Tahitianbigkahuna

'Chez Foung Yune' And some of the crew of the Paul Gauguin ... I'm taking the picture, a great night of eating local goodies ...

I'll post a link to a new podcast episode every Wednesday ... every episode is about French Polynesia Season 1 episode 1 - 33 trips to paradise

The bridge

The workout gym

The Grand Salon

The food trucks/vans operate every night from about 6:30PM until there is no more crowds. ATM/bank right across the street. The location is right next to the new ship terminal ... a short walk from most of the ships. All are good ... but One of the most favorite among the ship crews is 'Chez Foung Yune'

Similar size but the French Balcony allowed me to capture some nice pictures looking forward compared to a window cabin. Leaving Tahaa ... Mount Otemanu in the background on Bora Bora ... the famed church is to the far right. For you photo junkies: Sony RX10, Manual setting, 35mm, 1/250, F/5.6, ISO500

The Yacht Club on the Star Breeze

Our cabin on the Star Breeze ... Had a French Balcony ... Well appointed cabin ... very nice and with several 120v outlets and a half down USB ports. 277 sf

With the completion of the new behind TSA walkways between terminals it has become a bit more easy to get to/from your domestic flight to the International terminal. Of course you still can take the terminal buses but then your going outside the TSA and will need to do it again.

Personally I wouldn't worry about the western Pacific ... with the exception of Aitutaki much of the rest would be a disappointment compared to French Polynesia. IMO ... there are only a few ships to consider. Paul Gauguin, Star Breeze and the Aranui 5. The Regatta (Oceania) is 2X times the size of the other 3 and in FP small is good ... the the Oceania has the best pricing largely because the size of the ship and the food is solid ... but for the price you get to experience FP. Regatta is not full time in FP waters so the cultural experience will not be great on-board the ship. Anything larger than the Regatta I would not go on ... Aranui 5 is the most expensive but the most immersed in Polynesian culture. PG and the SB are equally priced when you factor in everything apples for apples .... occasionally the SB will have a good promo thus a few bucks less than the PG. PG is a good choice and has some decent cultural immersion but not near as much as the Aranui 5. Good food and the crew is solid. Star Breeze has good food and crew but not the cultural immersion as either the PG or the Aranui 5. I've cruised on 5 different ships in FP ... watch the video and it may help you decide ... Comparison between the PG and the SB IMO I'd stick with the 3 ships full time in FP. PG, SB and the Aranui 5. 10 - 14 nights is the way to go.

Can be a difference between early March and late March ... remember everything is a trade off. Some of March you get better pricing but then the weather could be a factor. Two of my cruises in FP next year are Late April/Early May and late September / early October ... great times to go

Compass Rose Lounge on the Star Breeze

I've been to French Polynesia in almost every month of the year ... here is my take on the weather. The weather

My favorite places to eat in Papeete I've been to these places and all are solid. Some are inexpensive like to food trucks and others are expensive like the Belvedere but all are good.

I refrain from giving recommendations on CC for restaurants and vendors

Try this one Trying to make these CC legal so sometimes I grab the wrong link ...

The pool area

The usual drydock location ...

Here is the drift snorkel ... next to a great resort 😉

more coming

The 'swimming pool' is the Blue Lagoon or some refer to as the Green Lagoon but the locals call it the 'swimming pool' Pufana is incredible ... but you can't be afraid of larger fish or some current ... this is part of the north pass, just slightly inside.

Video of Motu Mahaea on Tahaa .. Beach area and the tendering

Keep in mind almost all the lagoon vendors on Bora bora visit the same places ... the experience my vary based on crew/boat but the snorkeling locations will all be similar. In general: Tahiti: land based excursion Moorea: land based though the twin motus are nice but the ruggedness of Morea makes this an idea island to do something land based. Bora Bora: it's all about the lagoon though a 4X4 to the top of some vantage points is nice but don't miss the lagoon. Raiatea: Do the drift snorkel Nuku Hiva: land based, grab a 4X4 excursion that goes to Hatiheu, you will enjoy the the wild side, have lunch at Chez Yvonne Rangiroa: lagoon excursion is best ... most excursions will visit the 'Aquarium', a must do Fakarava: lagoon excursion is best, many love to go to the 'Blue Lagoon', depending on the vendor some will stop at a few places for some good snorkeling and maybe a BBQ break

Everyone has their own thoughts on this ... for us we don't consider going over to Moorea unless it's for a least 3 nights. For 2 nights you really only have one 'full' day to enjoy ... there are some very nice properties on Tahiti ... just my two cents worth.