Best Kept Secrets of Tahitian Princess Cruises (Tahiti Cruise Only)

[simple288]

This trend is dedicated to Reviewers and Future Cruisers of Tahitian Princess when traveling around Tahiti (French Polynesian).

 

Please don't mistaken this thread as the Tahitian Princess that travels one way from/to Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii and Papeete, Tahiti.

 

Reviewers: As a former passenger of Tahitian Princess, please share your best kept secret of the ship; from making special request from a ship crew to choosing a local guide tour at the docks, etc...

 

Future Cruisers : This is a great thread to learn what to expect for your future cruise at the Tahitian Princess.

 

To get everyone started here are some exsamples:

 

1. Must experience the Picnic on the motu (small island)

2. Children and Adult Polynesian dance on the cruise is a must see.

3. Visit the Roulotte Trucks in the evening at Papeete at least once.

[Cruzn2some]

Teresa and all:

First welcome. Secondly, My DW found a alternate to Bruno's. There are numerous tour operators on the dock in Raitea. One that was recommended was Stephan Tours which you book at the dock.;) Cost is $45.00 PP for a 1/2 day w/snacks. :cool: We haven't booked anything there. Since we're there overnight, we'll just play it by ear. It looks like we have quite a lot of happy campers on board. Makes for a great time. What a mix of folks. Honeymooners to those of us, who have managed 45 plus years and still enjoy life and cruising.

 

Take care;

 

Howard

[t2ree]

Thanks for the tips, have heard of Stephan's tour, but like others have said i'm not sure if his tour includes the drift snorkle, will need to look into that further, maybe we will go with the Princess option on this one.

See you all there!

[jcrandle]

This was a big surprise to us, as we are far more accustomed to the "throw them off at 9, let them in at 1" that is almost universal in the cruse industry, due to the short turnaround between cruises. We were pleasantly surprised that while passengers are allowed to board and claim their statrooms the first day, the ship doesn't actually leave Papeete till the next day. Limited airline space and strange flight schedules mean that many departing pax are allowed to stay on board and enjoy dinner before departing for the airport for a late night flight. You do have to vacate your cabin, but can take advantage of the ship's facilities until it is necessary to head for the airport (our outbound flight left at 3AM).

 

Our first night onboard, we dined with a couple who was just completing their cruise, and they shared many hints and tips with us. On our last night (although the cruise was officially over) we dined with a couple from New Zealand who were just starting their cruise. It was a win/win, as we were flying on to spend 10 days in Kiwiland and each pumped the other for tidbits of info.

 

What a civilized way to begin and end a cruise.

 

I'll also comment that the TP was the ONLY time that I (Mr. Squeezenickel) have EVER popped for a balcony cabin and it was well worth it! Sadly now, we're back to insides and the occasional OV.

[cruisernurse]

The Marche' in Tahiti is an experience, but not the best buy for things except the flowers. There are many side street stores that have quality t-shirts for the last minute gifts for $10. Found some awesome 'one of a kind" coconut husk purses for $18 just outside the marche on the side streets.

 

Moorea has some of the best shopping around right off the pier.

 

In Bora Bora there was a neat little shop just past the BB Beach Hotel/resort. It was sitting up on a big hill on the right just after the hotel/resort. You will miss it, but the pearls were great, and the local arts were very unusal. We rented a "bugster" at the pier and went around the island. It was great.

 

Nancy