sita

We have been able to kayak in Moorea but only in Cooks Bay never Opunohu.

The ship sends out the mail once they are back in Papeete, (at least mine were postmarked from there) if they tried to mail from Tahaa it could very well be 9 months as BeagleOne experienced in St Maarten; LOL

hang in there, my postcards took a over 4 weeks to make it to their addressees.

BrendaJ - Ask your travel agent about paying for a guaranteed early checkin on your pre-cruise. It may cost you a full night but we found it was worth it and, given your home base, you may too.

In December, more than one vendor told us how fortunate we were to receive change in the old currency as they were not a fan of the new. Didn't really understand it at the time but thought was kind of sweet. We always bring home some currency as a 'promise' that we will be returning…. if ATN website is correct, old bills may only be good until end of this year (another trip this year is not in our plans) so I guess we may have some beautiful souvenirs? Photos of new currency below (per ATN site)

While I am a big fan of PG, I believe that if there is an area in which PG can be improved upon, they want to know…. It seems unnecessary to point out that an opinion runs counter to 'the norm' and to reference a family's recent tragedy as possibly coloring their opinion seems beyond the pale.

Rugrats, Truly interesting in your review and hope you continue.

It was held on our recent cruise (Bora Bora day 1); it was not listed in the daily program; neither was the repeat cruiser party. If you advise your travel agent, you will receive an invite. I imagine, if you let reception know in advance, you will also receive an invite.

Dominique is a good friend of ours and we missed diving with him terribly. That said, the crew led by Regis was very good. Martin was not there either.

The forms filled out in advance of diving included questions concerning last dive. Since we had in the prior 6 months, it wan't an issue. I will tell you we were not required to provide proof/log books.

Recommend the Tuamotus itinerary for diving. Rangiroa is still the best diving were have ever done (and we were not even able to do the pass; just the outer reef and was spectacular) and we have heard Fakarava is even better.

In Bora Bora, the ship offered a dive they haven't in our prior cruises, Anau, which is on the opposite side of the island and is a cleaning station for the giant manta rays. Nothing like seeing a 12 foot ray stroll by. The site is protected, only one excursion allowed per week and at a specific time. They do not advertise it on the PG site so ask about it at the dive desk.

This was my husband's and my 7th cruise on the PG and our first under Mr. Bailey's management. Except for our first time (when it was under the French flag), we found; overall, the food and wine were better than they have ever been. Only glaring exceptions were the soups (which were too salty) and the desserts (cakes and tarts were pretty but not tasty). Seafood, which has always been good on the PG, was spectacular. Excellent sauces, refined platings, etc. Wide variety of options at all meals. A few quibbles, (including lack of raw oysters which used to be offered), but; overall, very, very pleased.

The ship looked well. Beautiful choices made in upholstery, rugs, etc. both in cabins and in public areas. Deck 9 bar was open/used (with limited hours of noon - 5pm) and expanded shade areas noted on deck 8. Miss the gigantic flower arrangement that always previously greeted us in L'Etoile but flowers elsewhere were lovely, as always.

The service was stellar, saw many old friends and made new ones. Noted exceptional service also in two areas which in years past had often been lacking: cabin stewardess & reception.

Can't speak to shore excursions as we didn't take any this year. Did a full week of dive excursions; though, and they were excellent. Appears the crown of thorns have moved on and, while the reefs suffered tremendous damage, plenty of fish both large and small.

It's hard to imagine a better vacation, which is why we keep coming back. We were so pleased with the ship and experience under its new management. It was a very sweet surprise in a time when we start getting used to 'the good falling away."

Mauruuru!

Thrilled for you, DesertSkies!

Lovely details in this review; looking forward to your dive detail and whether your whale wish came true!