Paul Gauguin - Tahiti & the Society Islands

[jrbruns91]

My wife and I are considering the 7 night cruise on December 28, 2019 to celebrate our 25th anniversary. Has anyone been on this cruise during that time of year? What can we expect for weather? I hear it's the rainy season during that time of year. Should we expect spotty showers, or rain all day?  Also, what's the difference in the balcony staterooms C & D and are they worth it over an ocean view? Being in port all day every day, I'm curious if we would even use the balcony. Any advice is appreciated.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

It'll be hotter and more humid that, say, June to September.  Perhaps a tropical downpour or two, but rain all day, I doubt it.

 

I do not believe the balconies are worth the price uptick over the window cabins on deck 4 (E.)  When I have had a balcony, I rarely used it--in fact it was in December, and it was too hot to sit out most of the time.

 

The ship is your balcony!  Enjoy!

[alwaysonaship]

We are onboard now, and it has rained everyday, but nothing that lasted. It is warm. We would disagree on the need for a balcony, but that is always a personal opinion. We enjoy a larger cabin and want to be able to sit outside. It’s a great trip with excellent service. You cannot go wrong. 

 

 

[FlightMedic555]

I am in the group that do not feel a balcony is worth the $.  Deck 4 window cabins are the same exact size as deck 6 balcony cabins on the inside, obviously deck 4 does not have the balcony. 

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Deck 6 cabins used to be window cabins.  And deck 7 balconies are just a few square feet larger. Even the deck 8 A and B suites are only about 50 square feet larger.  

[Larro9]

It’s almost funny that the same people over and over talk about not needing or wanting a balcony, and I and others talk up the wonders of having a balcony...what I love about a balcony; your private time, breakfast, snacks or even dinner on the balcony are wonderful on occasion ..not to mention the ability to open a door and get fresh air anytime ! Make your choice and either way, it will be a lovely cruise....

[Wendy The Wanderer]

10 minutes ago, Larro9 said:

It’s almost funny that the same people over and over talk about not needing or wanting a balcony, and I and others talk up the wonders of having a balcony...what I love about a balcony; your private time, breakfast, snacks or even dinner on the balcony are wonderful on occasion ..not to mention the ability to open a door and get fresh air anytime ! Make your choice and either way, it will be a lovely cruise....

 

I would not choose a cabin without a balcony on any ship other than the Paul Gauguin.  In fact I've never cruised without a balcony except on that ship.  The first time I booked the window, I decided I'd rather save my money so I could go back to French Polynesia a second time--now I've been back six times, so it has worked so far.

[jrbruns91]

We have never been in a balcony room on any cruise, but sometimes wished we had once the cruise was over. As special as this trip is to us, I think we'll book the balcony, just to be safe. Thanks everyone for your input!

[Larro9]

No wrong or right ...it’s a small ship and you can find quiet areas....we are all happy you are going, it’s that good!

This view is from our balcony and the second is my other favorite place in the morning or evenings. It is on the outside deck at la palette 

Edited January 25, 2019 by Larro9
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[Dusko]

You asked about a New Year cruise.  My review of cruising this New Year is up for your info..

 

With respect to weather we we lucky. It was hot and humid but bearable and the rain was mainly overnight.