The Plot Thickens ... Oceania Going To French Polynesia

[MightyQuinn]

Just when we made the decision to book a PG cruise, Oceania announced their 2011-2012 winter collection including several new itineraries in French Polynesia. The plot thickens ....

We’re interested in an itinerary that includes Society Islands, Tuamotus & Marquesas. To get to these places, we'd book a 14-nite on PG (4 sea days) or a 10-nite (2 sea days) on Oceania Regatta. You likely know the PG itinerary, so for comparison, Oceania is as follows:

 

REGATTA - 11 Days - PAPEETE TO PAPEETE - Tahitian Breeze

 

Papeete, French Polynesia; Moorea, French Polynesia; Huahine, French Polynesia; Raiatea, French Polynesia; Bora Bora, French Polynesia+; Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands; Hiva Oa, Marquesas Islands; Rangiroa, French Polynesia; Papeete, French Polynesia

We’ve been on Oceania on this ship before & we enjoyed the experience. We have a slight preference for the Oceania itinerary because it goes to Rangiroa (PG goes to Fakarava) and visits 2 islands in Marquesas (PG visits 4 islands which takes up quite a bit of the itinerary). But we prefer the longer length of the PG cruise & we'd look forward to having our first luxury cruise experience.

When I calculate per diems, Oceania comes out substantially less than PG for similar OV staterooms. Oceania pricing includes air, not just LAX-Papeete-LAX, but also domestic air from many NA gateway cities. Transfers are extra. Booze would also be extra (ka-ching) but specialty restaurants are complimentary. Our TA usually picks up PPGs.

 

Help! Any thoughts on these choices? How much of the magic of FP is specific to sailing on PG? I desperately want to catch the Polynesian Flu that has infected so many of you. Are my chances to pick it up as good on Oceania? I need to make a decision before the PG promos expire tomorrow. Thanks for any thoughts.

[south seas sue]

Yes, you are under pressure aren't you! As a 4-time PG sailer, I can give you my feedback about why I think the PG experience is special. In a word, the presence of the Gauguines is unique, and I don't think you will find hostesses/musicians like those beautiful gals on other ships. The Gauguines are a group of 10 or so hostesses from throughout FP who sing, play instruments, dance, and interact with guests in other ways. They are beautiful, and very friendly, and dressed in lovely island costumes with wonderful jewelry. They are always available to answer questions about the islands. They give performances frequently in all areas of the ship - from a pre-dinner show in La Palette, to a full-blown Tahitian dance experience in the showroom in the evening. The other reasons people wax poetic about the Gauguin is the friendliness of the staff, and the helpfulness and knowledgability of the dive staff.Jean Claude Cousteau seems to have a special relationship with the PG, and often comes along with members of his staff to provide a children's program, and to offer lectures about the oceans.It will be very interesting to see how Oceania does in FP, and what unique experiences they may have to offer passengers. This is very interesting news.

[Emdee]

I believe that the Oceania ships have a lot more passengers than the PG.

PG also has its wonderful Motus both in Tahaa and in Bora Bora that are complimentary. Local Tahitian entertainment adds to the charm.

And finally, but most of all, for some of us the wonderful staff and service on the PG.

Having been on the PG 5 times and but once on Oceania - the PG wins hands down.

[pacheco18]

Totally agree and I posted as much on the O boards.

No contest

[MightyQuinn]

Thanks for the replies.

 

SSSue and Emdee, you’re both seasoned PG cruisers & I value your input. And Pacheco, your comments about your recent trip were what motivated me to look seriously at PG. I appreciate what you each described as some of the unique features of PG. That’s very helpful.

 

It’s clear to me that those who sail PG have an unforgettable experience & many folks can’t wait to return. Most (but not all) of the CC reviews are positive. In my usual OCD analytical fashion, I guess I’m trying to define what is essentially intangible. So I'll just let the magic take over! Thanks again.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Quinn, I'd be interested in the cost-comparison, since saving money is a good thing.

 

I would still tend to overwhelmingly prefer the PG, having been on her 4 times. They are destination specialists; as well as what has already been said--great local food, especially fruit and seafood which I doubt Oceania could do.

 

I haven't been to Fakarava, but I doubt that it makes much difference going there instead of Rangi. The PG itinerary also includes Fatu Hiva which is magic, and Ua Huka w hich is startlingly different from the other islands. If you're going to go all that way to the Marquesas, better to see 4 islands than 2.

[MightyQuinn]

Wendy, here’s a link to all the new Oceania South Pacific itineraries. Interesting line-up with sharp pricing, especially when you consider it includes R/T air from many NA gateways (YVR, YYZ).

 

http://www.oceaniacruises.com/searchresults.aspx?regionid=southpacific

 

While Oceania is a newcomer to FP, they could draw on the experience of their sister line, Regent, who successfully operated PG for several years. They’ll have some insider scoop on the magic of PG and may try to replicate it on Regatta. Maybe they can snag local lecturers & performers to come aboard? Create menus using local ingredients? Add little FP touches around the ship? I wouldn’t bet against Frank Del Rio!

 

Our experience on Oceania was very positive – food, service, accommodation was excellent. That’s why I was so focused on trying to get to the essence of what makes people so hooked on PG. We’ve pretty well decided to stick with PG (thanks for the extra assurance about Marquesas) but Oceania becomes a serious contender for those who haven’t yet been infected by the Polynesian Flu.

[Emdee]

Congratulations Mighty Quinn and welcome to the PG lovers group as I am sure you will likely be. Its important to allow the magic to take over. Its like santa claus and non believers do not experience the magic.

 

You wont get the beautiful libraries and entrance areas that you get on Oceania but you will get such wonderful service that it wont matter. The last time on the PG I called room service for a glass of freshly squeezed OJ but they were all out post breakfast. Five minutes later I heard a knock at our door. It was room service - they had just squeezed a glass for me and brought a second one for good measure. Similarly Miki, the Maitre per excellence, would regularly make us a special breakfast of almond croissant and crepes after I once mentioned that the almond croissants were off the menu and we loved crepes.

 

When we were last on we even received good wishes from previous staff who were home on vacation once they heard through the grapewine that we were onboard.

 

I have two very exciting trips planned before next June but my PG count down is foremost in my mind.

[sita]

Regatta has nearly twice the passengers; even if all else were equal, that is a deal breaker for us... for some it would not be.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

While Oceania is a newcomer to FP, they could draw on the experience of their sister line, Regent, who successfully operated PG for several years. They’ll have some insider scoop on the magic of PG and may try to replicate it on Regatta. Maybe they can snag local lecturers & performers to come aboard? Create menus using local ingredients? Add little FP touches around the ship? I wouldn’t bet against Frank Del Rio!

 

Thanks Quinn, yes, I got the email and looked it up. I think you're right that it's a good plan B for the future.

 

But, I doubt very much whether O could capture that magic for 1 or 2 cruises a year. Yes, they could get some local performers on board I'm sure. But a full-up dive team to hand out snorkel equipment to everybody? No.

[MightyQuinn]

I've been a good girl all year & I can't wait for Santa Claus to arrive! :D:D

[Talisker92]

Yes, you are under pressure aren't you! As a 4-time PG sailer, I can give you my feedback about why I think the PG experience is special. In a word, the presence of the Gauguines is unique, and I don't think you will find hostesses/musicians like those beautiful gals on other ships. The Gauguines are a group of 10 or so hostesses from throughout FP who sing, play instruments, dance, and interact with guests in other ways. They are beautiful, and very friendly, and dressed in lovely island costumes with wonderful jewelry. They are always available to answer questions about the islands. They give performances frequently in all areas of the ship - from a pre-dinner show in La Palette, to a full-blown Tahitian dance experience in the showroom in the evening. The other reasons people wax poetic about the Gauguin is the friendliness of the staff, and the helpfulness and knowledgability of the dive staff.Jean Claude Cousteau seems to have a special relationship with the PG, and often comes along with members of his staff to provide a children's program, and to offer lectures about the oceans.It will be very interesting to see how Oceania does in FP, and what unique experiences they may have to offer passengers. This is very interesting news.

 

We have been on PG twice and will be going back in 2012 for our anniversary. The one thing not mentioned is the presence of Mark Eddowes, a cultural anthropologist, a fantastic lecturer on the island culture, who accompanied us on a number of shore excursions. For us, he was one of the greatest highlights of the Paul Gauguin.

[MtnDriver]

The one thing not mentioned is the presence of Mark Eddowes, a cultural anthropologist, a fantastic lecturer on the island culture, who accompanied us on a number of shore excursions. For us, he was one of the greatest highlights of the Paul Gauguin.

 

Absolutely!:D

[MightyQuinn]

SJGOCH & MtnDriver - Thanks for adding that Mark Eddowes is a big part of the PG difference. I arrived at the same conclusion after reading many reviews. I think his lectures & excursions would be a highlight for us as well. Earlier this week I attended a PG Webinar & asked whether Mark would be on any Marquesas trips in 2011. The presenter couldn’t confirm (nor deny) that he’d be aboard. But I’m hoping!

[Wendy The Wanderer]

We really missed him on our last trip! He made a real difference, and the art historian who does talks on Gauguin did not make up for it!

[pacheco18]

Eddowes is amazing. I usually find on board lectures boring. His were mesmerizing.

[pacaduli]

We really missed him on our last trip! He made a real difference, and the art historian who does talks on Gauguin did not make up for it!

 

OK, he will not be on our sailing in 3 weeks. I was a little disappointed...but after reading these comments I am now TRULY BUMMED!

 

We love learning educational stuff about the far away lands that we travel to, and Mark sounds like a wonderful part of the PG.

[explore4ever]

We just booked our PG cruise for Jan.5, 2011. This was not planned! Our big trip for 2011 was the planned 14 day Oceania cruise in April 2011! That is to be our splurge for the year! so I thought.

 

Our TA did a wonderful job promoting this PG cruise, and since FP is on our bucket list, out of character, we decided to take the plunge, without much research on my part! (I am also a sucker for "deals", real or rationalized.:rolleyes:)

 

I was having second thoughts about this PG cruise.

 

After reading your reviews, I am comforted, believing that we are going to have the experience of our life!

 

Just want to thank you all for your comments/sharing/ suggestions....

 

I think on this particular cruise, we are getting oceanographer Jean Michel Couteau on board. Has anyone had him before?

 

Thanks again!

[pacheco18]

You can never have enough big splurges!

You have booked the trip of a lifetime!

[MtnDriver]

You can never have enough big splurges!

You have booked the trip of a lifetime!

 

Just hope you don't get the PG flu as bad as most of us! We are now signed up for our SIXTH trip of a lifetime! Maybe I have nine lives like a cat?

[pacheco18]

Just hope you don't get the PG flu as bad as most of us! We are now signed up for our SIXTH trip of a lifetime! Maybe I have nine lives like a cat?

 

The rest of us are playing catch up! LOL

[Floridiana]

Fakarava against Rangiroa should not be a deal breaker. They are both very large atolls and you wouldn't know the difference if they did not tell you or if you hadn't been there before.

 

If money is no concern, I would go with the Gauguin for the local flavor and the four Marquesas.

 

This said, I have never traveled with either ship, have only seen them in Papeete's harbor. Instead, I took the trip twice on the freighter Aranui.