Are there several cruise docks? Is it correct that Kings Wharf is in the Royal Naval Dockyard area? I am reading about things to do in that area as well. I assume you can get off the ship and just walk to the shops in the Dockyard area?

Last question - are the Blue Taxi's cars or vans? I need a van for four larger people. Thanks.

Am I reading correctly that you should exchange your USD for CUC once arriving in Havana? Where do you do this?

With so many people getting off the ship - is it crowded at the money exchange spots? Thank you.

Did they move Select dining in the MDR downstairs?

They did this months ago on all the Millennium class ships.

Wondering if it is fleet wide???

 

Were you able to find a seat at Café al Bacio on sea days?

Were on Summit and Infinity the last 2 months and virtually impossible to get a table on sea days.

 

Thanks in advance !!!

Not sure I know how to reply - hope this works. Yes - the Select was in the MDR downstairs on the left side. Very slow service.

And we had no problem finding a seat at the Cafe al Bacio. There were some times in which it was crowded, but mostly not. And the lines - if any went very quick. Most people seemed to take their beverage and walk away to somewhere else. Have fun!

Boarded in Barcelona with stops in Cartegena, Morocco, Lanzarote and Tenerife before heading across the ocean. This was our second transatlantic - the other being on Silouhette a few years back. Overall it was good - although we got very bored at the end. More on that later.

The age range was probably 70's and up - although there some younger 50s/60s - and a few couples braved their crossing with young children. All seem well behaved.

The ship was very nice. Probably the cleanest ship I have been on - you walked out of a toilet stall and someone was in cleaning it - very conscious of keeping down viruses which I appreciated alot.

Stateroom cabin was probably a little long in the tooth - could use some updates - but was OK. We had a sunset verandah and were happy with it. Rooms seemed small though compared to others - not sure why - but felt tight. Maybe because we were in there for 13 nights. Room steward was good as most are.

Overall service on the ship was excellent - food was excellent - better than probably any other ship I have been on recently. The buffet - which I usually never do much - was so good - we ate there most of the time in the evening. Great selection and quality this time. Some buffets you can't chew the meat - but this was very good. And I loved how friendly they all were in the buffet - no matter the time of day!

The main dining room experience for our "anytime" dining wasn't great. Service was very slow and disjointed. The poor servers were so rushed all the time. Didn't care for it - so we stuck with the buffet who had absolutely wonderful servers and cooks - talking to everyone - friendly, etc.

We ate at specialty restaurants four nights - 2 in Silk Harvest which we really liked, one each in Murano and Tuscan Grill. Tuscan Grill was our only disappointment. Wasn't very good. Murano was excellent - but for my money - I would definitely do Silk. The Sushi on 5 was always empty. I think they suffer from an identity crisis.

The service at the Cafe Bacio - (coffee shop) was also excellent. I can't get over how good the service was everywhere, including the front desk. I had some laundry done - and they did not follow my directions not to dry - clothes came back about two sizes smaller - but the front office worked with me on it. I'll never have laundry done on a ship again! Super hot dryers.

Now the downfalls which were few. I thought this was the most boring cruise ever. There was little to no entertainment of quality. Seemed like some silly things made up. There were some speakers on the crossing, but I didn't care for their topics. So for the Cruise Director/Entertainment I thought it was a huge miss - and so did many people I talked with. Casino stayed mostly empty - could be due to the age of the passengers - and the shopping was awful. They kept putting out this leftover junk at 10AM and called it a super sale. Since there was really nothing much to do - the place would get mobbed. Little old ladies pushing to get to things. Not my cup of tea.

It was also great to see alot of the staff and ships officers around the ship. Loved the captains daily report at 10AM.

Bar service was excellent, and the only downfall was that there were so many "elite" passengers that their nightly free drinks took up all of the bars - and regular paying passengers could barely get a drink. As soon as 7PM hit - all the bars were empty again. I didn't care for that at all. There were so many apparently they had coupons for three or four of the major bars - and they were packed for their "freebie". I know why they - drinks were super expensive. A martini at the martini bar - was $15.00 with the tip. Beer was probably the best value.

We did buy the Classic Non Alcohol package which I thought was a good value for us since we drink alot of coffees and sodas and waters. The alcohol one was just too expensive. We did it last crossing and felt like we had to drink too much to get the value out of it - so this time we chose to pay by the drink.

Overall a great cruise - weather was good although it rained many days. I have to be honest - with about three days to go, I had read so many books, and had nothing to do - I was about to go stir crazy. Others I am sure wanted to stay on more days! Of course everyone has their own interests and opinions. I am sure it is like having a baby - you forget the pain after a while - and I'm sure we will do another transatlantic again some day.

Internet - although expensive was good and no problems.

Good luck and have fun whichever cruise you are on. My overall philosophy is if I am on vacation - I don' t have to cook, work or clean, so every day is great - even if there are some "misses".

Wondering what type of currency we could expect to use in the souk in Touridant and Agadir shopping with all the merchants. Obviously dirhams, but would they take US or Euro?

I know these are individual booths/businesses, so wanted to ask in advance to have the correct money ready.

Thanks

We are looking for hotel options near the dock that Avalon uses. I see the Pullman mentioned - are there otehrs?

Can you pay for a seperate transfer to the ship from Pullman if you don't book the hotel through them? Anyone know the cost of a transfer?

Thanks.

Can you comment on which boat you used?

Was it a private boat? I am looking for something that is not cruise ship related.

Thanks

The resorts are "one" They are on the same property, just different buildings. You can use any beach area you want, other than both have a small private area for their upscale wings.

One side is called Wild Orchid and the other St.James.

They are very nice there.

Hi. Some people said they boarded at 1:30 - we were some of the last to board at 3PM. The reason I know that what the other guests said is true is as I was checking in - I said - wow - we must be the first to arrive (as there was no one in line) and they said - no actually towards the end of those boarding. But an hour here or there - seemed to be no big deal.

What a breeze to board - don't know if I could ever go back to standing in line again with 3000 other people. It is just so civilized on small ships. Love the service.

To 6rugrats - you made it sound like I had a horrible time - I did not - I had a great time - I was merely stating some things that I observed that I wished I would have known. I read CC to maximize my precious time on vacation - and I enjoy reading other people's opinions.

Would I go back - at that expense, probably not, as I have many other things on my bucket list. I am a person who likes to try different things. We cruise about 3-4 times a year - and I travel for a living, so I guess I just like to experience something new when I am on my personal vacation.

I am glad I went, I had a great time - and if money were no object - yes I would go again. But as I said, I have other things next on my list.

As I indicated, I liked the ship an awful lot - probably more than I liked the islands. I feel the same way about the Caribbean and Hawaii, other than when I can actually get in the water.

Good luck, have fun whatever you choose to do. The PG was a fantastic ship with great service and the best food ever. I do intend to try their smaller ship in the Caribbean next year. I am sold on PG.

First of all let me say that this was a fantastic cruise. The staff were as nice as they could be - and the food was the best we have ever had on a cruise ship. The room was spacious - nothing too large - but enough for two people. Nice furnishings, small balcony, small TV. Our favorite bar was at the back of the ship.

We loved the smaller ship - our second time - the other on a Windstar - and I don't know if I can ever go back to the larger ships. Probably the thing we liked the best was meeting other passengers - so much easier on a smaller ship.

Some things I wish I had known to make my trip better - although these are only small items - nothing to ruin a trip over - just things I wish I had known:

The flight was brutal - wish I had packed some back pain reliever patches. It was so hot on the plane. No air flow. Dress lightly. We flew Air Tahiti Nui.

Easy taxi to the Intercontinental. $22.00 So glad we paid the extra money to have a room ready when we arrived at 7AM. We were leaving the plane and arriving at the hotel within 40 minutes. So fast.

Can't believe all those sitting in the lobby complaining as if it were the hotel's fault that they were sold out the night before and had no rooms at 7AM. You spent all that money to get there - why didn't you book a room for the night before so you could have a room to go to when you arrived. Craziness to save a few dollars. Or if there are several of you at least share one room. Would save you from sitting in the lobby.

On the day to board the ship - the hotel concierge said don't go before 3PM. Sorry - we didn't we were some of the last on board - easy check in - we sat in the hotel for about two hours too long. Could have been on the ship having cocktails. I would board at 1:00 to 2PM next time.

Wished I had known that the Intercontinental had free washers/dryers. I would have brought less I think - and would have brought detergent sheets or something easy. We did overpack a bit - and we pack light. Some were bringing three and four suitcases - ridiculous. We had some dry cleaning sent out when we boarded - very reasonably priced and they did a good job.

My favorite day on the ship was their private island. I could have done that five straight days. The other islands were OK - about the same - beautiful water all around, no beaches to speak of, and beautiful lush tropical greenery. We stayed on the ship on the second day of each repeat day. We did one island tour on Huahine I believe - it was OK - wouldn't do again - hot and buggy. Do not forget your water shoes! The coral will cut your feet up - what little bit of sand these islands have is not soft - it is crushed coral. Wished we had passed the land tour and done a tour with water/boating.

It was so easy to go into town, and then come back for a late lunch. In Bora Bora the ship had a small patch of private beach, no chairs, no bathrooms, but it was beautiful also. We also walked around the small town at the boat launch - only takes about an hour.

Took a cab to a beach in Moorea. A waste - the beach was so small it had about 10 chairs. I couldn't get it through my mind that they don't have sand beaches there - mostly volcanic rock.

At the end of the cruise - wish I had known we didn't have to get off until 10AM. After reading the boards, I saw posts about renting a car and seeing the island. Definitely wish we had not done this. There really isn't much to see - you drive 38 miles around - all begins to look the same after 15 minutes. Alot of town driving - meaning you weren't seeing amazing views constantly. A four hour drive was too much - and then - what to do for until the 11PM flight? Wow - what a mistake. Would have much rather gone to the Intercontinental for the day and used the pools. Plus - you just got off a cruise - the views aren't that different. We ended up back at the Intercontinental and just sat around the pool and ate dinner. Nice people at that hotel.

Couldn't wait to get to the downtown market - a waste - nothing much there. Very hot. And the shops all pretty much have the same junk. A waste of time.

Wish I hadn't chased the elusive black pearl. There are no deals. Black pearls are expensive - and unless you plan on spending $500 to $1000 - don't waste your time going into the good shops. The "black pearls" in the markets are dyed white pearls - or man made dyed plastic we were told. Just buy something and get over it - and spend your time in the water. You can shop at home at much nicer stores.

Almost everyone took American money - although we did bring about what equates to $500 in local money.

We loved the Paul Gauguin and enjoyed our days on board probably the most. Sitting by the pool, cocktails - viewing the beautiful water and islands - was for us better than going onto the islands (other than the private motu). Of course, I feel like I have to run ragged seeing everything - and after the second day - I changed my mind - and found staying on the boat alot was very nice. And premium cocktails included - can't go wrong. BTW - I love wine - and the wines they served at every meal were very good. I even found some new ones that I really liked. They weren't serving junk. I was very pleased.

Enjoy your time on board this nice ship. It may be older - but you won't see any better staff on any ship out there. I have most of the daily newsletters if anyone wants them. Have fun!

Miami is so much closer to the Miami cruise port. My two cents. I would definitely go Miami. Many more flights offered also.

Thanks - makes sense now. I think we will do as you suggested - just take the ship's tour to Motu Mahana. I appreciate your help.

I have "googled" it - and can't seem to find an accurate description. Is it a beach?

Someone said go to the Motu in Moorea - but what is it - and how do you get there? We are on the PG Ship.

Wondering if this is an excursion or you just get a cab to a specific place - if so - where?

Thanks!

Glacier Bay all the way - no comparison. It is amazing and the highlight for me.

We are just back from our cruise on Crown. I carried three bottles in my checked luggage (they were properly boxed in the styrofoam wine packing materials from a wine club in California. So I just put in my luggage - and put on plane - and then onto ship. I knew it was packed right and wouldn't have a problem with broken glass, so I didn't want to disturb it.

They held that piece of luggage until about 5PM (we got the other pieces) and sent a note to the room with that piece of luggage stating to come and pick up the one bottle they kept and pay the corkage.

So basically they opened the luggage, and pulled out one bottle. We gladly paid the corkage of $15.00 and then they stamped the bottle as paid for - and we went on our merry way.

We like to bring our own wine - so it is well worth $15.00.

Much better than me trying to unpack that piece of luggage, disturb the proper taped up packing materials - and carry one bottle on. A fair way to do it - and again, I was happy to pay the corkage fee - we brought to the Crown Grill and had a lovely evening.

I would like to go and visit and pet the puppies and dogs however have no interest in riding or a tour.

Can someone tell me which city has a company that does this within town or close to. I don't want to go on a glacier - just pet some dogs and take pictures. Don't particularly want to take a tour - just cab over to a dog farm type place.

We will be at the following stops:

Ketchican

Juneau

Skagway

Seward

Thanks!

We will be getting off the Paul Gauguin ship in the morning and our flight isn't until late that evening at 11PMish.

I see many suggestions on what to do - a 4x4 tour - looks good - but that isn't all day long. Any suggestions for how to spend a day until 11PM? And what do people do with their luggage during the day?

Is it common just to get a hotel room for the day so you have somewhere to go?

Thanks

Thanks everyone - will begin to price things out. All great suggestions. I very much appreciate your time and responses.

Thanks everyone - makes alot more sense now. I will continue to research. I appreciate all the help!

Our intinerary is as follows:

Papeete

Huahine, Society Islands

Taha (motu mahana)

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Moorea

Papeete

Our flight to Papeete is overnight and arrives early morning.

Our departure from Papeete back to LAX leaves at 11PM.

Thanks for your help and recommendations. For some reason I am having a problem visualizing the area. Is Papeete more of an industrial type/business area - or is it also considered a resort area?

We will be there for two nights before the cruise leaves on Saturday. Then we it returns the following Saturday, our flight doesn't depart until almost midnight I believe, so we need something for the day.

How long is the fast catamaran? Is Moorea an option I should be looking into for a stay - or is Papeete better. I don't want to spend hours messing around getting to a hotel, as we would have flown overnight and will be tired.

Thanks for your responses!

Have not been to the area before. Flying in two days early before a PG 7 day cruise.

I have tried to read through the threads - a bit confused on geography We are on Air Tahiti Nui and fly into Papeete - where should we get a hotel? Which city?

Are Papeete and Moorea close by? How do you get from one to the other? I see comments on IC for both cities - but unsure how we would get from one city to the other.

I was also curious - seems like alot of negative posts overall about the ships and the area - people keep saying they were disappointed - I am starting to think I made a mistake - I thought this was to be the cruise of all cruises due to the beautiful area. I am a little scared now - but can't back out of our October cruise.

Thanks for any advice on an area and a hotel. Not on a budget this time!

Hi Mary,

 

After I sent the below message & looked again, I realized you started this thread!! Hope you're enjoying your planning..... take care,

Andy

Hi Andy - still planning - I plan for a day - and then come back to it a few weeks later - never enough time - thanks for all of your suggestions! Mary

We enjoy going to local pubs and having a beer and talking to the locals. We are taking an Avalon cruise at the end of June. Basel to Amsterdam.

Wondering if anyone experienced any great local pubs on their similar trip. If so, what cities. Also any great dining?

Thanks