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WOW! Back from February 18 sailing


Cruzinbabe06
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LOL! yes I do.:)

 

When I travel abroad, it's always a one and done. I seen it and don't have to go back.

 

It's funny, we were on the plane already looking at the itineraries, we want Fiji included next time. Definitely coming back!

 

I totally understand ... this July will be trip #18 for myself and trip #21 for my BH ...

The only way to control the 'flu' is a return trip, for many of us that means yearly ...

I agree with Fiji ... I'd like to do that as well ...

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The trip was everything i dreamed it would be.:D

 

BACKGROUND

I love to travel and found this cruise, by accident, surfing the Internet.

 

When I showed it to my coworkers, we got excited, found a travel agent and booked the cruise. We just booked the cruise portion.

 

Word spread, by sail date we were a group of 19 coworkers, family and friends, different ethnicities, ranging in ages 30 to 75.

 

I normally go on cruises with my husband, however, he hates long flights and opted out of this one. So, I went solo, rooming with a coworker.

 

Everyone was flying into Tahiti at different times. I arrived Wednesday, with 3 other coworkers. We wanted to just get the flights over with, so we flew Philly to LAX, long layover, then LAX to PPT. I have to say the Air Tahiti Nui flight was so uncomfortable. But, we arrived safely and on time. I did exchange some money at the airport, then used the ATM machine near our hotel.

 

Hotel Tiare Tahiti was our choice. It was a basic, clean and reasonably priced (3 nights $440) hotel. All rooms have a balcony and we had a harbour view room. We arrived at the hotel around 730a and the lady was so nice, giving us the 2 rooms for our stay, even though check in is not until the afternoon. We were so tired and grateful for that.

 

I loved the location, its within walking distance to shops, restaurants, malls, clubs and the food trucks, which we walked to every night for dinner. We ventured out every day and was never bored.

 

More coworkers flew in Thursday. We had such a fun group and Friday, we did a full day tour of Tahiti which was nice. Next time, I want to tour the interior of the island, which I hear is beautiful.

 

We were eating at the food truck Friday when the Paul Gauguin docked. It just enhanced our excitement.:D

 

Getting to the ship was easy. We crossed the street, walked up about 2 blocks with our luggage, stopping periodically to rest, because it was hot.

 

By Saturday, I was on Tahiti time, relaxed, ready to board and have fun. If you're coming in a few days before the cruise, factor in food. It's very expensive.

 

Next, embarkation and day 1.

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EMBARKATION AND DAY 1

 

Since embarkation begins at 3p, there was no need to rush. Checkout was 11a I think, and the hotel held our luggage. We had a favorite restaurant, and had lunch there everyday. We had the same waiter, so we knew his name and he knew ours. No one had breakfast, hunger set in, so we headed there for lunch.

 

We headed to the ship around 230p. Have your luggage tags on. They took our bags and normally I tip. But, I didn't see anyone tipping and the guys were moving so fast, I don't think he was expecting one. Way different from the States when you're basically being told, tip or you'll never see your bags again. LOL!

 

Embarkation was easy and quick. Your key card is electronic and they have it in a black wallet. To enter your cabin, you just wave it and the green light flashes.

 

I have lanyards from past cruises, they cannot put a hole in your key card, so they put a hole in the wallet and I put the lanyard thru that hole. I would certainly lose it, if it wasn't around my neck.

 

You're escorted to your cabin. We had oceanview cabin 422 and it was very nice with 2 closets, 2 bathrobes, slippers, fresh fruit, furnishings were very nice. Bathroom had a tub, so no water got on the floor. We met our room steward Anna, who was the best. She took good care of us.

 

We rearranged our cabin, because the beds were too close for our comfort. We showed Anna and promised we would change it back at the end of the cruise.

 

I purchased the laundry package ($129 unlimited washing and ironing). It was worth it for me, because I had 3 days of dirty clothes already. I sent out clothes every morning. If it's sent by 9a, you'll have it by the evening. The bag is cloth, not paper. And you can fill it with no problems.

 

To be continued:

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Continuation:

 

By now it's about 4p, and we wander around the ship. One of my coworkers travelled with his wife and they had a balcony cabin on the 7th deck. It was very nice and I wanted to book a balcony cabin, but my cabin mate said it was too much money. I'm definitely getting a balcony cabin on my next Paul Gauguin cruise.

 

However, deck 4 was very convenient. Reception and shore excursion desk is there. There's a large selection of dvd you can take out. You have a DVD player in your cabin also.

 

We found a small selection of food available at tea time.

 

After that, we went to make reservations for the 2 specialty restaurants, come to find out reservations were made for our group of 19. We just had to give the person our cabin number. 7p for Sunday and Tuesday nights.

 

They had the mandatory safety drill, afterwards, went back to our cabin and bags were there, so we unpacked. There was a lot of space we didn't even use.

 

 

Afterwards, we went to the back of the ship and had drinks watching the sun set. We all kept saying we can't believe we're here.

DRINK OF THE DAY WAS PARADISE COCKTAIL: Excellent!

Dark rum, creme de banana, Blackberry Brandy, Orange juice, Grenadine, Sweet and Sour mix

 

 

Some of us went to dinner. By then everyone was doing their own thing.

 

Cannot remember what I had, but dinner was good. They introduce you to the wines they have and once you choose, they keep it flowing.

 

Everyone did their own thing for the evening.

 

EVENING

6pm - Port Talk, Huahine and Tahaa

7pm - Ships Familiarization Tour

930pm - Welcome Aboard Party and Paul Gauguin Orientation

11pm - Disco

 

There were other music venues around the ship.

 

IN CABIN MOVIES TODAY

Ben Hur, Edge of Winter, Operation Avalanche, The Infiltrator

 

Next, Huahine, Day 2

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EMBARKATION AND DAY 1

 

Since embarkation begins at 3p, there was no need to rush. Checkout was 11a I think, and the hotel held our luggage. We had a favorite restaurant, and had lunch there everyday. We had the same waiter, so we knew his name and he knew ours. No one had breakfast, hunger set in, so we headed there for lunch.

 

We headed to the ship around 230p. Have your luggage tags on. They took our bags and normally I tip. But, I didn't see anyone tipping and the guys were moving so fast, I don't think he was expecting one. Way different from the States when you're basically being told, tip or you'll never see your bags again. LOL!

 

Embarkation was easy and quick. Your key card is electronic and they have it in a black wallet. To enter your cabin, you just wave it and the green light flashes.

 

I have lanyards from past cruises, they cannot put a hole in your key card, so they put a hole in the wallet and I put the lanyard thru that hole. I would certainly lose it, if it wasn't around my neck.

 

You're escorted to your cabin. We had oceanview cabin 422 and it was very nice with 2 closets, 2 bathrobes, slippers, fresh fruit, furnishings were very nice. Bathroom had a tub, so no water got on the floor. We met our room steward Anna, who was the best. She took good care of us.

 

We rearranged our cabin, because the beds were too close for our comfort. We showed Anna and promised we would change it back at the end of the cruise.

 

I purchased the laundry package ($129 unlimited washing and ironing). It was worth it for me, because I had 3 days of dirty clothes already. I sent out clothes every morning. If it's sent by 9a, you'll have it by the evening. The bag is cloth, not paper. And you can fill it with no problems.

 

To be continued:

 

 

We will be in 418 for 3 people. no balcony....were you happy with not having a balcony? We always get a balcony but it was so much more money!

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Huahine, Day 2 - 8a to 430p

 

As soon as we booked this cruise, one of my coworkers took the lead and searched for excursions. Because we were a large group we reserved months in advance.

 

We chose Huahine Nautique and booked Marc's Combo Tour.

 

Because of the early pickup, we ordered room service for breakfast, putting the card outside the door the night before.

 

 

Paul Gauguin room service menu is very nice. I ordered an omelet with ham, cheese and fresh herbs, bacon, hash browns and toast. My cabin mate ordered oatmeal and French toast, we both had oj and a carafe of coffee. Everything arrived hot and we tipped a couple dollars.

 

We took the first tender over, for a 9a pickup from pier. Tenders run every 30 minutes.

 

Huahine Nautique was right there waiting. We had Marc, the owner, as our driver and guide. Twelve of us booked this tour and they had 2 open air trucks. First part was island tour, we stopped in the city of Fare, we saw the Blue Eyed Eels. I got to see them up close and their eyes are really blue.

 

Huahine is beautiful and I enjoyed the land part, then we headed to a waiting boat for the sea portion. We snorkeled in 3 different spots. I can't swim, so held on to a rope from the boat. There were black tip sharks and stingrays. A****ng! We did visit the Pearl Farm and I purchased a single pearl on a silver chain.

 

Afterwards, we went to our Motu for our barbecue lunch. They made the Poison Cru, chicken, fish, rice, etc. Rum punch, beer, waters, there was singing by the locals, the picnic tables are on the beach with your feet in the water. We had time to kill, so we relaxed in the water. Fun was had by all and our guides took great care of us. After lunch, we were supposed to see shark feeding. But, Marc said the waters were too rough. Maybe next time.

 

We were dropped off at the pier, and everyone said they enjoyed the day. Getting back to the ship, i immediately took a shower and caught the Children of Huahine Show in the Grand Salon.

 

 

COCKTAIL OF THE DAY IS Les Gauguines

Bacardi Rum, Strawberry liqueur, Pineapple juice, Coconut Cream and Grenadine

 

LUNCH (French Buffet)

 

7p Dinner was in Le Grill tonight, Very Good!

 

EVENING

6p Port Talk - Bora Bora

930p - Showtime, Unforgettable Divas

 

There was a lot of things going on throughout the day if you don't get off the ship. Dance class, make your own bracelets, bookmarks, pareo tying, karaoke, enrichment lectures, etc.

 

IN ROOM MOVIES TODAY

Bad Mom's, Finding Dory, Operator, The Intervention

 

Next, Tahaa, Day 3:

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Wonderful and upbeat, love it!

 

Yes your hotel is very close to everything, no it isn't a 5 star beachfront resort but for being in the middle of everything it works nicely ...

 

 

Thank you. I'm still on cloud nine!:D

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We will be in 418 for 3 people. no balcony....were you happy with not having a balcony? We always get a balcony but it was so much more money!

 

 

Oh God yes, even without the balcony, I was happy! :D

 

I usually book a balcony, and if I was with my husband, that's what we would have.

 

3 coworkers were in Cabin 434 (all male adults) I went in there and it was tight. 2 beds are very close. Maybe 2 to 3 inches apart, that's why me and my cabin mate rearranged the room.

 

However, i loved deck 4 for various reasons.

*it was near the reservation and shore excursion desk.

^You tender from deck 3. Just walking up one flight of steps and not having to wait for an elevator was very convenient.

^The Grand Salon is on deck 5, that's where all the shows are held.

 

I'm not going to lie, if it's 3 adults. It will be tight. If it's 3 women, definitely tight. Organization will be the key.

Edited by Cruzinbabe06
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JUST SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS:

 

WEATHER

February is rainy season and It rained everyday in Tahiti, with the worst being the Friday morning before the cruise. It would rain, clear up, rain, clear up.

 

 

Embarkation day, it was hot and sunny, with rain in the evening.

Huahine, we had a beautiful sunny morning and afternoon. It rained in the evening.

Tahaa, it was hot and not sunny, with drizzles thru out the day.

Bora Bora, hot and sunny both days. 1 day it rained in the evening.

Moorea, 1st day, morning sunny, afternoon rain, then sunny for rest of day.

Moorea, 2nd day, sunny all day.

 

The ship was rocking a lot the first 2 nights. You had to hold on while showering and one in our party was seasick. She missed Tahaa, but was fine by Bora Bora.

 

INTERNET

Purchased the $35 Internet package. I think it was for 100 minutes. I just needed to email back home a couple of times and check in for my LAX flight going home. The speed was OK.

 

DINING ROOM

The only negative I have to say is dinner was too long. 2 hrs, if not more. I did write this in the comment section at the end of the cruise.

 

We ate at a large table every night, sometimes having 2 tables, and were seated in the same section. Our waiter was Angelo. Well Angelo, took the orders, bought us our food, cleared the table, took dessert orders, handed out desserts, bought coffee. All the while, going back and forth between tables and also handling individual requests. It was terrible watching him do everything alone.

 

I didn't see a Head Waiter. He may have been there, we just didn't see him.

 

For example, on lobster night, Angelo had someone helping him serve the food. I asked for 2 lobster tails and had one on my plate, when I told the server I asked for 2, his response was "I'll let him figure it out." So, i can tell he was only helping for the moment. No one took the lobster tail out of the shell and we asked for melted butter, which took a long time to come.

 

I wrote Angelo was the best, because he was working so hard. But, where was his help. When there's a large group, an assistant should be assigned to help out.

 

And that's the only negative I have to say.

 

CASINO

My coworkers wife won a $1,000 on the slots. Another won $150.

 

SPA

The sauna is free to use. You just have to call an hour before to reserve. I used it twice after excursions and you can use the showers also. Very relaxing after a day of touring.

 

Hopefully, I can finish my trip report tomorrow.

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Wonderful write up.

 

Just an observation .........

 

The length of dinner may have been prolonged by the size of your group. Takes longer to take orders, to deliver orders, to clear plates, to fix issues and the take/plate deserts. Assigning a permanent assistant would help but even then that is a large group. When I go into any restaurant with a large group it's likey to take longer.

 

Love the way your writing your review, solid information without getting bogged down with to mach detail. A fun read ......

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We will be in 418 for 3 people. no balcony....were you happy with not having a balcony? We always get a balcony but it was so much more money!

 

 

Exactly. The ship is small, the ship is your balcony. You saved a ton of money. We are ALL happy on this board not having balconies. It's how many of us can go back time after time after time.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

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I'm definitely getting a balcony cabin on my next Paul Gauguin cruise.

 

On other ships a balcony is important. But on the PG, we didn't find it to be worth the extra money. We are so seldom in our cabin that the "tiny perfect" ones on deck 4 are just right. We are far from the only experienced PG denizens with that opinion.

 

Perhaps at the end of your cruise, you can look back and see if my remarks apply to you.

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If Twin's and my post sound like echoes of each other, note that they were posted 3 minutes apart from each other: if I had known Twin would jump in I wouldn't have cluttered up the board with my post. (Although he and I and others have posted this opinion many times in the past).

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Budget is the only thing keeping me in deck 4. I love deck 8 and the deck 7 cabins that have a shower. However budget is important and allows me to take more trips along with getting my PG fix.

 

Love the location of deck 4, too. When we get up very early and don't want to disturb DD we ask for room service coffee at the reception area. I don't think this is quite kosher but at 5 am there is nobody around and the staff kindly oblige me.

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Budget is the only thing keeping me in deck 4. I love deck 8 and the deck 7 cabins that have a shower. However budget is important and allows me to take more trips along with getting my PG fix.

 

Love the location of deck 4, too. When we get up very early and don't want to disturb DD we ask for room service coffee at the reception area. I don't think this is quite kosher but at 5 am there is nobody around and the staff kindly oblige me.

 

If the penthouses on Deck 8 were the same prices as the cabins on Deck 4, it would be a no brainer: I loved our 14 days there. But the value equation doesn't really work for me. As I said, for every other ship I've been on (Radisson Diamond, Regent Navigator, Voyager, and Mariner, Oceania Riviera, Azamara Journey) the equation is very different, and balconies are much more important.

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If the penthouses on Deck 8 were the same prices as the cabins on Deck 4, it would be a no brainer: I loved our 14 days there. But the value equation doesn't really work for me. As I said, for every other ship I've been on (Radisson Diamond, Regent Navigator, Voyager, and Mariner, Oceania Riviera, Azamara Journey) the equation is very different, and balconies are much more important.

 

 

I agree with you....but I still love 8. Yes I Am always in a balcony on the Regent ships ( about to book Explorer)and also on Crystal and on a number of mega ships as well but in recent years my only window has been the PG.

 

The value equation should be similar to the Navigator, though!

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Many don't have 'deep pockets' or should I say as deep as some on here ......... for many of us the decision is easy to make ....

 

We all get to eat the same food, we all get to enjoy the ship public areas equally ..... we all have the same 'balcony' (the ship) ...

 

Not saying for those that have the bucks not to do it but for most of us going as often as our bank account allows is a biggie ...

Edited by Tahitianbigkahuna
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