sita

The PG website (under accommodations) states there is one wheelchair accessible cabin. 

1 hour ago, KiscoB said:

another question on Air deviation.

would Regent allow say an outbound on say United and then a return flight on Air France?  I am driving myself crazy tryi g to get good times and connections.

thanks!

The answer is YES! We are flying out with Lufthansa and back with British Air with our confirmed deviation. Flights out of San Diego direct to/from FRankfurt/Heathrow with hops to/from Athens (also in business per confirmation btw) Over the moon as the other halfs for each if booking rt were ugly.

3 hours ago, Wendy The Wanderer said:

there are worse things than being stuck in paradise, and one of them is being stuck at the PPT airport!

Wendy the Wanderer for the win! 

From December 2017

Hi Jamerica - Yes if the date of deviation is the embarkation date then it looks correct as Dec 20th.

Thanks Pingpong and TravelCat for your helpful responses; always nice to consult those in the know.

Well we're coming up quickly on our deviation date and have a couple of questions. First, I assume the date counted for the 270 days is the date we want to travel as opposed to the cruise date? (we're coming in several days early.) Second, as per usual when trying to fly direct to the continent via BA or Lufthansa the schedules are wonky in one direction (13 hour layover in Frankfurt on the way back home or via BA, arriving two days after leaving SD to Athens) Gotta love it. In a perfect world, would fly Lufthansa outbound and BA inbound. Ha! wonder what the upcharge would be on that?

Wondering about US carriers... anybody have a recommendation for which one has decent Business class? or should be focus what type of plane we're flying on. Thank you in advance for your help!

Dec 2017 they still permitted smoking outside La Palette, starboard side only.

Thank you Travelcat2, it’s always nice to consult with an expert.  Yes Rcandkc, seems worth it to us as well; thanks!

Jamerica, we're on the same cruise as you and also deviating, but from San Diego. I seem to remember a post regarding the limits Regent places on how early your returning flight can be booked. I can't seem to find it now but a lot of the flights returning seem to leave very early so would appreciate the expertise of this forum. If need be, we can add a day post cruise but we are already planning on 4 to 5 days pre and the post days always feel a bit of a 'hurry up and wait' let down.

Two Nov 2020 cruises now posted on PG site

I agree with TBK re flow; unlike other cruises, PG is not one to overschedule; enjoy your very small ship; engage with the Gauguine/Gauguin and other crew members. They really sparkle and have so much to offer/are really engaging.

various thoughts

You will not be able to leave your bags on the docks in advance of boarding. Used to allow this but no longer. We had to schlep bags over to Les 3 Brasseurs. Hadn't thought of going back to the Ferry cafe; it's a thought.

Things were pretty quiet in Huahine on Sunday when we were there last December. Supermarket was open in the morning and a few shops. Walked by the Huahine Yacht club on the way to the beach; no one was sitting on the tables outside; don't think they were open. Did not see anywhere to have a drink and the TiFaiFai shop was closed. From where the ship's shuttle drops you off, if you walk past the Yacht Club and a field right after, you'll come to a small but lovely beach. Its part of the same beach the Maitai Lapita uses (and the ship charges you to take you to for lunch/pool/beach). Local families were enjoying themselves.

Either bay in Moorea is optimal for kayaking (breathtaking really) but you never know what will be going on weather wise so if its important to you good to do so in Huahine. Also offered on the motus.

Do no miss the motu in Bora Bora. Too many people treat as an afterthought/if we have time we'll go.... Its spectacular and very, very different from the motu in Tahaa. I believe Patrick tour in BB will stop at the same place as your ray excursion the next day; others will know for sure, but I think you're duplicating some there. Would skip Bloody Marys but that is just us, we're not bucket list type of people. We also thought the Dolphin excursion on Moorea was skippable though many people seem to enjoy.

Aw, I'd like to cruise with you too! We're looking at end of 2020, maybe but might consider the reunion...

Maybe in process of loading but currently reflects Jan, Mar, Jun, Jul, Oct only

The marina is a fantastic feature on the ship for both divers and non divers. Ship dives leave from the marina. Non divers will have opportunity to use the kayaks and paddleboards in a couple of (sheltered) ports. If you are not within a reef, you do not want to be using a kayak or paddleboard as you could end up with another kind of adventure. Definitely not at the Marquesas. The marina is also where you get your snorkling equipment for the week including a mesh bag and a snorkel vest if you desire.

Marina hours are probably not offered in Bora Bora because the equipment is taken to the motu, (DO NOT miss the motu in BB); same for Taha'a. Between Huahine and Moorea, would do it in the Moorea as lagoon more confined and the photo ops amazing.

Windsurfing is not longer offered. Probably a good thing as I remember being on a bridge tour a long time ago when there were calls coming in from tender pilots re spotting a passenger on one extremely far from the ship and likely in trouble; I believe it was Raiatea, (within the reef).

Have a great cruise!

Good for you! Snack Mahana is within walking distance (well a longish walk) lunch & cash only, best poisson cru in 9 FP trips and amazing breaded mahi mahi in coconut milk... went 3 times on last trip even forgoing a lunch on the ship to walk there for one last meal.

Number 2 is my vote. Here's my reasoning. A layover in LA will not enhance the experience. I imagine a break in the travel for some would help but to land in LA, get to hotel (unless you go some distance, say Santa Monica, really wouldn't be a nice in the immediate area... one more than a hurry up and wait scenario), eat, sleep, fight traffic back to LAX ....Kind of a stop gap in the excitement of going to FP at least it would be for us.

We have arrived at 5am in Papeete and taxied to the Ferry to go to Moorea and it was a breeze. Your bags are taken by porters at the ferry so you wont have to wrangle them on board. We rented a car from Avis (office right across the road from the ferry landing) but if you go the taxi route you should be at your hotel with toes in sand toute suit. We stayed at the Sofitel... LOVED it but people also love the Hilton and the IC Moorea.

There are many who like the IC Tahiti. We're not in that camp but we have done our share of pre cruises there as well as the Radisson (now Pearl) and Le Meridian. As FlightMedic said, you really only have a day in Tahiti with option 1. Option 2 you will have 11am ish on the first day then 2 more full days in paradise. Just my 2 cents.

We are in San Diego (so much closer) but still a hassle to LAX (drive 3 hours or fly... last time we had 6 hour hour layover in LAX on the way out and 5 hours and the way back.... travel is a pain no matter what; optimize your time in paradise is my advice. And any resort in Moorea is true pardise.

Which cruise did you decide on?

Thank you for the review of your trip. I am glad that you were happy with the wines as I remember you had some concerns about that pre cruise. Agree that Ricardo is a gem. His superior service and smiling face helped to make our last cruise (no. 9... serious flu 'sufferer') a standout. We loved the Sofitel Moorea pre cruise but going to check out the Vahine resort for next time. Cheers!

When I get a chance, I will post the bar list but free brands include Grey Goose, Ketel One, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich etc

Snorkel vests are available to check out from the PG marina.

my 2 cents re Regent vs PG

We've been on 9 cruises stretching back to 2002. Although Regent and Radisson same entity, in 2006, the ship was purchased by Grand Circle/Vantage, (with Regent managing). There was a marked difference in the quality of the food and the crew was seemed unhappy. The beloved Captain was replaced (by GC) and several long term employees were let go. Also, Grand Circle had a large group on board and repeatedly closed venues for their private use. This went well beyond anything we had experienced with a private shipboard party previously (Veranda closed off for a night, La Palatte, etc) and the attitude was something akin to 'too bad, we're the owners, should consider booking through us next time.' We thought that was it for us and the PG. A couple of years later, after reading some better reviews (and missing FP) we tried again (10/2008) and things were better than previously but not as good as pre Grand Circle. Friends on board confirmed that when GC first took over they slashed the food budget; it was an embarassment for them. I guess Regent balked and some additional budget was offered but it was not what it was.

In 2009 (I think towards end of year) Beachcomber bought the ship (current owners & management) and we have been back a couple of times. We have been so pleased with what they have strived to achieve. In our opinion, the service has never been better. The ship has been very well maintained, the focus on the local culture is inspiring and the quality of the food is very good. There are some things we miss (human sized spectacular tropical flower arrangements, oysters on halfshell in L'Etoile, caviar at repeaters party) but these things seem trivial in comparison to the overall experience and I trust that owners are striving to put forth the best possible experience within their budget.

For what it's worth... in terms of specular food, nothing can compare to our first cruise in 2002 when it sailed under the French flag. The wines, level of food, desserts were incredible but it wasn't all inclusive bar and the service level was not what it is today.

In short, Scuba Diver, you're in for a great cruise, would be interested in hearing about your experiences upon return. You didn't indicate which itinerary you're on but it you have any questions about the ship's offerings for scuba, we have done them all (except for Fakarava which was not on the tuamotus itinerary when we were there).

Cheers!

As you need to present yourself to the FP authority once back in Bora Bora, you are unable to get your passports on the sea day. Also, I think Wendy on this itinerary (look for Oct thread) had the order of ports completely changed around due to weather concerns. Not sure I would book an outside excursion requiring full payment on either day in BB.

A bit more re wine on PG. A red and a white is featured (poured) each dinner. Sometimes they are very good, sometimes (to us) just okay. If you are not happy with the night's selection, you may ask if they could serve you one offered previously, or you may pay for a wine from the 'reserve' wine list. We've never felt the need to do the latter. We had some very fine French white burgundy in December which paired nicely with seafood. Had quite a bit of that... one 'problem' is that the fine staff refill your glass before you have finished it... makes it a little hard to keep track. After dinner, you may enjoy a glass of port, cognac, bailey's coffee, etc. Sigh.... life is good on the PG. Have a great trip.

In December, Stella Artois was on draft at the pool bar. Ship also had (according to drink menu) Amstel Light, Bass Ale, Becks, Carlsberg, Corona, Fosters, Grolsch, Guiness, Heinekin, Hinano, Bud, Bud Light, Miller Light and Sam Adams. Fridge in room stocked with cans of Bud and Heinekin, we had stewardess trade out for Hinano.

Aerobes - I agree with Wendy's advice. We stayed at the (now) Pearl resort 4 years ago. It used to be our favorite of the Tahiti three but had lost its luster. Unknown what its like since then but Wendy has stayed recently at Le Meridian and the point she makes about the nearly restaurants shopping is a strong one. Both the Pearl and Meridian are about equal distance from the aeroport. You would not have any issue from the Pearl through Papeete to catch a 7:30 flight but strongly urge to set up your transport to Faa'a in advance. Unsure what can be arranged through resorts or an independent transport company. Do not be surprised if a taxi will want to charge you for both your travel to the airport and the travel to get to your resort to pick you up at that hour.

Also, with independent arangements, will need to be off the ship by 10am I believe, your room will likely not be ready for a while. Just fyi.