Little Rascal

Hi,
Taking this cruise has been a bucket list trip for me for 25 years. ☺️. We are so excited to be cruising this May. Does anyone have any favorite excursions from the Tahiti & Tuamototus cruise?  Also, the dining venue called the Grill outside sounds really nice to us. Do we get to pick where we want to dine?  We can book our excursions 60 days prior by calling Paul Gauguin but what about the dining reservations?  Is the dress casual on the cruise?  Thank you for any help. 

On 2/3/2023 at 11:23 AM, JulieD said:

I hope it’s okay to ask this question here. Have any of you compared the PG to a Regent Ship? We are trying to book something as soon as  we can but I’m torn between these 2.  We can afford either but I’m leaning hard to PG because we are down to earth casual folks who recently lost their only child. We like things nice but not stuffy. I feel like PG might suit us better because I get a warmer vibe. 

I have not been on either cruise lines but I’m sure they are both very nice. I’ve only heard good reviews about both companies. I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I’m praying for comfort & peace for you both. 🙏🏼

On 7/27/2019 at 7:25 AM, Tahitianbigkahuna said:

 

The drift snorkel on Tahaa/Motu Mahana day  ..... is outstanding. On Moorea the snorkeling between the motus is solid as well as at the Aquarium.

Do you have to be an experienced snorkeled?  I’ve snorkeled in Hawaii but am more of a stay on top person and look down. Not so much diving in deep then clearing my mask type. ( maybe at 30 but not do much at 60). I consider my self a good beginner. Would I be ok on the drift trip?

12 hours ago, Supertuscan99 said:

Some posters here are fond of saying “the ship is your balcony” …it’s your choice, but for us, I love a balcony for the early morning views, solitude and coffee, I love the balcony for late afternoon drinks and snacks after a great day snorkeling, sailing, hiking and touring…and I love a balcony for late night relaxation before retiring for the night…we had an aft cabin with balcony and it was amazing

I love aft cabins too. 

Thank you everyone. We booked today the window cabin. We will spend three nights in Moorea and then three nights after the cruise in Tahiti. Next decisions will be picking excursions. ☺️. Thank you for your help. Im sure I’ll have more questions. 

Hi,

I’m new to Paul Gauguin cruise line but I have heard so many wonderful reviews from friends over the last 20 + years and we are finally booking a 10 day cruise for next June. I have a few questions.
 

1) I’m thinking also of booking a few nights in Moorea in a OWB at the beginning of the cruise. (After reading some post from here on when to do it). Which one do you think is the nicest experience?  
 

2). Is the Balcony upgrade worth the price from the ocean view cabin?  Does the ship have nice areas to sit if we don’t get a balcony room?  I had read here that they are on the small side. The trip is expensive overall but it looks so beautiful. 
 

Thank you for any comments. 
 

Can anyone tell me where the Sanctuary area is on the Crown Princess?  We would like to book it for our Hawaiian cruise in April. Is the area blocked from the wind?  Any tips on best lounge locations?  Thank you for any comments. 🌺🌺

On 8/5/2022 at 12:10 PM, memoak said:

Once we had club class we have never been able to go back that is for sure

What do you get in Club Class?  Are those only certain rooms that qualify like the Havana section on Carnival?  Is Sabatini’s open for breakfast and the Crown Grill?  

Thank you for your review. We had a princess cruise booked but they cancelled all the Sapphire Princess cruises till Sept 22, 2022. 😟. We have not cruised with Carnival for 17 years or so but always enjoyed them and thought a trip to Mexico would be relaxing. We live in Ca so no flying needed.   You will love Norway. We went in Feb with Viking to see the northern Lights. Amazing.  

No date yet though. We leave next week. Maybe later today it will be announced and official?  

4 hours ago, LindaS272 said:

As long as there are no more comments about not understanding the answers to the original question…? That’s what I was responding to.

Sometimes no comment is better served. Especially in this case unless your stirring the pot. What’s your point?  You have made no impact on my question what’s so ever. 
 

6 hours ago, Little Rascal said:

 

I am going to let this topic go and I hope you will as well. 

4 hours ago, LindaS272 said:

As long as there are no more comments about not understanding the answers to the original question…? That’s what I was responding to.

27 minutes ago, LindaS272 said:

Actually, your question was answered by numerous experienced Viking cruisers. Meet & Greets were coordinated by CC pre-Covid and Viking provided drinks & hors d’oeuvres. CC & Viking have suspended them during Covid. If your friend claims to have set one up—it’s not through CC & Viking.

I am going to let this topic go and I hope you will as well. 

36 minutes ago, broker1217 said:

I'm glad you will follow the protocols--your fellow cruisers will appreciate that courtesy, and you will keep yourself safe! 

I think folks are really sensitive about meet & greets after hearing about the people who have been disembarked, sometimes in less than ideal accommodations. 

Glad you won't give up on CC. I really don't think anyone meant to be nasty but I think frustration may come across that way.

Safe travels!

 

 

I must say my hubby & I got a chuckle thinking that anyone would think we are rule  breakers. ☺️ If you only knew me you would laugh too.  Life is short and I love people and travel. Think positive and hopefully test negative. Keep on traveling. 

2 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

 

Having re-read the thread, I certainly didn't get the impression that anyone provided a nasty response. You may not agree with or like the facts you received in response to your question, but I certainly wouldn't consider any of the responses as "Nasty"

 

You asked a question regarding Meet & Greets, which I answered and Kent provided further explanation, including the fact that they contravene Viking's Policies.

 

After another couple of responses, you indicated it's only a small group and you don't see a problem with contravening Viking's robust Health & Safety Policy, which was developed to both protect the pax & crew, and decrease the probability of cruises again being cancelled.

 

Rob provided a recent example from the Orion, where an unauthorised group gathering could have negatively impacted the status of infectious disease aboard the vessel, which the Master MUST report to the local authorities.

 

A number of regulars on the Viking Board have answered your initial question and provided supporting facts. 

I guess Nasty is the wrong choice of words sorry for that. I guess I am just  disappointed in people being so judgmental and implying the worse in people on Social media. Normally I have not found this on CC and that’s why I like it. Times have changed since Covid and has brought out the not so kind side of people. How about CurlerRobs comment?  Was he not judging me?  
 

I never said I was going to go against Vikings policies. I was asking how to set up a M& G for my upcoming cruise.  That question was not answered BTW.
 Apparently someone has one set up for the cruise following mine.

I heard and understand the comments I received and most were very reasonable about the current situation that I agree with. My husband & my son in law both work in healthcare so I am very knowledgeable about Protocols regarding Covid.

Traveling during these times do make it challenging and we who decide to travel now know the risk. My point was I just returned from a Viking trip to Egypt and we were invited to a party for all returning Viking guest. There were at least 50 people who attended on a river boat.

If Viking says no gatherings of 6 or more I’ll follow that since I am a rule follower. Too bad you want to judge me even though you know nothing about me. I guess I found CurlerRobs and your implications unkind. 
 

I have only met awesome people on CC and my Viking travels and non Viking travels.  I will not let one or two unkind judging folk discourage me from seeking advice from CC. 

 

On 1/13/2022 at 8:20 PM, Heidi13 said:

 

 

Well said.

I have not heard that you can only have groups of 6 people. Have I missed a email from Viking?  I have never skirted the rules. Someone on my sailing said he booked a meet & greet for the sailing that he’s on after our sailing. So if it’s against the rules then how did he get one set up?  If I wanted to break any rules I wouldn’t of asked the question. I really don’t understand why people are so nasty on social media. It’s very sad. 

6 hours ago, Azulann said:

One of the things I really miss  cruising during the pandemic.  Pre-pandemic, one signed up  through Cruise critic  from your roll call. If 25 folks sign up,, Cruise Critic and Viking would host a meat and greet.

Viking  would do  cocktails and appetizers. They were held in the Wintergarden  in the afternoon or  after  tea time. 

Something to look forward to once  we move through this pandemic. 

I’ve always enjoyed them as well. I’ll call Viking and ask. Like I said they are having one on the cruise after mine set up by a passenger that is on our cruise as well I asked him but he never responded. 😏. If it’s only a small group and your social distanced I don’t see that as being any different than the dining room during meals. 

14 minutes ago, CCWineLover said:

Yes, Viking has stopped the Meet & Greets since the March 2020 shutdown and there is no indication of when they might start up.  It would not surprise me if we are looking at 2023 at least.

 

Viking also is stating that people should not gather socially in groups of more than 6 while on the ship.  This is especially important with the new Omicron variant, which spreads so easily, even among vaccinated people.

 

Likely if you do a private Meet & Greet, you may be going against Viking's stated policies.

On the roll call I was told that one of the members set one up for the cruise after mine. Feb 12, 2022. That’s why I was asking. 

Can someone tell me how to set up a meet and greet?  We have a cruise coming up and no one has mentioned one. 

Please let me know what you think about the Abu Simbel and Coptic  tour. I appreciate your replies. 

Darn!  We go in March 2020. I signed up for all the excursions except for Hot Air Balloon. ( I’ve done that before) Coptic tour, Light show and the market and dinner tour. Has anyone taken any of these except for balloon ride?  I am guessing I can add them while on board if I want right?  We had signed up for the light show but had heard it was not that great and we will be on the Abu Simbal tour that day so that’s a long day by itself. Any thoughts?  

The lab visit an additional option that I have not seen. Did they offer that before hand?

Thank you Patricia.  Were you on the pre trip?  I noticed only one dinner was included.  Did you find any memorable restaurants?  So, tennis shoes or hiking type shoe for the Pyramids?  I really appreciate you providing these tips and the daily schedule.

Looks wonderful!  Thanks for sharing with us. Did you buy your visa prior to arrival or did you buy it at the airport?