sita

Saw them several years ago at Newman Marcus for 450 per

Twin for 701; Queen for 7002

Recommend trying Amber Hinano

Don’t know if available but wanted to comment that French wine is about the only reasonably priced item we’ve found in the supermarkets. Oh and French bread but suspect that is subsidized by government. Eggs are a dollar EACH and local beer 12 per six pack.

Emdee, it is nice to see your postings. We too are wary of the new owners. Your bringing up Ernesto and Mervin warms my heart.

There are deadly venomous fish in FP who are disguised to look like coral. Gloves will not protect you from their stingers should you make the mistake of touching them. On feet wear water shoes with hard soles in the water…. Not teva water sandals. Sharks are not a danger but these little creatures can be. Re drift snorkel, when you check out equipment at ships marina ask for a snorkel vest…. Helps to keep you above the coral heads. We always get on to use as a pillow at the motus. the two motus are very different. One reminds me of Gillian’s island and the other more like Blue Lagoon. We never miss either. At Borabora one they do offer kayaks and SU paddle board, pretty decent snorkeling and soda, beer and chips…etc.

Nice to hear, DarkestBlue. Highly recommend Borabora motu. I’m always surprised when people have missed it. Used to be the ‘money shot’ on every brochure. There’s a nice pic on the PG website (go to trip enhancements/private beaches then click on Borabora)

They used to offer charts of the sky at reception, maybe still do.Very fun to go up to the top level and gaze away, they restrict access at night so usually a scheduled thing. At one time they had a staff member (miss you Dom!) the marina supervisor who would lead watching…. Maybe still offered. We bought a sky chart on Amazon which we regularly bring along. Yes you can see the Milky Way… viewing better Spring/Summer. The anniversary/honeymooners get together is sweet. We do it every time. It usually is the first day in Borabora with Otemanu as the backdrop. I’ve wondered if they have resumed wrapping the couples up in the Tahitian blanket with flower crowns yet.

The fins are shorter than my scuba fins but not travel fin length. Also they are full heel which is desirable when snorkeling, not so much when diving. We usually bring our own for diving but have used the ships’ sometimes. Have never heard of them running out. My husband wears as 13 and no issues getting them. BTW, some airlines increase free bag allowance to FP if s bag contains just scuba gear…. Recommend calling ahead.

Of course they will say it’s a ‘no no’ ?! luxury cruises and rebates of fares go hand in hand.

If you book directly with PG you are leaving big money (4 figures) on the table. My TA who always provides a large rebate is greeted like family by PG staff and mgmt alike.

Saltrip & Skrkdive1, your cruises are right in Humpback season in FP. They come us from Antarctica to birth (no dummies) late July ish and leave around October. They come fairly close to the reef in Moorea and other islands and FP dive boats are pretty lax about letting you get in the water to observe with a mask. Never had the opportunity though did hear the song during a dive in Moorea once. When we surfaced they were visible thru binoculars at great distance; amazing how sound travels underwater. All this talk about diving and French Polynesia has me itching to book another trip there. Definitely not a ‘meh’ experience for me.

Rangiroa not on this itinerary but Fakarava is fantastic. At the time we dove the Tuamotus from the PG it was strictly thru outside operators (booked by the ship) Not sure still the case. There are several operators on Fakarava in case booking directly is better for your schedule. In marquesas there used to be an operator In Hiva Oa and that’s all…ship is best option and need advanced open water cert with deep credential. Have not yet dove in Marquesas. Would skip diving in Huahine and take a dive or two between Borabora and Moorea. Looks like you just spend a day each on this itinerary which does limit your options. Would focus on water in BB (dive followed by a visit to the BB motu) and land in Moorea. Diving can be great there also. Have taken 48 dives off the PG and can offer you more specifics should you have any questions about Tuamotus/Society dive sites. PG dive crew is fantastic; enjoy!

I did not say pre-book; it is a reservation (request) made by calling PG directly. You still need to clear medical and present credentials to dive desk first day., and they always make clear not guaranteed. It has been this way over 8 prior cruises on PG though, of course things change. You also can’t be married to a time preference as conditions and number of newbies can affect.

The required forms along with policy details are available on the PG website (see Enhancements the Scuba) For many dives you should be able to pre reserve your spot ( used to be 90 days out) and then finalize at the dive desk first day. Don’t think have to worry about beginner focused diving in Marquesas as Advanced certification with Deep diver Specialty cert. is required

Please comment on state of the coral reefs

Just noticed you intend to buy concierge or higher, if your prime reason to deviate for two of you was to get in the day before embarkation, concierge and higher typically includes arriving a day early and a hotel room… unless something has changed.

Strongly recommend booking thru a TA that works a lot with Regent. In addition to managing all the particulars in your booking, you could expect a sizable rebate in your cruise fare and an on board credit. And yes, they will assist if something goes wrong with your Regent flight. As far as you deviation request, research the flights and tell them exactly your preference.. I usually give my agent my top three options.

Sadly, have not dove with the PG lately but in multiple prior visits they required logbooks for dives they considered advanced. Please report back as to the state of the coral… it took an awful hit with the crown of thorns invasion ten years ago or so but on more recent trips saw some positive signs it may be improving…bring your gear… Air Tahiti Nui previously gave an extra bag allowance for a dive bag… should check on that. Dives off the ship are fantastically convenient. Had to use outside operator for Rangiroa… the pass was flowing in the wrong direction for our visit so dove the outer reef… spectacular! Gigantic school of ocean pike rising out of the blue to eye us… wall of silver… pod of dolphins and the usual FP sharks and turtles. You’re in for a treat. Never made it to the Marquesas but my doctor dove there (outside operator) in the blue with hammerheads. Have fun!

TBK - how current is this info? I believe Anua Nanta is now a protected site; even the last time we dove there with the ship the excursion was limited and there were no other boats in the area. Also, I do not see any reference to the Mantas on the excursion descriptions.

November is our preferred time to go; we have been numerous times. It is a shoulder season bookings wise (little less expensive) and less tourists; easier to get into restaurants. . Run some risk in weather but, so far has not been a problem. Far less humidity than say Jan-Mar; water is warmer than June-august. We have once stayed thru first week of December without weather problems. Happy planning!