Tahiti Cruise Questions

[GenSteve]

I'm THIS CLOSE to booking the TP for the April 29th sailing. A few quick questions:

 

1) I can fly Air Tahiti Nui non-stop on April 28th from JFK. The flight arrives same day at 11:55 PM, so I would need a hotel for the one night. What time can you board the ship the following day? I've read that the embarking and disembarking passengers mix for the first day. Also, any hotel recommendations for a cheap, yet immaculate, hotel for a short 1-night stay?

 

2) Is the Panorama Buffet open for dinner? I read a post that it was closed by 6:00 PM. I'm a very casual, though clean and presentable, traveler and prefer to not dress up.

 

3) On the last day of the cruise, the outbound flights leave Papeete at 9:00 PM. How late can you stay on the ship?

 

4) I believe early May is considered "dry" season. Anyone familiar with cruising around that time of year?

 

5) Are there any supermarkets near the port in Papeete? How outrageous are the food prices?

 

I welcome any feedback you can offer. My decision is between Tahiti and a transatlantic, and it's actually a tough call for me. Thanks.

[skp4667]

:confused: I am waiting for replies to your post because we just booked the TP for the May 9 sailing. We just returned in Dec from the Island Princess trip to Hawaii and fell in love with the islands. We do have reservations, however, regarding this trip. The flight over sounds a bit overwhelming and getting on the ship very confusing with other passengers still aboard. Not sure I like that idea.:(

 

In answer to your question regarding the prices on the islands, I hear it is very expensive. We booked a postcruise in Moorea but they say the food prices are out of sight. Not sure we are going to keep that booking. We also thought of staying 2 nights in an over-the-water bungalow in Papeete but of all the islands, that was the worst.

 

I'll keep a watch on this posting to see what others have to say!

[ssbeagle]

I'm THIS CLOSE to booking the TP for the April 29th sailing. A few quick questions:

 

1) I can fly Air Tahiti Nui non-stop on April 28th from JFK. The flight arrives same day at 11:55 PM, so I would need a hotel for the one night. What time can you board the ship the following day? I've read that the embarking and disembarking passengers mix for the first day. Also, any hotel recommendations for a cheap, yet immaculate, hotel for a short 1-night stay?

 

2) Is the Panorama Buffet open for dinner? I read a post that it was closed by 6:00 PM. I'm a very casual, though clean and presentable, traveler and prefer to not dress up.

 

3) On the last day of the cruise, the outbound flights leave Papeete at 9:00 PM. How late can you stay on the ship?

 

4) I believe early May is considered "dry" season. Anyone familiar with cruising around that time of year?

 

5) Are there any supermarkets near the port in Papeete? How outrageous are the food prices?

 

I welcome any feedback you can offer. My decision is between Tahiti and a transatlantic, and it's actually a tough call for me. Thanks.

 

1) You can board the ship around 11:00 or 12:00 the next day. People who are disembarking the same day can stay on the ship until they have to leave for the airport. They just have to be out of their cabins by 11:00 am so there's a possibility that your cabin won't be ready the minute you board if you board early.

 

2) The buffet is open in the evenings although when the ship sails it may become a specialty restaurant at times. But it's usually open for all meals. However, the food in the dining room is excellent and the service is very good.

 

3) Until you have to leave for the airport. Our flight wasn't until 10:30 pm and we used transfers where we got off around 8:30.

 

4) Not familiar with that time of year as our two cruises were in February and November.

 

5) There is a market within a short walk from the pier. They sell all kinds of things and there are also shops along the way. Tahiti is very expensive but it is one of the most fascinating places I have ever visited. They had shops that sold some beautiful fabrics that I would have liked to have purchased.

 

I wouldn't mind going back to Tahiti again. It's such a pretty place and the other islands are unspoiled by a lot of tourism as is Hawaii. We just got off a transAtlantic in November this past year and it was a great trip too. But for warm weather I would do the Tahiti if you have never been.

[NEW YORK LADY2]

Tahiti is a wonderful trip and if you can do it, you should at least once in your life. Especially if you love the water. Having said that, we are going back for our third time in March, and staying one night pre cruise at the Hotel Mandarin in downtown Papeete. You can check the ports of call boards as there have been discussions on this hotel. It is not fancy, but clean and convenient and if you want to grab a bite to eat there are rolouttes (trucks) that sell food in the evening right on the pier. Also, the Marche has some booths with food items to so you could head over there for a breakfast of coffee, french bread/cheese, or maybe a wonderful chocolate croissant. Make sure you pick up an arrangement of flowers at the Marche. You can get them after you board the ship and have lunch on board, then head back to the Marche for your flowers. Better than having to carry them around.

 

The cruise is the most economical way of seeing Tahiti and her islands. Food is expensive in Tahiti but last time we were there we had a day room at the Intercontinental for our last day in Tahiti and ate in their restaurant. We had a steak sandwich and french fries for about $14/each. Not too bad and it was washed down by our last Hinano beer before we took off for the airport.

 

Now just make the decision to do it.

 

Jackie

[TexEm]

GenSteve--if you decide to go on 4/29, please join us on the roll call. There are only 10 of us so far, but would love to have you join. Good luck with your decision. Our decision was simple, we wanted to go to Tahiti, we love Princess cruises, the ship size was right (had just been on the Prinsendam in May) and the time of year was right for us. We've booked air through Princess so have no idea when or how we're traveling. I'm anxious to find out!

 

If you go to Ports of Call, the section on Pacific Islands has mostly info about Tahiti and the Tahitian Princess, so you'll find lots of info there.

[LnJ]

Book the cruise! Linda and I experienced it (French Polynesia and Cook Islands) in June, 2004 and had a great time. As was mentioned before, French Polynesia can be extremely expensive, and the cruise is certainly one of the most economical ways of experiencing paradise.

 

June is in the cooler, drier season, but it was far from "cool" when we were there. Except for a few hours of rain, I'd have to say our weather was perfect. We also traveled there in March, 1992 (enjoyed a timeshare trade at the Club Bali Hai on Moorea for a week and also 3 nights at the Hotel Bora Bora) when it was very warm and humid.

 

I feel the true beauty of French Polynesia is found in the water. We especially liked Marc's motu picnic on Huahine and Bruno's tour on Raiatea (we booked these independently online) and the Princess booked introductory scuba dive on Bora Bora.

 

For a peek at what you're in for, check out the 155 captioned photos linked below.

[spendalot]

Your pics were fantastic!! Thanks for sharing.

[FlorenceItaly]

I'm THIS CLOSE to booking the TP for the April 29th sailing. A few quick questions:

 

1) I can fly Air Tahiti Nui non-stop on April 28th from JFK. The flight arrives same day at 11:55 PM, so I would need a hotel for the one night. What time can you board the ship the following day? I've read that the embarking and disembarking passengers mix for the first day. Also, any hotel recommendations for a cheap, yet immaculate, hotel for a short 1-night stay?

 

2) Is the Panorama Buffet open for dinner? I read a post that it was closed by 6:00 PM. I'm a very casual, though clean and presentable, traveler and prefer to not dress up.

 

3) On the last day of the cruise, the outbound flights leave Papeete at 9:00 PM. How late can you stay on the ship?

 

4) I believe early May is considered "dry" season. Anyone familiar with cruising around that time of year?

 

5) Are there any supermarkets near the port in Papeete? How outrageous are the food prices?

 

I welcome any feedback you can offer. My decision is between Tahiti and a transatlantic, and it's actually a tough call for me. Thanks.

 

I understand this is the Princess board, but I have booked HAL Ryndam, Jan 2007 for a 30 day Hawaii and South Pacific cruise, sailing out of San Diego and returning to San Diego. Is this an option? Just a thought.

 

Marie

[Spikesgirl]

I'm THIS CLOSE to booking the TP for the April 29th sailing. A few quick questions:

 

1) I can fly Air Tahiti Nui non-stop on April 28th from JFK. The flight arrives same day at 11:55 PM, so I would need a hotel for the one night. What time can you board the ship the following day? I've read that the embarking and disembarking passengers mix for the first day. Also, any hotel recommendations for a cheap, yet immaculate, hotel for a short 1-night stay?

 

We flew from Los Angeles to Papeete a couple of days ahead of time because we wanted to have time to adjust and to see the island prior to the cruise adn stayed at the Sheraton (Princess booked). It wasn't cheaper, but it was beautiful and the pool faced Moorea and was incredible. We spent the first day just poking around the city and the next day taking an island tour with fellow ship mates - it was a great way to start the vacation because you already knew people when you got on board. Cheap is relative in the islands and I would reall strongly suggest that you spent the little extra and stay at the Sheraton (no, I'm not a stockholder!). Le Meriden was nice, but very pompous. At the end of a long flight, warm and friendly always wins me over. Be warned - not matter what, the trip is VERY LONG.

 

2) Is the Panorama Buffet open for dinner? I read a post that it was closed by 6:00 PM. I'm a very casual, though clean and presentable, traveler and prefer to not dress up.

 

Dress in the dining room was pretty laid back to be honest - moreso than on other trip. Except on the formal nights, many a shorts and a polo shirt/ Hawwaiian shirt was spotted in the dining room. The buffet converted into a pizzeria and light dining area at night, but there's always room service and it was very good. The pizza was incredible!

 

3) On the last day of the cruise, the outbound flights leave Papeete at 9:00 PM. How late can you stay on the ship?

 

They allow you to stay on the ship until your flight, but you don't have access to your cabin after 8 or 9 a.m. I know that a couple of the local hotels offer day rooms at a minimal charge. You do have people checking in as you're milling about, which is kinda depressing.

 

4) I believe early May is considered "dry" season. Anyone familiar with cruising around that time of year?

 

Sorry, we went in January and caught the tail end of a typhoon. We had rain until we sailed to Rarotonga, but still had an incredible time. Definitely do the snorkling/diving excersions. Friends of ours that went in June said it was hot, humid and dry (it rained every two days instead of every other day.) In January, it was hot humid and wet. Still, the rain is warm and won't really stop anything. It rains so much that people just shrug and go on.

 

5) Are there any supermarkets near the port in Papeete? How outrageous are the food prices?

 

We really didn't see any supermarkets near the port, but again that would depend upon how far you wanted to walk. There's a large supermarket (Casino) on rue de Commandant Destresmeau that's probably about 15 minutes from the dock (turn right as you leave the wharf). You'll pass it on the way in from the airport. Things are expensive in Tahiti, there's no two ways about it. You might want to check out the Marche Papeete, which offers just about anything you would like to purchase, including drinks and snacks. The flower bouquets are to die for. For cheap dining, try the roulottes. You can get a little of everything and they are the cheapest dining spot by far.

 

I welcome any feedback you can offer. My decision is between Tahiti and a transatlantic, and it's actually a tough call for me. Thanks.

 

Absolute, do Tahiti. We went two years ago, well, three actually, and are planning another trip there. The cruise was spectacular, the people as warm and inviting as rumored. Speaking a few key prhases in French doesn't hurt, but it's not necessary. Most places take US dollars and you will not believe the water. If you like to diving, it's really a paradise. I can't stop reccommending this trip and the Princess crew. Based on the ship along, we are now going to cruise to Asia on TP sister ship. It was just a fun time all the way around. GO!

[GenSteve]

Thanks for the replies. It's been very helpful. I still haven't decided because the transatlantic I'm considering would offer some great ports and a different flavor.

 

LnJ - Great pictures! It took me about 2 hours to view them using dial-up, but it was worth the time. We're not snorkelers. Do you think Mark's Motu Picnic would still be a good choice without participating in the underwater portion?

 

Jackie - Thanks for the Mandarin Hotel tip. It looks like it might be a good choice for the midnight arrival night the day before boarding.

 

*****

 

Questions for those familiar with the spa/gym - It looks like there's a sauna and steam in both the men's and women's locker rooms. Correct? Any extra charge for them? Are there showers? Is there a charge for the whirlpool in front of the spa?

 

Thanks, in advance, for all your help and input.

[Spikesgirl]

I evny your ability to go for the first time. We went three years ago and will be going back in a couple of years - have a few other cruises to do first. It was an incriduble trip from beginning to end. Yes, the prices were expensive, but you will come away with memories that will never leave you.

[LnJ]

GenSteve,

 

Yes, Marc's motu picnic would still be worthwhile without the snorkeling. I think we drift snorkeled (where we and the boat drifted with the current) for about 20 minutes. It was a lot of fun, but you could stay in the boat if you're not interested in snorkeling.

 

I see on Marc's website (http://www.huahine-nautique.com/picnicR.htm) that he now offers two motu picinic tours.... one that circles the island in covered outrigger canoes (each holds about 15 people) and also a 4WD tour of the island and a boat ride to the motu where the picnic is held. His website says there is snorkeling with that tour too. Prices are listed online (just checked $95 canoe / $115 4WD).

 

There are about a dozen photos of this excursion linked below. Highly recommended!