Trip report 7/30/16 Cook & Society Islands 11 day Cruise

[Tx Gambler]

I know I am repeating after the others, but THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the detailed review. It was awesome and I loved all your pictures.

 

I am in the planning stages for this cruise in August 2018 - a 35th Anniversary trip. We have cruised 6 times in the Southern Caribbean and like you I book excursions through private tours. I appreciate all the details and especially the packing list. I am glad to have a better handle on "Country Club Casual", as we are not formal night people.

 

We are in the Houston area, so flying out of George Bush. Since the return flight sounds like the worst part, if you did it again would you stay the night in LA and then fly home the next day? Like you did at the beginning?

 

Is there anything you didn't get to do, that you wished you could have?

 

Carrie

[twin123185]

I know I am repeating after the others, but THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the detailed review. It was awesome and I loved all your pictures.

 

 

 

I am in the planning stages for this cruise in August 2018 - a 35th Anniversary trip. We have cruised 6 times in the Southern Caribbean and like you I book excursions through private tours. I appreciate all the details and especially the packing list. I am glad to have a better handle on "Country Club Casual", as we are not formal night people.

 

 

 

We are in the Houston area, so flying out of George Bush. Since the return flight sounds like the worst part, if you did it again would you stay the night in LA and then fly home the next day? Like you did at the beginning?

 

 

 

Is there anything you didn't get to do, that you wished you could have?

 

 

 

Carrie

 

 

Now I always stay a day a LAX before and after. But that's because flying back to NJ is sooooo long. You will have a lot of flights to choose from. It depends how quickly you want to get home.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[luckybecky]

Hi:

 

Thanks for the review, how is the band on the ship? It looks like they are from the Ukraine, no Siglo from what I am told. Could they play rock and not have the typical eastern european sound that really takes away from the music.

 

thanks

grant

 

I have to say that the band was not a big part of our cruise experience. They played all the time, but for me, they were usually background music, or pre- or post- entertainment to other activities. We danced to them a few times. They sounded good, but they definitely did not do rock. It was mostly pop or easy listening type music.

 

They sang Stevie Wonder's "I just called to say I love you" every single time we saw them play. We even joked about how often that came up in their playlist!

 

We did once make a song request and they played it, and did a good job. We asked for "You were always on my mind."

[luckybecky]

I know I am repeating after the others, but THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the detailed review. It was awesome and I loved all your pictures.

 

I am in the planning stages for this cruise in August 2018 - a 35th Anniversary trip. We have cruised 6 times in the Southern Caribbean and like you I book excursions through private tours. I appreciate all the details and especially the packing list. I am glad to have a better handle on "Country Club Casual", as we are not formal night people.

 

We are in the Houston area, so flying out of George Bush. Since the return flight sounds like the worst part, if you did it again would you stay the night in LA and then fly home the next day? Like you did at the beginning?

 

Is there anything you didn't get to do, that you wished you could have?

 

Carrie

 

I think that yes, I would give myself a day on the return trip. It really was a long, unpleasant day - night - and another day of travel. I'm getting too old for that!

 

But aside from that, I don' t have any regrets at all about the trip. For example, Paul has always wanted to try a jet ski and an ATV, and we planned our vacation so that we could do those things in one of the most beautiful places in the world!

 

Of course, if we went back we would do different excursions so that we could have new and different experiences, but we loved each and every day of our trip. Even the whale watching. That is something I have always wanted to do. I'm glad we took a chance on it. Just wish the animals had cooperated a little more! :)

 

I'm glad the packing list helps. By the way, I think I should clarify that when I talked about my "evening wear," I was not talking about formal gowns or anything like that. There are no formal nights on this ship. When I referred to evening wear, I just meant a pair of nice black pants and a dressy blouse, or a basic sheath dress. And you can even go a bit more casual than that if you want. A nice pair of capri pants and blouse would be OK. Just no jeans or shorts.

[gpheathman]

I have to say that the band was not a big part of our cruise experience. They played all the time, but for me, they were usually background music, or pre- or post- entertainment to other activities. We danced to them a few times. They sounded good, but they definitely did not do rock. It was mostly pop or easy listening type music.

 

They sang Stevie Wonder's "I just called to say I love you" every single time we saw them play. We even joked about how often that came up in their playlist!

 

We did once make a song request and they played it, and did a good job. We asked for "You were always on my mind."

 

Thanks for the update on the band, we are on the 10-sep Cooks trip. What is it going to take for the PG to find a Siglo replacement?

 

Freebird

[Cruzinbabe06]

Thank you for posting your review.

 

Just booked the Feb 18, 2017 sailing.

 

Super excited!:D

[luv_cruisin33]

We slept late as it was a sea day. Breakfast is available until 10 in La Veranda, we made it down there by 930. As usual everything was very good. Wide selection. The buffet included some kind of rice noodle with vegetables dish, unusual to see at breakfast, very good. They also have a menu which you can order from if you want a breakfast steak, lamb chop, eggs benedict, etc. Paul really liked the eggs benedict.

 

After that, we went to La Palette and made rings, bracelets and fan with Les Gauguines. Went to Eddowes lecture for a little while but didn't stay for all of it.

 

Lunch: Italian day in La Veranda. It was too windy today to sit outside. As at breakfast, there is a set menu that you can order from at lunch if you don't want the buffet. Here it is:

 

 

(I hope I'm keeping all these menus straight. I think I am, but I have a lot of photos of menus!!)

 

 

------------------------------------

 

Slow afternoon. We napped, and played a little in the casino. Paul joined a blackjack tournament. The way it works is each player pays $50, gets $100 in chips. Fifteen hands are played. The player with most chips at the end wins all, minus 10% house cut. They had said 5 are needed to make the tournament, but only 3 showed up. They went ahead and did the tournament anyway, so winner got $135. Paul came in second. Obviously the more players who sign up, the bigger the pot. But the casino was just not busy on this cruise. Another blackjack and a roulette tournament sign-up later in the cruise failed to garner enough takers.

 

Supper: we ate with 3 other couples in L'Etoile, one of whom was on the Teking excursion with us. Salad with grapes and cashews was exceptionally good. Also the onion tart and tangerine chicken were delicious. Cold soup was again just OK. That's just me. No matter how many times I try them, I just have never been able to become a fan of cold soups. But everything else was excellent.

 

Here is the menu for L'Etoile tonight:

 

 

 

Our waiter tonight, everyone agreed, was a just a bit surly. The only time this has ever been the case anywhere on the ship. It took awhile for dirty plates to be removed after entrees were done. But still not a problem. Everything was nice.

 

So when you say it was windy...does that mean the boat rocked a lot? Did you ever need motion sickness meds?

[luv_cruisin33]

We just finished reading your review. Thank you for taking the time to share this trip with us. I know I will be asking you more questions on PM as we get closer to our trip. I'm nervous about the ship rocking!!! LOL

[luckybecky]

We just finished reading your review. Thank you for taking the time to share this trip with us. I know I will be asking you more questions on PM as we get closer to our trip. I'm nervous about the ship rocking!!! LOL

 

Don't worry! Although it was occasionally windy outside La Veranda, and at the last night party on the pool deck (the canapes were blowing off the waiter's tray!), I really did not notice the ship rocking at all. It was never bothersome. I have never used anything for motion sickness and luckily have not needed it. The only time during the entire cruise that I could see motion sickness being a problem was during the whale watching tour when we took the roller coaster ride out of the lagoon into open water. But really the ship felt very stable. No problem at all.

[LynandBill]

Amazing review! That was fun following along. I love reading cruise reviews and this was one of the best I've read. Thanks!

[Burpelson]

Great, detailed review. Even small nitpicks can help future travelers (like bring water on excursions!!! Bring food for the return flight - head cheese?? How nutty is that? Want return customers ATN??).

 

But the overall sense was one of great enthusiasm. Looking forward!!!!

[Hotel CA]

Well you inspired me to go back and read the mentions of Teking, and glad it was great, despite everything. The lack of water is unforgiveable, really, but if we decide to take this tour next year we will bring bottles from the ship (which we always do anyways). And money! Does he take USD? And the praying? Gheesh!

 

The lackadaisical approach to safety does not surprise me at all. This type of thing has happened in FP as well--First Aid, what's that? I wonder what the best impromptu treatment is for that type of sting? Baking soda? Vinegar?

 

Vinegar is the best treatment

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

Very detailed review ......... I read every bit of it. I've been to FP 20 some times, several on the PG.

 

I would say your review was usually accurate and of course you can never discount ones own experience, it is theirs after all.

 

However, there are a handful of other posters on here that frequently give advice with a huge number of PG trips under their be belts. A few of your critiques were based on your one time experience and some are not the norm as many of us seasoned PG travelers could attest to.

 

On a few critiques it was apples and oranges. An example would be the BBQ on Motu Mahana compared to some of your experiences on tours. Keep in mind it is one thing to feed a dozen or 2 one way, and impossible to do the same for 300+.

 

BTW, there is good snorkeling around Motu Mahana, you just need to know where to go. Ask me about the 'bowl' at Motu Mahana.

 

All in all the review was honest based on your one time experience. As I've had many trips, 4 on that exact itinerary, I know a few times you experienced something that isn't the norm.

 

Thanks for the read, always good to hear what others have to say. Some of the experiences I can relate and they are the norm ........ TeKing is a good example. Decent tour but he is a bit over the top at times ....

 

Peace

Edited December 12, 2016 by Tahitianbigkahuna

[Wendy The Wanderer]

...

 

BTW, there is good snorkeling around Motu Mahana, you just need to know where to go. Ask me about the 'bowl' at Motu Mahana.

...

 

Okay, I give. Tell me about the "bowl".

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

The bowl is located at the opening of the passage through the reef when you look toward the ocean from the motu. You are not permitted to walk on the reef but you can walk inside the reef (yellow arrow). The water is shallow where the yellow arrow is with little current. This is not for the beginner by any means as the current can be strong once to arrive at the opening. What you want to do is slide against the reef to get over to where you see the red "X". At the red X the water is only 3 feet deep and very little current, you can see that it is protected. You sit in the safe area and look toward the large bowl (outlined in yellow). The water is 15 - 20 feet deep in the bowl. Large fish and octopus are plentiful in the bowl.

 

Again I want to stress this isn't for the beginner but a seasoned snorkeler used to dealing with current. The PG doesn't need to be placed in a position of playing life guard so don't even attempt this if your question your abilities. The opening looks tame until you get close up ...........

 

Edited December 13, 2016 by Tahitianbigkahuna

[Wendy The Wanderer]

The bowl is located at the opening of the passage through the reef when you look toward the ocean from the motu. You are not permitted to walk on the reef but you can walk inside the reef (yellow arrow). The water is shallow where the yellow arrow is with little current. This is not for the beginner by any means as the current can be strong once to arrive at the opening. What you want to do is slide against the reef to get over to where you see the red "X". At the red X the water is only 3 feet deep and very little current, you can see that it is protected. You sit in the safe area and look toward the large bowl (outlined in yellow). The water is 15 - 20 feet deep in the bowl. Large fish and octopus are plentiful in the bowl.

 

Again I want to stress this isn't for the beginner but a seasoned snorkeler used to dealing with current. The PG doesn't need to be placed in a position of playing life guard so don't even attempt this if your question your abilities. The opening looks tame until you get close up ...........

 

 

Looks good, but not for me, at this stage. Ten years ago I did something like this on Raitatea, but this would be daunting for me now, especially since my partner in crime would definitely not be up for it.

 

Can't quite figure out where the part of the island is where most people congregate.

 

Thanks for explaining this. Have you done the Taha'a Drift Snorkel?

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

I've done the drift snorkel about 5 times

 

One of my favorite excursions

[luckybecky]

Very detailed review ......... I read every bit of it. I've been to FP 20 some times, several on the PG.

 

I would say your review was usually accurate and of course you can never discount ones own experience, it is theirs after all.

 

However, there are a handful of other posters on here that frequently give advice with a huge number of PG trips under their be belts. A few of your critiques were based on your one time experience and some are not the norm as many of us seasoned PG travelers could attest to.

 

On a few critiques it was apples and oranges. An example would be the BBQ on Motu Mahana compared to some of your experiences on tours. Keep in mind it is one thing to feed a dozen or 2 one way, and impossible to do the same for 300+.

 

BTW, there is good snorkeling around Motu Mahana, you just need to know where to go. Ask me about the 'bowl' at Motu Mahana.

 

All in all the review was honest based on your one time experience. As I've had many trips, 4 on that exact itinerary, I know a few times you experienced something that isn't the norm.

 

Thanks for the read, always good to hear what others have to say. Some of the experiences I can relate and they are the norm ........ TeKing is a good example. Decent tour but he is a bit over the top at times ....

 

Peace

 

Thanks for your comments Tahitianbigkahuna! I'm not sure what you mean when you say our experiences were not the norm. They just were what they were. In some cases, we may have made mistakes based on our inexperience. For example, I wish we had given Le Grill another chance. The first time we tried it, we were seated far off to one side, under cover, and in an area that had some noise -- from engines or a ventilation system or something. I think our impression of that restaurant would have been much better if we had been seated at a table around the pool. I had really looked forward to trying this restaurant but was disappointed. Should have given it another try and hoped for a better table.

 

I did not mean to criticize the lunch on Motu Mahana. It was great! But, as I said, it was a totally different experience from the small group motu picnics we had during our excursions -- and even the more "touristy" and larger group excursion on Rarotonga had a very different menu from what we had on motu Mahana. That was perfectly fine -- I don't want to eat the same thing every day! I was just pointing out the difference.

 

I think we better pass on doing the bowl! Sounds fascinating but probably a little too adventurous for us! The one thing I noticed on Motu Mahana was that there were tons of sea cucumbers everywhere. I mean loads of them. So it made walking in shallow water rather awkward. We did not ask the PG staff for snorkeling recommendations, but just walked into the water and explored on our own. Perhaps if we had asked, we might have seen more sea life. We had fun and aren't complaining, but I was just saying that we had even better snorkeling experiences in other places. Our day on the motu was more about resting and relaxing and we loved it!

 

This was one of the best vacations of our lives and we don't regret a minute of it! Whether it was the "norm" or not, well, I don't know. But it was fabulous and is a trip I would recommend to anyone. :)

[Notion_of_the_Ocean]

Do you have scans of the daily activity sheets by any chance?

[MarilynCA]

Well, LuckyBecky, I wanted to reread your review before we our trip and I finished it this morning in our OWB on Moorea!!! This morning a beautiful ray, 2 blacktip sharks and tons of other fish swam by while I was having coffee. Thanks again for all the great info, it has been extremely helpful. Cruise critic is such a great resource. I'll be glad to be able to add my 2 cents when we return.

[Blue262]

Becky,

 

Thanks for putting a very detailed and helpful report out for us first timers, it is greatly appreciated. I have a few questions for you. I am only familiar with Caribbean cruises where if you don't want to do an excursion you can still walk-off or tender off and do your own thing. Is it possible to tender in and find your own thing to do? Find your own beach to sit on or visit the local village or market? Or is the tender location remote and there is nothing to do but book an excursion?

[Emdee]

Becky,

 

Thanks for putting a very detailed and helpful report out for us first timers, it is greatly appreciated. I have a few questions for you. I am only familiar with Caribbean cruises where if you don't want to do an excursion you can still walk-off or tender off and do your own thing. Is it possible to tender in and find your own thing to do? Find your own beach to sit on or visit the local village or market? Or is the tender location remote and there is nothing to do but book an excursion?

 

 

It depends which itinerary you are taking. In Bora Bora or Moorea you will be able to walk of the ship and get something. In Huahine you could walk yo the market from the shuttle. In some if the other ports it would be close to impossible to do this. After paying do much to go to FP your best bet would be research tours both with the ship and outside vendors. I haven't included information on special PG days as you haven't said whether you are going on PG.

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

If your talking about this 11 night Paul Gauguin itinerary you have some options.

 

I'll just add to what Emdee was saying ......

 

On Aitutaki and Rarotonga the tender drops you off next to the main village/town.

 

All of the ships vendors are vetted. Many of the private tours are very good but there are some who sit at the dock waiting that not much information is available.

 

I would suggest either a ship's excursion or a private company who has great write ups and ratings. On most PG cruises there is always a few people on the roll call that have been to FP before, see what they are planning ....

[luckybecky]

Becky,

 

Thanks for putting a very detailed and helpful report out for us first timers, it is greatly appreciated. I have a few questions for you. I am only familiar with Caribbean cruises where if you don't want to do an excursion you can still walk-off or tender off and do your own thing. Is it possible to tender in and find your own thing to do? Find your own beach to sit on or visit the local village or market? Or is the tender location remote and there is nothing to do but book an excursion?

 

 

Blue, I'm happy that the review was helpful to you.

 

You have already gotten some good answers to your question from people who are much more experienced than we are. I've only been to French Polynesia the one time and I am not well versed on other activities than the ones we did, which I described in this review. The only location where we did not take any formal excursion was Taha'a, where we went to the PG private motu. It was wonderful -- a true tropical paradise! And it is included in the cost of your cruise. There is no need to book an excursion of any kind here.

 

Beyond that, I don't know enough to add anything to the answers you have already received. Keep reading this forum. The people here are amazing and can answer almost any question you could have.

 

:)

[Zqueeze1]

Hi. My wife and I just finished looking at your cruise report. Your pictures are beautiful and really makes us want to book this cruise in the future. Thank you for sharing your trip with us.

Z and TB