10 day Society Islands and Tuomotus 11 Jul. review

[dontdiwundrin]

Firstly, let me say we are new to cruising – (unlike many of you who will be reading my words), therefore have no cruising experience with which to compare the PG. However, we are well-travelled, having stayed in many resorts and hotels across the world that have been awarded 5 stars.

We would rate the PG experience overall as one that is hard to beat.

We chose French Polynesia as our first cruising destination and the Paul Gauguin having come across Cruise Critic when surfing the net and looking for cruises, destinations, ships and experiences of other cruisers.

I am delighted to say that the choice was excellent; we were spoilt and thoroughly enjoyed our holiday, and cannot wait to return. I would be there now, this week – if I could! Indeed, I have been avidly reading all the news about 2014 cruise options (thanks for all the hard work Emdee) and they fill me with excitement!!

 

It was our experience that all members of the crew we met and spoke with were friendly, professional, hardworking and courteous. The ship appeared to be well maintained and kept immaculately clean by a dedicated team.

No matter how many “stars “you think a ship (or a resort/hotel) claim, the over-riding factor for us was how well we were we treated as guests. In this regard the PG excelled. It was evident that all staff members we encountered were very customer focussed, aware this was our vacation, and wanted us to have the best time possible.

Everyone we met, from Captain, the First Officers, all crew wherever we saw them on the ship were polite and attentive. Bar and wait staff remembered our names, and our dining/drink preferences.

 

The dining experience was a revelation, much better than I had anticipated. The Chef should be congratulated, imaginative and tasty cuisine was offered. In particular the evening meals in La Veranda with superb, attentive service from Cem the Maître D and his staff (thank you Wilfredo, Jerome, and Kelly), and in L’Etoile similarly from Miki and his team (thank you Cesar for escorting me to the table the night the ship was rocking and rolling!!) were delightful.

(We did not dine in Le Grill in the evening, so cannot comment on this, but we sometimes had breakfast and afternoon tea there). Service was excellent here too. Thank you Roderick.

 

Incidentally, as reservations are necessary in La Veranda in the evenings. If you can’t get a booking, - a good second-best is to take your breakfast and or lunch there. It’s magical sitting outdoors in the early morning. Also suggest booking Le Grill if you like dining under the stars (ideal when the ship is at anchor overnight). If there is a special occasion make sure you book when you arrive on the ship for La Veranda or Le Grill.

La Palette serves a continental breakfast, also with outdoor seating. There was also wi-fi connection possible here.

We flew ATN, - (the cabin was a little cool, so a blanket or a few layers might be an idea), from Sydney via Auckland into Papeete, arriving about 11.30pm, . It took about an hour to clear Immigration – Be aware, it’s quite warm, there is no air-con just a couple of ceiling fans to waft the warm air whilst you queue. But you’ve landed in paradise, relax ……. and you either wait for Immigration or wait for your suitcases….so either way be prepared.

 

Contrast that with the easy, swift embarkation on to the ship. We arrived about 3.30pm, no queue, were met by welcoming smiles, a photo opportunity and on to the ship. We were directed to the Grand Salon on Deck 5, where we were given a glass of chilled sparkly, completed registration and were shown to our cabin. Based on information I had read and spoken with others about, a lower deck and midships would be a good choice, so I had chosen Deck 4.

 

We were shown to our cabin, met our delightful stewardess Caroline, and were pleased as our luggage arrived very quickly. (nb. plenty of room under the bed to stow cases/backpacks etc). In fact I was amazed at the storage space, so many cupboards; hanging space was adequate as we decided not to bring too many clothes. (After reading so many reviews and lists and suggestions).

I used the laundry service, very quick and economical, sent 2 polo shirts and men’s shorts, - cost around $2.50 or $3.50 per item. There is a clothes line in the bathroom, remember to bring some clothes pins for your undies these dried overnight in the warm bathroom. The room was kept spotlessly clean; there was always fresh fruit and a re-stocked fridge. Caroline was incredibly efficient and hardworking, whenever we saw her she always seemed to be cleaning something, somewhere!

We had dinner in L’Etoile the first night, being seated at a table for 8 and getting to know some of our fellow travellers.

Late in the evening, we set sail for Huahine arriving about 8am. After breakfast at Le Grill we attended a mandatory Lifeboat Drill for all passengers. We had booked a private excursion with Marc. (There is a great review and photos of this day that Clairesmom wrote). Back on the ship in the afternoon we went to a Tahitian pearl seminar, and then at 6.30 there was the Captain’s welcome party, and at 9.30 pm a show featuring Les Gaugines in the Grand Salon.

Day 3 was Bora Bora, it was an overcast day and we decided to stay on board. There were various activities and quizzes during the day. I went to a Tahitian language class to learn a few words and phrases. We had Lunch at La Veranda and afternoon tea at Le Grill. There was also a Honeymoon/Anniversary get-together in La Palette as all couples celebrating these events had a glass of champers and some cake. In the early evening Siglo, the excellent musical group played in la Palette for the cocktail hour.

Day3 Bora Bora, and we had a reef discovery tour booked with Christophe for the morning. (Thanks for organising this Molokai-Chuck) .We went over to the pier on the tender not quite sure if the trip would go ahead as the weather was less than perfect. We met Christophe at his sleek speedboat, and he allayed any concerns, agreeing it was a little windy, but fine for where he was taking us. First stop was where he hoped to find Manta Rays – these are big, 20 ft across. We dropped anchor and he was in the water, like a rocket swimming around for ages until he spotted some. He had 2 other boats and other guests at the same location. It was spectacular and exciting to see the Manta Rays. Off to another 2 snorkelling locations with lots of fish and coral. It was a great day, and thoroughly recommended. See his reviews on trip advisor. That evening there was a Block Party at 6.30pm – not many people came out on our side of the ship on deck 4, so we strolled across and joined the starboard side for a chat. In the evening at 9.30 there was a Conversation with Jean- Michel Cousteau in the Grand Salon, this was well-attended and very interesting.

Day4 Taha’a - Motu Mahana

To be continued…,.,.

[dontdiwundrin]

:o Hi all, - who need to get the glasses on to read my review.........sorry the font is so small, - not sure how that happened! will try to get to usual size for next few paragraphs.

Tess

[Emdee]

HI tess,

Thanks for a wonderful first chapter. So glad you had a good time and plan to come in 2014. The more of you that come the more I can twist PG's arm to give us all an excellent itinerary and time.

 

So glad my old friends like Miki, Kelly etc are doing well. Last year Kelly had a baby girl when he was still onboard and my heart went out to him as he was unable to be home for this momentous event. Good to know that the pG staff are still first rate!

[Tikiintahiti]

Always nice to read reviews, gets me excited about getting back on board.

 

Ah ................ 141 more days

[dontdiwundrin]

Hello Emdee,

Thanks, I am enjoying writing it and re-living it too. I was surprised when i spoke with some of the crew to discover they had been with the ship more than 12 years!

[dontdiwundrin]

yes, I liked reading other travellers reviews and opinions too. Certainly helps prepare a bit for the trip. I must have read lists of clothes to take, medicines, etc. etc and finally distilled them to a reasonable amount. Altho my husband said it looked like i could open a pharmacy or a general store with what I proposed to take!!

 

will be writing part 2, soon as time permits

Tess

[coldweathergirl]

just wanted to say that I'm loving your review. Makes me wish November would come here quicker.

[dontdiwundrin]

:) hi coldweathergirl, i appreciate your kind words, will write the next part later today.

wish i was going back in November!!

[dontdiwundrin]

Taha'a - Motu Mahana

 

The day dawned a little overcast, but sun was breaking through the clouds and the day brightened beautifully. Many reviews already talk of the Motu and I can understand why people like it so much. There were some stalls with local people selling jewellery and craft items, vanilla and pearls. The Gauginnes played and sang during the day, showed us how to make Poisson Cru, how to tie a Pareo - much laughter ensued, how to weave baskets too. Plentiful supply of food and drink. see Clairesmom great words and photos of the day in her review. Plenty of people snorkelling, sunbathing and having a great time. I left my glasses on table by the buffet and told Reception when I got back to the ship, and within half an hour my glasses were returned.....that's what i call service!!!

 

Sailaway music by Siglo as we left the motu at 5pm an enrichment lecture by Mark Eddowes at 6pm, dinner and and altho' there was show at 9.30pm we missed it. It was a bit of a bumpy journey to Rangiora. The dining room emptied very fast, I brought some Ginger Pills with me and decided at about 5pm that might be an idea to give them a try. Thankfully my husband and I were fine, not at all queasy, don't know whether ginger was the answer, but think it helped. there was also crystallised ginger in a dish outside the restaurants and i made a point of getting some. The seas were pretty rough and I was pleased we were on a low deck.

[dontdiwundrin]

Day5 Rangiora.

After breakfast we were up on deck 9 to watch the Rangiora Pass Sail through - about 11.30am It was a beautiful atoll to approach from the ocean and watch as the Captain manouvered the ship through the pass, dolphins accompanying us on the port side of the ship. We anchored about midday and were scheduled to leave at 5pm. We decided not to go ashore here, instead staying aboard, relaxing and reading. There was a quiz, bridge game, and the Gauginnes offered classes in making bracelets and learning about Tifaifai blankets.

Afternoon tea with a selection of sorbets (there's an afternoon tea theme every day). Sailaway music again with Siglo around 5pm - a great opportunity to sit around on the Pool deck and sample the daily Cocktail.

My husband doesn't drink alcohol, and I only had maybe the Cocktail of the day or an aperitif and a glass or two of wine with dinner. But be assured there seems to be endless opportunity for eating and drinking all day if that is what you want on holiday. There is 24 hour room service too!

 

 

Day 6 Fakarava

 

An evening and overnight trip brought us to Fakarava. We took the tender over the dock to see the village of Tetamanu. There was stalls set up at the dock with ladies selling colourful pareos, local handicrafts and some pearl jewellery. They were inexpensive items and craft items here in the Tuamotos were different from what you'd find in the Society Islands. The church here was one of the first built of coral, with the interior decor of shells and coral it dates back to 1874. We thought to go to a pearl farm but missed the bus so we wandered along the main dusty street and found a shop or two. We went to Hinano Pearls farm shop and found some lovely pendants. Yes, I did buy a lovely green/blue pearl, and some necklaces for our daughters. The gentleman was very helpful and informative and was keen to make sure we got the right pearls we wanted and were good value versus the prices in Tahiti or Bora Bora. Irrespective though, I like to buy from where I visit as that enhances the memory when I look at the pearl!

We went back to the ship, and enjoyed relaxing by the Pool and waited for some we knew who had gone on Ato's excusion today.

Late afternoon on the Pool Deck, there was a local dance troupe from the atoll who performed for us. It was spectacular and very enjoyable.

[clairesmom]

I love your review so far! You definitely utilized the on board entertainment more than I did! I'm also very happy to hear that you loved Caroline as much as we did. In some past reviews I have read, the stewardesses seem to be hit or miss, but Caroline was such a hard worker and did an excellent job for us. :)

[Familygoboston]

Taha'a - Motu Mahana

 

The day dawned a little overcast, but sun was breaking through the clouds and The dining room emptied very fast, I brought some Ginger Pills with me and decided at about 5pm that might be an idea to give them a try. Thankfully my husband and I were fine, not at all queasy, don't know whether ginger was the answer, but think it helped. there was also crystallised ginger in a dish outside the restaurants and i made a point of getting some. The seas were pretty rough and I was pleased we were on a low deck.

 

I started using ginger gum recently and found it works quite well too. I rarely get affected after so much cruising, but still do on smaller rolling boats ( like snorkel boats) so I always bring ginger gum and non drowsy Dramamine for times when I know I don't mind being a little sleepy, like naps and overnight;)

Thanks for your review! You did lots of different things, so it's nice to hear your thoughts!

[4133Camellia]

Would you kindly forward the contact info for Christophe in Bora Bora. Thanks!

[4133Camellia]

Shipping out on 9/12 for 10 nights, 2 pre cruise days in Moorea. Would you kindly forward the contact info for your best tour operators? Thanks,

Laurie

Firstly, let me say we are new to cruising – (unlike many of you who will be reading my words), therefore have no cruising experience with which to compare the PG. However, we are well-travelled, having stayed in many resorts and hotels across the world that have been awarded 5 stars.

We would rate the PG experience overall as one that is hard to beat.

We chose French Polynesia as our first cruising destination and the Paul Gauguin having come across Cruise Critic when surfing the net and looking for cruises, destinations, ships and experiences of other cruisers.

I am delighted to say that the choice was excellent; we were spoilt and thoroughly enjoyed our holiday, and cannot wait to return. I would be there now, this week – if I could! Indeed, I have been avidly reading all the news about 2014 cruise options (thanks for all the hard work Emdee) and they fill me with excitement!!

 

It was our experience that all members of the crew we met and spoke with were friendly, professional, hardworking and courteous. The ship appeared to be well maintained and kept immaculately clean by a dedicated team.

No matter how many “stars “you think a ship (or a resort/hotel) claim, the over-riding factor for us was how well we were we treated as guests. In this regard the PG excelled. It was evident that all staff members we encountered were very customer focussed, aware this was our vacation, and wanted us to have the best time possible.

Everyone we met, from Captain, the First Officers, all crew wherever we saw them on the ship were polite and attentive. Bar and wait staff remembered our names, and our dining/drink preferences.

 

The dining experience was a revelation, much better than I had anticipated. The Chef should be congratulated, imaginative and tasty cuisine was offered. In particular the evening meals in La Veranda with superb, attentive service from Cem the Maître D and his staff (thank you Wilfredo, Jerome, and Kelly), and in L’Etoile similarly from Miki and his team (thank you Cesar for escorting me to the table the night the ship was rocking and rolling!!) were delightful.

(We did not dine in Le Grill in the evening, so cannot comment on this, but we sometimes had breakfast and afternoon tea there). Service was excellent here too. Thank you Roderick.

 

Incidentally, as reservations are necessary in La Veranda in the evenings. If you can’t get a booking, - a good second-best is to take your breakfast and or lunch there. It’s magical sitting outdoors in the early morning. Also suggest booking Le Grill if you like dining under the stars (ideal when the ship is at anchor overnight). If there is a special occasion make sure you book when you arrive on the ship for La Veranda or Le Grill.

La Palette serves a continental breakfast, also with outdoor seating. There was also wi-fi connection possible here.

We flew ATN, - (the cabin was a little cool, so a blanket or a few layers might be an idea), from Sydney via Auckland into Papeete, arriving about 11.30pm, . It took about an hour to clear Immigration – Be aware, it’s quite warm, there is no air-con just a couple of ceiling fans to waft the warm air whilst you queue. But you’ve landed in paradise, relax ……. and you either wait for Immigration or wait for your suitcases….so either way be prepared.

 

Contrast that with the easy, swift embarkation on to the ship. We arrived about 3.30pm, no queue, were met by welcoming smiles, a photo opportunity and on to the ship. We were directed to the Grand Salon on Deck 5, where we were given a glass of chilled sparkly, completed registration and were shown to our cabin. Based on information I had read and spoken with others about, a lower deck and midships would be a good choice, so I had chosen Deck 4.

 

We were shown to our cabin, met our delightful stewardess Caroline, and were pleased as our luggage arrived very quickly. (nb. plenty of room under the bed to stow cases/backpacks etc). In fact I was amazed at the storage space, so many cupboards; hanging space was adequate as we decided not to bring too many clothes. (After reading so many reviews and lists and suggestions).

I used the laundry service, very quick and economical, sent 2 polo shirts and men’s shorts, - cost around $2.50 or $3.50 per item. There is a clothes line in the bathroom, remember to bring some clothes pins for your undies these dried overnight in the warm bathroom. The room was kept spotlessly clean; there was always fresh fruit and a re-stocked fridge. Caroline was incredibly efficient and hardworking, whenever we saw her she always seemed to be cleaning something, somewhere!

We had dinner in L’Etoile the first night, being seated at a table for 8 and getting to know some of our fellow travellers.

Late in the evening, we set sail for Huahine arriving about 8am. After breakfast at Le Grill we attended a mandatory Lifeboat Drill for all passengers. We had booked a private excursion with Marc. (There is a great review and photos of this day that Clairesmom wrote). Back on the ship in the afternoon we went to a Tahitian pearl seminar, and then at 6.30 there was the Captain’s welcome party, and at 9.30 pm a show featuring Les Gaugines in the Grand Salon.

Day 3 was Bora Bora, it was an overcast day and we decided to stay on board. There were various activities and quizzes during the day. I went to a Tahitian language class to learn a few words and phrases. We had Lunch at La Veranda and afternoon tea at Le Grill. There was also a Honeymoon/Anniversary get-together in La Palette as all couples celebrating these events had a glass of champers and some cake. In the early evening Siglo, the excellent musical group played in la Palette for the cocktail hour.

Day3 Bora Bora, and we had a reef discovery tour booked with Christophe for the morning. (Thanks for organising this Molokai-Chuck) .We went over to the pier on the tender not quite sure if the trip would go ahead as the weather was less than perfect. We met Christophe at his sleek speedboat, and he allayed any concerns, agreeing it was a little windy, but fine for where he was taking us. First stop was where he hoped to find Manta Rays – these are big, 20 ft across. We dropped anchor and he was in the water, like a rocket swimming around for ages until he spotted some. He had 2 other boats and other guests at the same location. It was spectacular and exciting to see the Manta Rays. Off to another 2 snorkelling locations with lots of fish and coral. It was a great day, and thoroughly recommended. See his reviews on trip advisor. That evening there was a Block Party at 6.30pm – not many people came out on our side of the ship on deck 4, so we strolled across and joined the starboard side for a chat. In the evening at 9.30 there was a Conversation with Jean- Michel Cousteau in the Grand Salon, this was well-attended and very interesting.

Day4 Taha’a - Motu Mahana

To be continued…,.,.

[dontdiwundrin]

:)Hi Laurie,

In answer to your question:

reefdiscovery@gmail.com.

 

contact Christophe, or Laura

www.boraborasnorkelling.com

 

check out the reviews on trip advisor.

 

I guess you have read my review, have you also read clairesmom's detailed review and photos of the 10day July 11th trip?

It is very good, will give you an overview of the days - Kim did a great job, and she also mentioned Marc in Huahine (we did that trip with Kim and husband Richard ). They went with Patrick on Bora Bora for a snorkelling and lunch excursion.

 

I have yet to complete the second part of my review of the July 11th cruise, will finish it shortly.:)

 

 

Tess

[dontdiwundrin]

I love your review so far! You definitely utilized the on board entertainment more than I did! I'm also very happy to hear that you loved Caroline as much as we did. In some past reviews I have read, the stewardesses seem to be hit or miss, but Caroline was such a hard worker and did an excellent job for us. :)

Hi Kim,

Caroline was very good, we would stay again on Deck 4. Are you already looking at next year, 'cos i am!!!

 

will write my next part soon,

all the best - (by the way, - your review is BRILLIANT!!!!)

Tess

[dontdiwundrin]

ok, for those who have been breathlessly waiting for the next part (yeah, right!), here goes.......................... sorry for the delay, oh - by the way, have had an eyesight problem which makes typing less than easy.

 

Incidentally, we have been back home less than a month after the cruise and I am still waiting for the great memories to fade, even a little....and they haven't! I guess the true test of a great vacation and a superb cruise is if the memories are still so vibrant, and make you smile. Thinking back over our days on the PG they certainly pass the test... Can't wait to go back.

 

Day 7. En route to Moorea.

 

Delightful day at sea. leisurely breakfast in la veranda and then to the Grand Salon for an enrichment lecture with Jean-Michel Cousteau. It was a fascinating and informative session. There were opportunities for daily activities, shell bracelet making, and a trivia quiz. Around late morning we did a circumnavigation of Tetiaroa.the ship had the flags flying and a plane circled overhead taking photos. fabulous motus on this island paradise, Oh, I wish we could get a glimpse or an excursion, or even a few days at this Brando resort... (have to save our pennies for this one). After lunch there was a fashion show as Les Gaugines modelled some clothes and pearls from la Boutique. Mark Eddowes presented a Mutiny on the Bounty Lecture at 2pm in the Grand Salon, it was very interesting.

We arrived quite early in Moorea about 3pm, it was a spectacular sight and the tenders began ferrying people to shore. For those that stayed aboard there was the opportunity to learn Tahitian dance steps from the ever patient Gaugines. (I have tried, and will continue to practise the few steps I can remember).

Afternoon tea was welcome and then a Tere Moana sneek peek as Captain Zupan presented information about their new ship and its new itineries, - the presentation in the Grand salon was quite well-attended and we were keen to learn about the new ship. There was Showtime at 6.30pm with the guest opera singers Kristin and Bojan.

We had dinner in L'Etoile this evening, and we were always happy to be seated at a large table and delighted to meet any other guests that we were lucky enough to chat with. That evening we joined at our table for 8 by Jean-Michel Cousteau and his team Abigail and Estelle (from Ocean Futures Society). Sadly, his wife was unable to join him as she was feeling tired after the previous day's diving excusions. It was fascinating to talk with him and his team and learn more about his work.

After dinner the crew show "Krew Kapers" was presented in the Grand Salon. It was very good, and clearly the crew enjoyed the opportunity of dressing up and performing. Some told me later it was easier to present the show when the ship is at anchor... (no rocking and rolling seas to contend with....)

[Emdee]

Welcome to the club - only way to appease the flu is to go back!

[clairesmom]

We are dying to go back! My memories are not fading either... We would love to book again next year, but the kiddos at home make it a bit more difficult. I'll live through others until then...

[dontdiwundrin]

Think it's day 9, but who can tell! We're in Moorea and wake to another sparkling day. We take the tender across to the dock after breakfast and check out the stalls at that are set up. Plenty of opportunities for spending a little money here, some quite nice, inexpensive souvenir type items.

 

We saw the Avis rep. and booked (or so we thought) a car for the following day. Please note - either book on board the ship with the travel desk or don't bother! Because we went back to get the car, - there wasn't one for us, even tho' we gave our name and cabin number etc..

 

We were pretty disappointed with that, as there were no other cars available.

So, next time we go on the cruise I'll make sure I book ahead so we can enjoy some sightseeing and drive ourselves around.

 

However, we made the most of the time and I spoke with a French lady at the dock who has a stall there and some lovely pearls. Her husband is an artist/scupltor and they are wholesalers of some unique jewellery pieces. It's called L'Atelier du Chat, and if we had a car we were going to the workshop......ah next time we will go. So, I bought a gorgeous ring that has the most beautiful green/peacock/shimmer colour pearl that looked like the ocean. In fact the lady (Natalie I think) was wearing it and I admired it, so i tried it on, and as she said just like Cinderella - it fitted my finger perfectly as if made for me!! She said the best pearls she likes come from the Gambier Archipeligo and Fakarava. My husband also bought a similar colour pendant from her, so I was pretty happy with my purchases, - well it was my birthday.

 

Back to the ship for lunch in the Veranda , by the Pool in the afternoon. Again there were plenty of activities, a ships bridge tour, a documentary movie, making sand pictures with Les gauguines, and the best bit - banana flambe at afternoon tea time! There was a champagne and pearl party at La Boutique 5-7pm, with opportunities for both, and a lucky raffle prize of a pearl pendant.

 

This evening is Polynesian Night, - a mini Heiva - local Mamas demonstrate how to make Leis and heis made of local fresh flowers, and the weaving technique. Outside L'Etoile and La Veranda guests gather to watch and particpate, the overpowering fragrance of the flowers is wonderful. There was Tahitian Folkloric music and tropical cocktails in la Palette, and we were encouraged to dress in pareos or men in tropical shirts - very colourful.

 

There were no reservations for the restaurants and they all served the same great menu. It was a case of first-come. first served, so if you particularly wanted to dine in say La Veranda, best to be in at 7, or there was quite a wait for a table. The meal was exceptional, especially the lobster!!!

 

Showtime was a local troupe, a special cultural Polynesian show, - quite spectacular I heard. We didn't go to this one, as i was pretty tired, I was sorry I missed it.

 

The next day dawned and we were still admiring Moorea, for us a quiet day , went over to the dock and walked and went to the shops, lunch on board, plenty of on-board activities available. The Farewell party loomed at 5pm on the Pool Deck as all the crew presented a farewell, and Siglo played. It was very windy on deck this afternoon, we set sail for Papeete, and arrived at the pier at 7pm.

 

We had dinner in L'Etoile on the last night , said farewell to Miki and his team, and thanked all for such a good trip. We had a very early call in the morning as we had to be at the airport at 4.30am.

 

I hesitated about calling room service, but to my amazement my request for tea and toast at 3.30am was met with a dazzling smile and a well-groomed and very awake waiter!! I know there is 24hr room service, but really I never used it, maybe a coffee once or twice in the afternoon. Guess not really very demanding. I was told that there were some who rarely came out of their cabins and had room service for most meals???.

 

So, sad to leave. We had a taxi pick-up booked at 4.30am and Carl's taxi was there, off to the airport for the 7.30am flight to Sydney. The ship looked great in the early morning light and we took a couple of dawn-breaking farewell to Tahiti photos and that was the end of this trip.

 

Overall, I would echo many positive sentiments that i have read about the PG experience and say that for me it was 5 star trip.

[dontdiwundrin]

Welcome to the club - only way to appease the flu is to go back!

 

Emdee, i put the Sept date on the calendar, i know its 2 years away but i like the idea of the itinerary that you and Tiki have been writing about. We are still planning on going back next year too:D

Tess

[dontdiwundrin]

:)hI Kim,'

at least we've got the reviews and the photos to transport us back there when we need it!! Hope you can make it back to FP again one day. Tess.

 

 

 

We are dying to go back! My memories are not fading either... We would love to book again next year, but the kiddos at home make it a bit more difficult. I'll live through others until then...