First Cruise - Tahiti - Clueless about Cruising

FTG · June 22, 2009

My daughter and I are taking a cruise - our first - to Tahiti in Nov.

I've been reading the posts daily to try to understand what we are getting ourselves into and frankly, am confused. Please excuse all the terribly obvious or incredibly naive questions!

What is a pax?

If you put your luggage out in the hall the night before the cruise is over, where and when do we find it again?

We have Traditional Dining at 6:15pm. How long is dinner and when do the shows start?

Are there umbrellas by the pool? (It's going to be hot!)

If the buffet closes at 6pm, is there anywhere else to eat (if not eating in the dining room)?

I understand everyone is given a card -- is it necessary to carry it with you at all times? Do you have to present it for every drink purchase etc? Why is it necessary to take it on an excursion?

Is coffee free?

Despite the details, from what I've read, its going to be an amazing cruise!

Thanks everyone!

BalconyGal · June 22, 2009

Welcome to princess and cruising! A pax is a passenger. You luggage will be waiting for you after you get off the ship You will have a colored tag and the luggage will be at that color area..pink tag go to pink area.

Dinner is usually about 1-1.5 hours. The shows are set up to be ideal for the traditional diners. I think the first show is around 7:30-8:00 for the people who are just finishing up dinner.

I don't know what ship you are on but I can assure you food is ALWAYS available and you will never starve. Dining locations and times are listed in the princess patter (the daily newsletter you get in your cabin daily).

Yes you need your card it is also your room key, yes you need to present it for all purchases including drinks. You have to dip the card to get off the ship and to get back on so they can keep track of your whereabouts so you do need to take it off the ship.

Coffee is available for free but if you want the good coffee you can purchase a coffee card.

Anything else just ask everyone here is very helpful. Enjoy the cruise you are going to love it!

Times Prince · June 22, 2009

My daughter and I are taking a cruise - our first - to Tahiti in Nov.
I've been reading the posts daily to try to understand what we are getting ourselves into and frankly, am confused. Please excuse all the terribly obvious or incredibly naive questions!

What is a pax? short for "passenger"

If you put your luggage out in the hall the night before the cruise is over, where and when do we find it again? you will be guided to an area inside the terminal when disembarking where you can find your luggage, separated by colored tags, very efficient !!!

We have Traditional Dining at 6:15pm. How long is dinner and when do the shows start? Dinner is over by about 8 even with lots of conversation. You will usually have time for a quick trip to the cabin before the shows.

Are there umbrellas by the pool? (It's going to be hot!) Typically no umbrellas but there is a higher deck that provides sun for those who really like it and shade below at poolside.

If the buffet closes at 6pm, is there anywhere else to eat (if not eating in the dining room)? There is always room service and some grills open

I understand everyone is given a card -- is it necessary to carry it with you at all times? Do you have to present it for every drink purchase etc? The card is also your room key, so you will have it with you. it is used everywhere onboard instead of cash.

Why is it necessary to take it on an excursion? It is your pass to get back on the ship at the end of the excursion. The electronic strip brings up a picture which the security personnel compare with the person presenting the card.

Is coffee free? yes. They also sell coffee for those who prefer that.

Despite the details, from what I've read, its going to be an amazing cruise!

Thanks everyone!

Congratulations on your first cruise !

dazee8 · June 22, 2009

See answers with *

My daughter and I are taking a cruise - our first - to Tahiti in Nov.
I've been reading the posts daily to try to understand what we are getting ourselves into and frankly, am confused. Please excuse all the terribly obvious or incredibly naive questions!

What is a pax?

*Pax=Passenger(s)

If you put your luggage out in the hall the night before the cruise is over, where and when do we find it again?

*You claim your luggage after you get off the ship. They give you a tag with a color and number. You go to the area and find all your bags.

We have Traditional Dining at 6:15pm. How long is dinner and when do the shows start?

*Dinner is usually 2 hours. Shows start at various times but there is usually an early one and a late one.

Are there umbrellas by the pool? (It's going to be hot!)

*No umbrells, but there are areas near the pool which are shaded.

If the buffet closes at 6pm, is there anywhere else to eat (if not eating in the dining room)?

*The buffet never closes.

I understand everyone is given a card -- is it necessary to carry it with you at all times? Do you have to present it for every drink purchase etc? Why is it necessary to take it on an excursion?

*Your cruise card is necessary to open the door of your cabin, get on/off the ship, and pay for all drinks/purchases in the shops.

Is coffee free?

*Coffee is free, but most do not like it because it is made with syrup. People prefer to get a coffee card for the real brewed thing.

Despite the details, from what I've read, its going to be an amazing cruise!

Thanks everyone!

Enjoy your cruise. Tahiti is one of the best places to go.

:)

caribill · June 22, 2009

My daughter and I are taking a cruise - our first - to Tahiti in Nov.
I've been reading the posts daily to try to understand what we are getting ourselves into and frankly, am confused. Please excuse all the terribly obvious or incredibly naive questions!

What is a pax? Passenger

If you put your luggage out in the hall the night before the cruise is over, where and when do we find it again? In Papeete, it will be in a tent on the dock the next morning unless you have purchased Princess transportation to the airport in which case you will claim it at the airport.

We have Traditional Dining at 6:15pm. How long is dinner and when do the shows start? Usually about 1.5 hours. Shows are timed so that you can finish dinner and then go to the showroom. For the 6:15 seeting, show in the Cabaret Lounge will usually be at 8:15 or 8:30.

Are there umbrellas by the pool? (It's going to be hot!) If you go to http://fp.caribill.com/ click on "Outside" and go to the 4th and 5th pictures, you will see the pool area. If you are on the Royal Princess or Pacific Princess, it will look the same.

If the buffet closes at 6pm, is there anywhere else to eat (if not eating in the dining room)? Not sure, but I think the buffet is now open into the evening. If not, there will be "Bistro" dining in the buffet area. There is also the extra cost steak house and Northern Italian restaurants (only one open each evening). And there is a limited room service menu.

I understand everyone is given a card -- is it necessary to carry it with you at all times? Do you have to present it for every drink purchase etc? Why is it necessary to take it on an excursion? The card is your room key, so to get into your cabin you will need it with you. Yes, you do present it onboard for any purchases you make. You need to take it with you when you leave the ship for an excursion (or any other reason) because you insert it into a machine when leaving so that Princess knows you are not on the ship and again when returning so that Princess knows you are back. It is also shown to port and Princess personnel in order to let you into the area to reboard the ship.

Is coffee free? There is free coffee which is made from a syrup. Some people like it. Some people hate it. Brewed coffee is also available at extra cost. They sell a coffee card for about $26 which has punches for 15 specialty coffees and unlimited brewed coffee as long as all the punches are not used.

Despite the details, from what I've read, its going to be an amazing cruise!

Thanks everyone!

See above

ckr31 · June 22, 2009

Let me answer one of your question's.if the buffet is close really the only way you can eat is to order room service which is free to you,however room service on a ship only has a limited menu such as cold sandwiches,cookies,chips and stuff like that. I think they may do pizza's,however i am not possitive .what we do is take some fruit or a sweet roll from the buffet or snack stuff and store it in the room for those late night munchies.get on this board everyday and ask away we all have been first time cruisers. You will love cruising

Toto2Kansas · June 22, 2009

My daughter and I are taking a cruise - our first - to Tahiti in Nov.
I've been reading the posts daily to try to understand what we are getting ourselves into and frankly, am confused. Please excuse all the terribly obvious or incredibly naive questions!

What is a pax?

If you put your luggage out in the hall the night before the cruise is over, where and when do we find it again?

We have Traditional Dining at 6:15pm. How long is dinner and when do the shows start?

Are there umbrellas by the pool? (It's going to be hot!)

If the buffet closes at 6pm, is there anywhere else to eat (if not eating in the dining room)?

I understand everyone is given a card -- is it necessary to carry it with you at all times? Do you have to present it for every drink purchase etc? Why is it necessary to take it on an excursion?

Is coffee free?

Despite the details, from what I've read, its going to be an amazing cruise!

Thanks everyone!

A pax is a passenger.

When visiting Tahiti, you will claim your luggage at the airport that next evening (if you purchased transfers which I am sure you did this being your first cruise), before you board your flight home. (luggage claim is totally different in Tahiti, you do not claim it in the terminal). Your luggage will go out the night before, and you must vacate your stateroom in the morning, but flights out of Tahiti do not leave until well into that last night. You will be able to use the ships public facilities that last day onboard, or take a tour and return to the ship, or even go exploring on your own. You can have your meals at the Buffet as it will be open all day and long into the evening. But you will not have a stateroom to call home that final day onboard. ALWAYS take a carry on for things you will need that last morning and whatever you will need to get ready for your flight. If you wish to leave the ship or don't want to bother rolling your carry on around that final day, they let you check it into one of the alternate restaurants (upstairs) where you can re-claim it before you leave for the airport.

Traditional Dinner normally lasts about 90 minutes, give or take.

Shows start at varying times, they will be listed in your ships newspaper (the Princess Patter) which you will receive the previous evening for the next day/evening.

No umbrellas by the pool, but there are shady areas close by.

IF (notice the IF word) the buffet closes, there will be something to take it's place, such as a Bistro, there is always some way to find food on a cruise ship.

Your cruise card is a combination ID, Room key and charge card. Yes, you will want to carry it everywhere. Princess is cashless cruising, anything you buy onboard is charged directly to your shipboard account (accessed through your card), you can not use cash except in the casino and for tipping. If you desire anything except coffee, tea or lemonade, such as a soda or an alcoholic drink, you must present your cruise card for the purchase and it will go on your shipboard account. This card is also taken off the ship with you as you will need it to reboard in ports. It is your lifeline to the cruise, so you want to make sure to keep it safe.

Coffee onboard is complimentary 24/7, but it is made from a syrup concentrate. Many don't mind it, others can't stand it (raising my hand with the 'can't stand it crowd).

Remember, the Pacific Princess is a smaller ship and you could possibly feel some movement if rough seas are encountered. Since this is your first cruise ever, I would suggest taking along something with you just in case the motion of the ocean doesn't agree with you.

It's a delightful cruise, we have visited Tahiti with Princess 5 times previously, with two more cruises in that area this fall. You'll love it. :)

Cruisin' Chick · June 22, 2009

I'm guessing you're on the Pacific Princess. I haven't been on that ship so I looked at the Princess website and this is what it said about dining on that ship:

Two specialty restaurants - Sabatini's Italian restaurant and Sterling Steakhouse

24-hour buffet/bistro, plus round-the-clock room service

Poolside BBQ grill and pizzeria

The main dining room is called the Club Restaurant. The dinner time is a set time and will be listed on your card, along with your table. Just show up the first night and you'll be escorted to your table. I know on the larger ships the breakfast and lunch time is open seating, but I don't know about your ship.

For dinner, you can make reservations for the specialty restaurants (they have a cover charge). You can also eat in the buffet. You can also eat in the buffet at any time. In the early morning, the dishes offered will be breakfast, then around 11, those will be switched for lunch items, and so forth. But it should be open all the time.

You can eat lunch outside by the pool (the grill and pizzeria), in the buffet, or in the dining room.

There's also room service, but it's a limited menu except for those with suites. Have a couple of dollars available to tip your server as room service isn't included in the auto tips.

I've bought a lanyard at Walmart to use for my cabin keycard.

Every night your cabin steward will leave you a copy of the next day's Patters, the ship's newsletter. I suggest you read it as it will have info about activities, any time changes, the distance the ship has travelled, any ship's specials... If it's a port day, you should take it off the ship with you as it will have the deadline for getting on the ship and the name of the port agent just in case you don't make it back on the ship.

If you're unsure of your sea tummy, bring along some motion sickness remedies (try out a couple before while on land). And double check to make sure you bring any medication you may need. The store on the ship will have many items, but at a markup.

margord · June 22, 2009

Wow you sure did choose a fabulous itinerary for your first cruise. You will love it.

vette · June 22, 2009

FTG,

You have received some great answers to all your questions, and, yes, you have picked the best cruise for you first cruise. I am afraid you will be so spoiled!

Which sailing are you on in November? We cruise on Nov. 18th. If that is your cruise, come check out the Pacific Princess Roll Call section . We already have a nice group going and you can learn a lot of interesting stuff about the Tahiti and neighboring islands.

Vette

FTG · June 23, 2009

Thanks to everyone for your quick replies! I was wondering where to eat if the buffet was closed and we were late getting back from an excursion until I realized that we had to be back on the ship before it sailed away at 5pm!!!

Yes we are on the Pacific Princess but alas not on the Nov. 18th sailing. We are on the Nov. 8th sailing. We had thought about a huge 3000 passenger cruise ship but then decided we'd try Tahiti and this ship sounds the perfect size for a first trip and I haven't read a bad review about the cruise.

I'm actually wondering about seasickness too. Our TA has us midship in room 7083 which should be better? We only have two sea days and the rest is short trips at night. Any thoughts on how rough the sea will be?

We do have Princess transfers to the ship and airport and were lucky enough to have a flight back to LA leaving Papeete at noon. Princess assured our TA that they would be able to get us to the airport on time after the ship docks. I hope the luggage meets us at the airport :)

Thanks for the clarification on the card...I hadn't realized it was a room key as well. When you present the card when purchasing a drink do they also have you sign something?

I understand the excitement created on these boards about cruising and must admit I'm becoming a bit obsessed already despite my Princess account reminding me its still 139 days away. I had no idea excursions book that quickly and have been checking everyday to see if they are available. (Must admit I am a bit terrified to book Bruno or Patrick ie non-Princess). I do have one question about snorkling. Neither one of us has done it and wondered what kind of an expert one should be to go on a first snorkling excursion (given that I could chicken out five minutes into it).

We can hardly wait!!!

Thanks everyone again for your gracious replies and patience as you must have answered these questions many times. More questions when I think of them....

Toto2Kansas · June 23, 2009

FTG-A noon flight, you got lucky on that one. I didn't even realize they had noon flights out of Papeete, I have only seen them offered very early in the AM, like at 7:00, or late into the evening, between 10:30-11:30. I am so jealous, a noon flight would be simply perfect for after the cruise. You will be leaving for the airport about the time we usually must vacate our stateroom that morning for a day of hanging out onboard. ;)

As for the snorkeling, the ship should offer some easy snorkeling tours for beginners. But I have never seen snorkel gear offered in Tahiti that was worth a darn. In fact, usually, it's bring your own. So, you might want to read the fine print on those tours, just to make sure it is supplied for you. ;)

sultan_sfo · June 23, 2009

And visit the Shopping Mall before boarding (assuming you are boarding in Papeete) and buy the wonderful flower arrangement so cheap. It will brighten up your cabin for the whole cruise. You are allowed to bring the flowers to the ship. And find and become part of your "Roll Call" in the Roll Call section of cruise critic.

skellis · June 23, 2009

Tahiti is wonderful. Buy your own snorkel and mask, but use their life vest and flippers to save room. The vest is only inflated enough to keep you on top of the water. The water is the best I have ever seen in over 50 cruises. You should have no problems. seasickness shouldn't be a problem, but there are sprays or pills you can take with you (don't try to find them on board or in the islands as they may not be available or much more expensive).

Also get yourself a lanyard (a ribbonlike necklace) either at home or on the ship, and have someone at the customer service or in the shops punch a hole in your card so you can carry it around your neck. Also the cruise cards do not have your cabin number on them (for your security) in case you lose them.

Also there is a safe in your cabin, but don't take a lot of valuable jewelry with you. Also bring insect repellant for the sand fleas.

Do join your roll call they will answer many questions. Bon Voyage

caribill · June 23, 2009

I echo the advice to bring your own snorkel mask and snorkle with you. That way you will have equipment that will fit you (no leaks) and the snorkle mouthpiece will not have been used by many others.

Be sure to get a snorke that has a valve to prevent water from getting in if the top of the snorke gets under the water.

You do not have to be experienced to enjoy snorkleing in French Polynesia.

HRHMadonna · June 23, 2009

Be sure to check the Ports of Call thread here on Cruise Critic and the Roll Call thread for your cruise for ideas and recommendations on shore excursions. There are excellent independent local tour vendors you might consider in addition to the Princess tours....and yes....in Tahiti the tours do fill up early.

When we were there 2 years ago on the Tahitian Princess we meet quite a few passengers who were disappointed and shocked to get on board that first day and find so many shore excursions were sold out prior to sailing...so I'd encourage you to research and plan ahead for Tahiti.

Among our favorite shore excursions: Marc's outrigger, snorkel & Motu picnic on Huahine and Patrick's 4-wheel drive tour of Tahiti. We booked those two months in advance.

On Bora Bora and Moorea, we found a number of tours available at the tender docks and booked the day we arrived in port.

For Tahiti I would definitely recommend bringing your own snorkel equipment....Our experience was that most vendors did not have the selection (sizes, quantity or quality) one usually finds in the Caribbean or Hawaii.

chamima · June 23, 2009

Thanks to everyone for your quick replies! I was wondering where to eat if the buffet was closed and we were late getting back from an excursion until I realized that we had to be back on the ship before it sailed away at 5pm!!!
Yes we are on the Pacific Princess but alas not on the Nov. 18th sailing. We are on the Nov. 8th sailing. We had thought about a huge 3000 passenger cruise ship but then decided we'd try Tahiti and this ship sounds the perfect size for a first trip and I haven't read a bad review about the cruise.

I'm actually wondering about seasickness too. Our TA has us midship in room 7083 which should be better? We only have two sea days and the rest is short trips at night. Any thoughts on how rough the sea will be?

We do have Princess transfers to the ship and airport and were lucky enough to have a flight back to LA leaving Papeete at noon. Princess assured our TA that they would be able to get us to the airport on time after the ship docks. I hope the luggage meets us at the airport :)

Thanks for the clarification on the card...I hadn't realized it was a room key as well. When you present the card when purchasing a drink do they also have you sign something?

I understand the excitement created on these boards about cruising and must admit I'm becoming a bit obsessed already despite my Princess account reminding me its still 139 days away. I had no idea excursions book that quickly and have been checking everyday to see if they are available. (Must admit I am a bit terrified to book Bruno or Patrick ie non-Princess). I do have one question about snorkling. Neither one of us has done it and wondered what kind of an expert one should be to go on a first snorkling excursion (given that I could chicken out five minutes into it).

We can hardly wait!!!

Thanks everyone again for your gracious replies and patience as you must have answered these questions many times. More questions when I think of them....

Don't worry about booking Bruno or Patrick. they have both been doing these tours for YEARS (we went with them 4 years ago) and are very professional. Also, if Stephan is still doing tours of Raietea (sp) and Bora Bora he is WONDERFUL! If you can get on Marc's tour that was also great!

First Cruise - Tahiti - Clueless about Cruising

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