Trip Report from PG cruise--Sept 1st to 15th

[micked10@earthlink.net]

We just returned yesterday from our Tahiti cruise and I would like to give back some thoughts to this forum since it was so helpful to us in planning our trip.

I can't say enough good things about the PG. The service was fantastic and always offered with a smile. Nothing was too much for them to do for you to make your trip enjoyable. They actually seemed to be enjoying themselves and were always friendly and joking. The food was very good ( we thought) and we travel a lot. This was our 24th cruise and I would rank it at the top of our list.

Everything ran like clockwork. If the show was to start at 9:45 it started on the dot of 9:45. Everything was well organized.

( I'll back up a little here and tell you about the flight). We spent several days in LA to visit our son and he took us to the airport around 9:45 AM for our 1:00 flight. There were only 4 people in line ahead of us and by the time we were checked in the line was very long. Two tour groups had arrived. I would advise getting to the airport early. You can always shop in the duty free shops, eat or just sit and relax. Our check in in LA went smoothly( since we had arrived so early), the flight was long but not too bad. We were picked up in Papeete around 6:30PM and taken to the Radisson Hotel. I liked it but thought it was a bit too far away so would probably stay somewhere else next time. They do have a beautiful pool and our room was a 2 storied room with 2 balconies looking out to the ocean. It was lovely.

Our dinner, breakfast and lunch were included in our package deal which was nice since food is very expensive. We were then bussed to the ship around 3:00 in the afternoon ( of the next day) and check in was a breeze--probably took 10 mins. at the most. We were escorted to our cabin, our luggage arrived about 30 mins. later and after we unpacked we headed to the market, a 5 min. walk down the main street. Did a little shopping and then back to the ship to do some exploring. I had made our shore excursion reservations online but decided to change one of them. No problem there. Also made dinner reservations for 1 night in La Verandah and 1 night at the Grill.

The first stop on our itinerary was Huahine and we did an excursion with Marc ( booked online) , It was fantastic! Huahine makes me think it is like Bora Bora was 30 years ago. The next day was Aitutaki and it was a rainy, windy day. We had a very rough night at sea. We cancelled our snorkeling excursion since the seas were too rough. There was no problem with them refunding our money! Took the tender over to the island but it was raining so hard we didn't do much so I can't really tell you about this island. It does look beautiful, but in good weather.

We had a sea day--just lounged by the pool, read and attended some lectures on the culture etc. Excellent lectures onboard and we didn't miss any of them. I would suggest to everyone to try and attend them.

Next port was Tubuai. The native people came out to greet us and seemed so thrilled to have us. It was really heartwarming. There was a church across the street and they set up food in beautiful wooden platters of all their native fruits. It was wonderful. We just stayed on the beach the entire day ( a beautiful beach).

Next was Rarotongo. Took some snorkeling excursions here which were very good. Lots of fish and beautiful clear water. We booked these through the cruise ship.

At Sea and then the ships island of Taha. What a day--beautiful sunny day, snorkeling, lounging by the ocean with lounge chairs and umbrella's, kahaking( sp) , a terrific bar-b-que, some vendors for black pearls, paraeos and other wooden objects. This was a terrific day.

Bora Bora was next and I had hired Damien ( online) for a snorkeling excursion and motu picnic. What a day. Damien is not only very interested in the culture and tells you the history of the islands his aim is to please. We went to 3 snorkeling places, a shallow lagoon to swim and then to the picnic. Damien has a terrific personality ( he is cute too!) This was a fun day and great snorkeling. I also bought a pearl pendant on Bora Bora too. When you get off the ship there are some vendors there with other excursions and Damien is also there. You can book right at the dock if he has room. He only takes 6 to 8 people. We were very lucky and it was just my husband and myself. We really had a very privte excurison for a reasonable price.

Rangirea was the next day and probably had the best snorkeling ( you can see that was our primary focus) The waters were crystal clear and so many varieties of fish. It was unbelieveable!

We rented a car in Moorea and drove the island the first day. Very easy to get around and lots of fun just stopping at beaches, shops and lunch on your own time. I would recommend doing that if you can. We rented a car from Albert ( online)--requested an automatic with AC and it was there waiting for us when we docked. The second day we did another snorkeling excursion with sting rays and sharks. I was very leery of doing this but actually got over my fear and it was a blast.

That night we docked in Papeete and the trip of a lifetime was over too soon. The PG allows you to have breakfast and then a lunch from 11:00 to 1:00 before you depart. You are not a bit rushed to get off the ship like you are on many cruises. The staff was just as friendly and nice the last morning as they were when you started.

I thought I would miss the big Broadway Production shows that we have had on other cruises but the shows on the PG were very good. We had a singer ( Michelle Berting) 2 nights and she was fantastic. The male singer ( Jerry Mingo) was very good and of course the Les Gaugines were marvelous.

Bruce ( the piano player) in the Piano bar was excellent but he is leaving in 3 weeks. We loved listening to him at night before dinner.

This is very long but I hope it helps anyone planning a trip. Please ask questions if you like and I will try to answer them.

It was a wonderful experience and one I will never forget.

micked10

[Jim B]

Thank you for the wonderful report.

So glad you enjoyed the Paul Gauiguin

[Crew Tea]

Thanks so much for the trip report. We have less than a month to go before we board the PG. Can't wait!

[DoctorTom]

Thanks for the report. We just got our docs for the October 13 sailing, and can't wait to experience the PG and Tahiti.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Thanks, always glad to hear a glowing report on my favourite ship!

 

Rangiroa--did you do a ship's excursion to snorkel, do a private tour, or just snorkel from the shore?

[micked10@earthlink.net]

Hi Wendy,

We did a ship excursion on this island and it was wonderful. It was called the aquarium and I was worried that the fish would be captive and that I would not like it. The opposite is true and it is only called "Aquarium" since there are so many varieties of fish. I would highly recommend it. The boats were nice and the crew very helpful. It is about a 3 hr. excursion counting the boat ride and the snorkeling. Well worth it. We were 2 days in Rang. so the 2nd day we went into "town." Not too much there. We also went to a beach on our own but the snorkeling was only so- so. The water is great though--clear and warm.

You will love your cruise. I keep using the Monoi oil we bought and the smell reminds me of our wonderful trip. Have a great time.

Micked10

[micked10@earthlink.net]

Thank you Jim B, Crew Tea and Doctor Tom for you kind words. I hope my trip report helped you somewhat because I got such good advice when planning our trip.

Everyone who is leaving in the next few months I envy you and wish we were going back. Have a great time. You are in for a treat if this is your first trip on the PG and to Tahiti.

Micked10

[etmanch]

Thanks for the great review. My DH and I leave April 2008 so I hope it goes quickly. Glad you had such a wonderful time. For all of you going soon on PG I hope you will be able to provide us with a review upon your return.

[twa1011]

Thanks for the great info on your trip. We were on the cruise just before yours. Your review reminded me of so many of the things we really enjoyed on our cruise. One question which has come up since we've been back is regarding the band. Who was it, and what were they like? Thanks.

[micked10@earthlink.net]

The band on our cruise was the Orion. I believe that just came on when we did and when I first heard them I didn't like them. They seemed to gain confidence as the cruise proceeded and actually turned out to be very good. They were from the Ukraine and the female vocalist was very good. I believe her name was Hannah.

[Cruisedreamer1]

Thanks for the wonderful report. It's good to read that the PG is as good as always.

 

Did you ever eat breakfast in the dining room or eat at the buffet?

 

Did you use the exercise room at all?

 

We are leaving on 12/12/07 for the PG and wondered how you made the reservations online as opposed to using the services of the ship.

 

This maybe a harder question to answer: is Amanda still working in reception? She is a delightful Canadian who I enjoyed speaking with every morning since I am a early riser.

[micked10@earthlink.net]

Hi Cruise Dreamer1,

The Grill and La Verandah are both buffets for breakfast but you can order off the menu too. The Grill is more open and on the 8th deck. La Verandah is on the 6th deck and you can sit outside but most of the seating is inside. The Grill is open from 7:00 to 9:00, La Verandah from 7:30 to 9:30 and then for you early risers La Palette, on deck 8 in the back, is open for Danish and coffee at 6:30. We ate mostly in LaVerandah but a few times at the Grill. I prefer LaVerandah since it seems less crowded. I think they both have the same items. Try the French toast--it is yummy!

Not sure if Amanda is at the front desk or not. There was a young blonde haired girl who seemed pretty quite and also a dark haired girl who said she was from Italy who was very friendly. Can't remember their names.

Norman was at the Travel Desk and he was most helpful in choosing excursions etc. He did not push the ships shore excursions but gave his opinion of everything.

micked10

[micked10@earthlink.net]

Cruise Dreamer 1

Forgot to answer your last 2 questions. I did not use the exercise room but looked in it everyday as I walked to breakfast! I exercise everyday when we are home so felt guilty about not using it. It has several treadmills, stair climber and weights. Looked pretty well equipment for a small ship.

I booked the shore excursions online before we left and only booked 2 through the cruise.

I booked Marc's motu picnic in Huahine ( Huahinenautique@mail.pf). Terrific day. book early as he fills up.

also booked Damiens snorkeling excursion online--(damien@boraboraphotolagoon.com.) A great snorkeling experience. both guides are excellent with great personalities. They will pretty much tailor make an excursion for you and only take 6-8 people.

I can't recommend them enough.

Micked10

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Mick, my last supply of Monoi oil is now more than 2 years old, and definitely needs replenishing! I still love the scent, it takes me right back.

[micked10@earthlink.net]

Yes, I know exactly what you mean about the scent. Wish I had bought more. Oh well, a good excuse to go back. I did notice that there is a web site on the back of one of my bottles so when I run low I am going to try and order some more.

Micked10

[twa1011]

You can also get it through Amazon.

[micked10@earthlink.net]

Thanks TWA1011,

I will do that since it will be a lot easier. Thanks for the info.

micked10

[fireflytx]

We just returned yesterday from our Tahiti cruise and I would like to give back some thoughts to this forum since it was so helpful to us in planning our trip.

I can't say enough good things about the PG. The service was fantastic and always offered with a smile. Nothing was too much for them to do for you to make your trip enjoyable. They actually seemed to be enjoying themselves and were always friendly and joking. The food was very good ( we thought) and we travel a lot. This was our 24th cruise and I would rank it at the top of our list.

Everything ran like clockwork. If the show was to start at 9:45 it started on the dot of 9:45. Everything was well organized.

( I'll back up a little here and tell you about the flight). We spent several days in LA to visit our son and he took us to the airport around 9:45 AM for our 1:00 flight. There were only 4 people in line ahead of us and by the time we were checked in the line was very long. Two tour groups had arrived. I would advise getting to the airport early. You can always shop in the duty free shops, eat or just sit and relax. Our check in in LA went smoothly( since we had arrived so early), the flight was long but not too bad. We were picked up in Papeete around 6:30PM and taken to the Radisson Hotel. I liked it but thought it was a bit too far away so would probably stay somewhere else next time. They do have a beautiful pool and our room was a 2 storied room with 2 balconies looking out to the ocean. It was lovely.

Our dinner, breakfast and lunch were included in our package deal which was nice since food is very expensive. We were then bussed to the ship around 3:00 in the afternoon ( of the next day) and check in was a breeze--probably took 10 mins. at the most. We were escorted to our cabin, our luggage arrived about 30 mins. later and after we unpacked we headed to the market, a 5 min. walk down the main street. Did a little shopping and then back to the ship to do some exploring. I had made our shore excursion reservations online but decided to change one of them. No problem there. Also made dinner reservations for 1 night in La Verandah and 1 night at the Grill.

The first stop on our itinerary was Huahine and we did an excursion with Marc ( booked online) , It was fantastic! Huahine makes me think it is like Bora Bora was 30 years ago. The next day was Aitutaki and it was a rainy, windy day. We had a very rough night at sea. We cancelled our snorkeling excursion since the seas were too rough. There was no problem with them refunding our money! Took the tender over to the island but it was raining so hard we didn't do much so I can't really tell you about this island. It does look beautiful, but in good weather.

We had a sea day--just lounged by the pool, read and attended some lectures on the culture etc. Excellent lectures onboard and we didn't miss any of them. I would suggest to everyone to try and attend them.

Next port was Tubuai. The native people came out to greet us and seemed so thrilled to have us. It was really heartwarming. There was a church across the street and they set up food in beautiful wooden platters of all their native fruits. It was wonderful. We just stayed on the beach the entire day ( a beautiful beach).

Next was Rarotongo. Took some snorkeling excursions here which were very good. Lots of fish and beautiful clear water. We booked these through the cruise ship.

At Sea and then the ships island of Taha. What a day--beautiful sunny day, snorkeling, lounging by the ocean with lounge chairs and umbrella's, kahaking( sp) , a terrific bar-b-que, some vendors for black pearls, paraeos and other wooden objects. This was a terrific day.

Bora Bora was next and I had hired Damien ( online) for a snorkeling excursion and motu picnic. What a day. Damien is not only very interested in the culture and tells you the history of the islands his aim is to please. We went to 3 snorkeling places, a shallow lagoon to swim and then to the picnic. Damien has a terrific personality ( he is cute too!) This was a fun day and great snorkeling. I also bought a pearl pendant on Bora Bora too. When you get off the ship there are some vendors there with other excursions and Damien is also there. You can book right at the dock if he has room. He only takes 6 to 8 people. We were very lucky and it was just my husband and myself. We really had a very privte excurison for a reasonable price.

Rangirea was the next day and probably had the best snorkeling ( you can see that was our primary focus) The waters were crystal clear and so many varieties of fish. It was unbelieveable!

We rented a car in Moorea and drove the island the first day. Very easy to get around and lots of fun just stopping at beaches, shops and lunch on your own time. I would recommend doing that if you can. We rented a car from Albert ( online)--requested an automatic with AC and it was there waiting for us when we docked. The second day we did another snorkeling excursion with sting rays and sharks. I was very leery of doing this but actually got over my fear and it was a blast.

That night we docked in Papeete and the trip of a lifetime was over too soon. The PG allows you to have breakfast and then a lunch from 11:00 to 1:00 before you depart. You are not a bit rushed to get off the ship like you are on many cruises. The staff was just as friendly and nice the last morning as they were when you started.

I thought I would miss the big Broadway Production shows that we have had on other cruises but the shows on the PG were very good. We had a singer ( Michelle Berting) 2 nights and she was fantastic. The male singer ( Jerry Mingo) was very good and of course the Les Gaugines were marvelous.

Bruce ( the piano player) in the Piano bar was excellent but he is leaving in 3 weeks. We loved listening to him at night before dinner.

This is very long but I hope it helps anyone planning a trip. Please ask questions if you like and I will try to answer them.

It was a wonderful experience and one I will never forget.

micked10

 

Great review.... I couldn't have said it better.... I was so glad to FINALLY meet you.... please keep in touch...

 

Ricki Smith

[Cruising Librarian]

Thanks for the tip about Marc's in Huahine-could I bother you for a couple more details on the excursion? How many people were on the excursion? Did you get a tour of the island or was it a motu/snorkel deal? The details on his web site seem to be for a full day excursion and I think the PG is there only noon to 6 right? Thanks in advance.

 

I just booked (yesterday) this itinerary for next September, spurred on by your report and another posting about being waitlisted! It'll be our third trip on the PG!

[micked10@earthlink.net]

Ricki ( aka FireflyTx). It was great to meet you and Don too! Wasn't it a wonderful cruise? I am now in the process ( very slowly, I admit) of making a photo album of the trip. this usually takes me awhile but I want to do it before the Holidays. What trip are thinking about nest?? We are looking into a River Cruise. Please stay in touch.

 

Cruisin Librarian,

I e-mailed Marc several months before we left and yes, you are right--we are only there for those few hours--noon until about 5:00. His normal excursion is the motu picnic and he would much rather do that. If he can get 6 people for the shorter day he will do that and pretty much tailor it to what you want to do. I was disappointed that we couldn't do the picnic but what he did do was take us to several snorkeling spots that were very good. Our weather was not very good when we were on Huahine so the water was murky. It would be terrific on a sunny day. There is not much on this island so we did not do a tour but after the snorkeling he dropped us off at a lovely beach and we swam and then walked back to the pier ( a very short distance. Huahine reminded me of what I imagine Bora Bora looked like 30 years ago before all of commercialization.

You will like this itinerary, especially if you like more deserted islands and less tourists. Tubuai was also very nice with a lovely beach. We love the water and snorkeling so it was perfect. Not much shopping on either island.

Have a wonderful time. Any more questions just ask.

Micked10

[Emdee]

You were lucky to get Marc - when we last went on the PG in January Marc told us that he usually does the Princess cruisers but not the PG cruisers. We therefore went on the Motu picnic which the PG sold. It was a disaster, the motu was not really a motu .... especially having enjoyed the motus at Motu Mahana and Bora Bora a few times. Further the waters were somewhat polluted and far from pristine and finally it appeared to be close to shanty homes taking away from the 'paradise' we expected.... When they took us for a swim in 'clean water' the current was so strong that it was dangerous...

 

My first bad PG excursion and I did write Regent and told them to cancel their picnic with that operator .... dont know if they heard me, though.

[Texed]

Thanks for the nice review. We have been on PG twice, and we are going again July 16, 2008. We can hardly wait. :)