Review : Paul Gauguin - Papeete to Fiji - 8th May 2010

[DrmnOfMaui]

Bandt, I'm just back from Vegas (Liv has a 6th place trophy in hand!:D) and finally got a chance to read your latest post. We did iChat with our kids and family a number of times and gave them a tour also! On one occasion we were just pulling out of Bora Bora and the kids were able so see the islands, sunset and kayakers as the music from above was wafting down. My mom was extremely envious! I'll bet your mom loved keeping in touch with you that way, and it was a wonderful way to share the trip with her.

 

Your Raratonga photo is indeed lovely... I sure hope to add it to my itinerary one day.

 

I remember a similar menu, mostly as I enjoyed the sweet potato scented with cumin salad. Very enjoyable! I haven't been able to replicate it at home, though, but I'm still working on it. Too bad Tom didn't get a good lobster.:( My husband ordered the Lobster in Vanilla sauce and had one big enough to share with me! I loved the vanilla sauce as well!

 

Your posts have been inspiring us to peruse the PG site again... My fingers are crossed that we can plan something!

[Friscorays]

....My husband ordered the Lobster in Vanilla sauce and had one big enough to share with me! I loved the vanilla sauce as well!....

 

I do not particularly remember the portion size well. What I do remember well is that it was so delicious that my wife asked the waiter for the recipe, something which is very rare for her to do. Sure enough, it was waiting for us in our stateroom the next day. We were quite impressed, but it just went along with the overall "can do" attitude of the entire crew that we experienced during our ten day trip.

[DrmnOfMaui]

I do not particularly remember the portion size well. What I do remember well is that it was so delicious that my wife asked the waiter for the recipe, something which is very rare for her to do. Sure enough, it was waiting for us in our stateroom the next day. We were quite impressed, but it just went along with the overall "can do" attitude of the entire crew that we experienced during our ten day trip.

 

Ooohh!! You are SO nice to share!! I asked for a recipe for grilled asparagus and mine was waiting in my room the next morning as well. Should have asked for that vanilla bean creme brulee!

[MtnDriver]

Ever had "spoon size" shredded wheat ?

That was the size of these lobsterettes!

Hardly a hearty authentic lobster tail!

I suppose some have to exaggerate reality because of disappointment aboard the PG and all that money spent.:rolleyes:

 

I think it is pretty clear that in May (for certain) the weather pretty much sucks from FIJI to FP! Rarotonga had not been visited since early April!PG should have had an alternate itinerary knowing the difficulties with this port but instead,conveniently left people at sea for a 3rd day!When your spending approximately $500.00 per day per person for this vacation,who wants to have "EXTRA" days at sea!:mad:

 

During our recent sailing, we Cruise Critic members 'toasted' TomCruises at each and every meal and outing; wondering what Tom would have to say about this or that. Cheers Tom!:p

[bandt]

Our arrival in Tonga on Sunday afternoon was quiet and uneventful.

 

As I already said, nothing happens in Tonga on a Sunday and the arrival of the Paul Gauguin was not going to disturb years of tradition !

 

I heard nobody on board complaining – the crew made sure we were having a good time.

 

On Monday morning we disembarked for our tour “Scenic and Cultural Vava’u”. I must say that this was the most uninteresting tour we have ever done on a cruise ship! The tour description boasted ‘a visit to Tailulu College (a Secondary School of the Free Church of Tonga) a visit to Garden Bay “the only botanical garden in Vava’u” and finally traditional entertainment and refreshments at the “Paradise International Hotel”.

 

The reality was a jaunt in a rickety school bus with a young lady guide who couldn’t be heard by half of the passengers.

Yes, we were taken to the school to take pictures of the Paul Gauguin in the distance.....

 

but a visit of the school was not programmed. (We went in anyway - see later).

 

Back on the bus for a long drive to a very uninteresting botanical garden (it’s one of our passions). Either the trees, shrubs, bushes had been “planted too recently” or were “not in flower”, or it “wasn’t the season”.

 

Then on to our “cultural show”.... The venue was changed from the Paradise International Hotel to a pub along the roadside.

 

The Cultural Show consisted of 2 local children doing a few dances.

 

I cannot fully blame PG Cruises for this poor excursion – local infrastructure for transportation and tourism is basic to say the least. We voiced our opinions about the tour but no compensation was offered (there again, we didn’t request one). The passengers on the “Swallows Cave” Excursion were also disappointed.

 

One event, however, made our visit to Tonga memorable.

 

As I said earlier, we stopped at the Tailulu College to take photos. Nobody was invited or encouraged to enter the school but we did.

 

It was a humbling experience – the children were getting their education with the minimum of resources. No comparison with the glitzy gadgets at kids’ disposal in North America, Europe or French Polynesia.

 

 

I just wished that we had been forewarned so that we could have contributed in some way to this school. I talked to John Hay after our visit and he informed me that, statistically, Tonga is the Nation with the most PhD per capita – kudos – they must be doing something right!

 

After our tour we wandered around Vava’u. We visited the very quaint Post Office to buy some stamps and enjoyed the small vegetable and handicraft market near the pier. Some posters on this forum would have been disppointed at lunchtime :

No comment !

 

Back to the PG for our voyage to Fiji and the most entertaining day we have ever had at sea..........

[DrmnOfMaui]

Beautiful pictures Bandt! I would not have had the nerve to enter the school while it was in session, but I absolutely love the shots of the boys in the classroom! Interesting that they are all wearing a long sleeve shirts (I'm guessing uniform?) while the weather must have been warm. Did the school personnel have any issues with you wandering around? So different from our system!

 

The girl who performed for you is also lovely!

 

Thanks so much for keeping the story going! I'm truly enjoying every word. :)

 

KK

[TomCruises]

Bandt, I'm just back from Vegas (Liv has a 6th place trophy in hand!:D) and finally got a chance to read your latest post. We did iChat with our kids and family a number of times and gave them a tour also! On one occasion we were just pulling out of Bora Bora and the kids were able so see the islands, sunset and kayakers as the music from above was wafting down. My mom was extremely envious! I'll bet your mom loved keeping in touch with you that way, and it was a wonderful way to share the trip with her.

 

Your Raratonga photo is indeed lovely... I sure hope to add it to my itinerary one day.

 

I remember a similar menu, mostly as I enjoyed the sweet potato scented with cumin salad. Very enjoyable! I haven't been able to replicate it at home, though, but I'm still working on it. Too bad Tom didn't get a good lobster.:( My husband ordered the Lobster in Vanilla sauce and had one big enough to share with me! I loved the vanilla sauce as well!

 

Your posts have been inspiring us to peruse the PG site again... My fingers are crossed that we can plan something!

 

Your obviously mistaken your NY Strip for a lobster.You shouldn't be dishonest!The lobster night (1 time out of 15 nights) sucked!As noted by myself and other posters,they are tiny spoon size poor excuse for lobster!PG should have offered 6-8oz broiled tails at least twice during the cruise;)

[bandt]

Hi Kim

 

Thanks as always for your encouragement....... we're nearing the end of our cruise review. I hope to finish up over the weekend.

 

There was no problem visiting the school. We asked for permission from one of the teachers and did not disturb any of the classes. What you see in our indoor photos (sorry for the lighting in the first one) is about half of the school so we weren't left to wander round a maze of classrooms.

 

The smiles on the kids faces in the last photo brightened our day - we told them that we would show the photo all over the world - we've kept our promise on Cruise Critic and flickr.

 

We left the school with a mixture of humility and hope.

 

Tony gets the credit for the photo of the little dancer. She and her (?) sister (see below) gave a good performance.

 

 

All the best

 

B & T

[Cruising Librarian]

For posting your detailed day by day trip report. Sorry you missed Raratonga, we're starting to feel very lucky that we were able to get ashore on our last cruise on the PG. I thought it had a very different vibe than French Polynesia, and we loved circling the beautiful island and stopping at a couple of great beaches.

 

Tomcruises, are you for real? Your ongoing lobster complaints are making me laugh. Can't wait to read your trip report!

[TomCruises]

During our recent sailing, we Cruise Critic members 'toasted' TomCruises at each and every meal and outing; wondering what Tom would have to say about this or that. Cheers Tom!:p

 

 

So nice of you all to think of me during your recent vacation.MtnDriver should change name to SA!:p

[AnglerGirl]

bandt, thank you so much for the photos. I envy your itinerary, especially knowing Figi is not on the offer board in 2011.

 

TomC, seriously, what did you do to have an entire cruise ship staff remember you? When PG staff found out we were on CC, you were brought up by them.

[AnglerGirl]

Hi Kim

 

Thanks as always for your encouragement....... we're nearing the end of our cruise review. I hope to finish up over the weekend.

 

There was no problem visiting the school. We asked for permission from one of the teachers and did not disturb any of the classes. What you see in our indoor photos (sorry for the lighting in the first one) is about half of the school so we weren't left to wander round a maze of classrooms.

 

The smiles on the kids faces in the last photo brightened our day - we told them that we would show the photo all over the world - we've kept our promise on Cruise Critic and flickr.

 

We left the school with a mixture of humility and hope.

 

Tony gets the credit for the photo of the little dancer. She and her (?) sister (see below) gave a good performance.

 

 

All the best

 

B & T

 

This is the first menu in what appears to be USD I've seen in all of FP! Umm, $20 lasagne!

 

Speaking of food, we had delicious but fancy beef taco meat and chicken enchiladas for lunch one day on board. The homemade salsa was very good, so much so that Chef to bowling up salsa for serving with the roasted pig from now on. Ole!

[bandt]

Hi Anglergirl

 

The prices were in Tongan Pa'anga which also uses the dollar symbol for their currency. 22TOP = 11USD. Don't know if the lasagne was good!

 

bandt

[TomCruises]

bandt, thank you so much for the photos. I envy your itinerary, especially knowing Figi is not on the offer board in 2011.

 

TomC, seriously, what did you do to have an entire cruise ship staff remember you? When PG staff found out we were on CC, you were brought up by them.

 

 

They miss me!We had so much fun!:D

[bandt]

Another sea day?

 

Yes, and we shall always remember it as being the most entertaining day we have had on a cruise ship.

 

 

We had a lazy breakfast in La Veranda – it is surprising how one gets used to an indolent lifestyle with the meticulous service of the dining room crew.

 

 

Mark Eddowes gave an enrichment lecture on “Chiefs, War and Cannibalism in Ancient Fiji”. This was followed by an informal get-together over coffee with Captain Zupan and Michael, our Cruise Director, in La Palette.

 

 

In “Ia Orana”, there was an intriguing invitation to the “Tahitian Country Fair and Ice Cream Social" after lunch.

 

Each department – Housekeeping, Bar, Restaurant, Kitchen, Water sports etc. had a booth with a game to win credits for a tombola........

 

You also voted for the best booth to encourage your favourite department.

 

Games ranged from bowling, catch the (magnetic) fish, and the kitchen’s “cream pie” booth.

Was this intellectually challenging? Not in the least ...... but it certainly was a great deal of fun!

 

Good humour and laughter were the keynotes.

 

The kitchen staff with the cream pie routine got many votes :

 

 

(Grant removed his glasses before the cream pie reached its target!)

 

 

 

......but the Bar staff, hardly surprisingly, won the tournament!

 

 

 

After the fun and games, rendez-vous was in the Grand Salon for John Hay's lecture

"Land Tenure in the Pacific: Many Systems, Many Challenges".

 

Meeting John and Helen was certainly the highlight of our trip.

 

*

In the evening there was a “Fijian Feast Under the Stars”.

 

This was a super barbecue set up around the pool area.

We watched the sun slip towards the horizon as we got ready for the "Fijian Feast"

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

*

 

The Fijian Feast was a fantastic array of hot and cold dishes, barbecued fish and meat, and also a selection of delicious desserts. My international cheese plate appeared as if by magic without me requesting it!

 

Beautiful song and dance were provided by the Gauguines - A unique atmosphere with the sound of the waves of the South Pacific.

 

Tony was elected by the Gauguines for the dubious honour of the “apple, pear, banana and grind the coffee” routine (you’ve all been there!)

Sorry, no photos, in order to abide by Cruise Critic’s decency guidelines! :D

 

A day to remember : fun and entertainment ..... and the anticipation of our arrival in Savusavu!

 

 

[Emdee]

Imagine this..... I agree with Tom Cruises. This last cruise(Nov 09) my lobster was pitiful. Just a wee little thing. Tasty though. When I mentioned my disappointment to Miki he promptly prepared me a double helping the next day! Freddy also sent me a bottle of Sancerre to soften the disappointment. Each morning my special favourite almond croissant was waiting for me as was my daughter's fresh crepes. The PG is too small to have a stock of the fresh Maine lobsters but the local fish is fresh and tasty.

[Emdee]

Bandt, loving youir report and reliving our Tahiti to Fiji trip of November.

 

We too were very disappointed with Tonga. We went to this beach that was kind of slimy and cold and saw some delightful children sing and dance for us. However beyond some rocks was this beach of immense charm with blue starfish and other sea treasures.

I was also able to get a shell pendant studded with natural pearls from the vendors by the tender that is totally unique.

[bandt]

(Apologies for the long lapse between this and the last episode)

 

Bula !

 

For those who have never been to Fiji, “Bula” is the everyday greeting of this friendly people. Everywhere you go, you will be greeted with a smile and a “Bula”.

 

We really enjoyed our day in Savusavu. The tender trip to the pier was a picturesque sailing in the bay viewing the great scenery and admiring the many yachts.

 

We had decided to take the Fijian Village Tour – I must say, a little apprehensively - wondering if the village was going to be a “Disney” reconstruction.

 

We need not have worried. The village was very “authentic” and the only real evidence of tourist influence was perhaps that the revenue generated by our visit helped the villagers to rebuild some buildings destroyed by the cyclone, repair their Church and generally fund education for the village children.

 

Of course the cultural show was “touristy” but it was a lot of fun and the villagers seemed to enjoy performing.

 

We were welcomed to the village with a traditional sung greeting and were given a guided tour. The nursery school was a real treat to see and the children looked happy as they played with their colourful toys.

 

 

 

 

 

They are obviously used to visitors and were not shy in the least, following us outside to wave goodbye.

 

 

 

 

We wandered around the village and were given a gracious welcome.

Next on the agenda was the “Kava” ceremony.

 

 

 

Several of us (men) volunteered to take part – it is quite a set ritual and considered an honour. We were passed little bowls of kava and drank the woody-tasting beverage.

 

 

 

 

It seemed quite mild to us and did not have any noticeable “mood altering” effect. However, a little later, to the amusement of the men-folk, several of us returned to taste a batch that they had made for themselves – this was certainly a more potent offering. The song and dance that followed seemed even more pleasant (or was it just my imagination?)!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Afterwards, we were treated to a demonstration of basket-making and offered chilled coconuts to drink. There was a hall with stalls where one could buy local artifacts.

 

 

As the bus was leaving the villagers gathered to sing a farewell song. We had a wonderful time in their company.

[bandt]

The Village Church

 

 

Dad and Daughter watching the show !

 

 

Resting in the shade.

 

 

 

A farewell song.

 

[bandt]

Back in Savusavu we visited the shops and the local market. We stopped for a beer in a little bar and had a great chat with the locals.

 

 

Near the pier there was a restaurant specialising in lobster for those who felt the urge, and the aroma of the barbecue was just tantalising.

 

 

There was plenty going on when we returned to the ship and we had booked the Bridge tour which was very interesting.

 

 

 

 

 

At 4.30p.m. a local dance troupe gave a wonderful traditional Fijian folkloric show.

 

 

 

 

 

The sailaway party on deck was a great success with another beautiful sunset and the music of Siglo.

 

 

For Dinner, we had a refreshing Beef Carpaccio followed by a chilled fennel Vichyssoise. For the main course I could not resist the traditional English style Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding – no, it certainly wasn’t local fare but it was delicious.

 

 

The highlight of the evening was the show put on by the crew “Krew Kapers” – a great mixture of comedy, song and dance. There are some very talented crew-members.

 

 

We retired to our cabin after another wonderful day but with a niggling little thought that our cruise was drawing to a close.............

[sandandsea lovers]

Vinaka!

[Talisker92]

Dear Bandt,

Thank you for your wonderful review. I am glad to see both Miki and Mark Eddowes are still on the PG. Mark is an absolutely fantastic commentator-lecturer is too pedantic. He once gave what was billed as a 45 minute talk on the PG. It lasted twice that long and nobody got up to leave!

[bandt]

Thank you SJGOCH for your encouragement. Suva installment follows.

 

Brian & Tony

[bandt]

Suva

 

Capital of Fiji and a bustling city full of life.

 

We opted out of tours and decided to wander around the city by ourselves. Even in a city with a population of about 86.000, welcome “bula” and smiling faces were everywhere.

 

Tony, being a chef, is irresistibly attracted to local markets. Suva was no exception. The main market was a myriad of colours and delights to the senses.

 

 

 

There is a home delivery service and one of the boys kindly allowed us to take his photo – his “vehicle” also serves as a deserved resting place between jobs !

 

 

 

 

The flower market was also a beautiful scene.

 

 

While wandering around we met John and Helen. John was sporting a great haircut and beard-trim at a price I wouldn’t mention here on Cruise Critic. I decided to go for the same treatment but unfortunately did not get as good value as John since I have a lot less hair !!!

 

We also did some shopping in Suva – there is a great variety. We ran into Miki, the Maître-d who was looking for sporting gear for his next soccer game ! (You can't stop this guy!)

 

Tony and I decided to invest in a “sulu” , the traditional menswear in Fiji. The sulu, in many ways, is like a kilt (without the pleats). Male officials (police etc.) also wear the sulu but with zig-zag points on the lower hem. We also purchased two “bula shirts”. We did have the courtesy to request permission (granted) to wear this traditional dress later on at dinner.

 

 

As we re-boarded the Paul Gauguin, we asked the Fijian security officials for a photo with them. They willingly obliged and we were given the honour of a badge of “police support officer” – a nice gesture that reflects the kind welcome of these wonderful people.

 

 

 

Our sailaway from Suva was very memorable. We were treated to a farewell by a marching brass band. We marvelled at the military precision of these men and women as they played and marched in formation. Suddenly, the whole band “froze” and several members laid down their instruments. It was total surprise as we were given a fun “break-dance” version of “Macarena”. Minutes later they resumed their meticulous renderings to give us a fanfare as the Paul Gauguin pulled away from the quay. Nobody on board was indifferent to this farewell and many had a “lump in their throats”.

 

 

Tony & I wore our sulus and bula shirts for dinner.

 

 

 

The diversity of the menu was typical of our cruise. For the starter we had trouble choosing between the “Tian of Goat’s Cheese, Pecan and Date” and the “Pan-fried Breaded Veal Sweetbreads”....... so Arnold brought us both !

We both enjoyed the “Thai Wok” – a medley of shrimps and scallops in chilli and lemongrass sauce – I’ll swear that Grant Chilcott had insider information for the recipe for that dish. (Congratulations Grant!)

 

 

Evening’s entertainment was “Celebrity Showtime” with Murray the Magician - apparently a Las Vegas star. We didn’t particularly enjoy the show – no reflection on his artistic talent, maybe just personal preference. However, we preferred stargazing with a nightcap in La Palette.............

[JAKUEHNLE]

:)Murray stayed on the ship for the cruise back to Tahiti. He did two shows and a close-up magic presentation one afternoon. He is now on the American TV show, "America's got Talent" and has made it to the semi finals. Quite a nice guy. I talked with him several times around the ship.

John