Jetpuffed

This year will be our fourth in a row that we have visited French Polynesia in Jan or early February. The first three years on Paul Gauguin, and this January we have made a change to the Marina.

The possibility of warm rain in Polynesia is infinitely better than winter in the US!

Don't worry about the official 'rainy season.' If it does rain, it's never for long.

711 by far, BUT I'd never pay full price for it!

The A suites are huge (and very expensive at brochure rates).

810 would be fine! 8's are great because the rooms are larger and they are so close to the pool, La Pallette Grill, and the pool bar. You don't have to climb any stairs as they are on the same deck.

I used the excuse of my husband being over 6'3" and needing extra room for booking 811 the first year. Subsequent years, I booked a "C" on 7 and grabbed an upgrade when unsold room inventory was released at bargain prices.

We are changing ships for several reasons. I wanted a novel itinerary but had to stay in the Jan/early Feb time frame. The Marina will go to the Marquesas, where we have never been, and to Rangiroa, which we love because of its pristine lagoons. We've been on the Marina, and loved its five restaurants. Despite it being a 1200 passenger boat, it feels small....and a penthouse suite on Marina costs less than a C (and even a "D") category on PG.

If this is your first trip to Polynesia, I would stay on the Paul Gauguin so you get the special polynesian experience.

I have taken three consecutive trips in three years and will return next January for number four.

We thought this would be our last for a while, and had booked a different destination for next year, but my husband and I looked at each other and said "we love this place!" so will return, but on a different ship.

All trips have been Jan/Feb during the 'rainy' season. Some years have had 100% sunshine, and others rain showers for parts of the day. Our view is that rain in Polynesia is still better than winter in the US.

We are East Coasters and even though the Caribbean is very close, we also became bored with it. The lagoons of Polynesia have no equal! Nothing in the Caribbean comes close.

Re the food, last year the quality declined, but this year it was back up to snuff. All fish was perfectly prepared and lobster was served several times. I loved all the meals; no complaints at all!

We are not big drinkers so can't comment on the quality of the wine. I had a glass of white at dinner, but I just don't like the taste of wine.

Re the rooms: we have stayed in 811 (paid), 711 (upgrade), and 801 (upgrade).

Without question the favorite was 711 because of the size and being midship. Despite being in the "Paul Gauguin Suite" #801 this year, I will never, ever, ever, ever, stay in the front of the boat again! Never! Ever! I don't get seasick but one night the rocking was so bad we skipped dinner and spent the night in a spare room on deck 4. The 4th floor cabin was tiny, but the movement was barely noticeable. Movement is more noticeable the higher the deck, so make sure you book a midship 8!

We love the Paul Gauguin! It is a small ship, and by the end of the voyage, it feels like an adult summer camp. Friends are everywhere! Passenger ages are mostly 50's, 60's, and 70's. This year we met a delightful couple in their 90's and a couple in their 40's. Because of the 'active' itineraries, everyone was in decent enough shape to at least snorkel. There isn't much to do at night, but your kids should have plenty of activity during the day.

Emdee,

I found the food this year MUCH IMPROVED from last year!

They even served lobster more than once, and all the fish was perfectly prepared.

Last year most of the fish was overcooked, and lobster was never served.

I don't like red meat, but others commented that even the beef was delicious.

I have done three trips in three years to PPT via AA domestic and ATN transpacific.

AA WILL check them through if on one ticket, but ATN will NOT from Tahiti on the return flight.

You have to pick up the bags in LAX on the return.

Saying that, I have always collected my bags in LA and rechecked them with ATN.

I do not trust the airlines to change terminals and carriers!

It's ok if the bags get lost on the return; not so much at the start!

My TA chose this room for us on our Jan 15 Polynesia trip, and I'd like to ask about movement this far back in the boat.

I usually choose a room in the middle of the boat.

Will there be significant rocking this far back?

It is labeled a PH3 cabin.

Thank you!

Disclaimer: I am a dermatologist so REALLY know sun protection!

This is my favorite "rash guard" because the fabric is very thin, it zips up the front, has long sleeves and protects the neck:

http://www.sundayafternoons.com/women/sun-clothing/swim-shirts.html

Unfortunately Lands End no longer carries a similar shirt.

For hats, I recommend either the CRUISER hat or the ADVENTURE hat from Sunday Afternoons. They can be thrown in the wash when dirty. I carried both on our Feb trip and lent one to an unprepared member of our private-trip group, for which he was very grateful!

http://www.sundayafternoons.com/women/sun-hats/wide-brim-hats.html

For foot protection, these Tilos Neoprene Fin socks protect feet from blisters caused by fins, and are substantial enough to walk on sand. The price is fantastic! I recommended them to our Feb tour group, and all said they were very glad they bought them.

http://www.amazon.com/Tilos-Neoprene-Fin-Socks-MD/dp/B002OWQI3A

/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394227175&sr=8-1&keywords=tilos+neoprene+fin+socks

Sunscreen: This is a much more complicated topic than you'd expect, because you need to know UV absorption spectra of chemical ingredients.

Bottom line:

1.Think ZINC. Zinc oxide blocks then entire UV spectra (UVA and UVB) and

causes no skin irritation because it's an inert mineral. I prefer zinc sunscreens for faces since they don't sting if they get in the eyes. If you snorkel, you will rub your face. Read the labels and get a zinc product.

2. For the body, I like sprays because people miss areas with lotions. Neutrogena and Aveeno have a patent on the only stable UVA blocker. It's called Parsol 1789. Other brands have chemicals that rapidly break down and have to be reapplied more frequently than most people do. Also avoid the chemical oxybenzone because it is reef toxic and has hormonal effects, especially in small children. I like Neutrogena Wet Skin Spray for Polynesia because of its surfactant that lets it penetrate wet skin.

3. There is no such thing as a waterproof sunscreen! Thank goodness the FDA finally mandated new labeling. There are now only two water ratings: water resistant (40 min) and very water resistant (80 minutes).

so...Zinc for the face, Neutrogena/Aveeno spray for the body, and reapply often!

Going back for the 4th time in four years next January....but on a different boat (shhhh)

Liz,

We originally booked a "C" on the 7th deck.

Jo

Hi Liz!

We just heard about the upgrade a few days ago and are giddy with anticipation!

(not to pass judgement), but who in the world would pay list for that room??!!

As you know, my husband is very tall and hoping for any discounted offer into an even slightly larger room, but we had no expectation we'd be offered the GS!

We're doing Antarctica next January, and decided to leave Polynesia with a bang!

We leave Tuesday. My task today is to get my husband to pack!

I'm still deep in the mileage game too. I got these tickets with AA miles (business). One was released on the anticipated day last January, but I was in the middle of nowhere in the Galapagos when the second was released. Thank heavens for Skype!

jo

Not interested in special perks!

This will be our third trip in three years and we were offered the upgrade to the GS.

Since this will be the last visit for awhile, we took the offer.

Going out with a bang...looking forward to the view from the front wraparound balcony.

When is the earliest they allow boarding?

Can people in Grand Suites come aboard earlier?