pittsburgh.joe

Defintely book a lagoon snorkel trip. You will be amazed at the variety of fish and rays. Also the variety of over-water hotels on the motus are worth seeing. The Bora Bora motu is nothing like PG's motu on Taha'a. Little service - not much to see.

Have to agree with a lot of what FlightMedic555 said. We've sailed on the PG under Seven Seas, under Richard Bailey's company, and under Ponant. Under Ponant there is definitely a tightening of the pursestrings. Lower end labels on alcohol and wine. We had to explain that in-room bar setup was included in our fare. Food was ok - but understand these islands are isolated and most provisions have to be flown in. Other than that - the ship is great. But the staff is WONDERFUL. I don't think you'll find a crew on any ship that is more friendly, knowledgable, and anxious to please. Oh, and they will be calling you by your name on the first day! Reviews I've heard from other vessels sailing Polynesia are much less enthusiastic about the crew.

Agree strongly that Ponant has significantly changed the PG "experience". What hasn't changed is the marvelous crew! We've also sailed under Regent and Beachcomber and missed the evening canapes quietly enjoying a drink before dinner on the balcony. Also, in order to get requested liquor stocked we had to point out to the butler the PG literature describing this service. Wasn't a problem in the old days. Also liquor choices were fewer - but we did have free laundry service which is a big plus on 10-11 day trips. Must re-iterate that although the butlers were a bit stiff, most of the crew were just outstanding.

Just so you're not surprised - the Hilton in Moorea often won't let you into your room before 2pm. They will store your bags and let you use the property. We spent a leisurely long lunch hour waiting on our last visit.

I wouldn't get too hung up on reservations. Depending on the occupancy level you can usually reserve multiple nights in each. Best bet is to get to know the head waiter/maitre d'. They are extremely friendly. You will find that menus change on different nights but often you'll find your special place. Enjoy!

I never felt underdressed anywhere in French Polynesia with long pants and collared shirt. Even at Villa Mahan, the fiinest restaurant on Bora Bora, people were in shorts! Its the tropics. Unless your on a boat with "Formal" nights (not what I'd recommend) leave your "dress" shirts and slacks at home.

The two companies have different terminals in Moorea. Close but you need to know which terminal is which. Also, best to arrange with hotel for taxis which can be in short supply on that island. Also, the AVIS office can get very very crowded when the ferrys hit the dock in Moorea!

Looking forward to sailing on the PG under Ponant this April. Must say that our two experiences with the previous owners, one on Regent, one with Richard Bailey's Pacific Beachcomber were both terrific. It's really the PG staff that make this sailing so great!

That Santa looks awfully familiar!

Thank you AussieBoy Tx for your in-depth review. We've been twice before on the PG, once under Regent Seven Seas and once with Pacific Beachcomber. We are doing the Cook itinerary in April and look forward to how Ponant has changed things.

Love Delta - not fond of United. But we live near SFO and much prefer flying direct rather than going through LA. So we'll stick with United's non-stops to Tahiti.