Jiminkcmo

I did the route that Salty Dave describes above some years ago and it was an easy and inexpensive way to get from the coast to Santiago.

And you get to experience being among the local folks and that's why I travel.

Just my $0.02.

Jim

I can only give my experience from an August 2011 voyage on the Aranui but it was a very calm sea and GREAT TRIP.

However, trying to predict weather conditions and seas on some part of the earth is certainly not anywhere near an exact science.

Tell you friend to go for it as the trip is well worth it.

Another thank you to DoctorSmudge for the fine video of the trip.

Sorry Leah, but I don't have a detailed report as I don't keep any kind of journal.

And don't waste any time looking for any left over scotch in "G" as I made sure it was all used up. <G>

Also, no photos as I learned years ago that I was taking too much time figuring out where and what to take a picture of, where the sun was at the time, etc. etc. and I missed seeing where I was and looking all around me.

I even gave away all my camera equipment.

However, as I mentioned before, this is a great trip for adventurous people who can forgo the fru-fru of the mass marketed cruise ship and really have a different trip.

If you are staying in Papeete, don't miss going to the roulottes for dinner one evening. It is a "happening."

Papeete is a very safe city and I walked all over the downtown area, both day and night, and never felt it to be any problem.

The food on the ship was good, not great.

For breakfast, be sure to ask any of the waiters for any egg dishes, like scrambled or omlettes. They will fix it in the kitchen for you.

The ship "store" and Doctor have very limited hours. They are posted so make sure you check them out in advance.

I would do this trip again but am busy looking for other unique trips to add to my bucket list and take.

For all who are planning to take this trip, you will enjoy every minute of it.

Jim

Back home for a week now after my adventure on the Aranui.

The trip is as good as anyone has said it was.

The people on the islands really look forward to the ship arriving and treat the passengers like royalty.

The only thing I had a problem with is the total lack of news of any kind from the outside world.

I didn't know until I got back home if Obama was still our President.

I strongly encourage anyone with a sense of adventure to take this trip.

Jim

WOW, John.

That is one detailed report.

Thanks from all of us for providing that as our guide.

Hope you and your wife are back together after having to split up in mid-voyage.

I'm wrapping up details here in KC so that I can start my same trip tomorrow.

Am doing the same flight you took, Wed. night at 11:30 PM out of LAX to PPT.

My Southwest flight gets to LAX at 2:30 so I'm going to get the Westin shuttle to their hotel, have a few cold beers, some dinner, and take the shuttle back to TBIT at about 7:00 for the ATN flight.

I'll be sure to say hi to YoYo for you.

Jim

Hi John:

Many thanks for the update.

Yes, the cabin I have (G) is on the Sun Deck right under E where you were.

I'm sure I will be able to find YoYo and some cold Hinano.

Did the cabin have a safe for locking up wallet, passport, etc?

As to the hotel, I've got a double above the pool which I'm told is away from the front and should be quieter and that's nice to know that the convenience store has snacks and an ATM.

I know where I'll be getting my cash.

I got breakfast at the hotel included and wonder if you gave that a try.

I plan to do a lot of walking around Papeete and just being a tourist, an occupation which I seem to be perfecting.

I'm going to be doing a lot of researching for other trips like this one and hope I can find some more of them.

This kind of trip sounds to be right down my alley.

Unusual and not mass marketed and "regular" people to enjoy it with.

I'm sure you will be heading back for Houston soon and back to the heat.

Have a good flight back and I hope you have some buffer time before being back to work on the Ohio.

Jim

Hi John:

Thanks for your comments and glad the trip was salvageable for you.

I really wish I had paid more attention to foreign languages when younger but never thought I would have any use for it.

Never thought about traveling but I get along pretty much anywhere in the world.

The "connections to the world" you mentioned are not a consideration for me.

I don't have a cell phone or a laptop.

When I travel I leave the real world behind and don't take it with me. <G>

It sounds like the kind of ship I will like.

Friendly people on the islands, no smoky casino, no stage shows, no art and jewelry sales, a good bar on the ship and decent food.

Did you eat at any of the roulettes?

How was the Hotel Tahiti Nui?

Did you just wonder around downtown Papeete as that's what I'm planning to do?

I enjoy people watching and meeting the local folks and learning about how they live and what they do.

I leave KC on Wed. and will be retracing your steps by this time next week.

Jim

John:

So very sorry to hear about your mother-in-law and my condolences also to your wife.

That certainly puts a damper on your Anniversary trip.

It sounds like you are in most capable hands on the Aranui and the adventure is what you had hoped it would be.

I'll be tuning in for the next week and a half for any further updates from you before I leave here to retrace your experience on the 8/6 sailing.

Enjoy!

Jim

Good to hear from you, John.

It sounds like the cruise is an adventure, which is why I booked it.

If people want to be pampered on a smooth as glass liner, they're on the wrong ship.

Where are you going to post your diary? On your web site?

For me, I'll be on the way to PPT 2 weeks from today.

Getting anxious to start traveling.

Jim

1quilter:

I hope you find others who will also be traveling with you on your Aranui cruise.

It doesn't seem like many adventurous people post on here.

I guess most cruisers want the fru-fru stuff of the mass-market cruise experience and to be pampered instead of learning about places and people.

Had enough of that stuff in the past and wish I could find more of the Aranui-type of cruise.

Less than 3 weeks and I'll be on board.:)

Jim

John, you should be in Papeete by now.

Wish I could be there also.

Will be in 3 weeks.

You're so right about LAX being a PITA.

I usually fly Southwest (WN) which doesn't have any transfer agreements with anyone else so it's a good thing I have wheels on my luggage.

Although having been an airline employee for over 25 years, I've been in many airports and know how to get from one area to another fairly easily.

The day I travel to Papeete (8/3), my WN flight arrives in LAX at around 2:15 PM and the ATN flight to PPT departs at 11:40 PM so I won't be in any hurry.

Quite the opposite, I'll be looking for a way to kill some time at LAX.

It would be just fine if my WN flight is delayed for some reason.

Hopefully, you'll be able to post some up-to-date information from PPT for those of us who are behind you.

Enjoy!!!!

Jim

Many thanks Leah.

I'll look into that one.

Wish it was time to start packing.

Jim

John:

It must be nice being a "short timer" for your departure.

Wish I was joining you but will be on the following departure.

It appears as though this new ATN strike is only a one day planned interruption.

Just enough to inconvenience people.

I also have a free day in Papeete on Friday and may look into the 1/2 day 4X4 trip in the interior.

If I don't "talk" with you before the trip, have a SUPER time and enjoy your anniversary.

Jim

Don't forget to leave the scotch in Suite G. <G>

Thanks DrSmudge:

It looks like everybody was having a good time.

Do they have battery-operated ukuleles? That's probably the only kind I might be able to "play".

Only about 4 weeks before I leave.

Looking forward to an enjoyable time.

Jim

Captainmcd:

Oh how I envy you.

Wish we were going to be on the adventure together but I have to wait a few weeks before departing for the 8/6 sailing.

I see on other threads that there is a threatened Air Tahiti Nui strike by the pilots and hope that doesn't happen and affect either of us.

Have been doing a little reading up on that area but think I'll quit and just let everything be a surprise.

More fun that way.

You're probably getting ready to start some preparations for packing.

It won't be long now and I know you are going to have a super trip.

Enjoy everything and have a great time but leave some fun there for me. <G>

Jim

Hi DrSmudge:

Thanks for the super quick reply.

I was hoping there might be more to walk to on Moorea. In that I'm a solo traveler, driving doesn't allow me to do much sightseeing, Walking does. <G>

Yes, I understand about the fast ferry and it amazes me that there isn't a premium fare for the speed.

I will check out Chez Marie. Thanks.

What is their specialty?

I am flying out of LAX on Wed. night arriving PPT Thursday AM so I'll have enough time for wondering around Papeete before sailing.

Am also staying over Friday night after returning and flying out Saturday morning.

One of my favorite hobbies is just wondering around, observing people and their activities.

I'm sure FP will be a great area for that.

Jim

Hi DrSmudge:

Thanks for your comments on your trip.

I'll be on the ship for the August 6th cruise after staying two nights in the Hotel Tahiti Nui also.

On your ferry trip to Moorea, was there anything to do within walking distance (3-4 miles) of the dock on Moorea?

Did you find a "favorite" roulette for dinner?

Is there a convenient place to buy some wine/beer near the ship to take along?

Many thanks in advance.

I'm really looking forward to this adventure.

Jim

Hello Cheryl:

I can answer a couple of those questions without being on the trip yet.

There is never any guarantee of smooth water however there are medications that would help your husband cope with any motion problems.

ANY balcony is far superior to ANY blank wall, porthole or window.

It appears that any time of the year would be good weather wise as the area is so close to the Equator for warmth.

They do have a rainy season and you could check on that on Trip Advisor.

But that's why we all carry rain gear wherever we go.

If this kind of a trip sounds good to you, book it now as they do seem to sell out far in advance.

It's a unique adventure and a trip of a lifetime.

Jim

John:

You're so right about this thread/board/Aranui being rather comatose.

I'll be just a few weeks behind you for the August 6th sailing.

Please leave any unopened scotch bottles in Suite G and I'll take good care of them. <G>

I'll bet you are ready to roll.

And Happy Anniversary to you both.

Wish I could have proposed a toast personally but you tried to get repositioned without any luck.

I'm sure I'll hear all about your celebration.

Enjoy your adventure.

Jim

Hi srosenz:

I'm on the Aranui this August and booked pre and post days at the Hotel Tahiti Nui, which is in downtown near the dock area.

The hotel was built in 2008 and looks great from what I can find on the net.

Also, all the reviews are good.

Jim

Hi Madame:

To check on details of this trip, you can go to travltips.com and their site also has prices listed.

The accommodations range from suites to dormitory-style so there is a lot to pick from.

You can also book passage through that site or their 800 number.

I'm really looking forward to being on board in about 4+ months and I too am a solo traveler.

Jim

Hi John:

I think we'll both like the Tahiti Nui as it is close to all the activity and the hub of the downtown.

It must be a little chilly being out on the Ohio this time of year.

Are there a lot of locks down in the Cincinnati area as there are up around Pit?

I have some good video and audio of riverboats on the Ohio and Mississippi with the late John Hartford at the helm, singing his great songs. He was one-of-a-kind.

Keep warm.

Jim

Hi again Leah:

Sorry but I don't do (or want to do) Facebook.

Not that I'm anti-social but there are too many downsides to it.

I too started a Roll Call group on an NCL Med cruise several years ago.

We had a group of about 30 or so and enjoyed the trip together, on land and sea.

It was a great 14-day out of Southampton and I had a super aft cabin on the Jade.

Never cruise again on a regular cruise ship without an aft cabin, I'm spoiled. <G>

I believe we embark on the Aranui at 10:30 Sat. morning.

I'm planning to arrive PPT on the Thursday morning at 0530 from LAX and am departing PPT on Saturday morning at 10:30. staying over in LAX at a hotel and on to MCI Sunday mid-day.

I will probably just walk around town while there, have a few cold Hinanos in the local joints, maybe take a tour around the island, eat at one or more of the Roulottes at the wharf within walking distance of my hotel, and check out the nightlife.

I enjoy meeting locals wherever I travel and sharing information about our home environments.

For that reason I try to stay in the downtown areas as opposed to a remote resort.

Also, because I'm a solo traveler it just makes more sense.

How much longer are you going to be pre-retirement? I gave that up 18 years ago as it cut into my "fun" time.

I'm really glad I found this trip while looking for different and unique adventurous trips.

It promises to be all of that and more.

"Talk" with you later.

Jim

Hi Leah:

Thanks for the link to the pictures.

I've also got a ton of "stuff" on the Aranui but didn't have that one.

Would post links to things but don't know how to do that.

I've booked pre and post at the Hotel Tahiti Nui which is right downtown near the dock area, it's a new (2008) hotel and I like to be able to walk around and see what's there instead of lying by a pool at a resort 8 miles from town. <G>

Are you going to stay in Tahiti pre and post also?

What part of the world do you live in? I'm in Kansas City, MO.

In that the temp here last night was -5, I'm ready to be in the South Pacific.

Jim

Hi John:

I do wish we could have met next summer on the dock as you were leaving the ship and I was boarding.

You have a lot of information on your website which I'll have to get back to in the coming days.

I grew up just a few miles west of you in a little steel town with 3 rivers surrounding it. <G>

Are you going to be staying pre and post cruise at one of the hotels on Tahiti? I am probably going to do that but haven't committed to it yet.

If you have booked a hotel and have any first hand information about it, I'd love to hear about it.

As to the Aranui, I booked cabin G for the size and balcony. I'm a solo traveler so I'll have lots of room to spare.

In that I'm kind of a "meat and potatoes" guy, I hope there is enough of that kind of food aboard although cooked seafood is good for me also.

I'm surprised that after spending your work life on the sea, you now vacation on the sea.

I worked in the airline business and have seen much of the world from 40,000 feet and now I want to see it from 40 feet.

I'm looking forward to this adventure but it's a long time away.

Jim