Tahitianbigkahuna

You won't know for sure util you book the PG excursion

Normally you can pick ... but don't place it in stone ... everything is best when you stay flexible as much as you can.

I also was on the PG last October ... yes it was full. We were lucky to have gotten on the first tender every time accept one. Again there is actually no way to know for sure. As I said I always have my group covered even if we are on the 2nd tender. The normal time for the last tender is 4:30 PM on day 2 in BB. I say normally as last July the last tender to the ship was 3:30 PM ... again you will not know for sure ... but as I've stated I always have things covered and always tell my vendors to plan on us being back by 3:30 PM unless I say otherwise when we board the excursion.

There is no way to actually know as much of it depends on the passenger count. There was some delays because of covid restrictions on how many can be on a tender but that supposedly has ended ... I never book a private excursion prior to 9AM ... it is the safe thing to do ... I tell my vendors we will likely be on the dock between 8:45 AM - 9:00 AM

From what I was told ... new carpet, new lighting in the public areas and supposedly upgrade on the wifi.

I would call PG directly if your trying to book directly. Their web page is still a work in process 😉

Windy ... thank you for the input regarding the weather for the Marquesas. I learned something 🙂 You are correct ... Marquesas is different than other islands close to the equator.

Most are cash only and if you use USD they will exchange at 100/1. Best to use XPF. Taxi cost depends on where you are staying pre/post cruise

Interestingly the Marquesas are closer to the equator which theoretically should be warmer and more humid than the Society Islands. The Cook's are further south that the Society Islands thus not as hot or humid. I've been to the Cooks 7 times and they are lovely in April ... June - September they can be a bit nippy thus it's a good idea to lrind a light jacket.

I've taken that early AF flight. Simply have PG reception/excursion desk reserve a taxi for you ... pickup @ 5:30 - 6:00 AM. Sometimes they've charge a reservation fee and sometimes they haven't ... but it is money well spent. I would follow up with PG to make sure this is still possible 😉

Officially it is 7:30 PM Sometimes they will let you off a little before that but I would plan on it being 7:30 PM.

Yes there is a bit mor humidity in April compared to months of June - August. But notice the average monthly rainfall in April, not all that bad ... and notice the water temperature in April ... the warmest which is a biggie for most as you are in the water much of the time. Coolest month is August but the trade off is the water temperature is the coolest as well ...

I think I stated .... "IMO ... April" But frankly anytime is a good time .... I've been almost in every month and had a wonderful time ... Prices are usually better in January - March

IMO ... April Paul Gauguin or Windstar? Both are good choices .... but 2024 brings in an interesting situation. Windstar plans to leave the Sea Breeze full time in FP. PG and SB are similar in their capacity count. Both have their strong points ... big question ... will Windstar hire some local Polynesians to be on-board full time to give some cultural feel/experiences to the ship, something PG has done very well with over the years. Both have good food, both have specialty islands of their own and both have marinas. PG is all -inclusive ... Windstar has an optional all inclusive plan for a large fee. There are no bad choices for you ....

Back to back ... 2 of the most popular itineraries ... I'll be on both 🙂 April 13, 2923 - 11 nights Society/Cooks April 24, 2024 - Society/Tuamotus

You need to ask yourself how much driving your going to do. If your going to circle the island it's a no brainer ... get unlimited miles. I rent with no miles as I just zip around Papeete and may place 20 KM on the car. As to insurance it is better to pre buy, it's more expensive at the counter.

In the mall steakhouse: https://www.facebook.com/Lannexeplaza/ The place with the best views will be: https://www.o-belvedere.com/ Personally I like going down to the food trucks ... down by the ships ... Place Vai'ete

There is a few places to eat across the street from the Hilton, one is a nice place. You can walk down to the food trucks from the Hilton, about a 20 - 30 minute walk, the views of the harbor area including the PG when she arrives about 6:30 PM. On the way while your walking there are several eateries along the harbor edge. You can take a taxi to the Marina past the Nui shopping area, there are several nice places there and the view looks out over the marina and Moorea in the distance.

Which hotel?

Yes

My grandfather is buried in the Redlands cemetery.

I'll be on the April 15th cruise 🙂

The Captain's Lounge is used for meetings up to about 20 people. The Bridge entry is just past the door to the lounge. There may be a tad more 'traffic' simply because of crew going and coming to the bridge but I wouldn't worry about it.