Larro9

I’ll also recommend Teking...

You got some good answers.....regarding a balcony on the PG : we book early and reserve an aft cabin w balcony...this subject comes up often and is split between posters like Wendy and others who always say, ”the ship is your balcony” and the other side that say having a balcony is great for fresh air, private time, eating and resting on your balcony...oh and as I said fresh air...nothing like a quiet morning on your balcony..nothing like champagne in the late afternoon on the balcony...when you want to be with others, pop in to la palette or other bars and mingle.....my point, I like the choice of having a balcony and willing to pay the extra.....everybody has a choice when booking..either way you are in a wonderful ship in the most beautiful part of the world 

We are back on board next October also..on our first trip A few years ago, we booked pure snorkel on the first day and I will not do that again ...we were late getting into bora bora, it took forever to get our passports back after they clear since we were in the cook islands and we missed the excursion that was paid for (pure snorkel said they would refund but never did and I didn’t push it since it is our responsibility)....it wasn’t a big big deal as we relaxed on board and went to the bora bora motu in the afternoon and had a great time ...this motu is very quiet, no bar food crowds etc,  and for us a better time ! Just wanted to tell you our experience..it could happen to you or not and that is why we will book pure Snorkel on the second day in bora bora next year....

Yes,  on paper....be polite and courteous ...maybe pop by on day 2 in the am and see..you never know 😉😉

The marina dinner is usually reserved a year in advance or more.   reserve le grille for bora bora  but sometimes it’s breezy outside while there...we enjoyed the main dining room and the dinner choices more than we thought ...don’t overthink since everything works out while onboard the PG and even a nice dinner on your balcony is a treat !  Just order additional glasses of wine since they won’t leave the bottle 

Love your description of the marina dinner..we jumped on this for our fall 2020 cruise...

I wonder what you would find out on board as opposed  to the Corp office with the entire admin staff right there  ....I honestly don’t remember how far out we got our tickets confirmed but if it is a big deal, and I get that it is, calmly call the office yourself explain your concerns and ask when they will issue airlines and seating..the Fiji cruise I would assume requires even more logistics including small airlines..or get a different TA who knows the PG and is results oriented  ..good luck..I can’t believe the PG admin staff can’t assist you ..

I have the same question about the best time to book using points since it seems almost impossible...let’s see if someone will answer....I did read on a travel site that the optimum time might be a few months before you go...cutting it close is not ideal....IC site and call center were of no help when I contacted them...

Thanks TBK...I understand satellites.....tech surfer is accurate...it’s the infrastructure and systems/ broadband they contract....plenty of room for improvement...I’m more plugged into the sights and sounds, people,  food and locations we go on the PG...but it is 2019

I AGREE..the internet was horrible when we were on the ship a few years ago...it would be great if the PG would realize this and upgrade....no excuse from my end.....it’s a small thing that doesn’t cost a lot ( we pay for the service anyway, so we should expect faster speeds). we are back on board in the fall next year...I can only hope....it’s a small thing in the long run since everything else was close to perfect 

Villa mahana....an amazing place🏆🏆. Reserve early ..I’m not kidding....enjoy 

Offers vary by season..we use a TA that knows the PG well and he looks for promo’s offered when and after we book and can usually get that extra obc added..to be fair, PG might offer retroactive obc promos up until 3-6 months before you go...and it could be different for everyone....this is our experience twice booking with him and pg 

No rush to board..enjoy walking around Papeete..we boarded around 3:45pm and we were the only ones there...serenaded by the gauguines up the ramp and we were checked in and relaxing in our room within 30 min...it was fantastic ! 

Yes I think we are neighbors and congrats on getting a wonderful aft cabin with the best views from the balconies...call or write them and see what is available...this was booked already on our first trip, so we are excited to have this privilege regardless that it costs $ on our 2020 voyage 

Now you know, Wendy..not worried about steps or cleanliness..it’s a once in a lifetime on bora bora ....yes you have to book this ahead of time with pg office ...we are doing this on our fall 2020 cruise and that is the first thing we reserved when finalizing deposits and cabin choice ..it goes very quick so don’t wait..It looks wonderful and includes a trip to see sunset view from one of the rafts they take out while dinner is being prepped for us ..really can’t imagine this not being amazing ! ..on another note Le Grill will set up tables around the pool weather permitting while moored  on bora bora...ask to book dinner there while in bora bora when you check in the first afternoon 

I leave nothing to chance and book ahead..Wendy hit the mark here..we booked the “   e tiki tuktuk tour ”with Tania and had a wonderful time..relaxed..fun...saw everything.. we had a small agenda (shopping-lunch) and she took care of the rest and we Had a great time with her !......Teking was another fabulous day with some of the best snorkeling ever ..funny guys and a great motu  lunch included ...on bora bora we went sailing with Olivier on his hobie  cat..it’s called bora bora eco sail 

Go, be cautious, know your limits, let the great pg staff help..and enjoy ! 

I think either way but for us our TA who knows the PG well is the way to go...our first time was 3 years ago and he got us an aft deck cabin, hundreds of dollars in on board credit, got us seat assignments early on ATN and helped us immensely..we are already booked for fall 2020 and our TA helped secure another hard to get aft cabin, some on board credit ( already) and the private marina deck dinner while in bora bora....we are very experienced travelers but for these trips we felt a TA was worth it...a good TA will watch PG promotions and if possible always gets us the max available obc when offered before your trip.. ....helps he is a personal friend also...not sure I can recommend him here, so I won’t 

No wrong or right ...it’s a small ship and you can find quiet areas....we are all happy you are going, it’s that good!

This view is from our balcony and the second is my other favorite place in the morning or evenings. It is on the outside deck at la palette 

It’s almost funny that the same people over and over talk about not needing or wanting a balcony, and I and others talk up the wonders of having a balcony...what I love about a balcony; your private time, breakfast, snacks or even dinner on the balcony are wonderful on occasion ..not to mention the ability to open a door and get fresh air anytime ! Make your choice and either way, it will be a lovely cruise....

Pack, fly, get on the ship  and let it happen .....just that easy ....I am a crazy pre-planner but not on the PG ...sometimes the impromptu works well ! 

to deladane defense..her report was long and detailed but for people that want a “ boots on the ground” report including everything you can see and do plus all menus I think the report would be helpful.  

Teking  communication was prompt. 

We went with teking.....interesting family, wonderful beautiful area and a great day with teking !

I should of added.. our cruise is in 2020...too close for you, there has to be some cutoff.