Good Morning from the PACIFIC PRINCESS

[Seal]

I suggest just take a cab to the airport, leaving just before the Princess bussses start to load. Less hassle, less cost, and no wait at all at the airport once checkin is allowed.

 

Also no need to take off your shoes in South America, Canada, most of Europe.

 

Cabs are the only way to go--you just don't want to get in that line that stretches out to the street--hot/humid in that line--I'd rather get there early to wait a few minutes for them to open--we rarely use Princess transfers.

 

Nancy

[Toto2Kansas]

Cabs are the only way to go--you just don't want to get in that line that stretches out to the street--hot/humid in that line--I'd rather get there early to wait a few minutes for them to open--we rarely use Princess transfers.

 

Nancy

 

Nancy, Actually we were very lucky with the heat/humidity that last couple of evenings. It was cooler in Tahiti then when we arrived back home in Kansas. I was very surprised. We had planned to take a taxi, but we didn't want to have to get to the airport hours before our flight (since we had the later flight time). It was very comfortable, and totally organized taking the transfer bus to Tahiti this time, I was very impressed on how this process has changed since our last visit.

 

There were absolutely no taxis anywhere to be found when we left the ship just before 8:00 PM (I looked), so we were very glad we decided on the Princess transfer this trip. ;)

[Seal]

Nancy, Actually we were very lucky with the heat/humidity that last couple of evenings. It was cooler in Tahiti then when we arrived back home in Kansas. I was very surprised. We had planned to take a taxi, but we didn't want to have to get to the airport hours before our flight (since we had the later flight time). It was very comfortable, and totally organized taking the transfer bus to Tahiti this time, I was very impressed on how this process has changed since our last visit.

 

There were absolutely no taxis anywhere to be found when we left the ship just before 8:00 PM (I looked), so we were very glad we decided on the Princess transfer this trip. ;)

 

I'm gettin a bit concerned about our early morning departure from the ship--our flight leaves at 8:30 am Air France--I'm sure we'll be working on that issue immediately after b oarding--maybe a day or 2 afdter boarding--I know that there isn't a problem with leaving for the airport during late seating dining for those who are ready to get on home--someone at our table left that night for a flight to Europe--I would never have thought of it.

 

Nancy:D

[Hflors]

Helen, You will so enjoy doing this cruise as a B2B. With the sea days on the first cruise after visiting Hawaii, it gives you time to relax and really enjoy the ship before hitting those great ports in Tahiti (some even twice on this B2B, which really makes it nice).

 

Ambien works like a dream for both of us. But afraid it is by perscription only. Many we talked to asked their doctor and were given samples to use on the flights, so they didn't even need a perscription, you might check with your MD as that could be an option for you. The one thing different between Ambien (or Lunesta, which is also good) is that they don't seem to have the side effects that over the counter sleep aides do. We tried an OTC med years ago and felt totally drugged up for the rest of the trip home. These on the other hand work within about 15 minutes and you can sleep (even sitting up) and you awake more refreshed.

On that 8 hour flight, I managed about 6 hours of straight sleep, which is fantastic on a plane and really cuts down on all of those hours of doing nothing. And since the flights (most of them) out of Tahiti are late into the night (usually 10 PM and another at 11:30), being tired to begin with doesn't hurt either. ;)

 

If I can think of any other tips, I would be glad to pass them along to you. Or if you have any questions I might be able to answer, just ask and I will try to assist you. ;)

 

You're going to love this cruise, it is absolutely fantastic and I am even playing around in my brain with doing it again in another year or so. For me to consider it again that soon, it had to be one of the very best cruises we have ever done, and it honestly was.

We have done the B2B Hawaii/Tahiti/Hawaii in the past, but this one was even better with so many great ports in Tahiti.

 

Toto - thanks for the info about Ambian. I am going to check with my MD and see if they have any samples. WE are actually doing this cruise in the reverse. This way the "short" fllight will be at the end of our cruise. Not that any of these flights are short seeing as we are coming from the east Coast.

 

You know there are still cabins open on the Jan 18 & Jan 28 2011 cruise if you are interested!

 

Again thanks for all your info and allowing us to share your cruise

 

Helen

[flamomo]

Toto, just curious about your nice wins in the casion. What were you playing?

 

I agree with those who say it's better to take a taxi to the airport in Papeete. We shared a cab with friends, leaving the ship at 6PM (for an 11:30 PM flight on ATN). By the time we collected our luggage, got it loaded into the cab and got to the airport, it was about 7:15 PM. The check-in area opened at 8PM, and we were near the front of the line. After all the check-in process was completed, we went up to the 2nd floor to the bar/lounge area to wait. It was a good place to be because other shipboard friends came up too, and chatting helped pass the time.

 

One nice thing ATN did last November (and may still do) is give each passenger a "comfort kit", containing earphones for the entertainment system, socks, ear plugs, eye mask, and some bright orange stickers for you to put on your seatback to let the flight attendants know whether or not to awaken you for meals.

[ellbon]

i used air tahiti and went bus calls and i was in an A/C waiting area while others were in the heat. i even had time to shop. all my bags were opened 2 times and otghers three times. all that takes time.

 

alos sleeping polls do not work for me in bed. i have to take a zantax to turn my mind off to sleep. but if it works use it.

 

again thanks for this thread.

[Toto2Kansas]

Toto, just curious about your nice wins in the casion. What were you playing?

 

.

 

It was hit and miss up until the last two days onboard, win a bit, loose a bit, (right up until we left for the airport actually). The big wins were on the poker slots, the one on the end farthest away from the window actually hit 4 of a kind in bonus poker 6 times within 20 minutes for me. :) :) Yes, very good wins indeed and two of those were 4 aces. AND believe it or not, I went over to talk to someone playing the penny slots and decided to sit down and play. I hit the jackpot on one, and while waiting for the 32 free spins to finish, started to play the one next to it, and did the same on it.

I swear that towards the end of the cruise, it didn't matter what machine I played, I won large amounts. Sure did put a smile on my face.

 

As for ATN, yes, they still supplied the amenitiy kits this week with everything you described in them. We had several crying babies on our flight, so the ear plugs came in very handy.

 

Hflors-Hummmmmmm, that really gives me something to think about. That is about 18 months away and the time frame would fit right. You just never know, we may end up returning, and we are both considering it within the next two years. Tahiti is just a place we never seem to get enough of.

[Hflors]

Hflors-Hummmmmmm, that really gives me something to think about. That is about 18 months away and the time frame would fit right. You just never know, we may end up returning, and we are both considering it within the next two years. Tahiti is just a place we never seem to get enough of.

 

Toto - get your deposit in. The prices are rising and the cabins are filling. Its amazing how many are gone just since I've been looking!

[whycruisewhynot]

Hi All- we were on Toto's 10 day Tahiti cruise, we are the one's with the five year old. Just wanted to say we really enjoyed our cruise, and a big part of it was the friends we made though the CC roll call. Thanks All!

 

To Nancy - we had a 6:30 am flight to Auckland The pursur desk told us at the beginning of the cruise that there would be a sheet for us to complete later in the cruise with regard to disembarkation. There was, and we did, went ahead and decided to pay $29 pp for airport transfer since we had to leave at 3:30. The problem occured on the next to last day and we didn't have any luggage tags or communication from princess. My husband went down and was told that princess didn't offer transfers on that early of flights, and what worked out evening better for us - we needed to keep all of our luggage, and call the purser desk 30 minutes before we were ready to depart, they sent someone to pick up our luggage and escort us off, plus they had taxi's ordered for us. We paid 3000 Francs to get to the airport. We were told the people on the Air France flight were also doing this. Hope it helps.

 

We were offered the Ultimate Drink Card, but it was only for our son. It was $7 per day, and included soft drinks, juices, mocktails, and hot chocolate.

 

We are also the ones that stayed overnight at the Intercontinental - Le Moana. We used a free night reward to book our original room, and in discussion found it would only cost us $100 AUD to upgrade to an OTW bungalow (rack rates on these are 79000 to 90000). This was a fantastic adventure for us (onboard we were staying in an interior room) so the space was great and it did work with a small family, and our son loved feeding the fish from our coffee table. We took the free shuttle to the Thallasso, and had free access to kayaks, canoes, snorleking, and wind surfing. Be aware food is outrageous, we paid $70 AUD for two cheeseburger and a drink for lunch. They wanted 3500 francs pp for breakfast, if you go to the main road and right there is a little bistro, and we all had a continental breakfast for 1400 francs. We thought we would go back to the ship for dinner, beaware that they raise the "night" taxi charges to 2500 francs each way. We took a free shuttle to bloody mary's and then could have caught the one from there to the ship. Once we headed back from the ship, we were able to find a taxi for $5 pp, none of the taxi's we took charged us for our son. The scenery was breath-taking and we consider this one of the highlights of our trip.

 

Thanks again Toto!

[Seal]

Thanks for the info---be great if we can keep our bags--I'm feeling better already--as for Le Moana this will be our 3rd stay with them--we've learned where to eat both there and IC Tahiti--Breakfast is ridiculous--we never ate dinner at the hotel--At the IC Tahiti you can order ala carte for breakfast which we learned for about $11 usd--order an omelet--all breakfast meats, coffee, juice breads and fruits start showing up at your table--it's the only good buy around. We've gone to the market and have some (stuff) around and then go to an early lunch `11;30 am--just out on the road to the right--La Bounty was good French food and pizza--usually we can get 2 free rooms but only one this time--doing that we make a reservation under each name--

 

You've been a great help--we leave in a couple of hours for dinner before the flight--perhaps I should finish packing--we fly from FAAA to Bora Bora about 7:30 am tomorrow.

 

Nancy:D

[whycruisewhynot]

We tried to use the ala carte option for breakfast at IC Tahiti as previously suggested and they told us it ended at a certain time (can't remember), which of course we had missed. Be sure to check on this!

[Toto2Kansas]

Anyone interested in seeing video of the interior of the OS suite on this class of ship, I have posted a short video to YouTube (although I think I need a little practice with taking video just a tad slower :o)

It is located here it anyone is interested:

[manasvi10]

Hi Toto,

 

Thank you very much for updates on various tours..After your review all of us on our roll call are now rethinking of changing to Mata's tour in Raiatea..

 

I have 1 request for you..Can you please tell us some details about Marc's tour? Especially how was the drift snorkle and Lunch with tables in water?

[chamima]

Hi Toto,

 

Thank you very much for updates on various tours..After your review all of us on our roll call are now rethinking of changing to Mata's tour in Raiatea..

 

I have 1 request for you..Can you please tell us some details about Marc's tour? Especially how was the drift snorkle and Lunch with tables in water?

 

We did a B2B four years ago and went with Bruno once and Mata (Stephan) once. Bruno's boat was nicer but we much preferred Stephan's tour. He also did a great tour in Bora Bora. We are going again in 2011 and I'm glad to hear he's still doing tours. Does he have a website yet?

[paradiseken]

I have been an avid follower of your thread and enjoyed it very much. You are a gifted writer.

I am soooo interested in the Pacific Princess as my wife and I will be spending 107 days on board for the World Cruise this January. All the favorable comments about the ship and staff make us eager to come aboard. I hope to do a thread/blog about our adventure. Maybe a few of you folks will follow us around the globe.

Thanks again Toto and all the rest of the CC members who post.

[Toto2Kansas]

Opps, my error.

[Toto2Kansas]

I have been an avid follower of your thread and enjoyed it very much. You are a gifted writer.

I am soooo interested in the Pacific Princess as my wife and I will be spending 107 days on board for the World Cruise this January. All the favorable comments about the ship and staff make us eager to come aboard. I hope to do a thread/blog about our adventure. Maybe a few of you folks will follow us around the globe.

Thanks again Toto and all the rest of the CC members who post.

 

Glad I could build your excitement. I can tell you one thing, of all the Princess ships we have sailed on over the years, the Pacific Princess had the happiest and friendliest crew we have ever encountered. After talking with many of them, they said that there is so much less stress for them on the smaller ships, they all just feel blessed to be assigned to the Pacific Princess.

She is a lovely ship, and we are now totally small ship lovers and not sure if we will ever enjoy the larger ships again. It is just so different getting to know all the passengers and staff, especially since we were sailing for 21 days. I can only imagine the attachments and friends you will make/have sailing for 107 days on this ship. I honesly would love to join this cruise, but my DH and I are so very different when it comes to longer voyages. He did fine on this one (which surprised me with 5 sea days in there), but he was definitely ready to disembark that final day. I though could have stayed onboard for months longer................it was just that much fun!

I do hope you can post from the ship on your adventure. It would definitely be something I would look forward to reading with every update. ;)

[Toto2Kansas]

Hi Toto,

 

I have 1 request for you..Can you please tell us some details about Marc's tour? Especially how was the drift snorkle and Lunch with tables in water?

 

Marc's tour was delightful, and everyone onboard had a great time. The lunch was tradional and the Motu was a perfect setting. We all sat in the water and enjoyed a great meal. I took a video of part of the Motu picnic, but have yet to upload it to YouTube as it wasn't quite as clear and complete as I had wished.

 

We had so many snorkel stops, my brain is confused as to which was which on Marc's tour. I will try to remember the drift snorkel and get back to you on that.

I can say, that if we visit Huahine again, we will definitely try Marc's tour again though, and for us to take a tour numerous times, it has got to be lots of fun.

[Toto2Kansas]

The picture of the Dive/Snorkel shop on the pier on Rangiora.

 

Larger image located here: http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2229898590046132864oGGVSl?vhost=travel

[Toto2Kansas]

I finally uploaded a few shots of Rangiora, the beach, the coral gardens and sailing into the island. Since we were the first ship to stop there, I thought those that will be visiting this winter might be interested. You can find the album (and about 10 others I have been working on) here: http://travel.webshots.com/album/575221438mGqclu?vhost=travel

[laughing husky]

wonderful.... thank you so much. Have been lurking....and enjoying every minute....Scheduled to go on the Ocean Princess in Jan to Asia and now really looking forward to it....

[Starshine95123]

Can't wait to see the rest.

[Toto2Kansas]

Can't wait to see the rest.

 

There are 12 albums now uploaded (I worked on them all last night). If you are interested, they are seperated into the different ports of call here: http://community.webshots.com/user/toto2kansas?vhost=community

[DocM4]

Thanks for sharing Toto - started me dreaming - We have our Hawaiin cruise in January, but after that.........who knows!

[Seal]

From IC Bora Bora--I need to eat my words about Keanna Hut--It is now back to greatness--I'm sure we'll hit it at least one more time before the cruise

 

Nancy:D