Denise_CA

I agree there are pros and cons to taking the cruise first or last, but I recommend taking the cruise first! Here's why:

As you sail north from Vancouver each day gets better and more exciting than the last...with your final stop Denali!

You start with a beautiful sail away from Vancouver. Go up on the top deck with your camera. Wave goodbye to the locals at the pier, have a drink, listen to the live band on deck and enjoy the beautiful scenery; mountains, water, city skyline and sailing under the Lions Gate Bridge.

The following day you'll sail through the Inside Passage, which makes you feel as though you could throw a stone from the ship and hit the shore! The view offers large trees, cliffs, waterfalls, islands and possibly some wildlife.

The next few days you'll stop in Southeastern Alaska; ports like Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan or Sitka. Enjoy some time on shore whale watching, helicopter flightseeing, hiking, biking, taking a train ride, learn about the native culture and more.

Then marvel at the glaciers as you learn about the area from a Park Ranger.

After the cruise you'll start to enjoy the interior of Alaska. Hopefully your land tour will include a portion on the dome train, a must do!

Then your final stop Denali National Park and Mt McKinley. Travel into the park and view wildlife or take a flightseeing tour and see the enormous Mt McKinley from the air.

The downside is your longer flight home, but most flights depart from Alaska in the evening so try to get a little sleep to help with the jetlag.

With the money you save booking the northbound cruisetour you can buy some shore excursions! ;)

Enjoy Alaska! :)

Denise Blackmore, MCC

I thought this forum might be interested to know that Oceania Cruises new 2016 World Cruise was just announced.

The details can be found at this link from Oceania:

http://www.oceaniacruises.com/email/emailpdfs/atw-2016.pdf

I've stayed at Le Meridien Tahiti and really enjoyed it! The resort is located further away from downtown or the airport, so it's in a quiet area of the island.

Le Meridien offers a large white-sand bottom swimming pool. The hotel rooms are fairly large and comfortable. I found the guests at this resort more international as a mix than the some of the other resorts in Tahiti (which meant the beach and pool areas were quieter) and the food offered quite good.

You might be able to find a lower price air and hotel package if you inquiry with your travel agent. Just ask!

Enjoy Tahiti! :)

Denise Blackmore, MCC

I've had the pleasure of cruising on both Paul Gauguin Cruises and Windstar in Tahiti. They are both excellent cruise vacations.

In order for you to decide which is best for you consider what the ships cater to...

Paul Gauguin Cruises is an all-inclusive six-star luxury cruise. Their focuses is on excellent cuisine, outstanding service, luxurious amenities, etc. The cruise price is higher because most items are included. The only extras you'll pay for are shore excursions, spa treatments and gambling.

Windstar is a sailing ship that offers a more casual, adventure-oriented experience. It's a lovely cruise that focuses more on the destination then how you get there. The rooms are nicely decorated, but simple. The food is good, not excellent. The evening entertainment is basic, but not everyone stays out after dinner. The price is lower and so more items are an extra charge onboard, such as drinks and gratuities.

If you are celebrating a special occasion I would suggest the Paul Gauguin. If you are more budget-minded or want a casual holiday, I would suggest Windstar.

I hope this helps make your decision! Enjoy Tahiti! :)

Denise Blackmore, MCC

The Paul Gauguin is a great ship with excellent food and lovely staff! You'll really enjoy it!

I would highly recommend taking the Dolphin & Whale Watching excursion in Moorea. Dr. Michael Poole is an incredible guide, so knowledge!

Enjoy Tahiti! :)

Denise Blackmore, MCC

I have both cruised and stayed on land visiting French Polynesia. Both are great. It is paradise!

If you have 10-12 days I would recommend taking a 7 night Paul Gauguin cruise and spending 3 or 4 nights on land before the cruise.

You can book an Overwater Bungalow at Le Meridien Tahiti or the InterContinental Resort Tahiti. I found Le Meridien offers a more quiet, escape-like atmosphere and has a nice white sand beach area. It's also a French chain so the guests are mixed in nationality.

The Paul Gauguin cruise itinerary allows lots of time on each island, as well as two overnights (Bora Bora and Moorea). This cruise will give you a great overview of the islands and the 3 or 4 nights in Tahiti will give you lots of R&R.

Enjoy Tahiti! :)

Denise Blackmore, MCC

Paul Gauguin Cruises offers a 'Day at the Beach' in Bora Bora, which includes lunch, for $120 US.

I looked at Princess Cruises excursions and don't see a beach day offered. You can rent bikes or rent a car from the Vaitape dock area (this is where your cruise ship tender will take you) and transport yourself to a beach on the island.

Another idea is to contact your travel agent and ask about a resort 'day pass'. There are many resorts in Bora Bora and a day pass will allow you to use the resort facilities for the day.

Enjoy Tahiti! :)

Denise Blackmore, MCC

Deep-sea fishing is a very popular recreational activity for visitors to French Polynesia.

Game fish include marlin, yellow fin tuna, sailfish, swordfish, mahi mahi, barracuda and other pelagic fish.

Here is some local contact information:

Natupa Phone: 689 42.18.34, fax: 689 42.18.35, E-mail: moananui@mail.pf

Hotel Le Meridien Tahiti. Phone : 689 47.07.07

Spear fishing is also offered.

For more informatin you need to contact the Polynesian federation.

Address: BP 650, Papeete. Sporting department, phone: 689 42.97.67

Enjoy Tahiti! :)

Denise Blackmore, MCC

Don't worry! There will be plenty for your parents to enjoy when cruising French Polynesia! :-)

Princess Cruises will offer many sightseeing tours. Below is a list of some example tours offered by Princess Cruises which are not about the beach or swimming in the water:

Papeete, Tahiti:

Island Drive & Gauguin Museum

Highlights of Tahiti

Island Drive

Undiscovered Tahiti

Papenoo Valley & Waterfall by 4WD

Huahine:

Island Drive

Maeva, Mata'irea Hill & Fare Pote'e Museum

Pearl Farm, Maeva Marae & Vanilla Plantation

Huahine Iti 4WD Safari

Rangiroa:

Rangiroa's Lagoon by Glassbottom Boat

Rangiroa Aquascope Semi-Sub

Raiatea:

Island Drive, Pearl Farm & Tainuu Marae

Faaroa Crater, Faaroa River & Taputapuatea Marae

Raiatea Lagoon Sunset Cruise

Bora Bora:

Island Drive, Anau Look Out & Bloody Mary's

Tupuna Mountain, Pahonu Hill & Island Drive by 4WD

Bora Bora's Lagoon by Glassbottom Boat

Moorea:

Island Drive, Kia Ora & Belvedere

Island Drive, Tiki Theater Village & Juice Factory

Moorea by 4WD

Dolphin & Whale Watching Expedition

Enjoy Tahiti! :)

Denise Blackmore, MCC

The currency used in French Polynesia is XPF, Pacific Franc.

The Papeete International Airport has a currency exchange desk. I suggest converting some of your US Dollars into XPF when you arrive.

Most stores and hotels will accept US Dollars and major credit cards, but not all. It's best to have some cash with you.

Enjoy Tahiti! :)

Denise Blackmore, MCC

The Papeete market is worth a visit. It's interesting to see the locals selling a variety of items. You can try fresh coconut, buy food, local crafts and specialty items (black pearls, pareos, woven handbags, vanilla).

The market offers fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, etc. There is also an area where you can buy warm food (lunch).

I found the vanilla beans on sale at the market to be a good price. I also liked the local handmade shell jewelry, which is great for a souvenir or gifts!

Downtown Papeete offers shopping and art galleries. You can find items like black pearl jewelry, pareos (swimming cover ups), woven handbags, and vanilla. The Vaima Shopping Center offers some chic boutiques and a pearl museum.

Get away from the city and you can find lots of things to do on Tahiti... surf in the south, take an island drive to view waterfalls, a black sand beach, visit the Paul Gauguin Museum or James Norman Hall Museum, discover a blowhole, visit the botanical garden, swim in a grotto cave, visit the Paofai Temple of Papeete, hike Aorai Mountain, fish for Mahi Mahi, kayak in a lagoon, drive a go-kart, horseback ride, take a quad ride, and more!

The food trucks located near the cruise ship port are only open in the evenings.

Enjoy Tahiti! :)

Denise Blackmore, MCC