March 13 - 14 nights - question for returning cruisers

[newcruiser52]

I am particularly interested in any feedback or advice to people returning from this cruise (underway as I write this); as we are going on the next 14 day itinerary (not until September), and any advice regarding packing or shore excursions or ANYTHING would be much appreciated!

 

I am so excited I'm scouring these boards, even 6 months out in advance... Thanks to all who have been posting reviews and advice, and DrmnOfMaui it has been really fun reading your 'serialized' report.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

What itinerary is your cruise? We did a 14-day about a year ago and didn't pack much differently than for a 7-day. Since my husband always seems to come home with a few clean shirts, I just counted on getting a bit of laundry done, and rinsing out underwear in the bathroom. Laundry services are fairly reasonable, and this worked out well.

[newcruiser52]

We are doing Marquesas, Tuatmotus, and Society Islands. I noticed on the list of excursions that they cannot open the boat's marina in the Marquesas, so I imagine we will definately want to do excursions as we cannot just hang out in kayaks, etc.

 

I don't see it listed yet on the ship's site, but I have seen an overnight offered, at the Bora Bora Intercontinental; includes overwater bungalow, dinner, breakfast, and use of the resort for the day - it's intriguing to me as I don't have a pre or post cruise booked. But unfortunately, it's the Bora Bora day that doesn't seem hard to fill; so many excursions to pick from, and I see many people recommending the Sting Ray ballet.

 

We're lapsed certified divers, haven't been diving since 2005, but hoping to get maybe a beginner dive in this trip. Or, maybe have them do a refresher for us, and join an intermediate - there's one on Huahine offered.

 

Did your 14 day go on this itinerary? What excursions did you do?

 

Good to know about the laundry and packing quantity of clothes, was getting a bit worried. I always overpack anyway.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Ah yes, this was our last itinerary. Sublime! On each of the Marquesas islands there was a 4x4 trip offered--we did three, none on Fatu Hiva (this was our favourite, so beautiful--just walked up the road, and then a performance was put on by the local residents.) All three of the 4x4 trips were great, but I think Nuku Hiva was the best, went up over the mountains to the other side of the island. In general the drivers don't speak much English, although a few words of French help.

 

I have never thought the overnight in Bora Bora was worth it, since the ship is so great, but I see they've changed hotels from the Pearl (makes sense, given the ship owners.) I would do some googling and have a look--there are two, Moana and Thalasso, not sure which they use. Moana is down the end around Matira, Thalasso is out on a motu on the east side.

 

Remember the Bora Bora motu--it's beautiful if you love beaches.

[FlightMedic555]

Based upon the charge for the overnight it would seem to make more sense, and save $$, to arrive early and go to Moorea for a night or two, or more.

[newcruiser52]

In hindsight, I do wish I had built in some shore time. But, 14 days was all I could spare from work (this is for our 25th anniversary, and the first time since our honeymoon I have taken more than a week at a time). We arrive on the Air France about 5am, and can't board the ship until the afternoon, so we have a 'day room' just so if we are totally wiped out, we can sleep. No idea what to expect. Perhaps I'll have energy for the market, I hope so.