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.

On 5/4/2023 at 3:24 AM, EPTCB said:

Taxi or private transfer from Papeete airport to downtown ferry terminal.

 

Kon Tiki Boutique Hotel across street from Papeete ferry terminal if need to spend the night in Papeete.

 

Terevau (or Aramiti) ferry to Moorea: both companies operate in same terminal but one schedule may fit your schedule better than the other.

 

Rental car in Moorea across from ferry terminal (if desire).

 

Moorea fun.

 

Ferry back to Papeete. Very short walk from ferry terminal to Paul Gauguin.

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.

Really appreciate your taking the time to summarize the cruise. Having only been on the PG twice, once under Regent and once under the new ownership, I am always curious how those with many cruises under their belt view things.

Perhaps our paths will cross on a future PG cruise. Thanks again.

Really appreciate feedback from all who attended this cruise. We'd hoped to make it (for my 70th birthday) but other plans intervened. We hope to again cruise on PG in 2015. Our past 7 and 10 day cruises were terrific.

I am a bit concerned from some of the negative feedback but am curious to see what the "veterans" have to say.

Thanks so much lovetotravel68 for taking the time to share your experiences. Your pictures and descriptions brought back many happy memories. Hope you guys have a wonderful and happy healthy life together.

My wife and I have enjoyed two 10 day cruises on the PG and are looking forward to another one next year. We had hoped to celebrate my 70th birthday on the Reunion cruise but will have to make due in 2015.

Glad to hear that you consider fellow travelers. On our last cruise we had a bunch of French passengers who insisted on smoking cigars (not very good quality, either!) at all the La Palette tables. Polite requests were ignored so we had to rely on Elmo to enforce the "cigar zone".