LIVE from the Sapphire - 33 days from Seattle to Sydney

[Toto2Kansas]

Pia, thanks so much for the detailed reports. Are you heading for Matira Beach in Bora Bora? They had started the $5 pp shuttle last fall each way and will even drop you off at Bloody Marys (again) for no extra charge and pick you up later at the predetermined time. ;) We love Bora Bora, and up until now, I wasn't all that jealous, but BORA BORA, now I am green with envy. :) Have a wonderful time and I hope you find a great flower arrangement at LeMarche...............it always takes me forever to decide, as there are so many to choose from.

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Docked in Papeete.

Just clicked on and caught the Moorea ferry coming in.

I think thats the fast one.

 

[margord]

Pia, thanks so much for the detailed reports. Are you heading for Matira Beach in Bora Bora? They had started the $5 pp shuttle last fall each way and will even drop you off at Bloody Marys (again) for no extra charge and pick you up later at the predetermined time. ;) We love Bora Bora, and up until now, I wasn't all that jealous, but BORA BORA, now I am green with envy. :) Have a wonderful time and I hope you find a great flower arrangement at LeMarche...............it always takes me forever to decide, as there are so many to choose from.

 

 

Toto,

 

I do agree, I also loved Bora Bora. Actually, I loved all the French Polynesian islands.

 

Marilee

[drrichard8]

Pia, thanks so much for the detailed reports. Are you heading for Matira Beach in Bora Bora? They had started the $5 pp shuttle last fall each way and will even drop you off at Bloody Marys (again) for no extra charge and pick you up later at the predetermined time. ;) We love Bora Bora, and up until now, I wasn't all that jealous, but BORA BORA, now I am green with envy. :) Have a wonderful time and I hope you find a great flower arrangement at LeMarche...............it always takes me forever to decide, as there are so many to choose from.

Where do we catch the shuttle to Matira Beach? Is it close to where the ship docks (tender comes in) on Bora Bora?

[Toto2Kansas]

Where do we catch the shuttle to Matira Beach? Is it close to where the ship docks (tender comes in) on Bora Bora?

 

Yes, right in the parking lot next to the pier (right side as you get off the tender next to the shop located there). There are many shuttles that run back and forth all day long (all different sizes from mini buses to open air little trucks), every 10-15 minutes. It makes for a GREAT beach day!

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Yes, right in the parking lot next to the pier (right side as you get off the tender next to the shop located there). There are many shuttles that run back and forth all day long (all different sizes from mini buses to open air little trucks), every 10-15 minutes. It makes for a GREAT beach day!

 

We have used that service as well. It was only $3 then:D.

Took us to the beach, then picked us up again and dropped us off at Bloody Marys on the way back.

[Pia1913]

We’re back on board, it’s mid afternoon and our cabin is being graced by a large, gorgeous, floral arrangement. Everything in French Polynesia is ultra expensive except the flowers. I paid the same $15 that I paid when we were last here in 2004. We walked around too long looking for a nail salon; got directions from at least ½ dozen people and couldn’t find anything anywhere. So……will get them done on board on Wednesday.

Do you recall my mentioning an awful band named the Vintage People? Well I just realized I hadn’t seen them listed since 10/1, so perhaps they have been replaced. Will advise.

This afternoon there was a movie Shutter Island which we had intended to see when it first came out . We missed it then and we’re missing it now. Can someone please tell me if it’s worthwhile making a concerted effort to see it. Thanks. And, BTW, guess who won more baseball caps and medals? LOL. We didn’t take the medals and gave the caps away. New prizes………..where are you? :)

I haven’t mentioned the casino since I haven’t spent much time there. Terribly smoky at all times, most likely due to the heavy European contingent on board. Tonight however is smoke free night, so I’ll probably visit a bit. We’ll see how long I stay; depends of course if they treat me right. It appears as if they are trying to attract more business, but I think their time frame is out of whack. Tonight between 11:30 and 12:30 AM they will have complimentary drinks for selected hands and for randomly selected slot players. I for one will be fast asleep before their search begins.

I also haven’t mentioned the weather which continues to be sunny and beautiful with moderate breezes. It’s warmish, but not uncomfortably so. Much better weather than when we were here during the month of August. Sailaway to Bora Bora will be at 5:00 PM.

　

To Bill, who corrected my statement about Bali Hai; I didn’t make it up. That’s what was printed in the Patter.

Pat: yes, dollars everywhere.

Shuttle in Bora Bora: I understand it's $5.00 Will let you know tomorrow.

Bye until Bora Bora

[Toto2Kansas]

Pia, I was so hoping you would find a nail salon (I searched and never located one). If you couldn't find one, I know it doesn't exist. lol

 

Thanks for checking in! Enjoy your beautiful floral arrangment, just think, you can pick up another one on the return trip. ;)

[Toto2Kansas]

We have used that service as well. It was only $3 then:D.

Took us to the beach, then picked us up again and dropped us off at Bloody Marys on the way back.

 

Inflation! ;) $5 each way last fall.

[rdsqrl]

I believe I owe you a movie rec for your thumbs-up to me re Young Victoria (which I did indeed enjoy). So, Shutter Island: give it a miss unless you're a Leonardo DiCaprio fan. It's not nearly the film noir fun its trailers would mislead you into thinking.

Thanks for your continued updates; French Polynesia sounds dreamy. Sigh.

[Woobstr112G]

Good Monday Morning from Papeete where we arrived last night shortly after 8:00 PM. The ship was cleared before 9:00 for those passengers who wished to go ashore. We were not among them. In fact, we opted to forego the 10 PM folkloric show and instead watch What Happens in Vegas on our stateroom TV. The show will be shown on TV so we will catch it when we can.

 

The last time we were here we did the requisite touring which consisted of another 4WD event. We love punishing our bodies with bumpy and muddy and unpaved terrain. ;) The main sights here are the Arahoho Blowhole, waterfalls and cliffs/lookouts. For a more sedentary excursion, you can visit the Gauguin Museum, Point Venus, where Capt. Cook landed in 1769, the James Hall Museum (he’s the co-author of Mutiny on the Bounty) and the Capt. Bligh monument. We intend to just wander around and hopefully pick up one of the beautiful flower arrangements that I remember as being quite inexpensive. LeMarche…………here we come!

 

We will depart for Bora Bora approx. 5:00 PM and evening entertainment has Bob Howe (instrumentalist; no other info provided) in the theater and comic Darrell Joyce in Explorer’s. Also on hand is a deck party from 9:30 to midnight with a much needed buffet starting at 10. Just what everyone needs. More food! :)

 

I know someone asked about classes and until today no mention was made of any. I don’t know if this qualifies, but in today’s Patter there is mention of a photo seminar coming soon. Details are that there will be three one hour classes on digital photos taking place on October 6th, 7th and 11th. Cost is $25/each or all 3 for $50 if you sign up today or tomorrow. No other info given.

 

Almost ready to go ashore for flowers and to also perhaps get my nails done.

 

David: weather now looks lovely and sun is shining.

 

Jackie and Don: No crab legs seen, except those on grouchy people with spindly knees. :D

 

Pia;

 

Thanks for the report.....:):):)

 

Bob

[DonahCBrown]

　

To Bill, who corrected my statement about Bali Hai; I didn’t make it up. That’s what was printed in the Patter.

 

 

 

Here's the scoop from the Internet Movie Data Base - someone on the Patter didn't do his or her homework!!

 

Filming locations for

South Pacific (1958)

 

 

Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain

Kaua'i, Hawaii, USA

Stage 8, 20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA (studio)

 

Tioman Island, Malaysia

Love Bora Bora - it is really really beautiful. Have a great day you two!

[San Diego Ellie]

PIA, in case you missed my post #321, send your email address to me at ellieca@fastmail.fm as I am going to send a group mailing out to the 12 of us on the private tour I arranged for Cobh/Cork before I leave for my next cruise trip on Oct. 20. Thank you.

Ellie

[DD]

Here's the scoop from the Internet Movie Data Base - someone on the Patter didn't do his or her homework!!

 

Ok, here's my two cents...Pia is graciously taking time out of her vacation so that we all can live a little vicariously through her travels. For me, reading her blogs about the cruise is like taking a mini-vacation in the middle of my work day. I really appreciate them.

 

When we nitpick over small details, it seems unappreciative of her time, effort, and hard work. It seems a bit unkind. It's sort of like taking a red pen to someone's postcard. It's unnecessary. Just enjoy the journey!

 

Since we DID nitpick on this whole detail...don't forget there was a remake of this movie in 2001. So, neither of you has to be wrong...does it really matter though?

[Kiwi Kruzer]

On the way to Bora Bora.

Enjoy your day there...

 

 

[caribill]

　

To Bill, who corrected my statement about Bali Hai; I didn’t make it up. That’s what was printed in the Patter.

 

 

The Patter must have been referring to the TV remake, not to the original movie.

 

I remember the Patter for Monaco listed Prince Rainier as it's ruler several years after he passed away.

[happycruiser3]

Hi Pia - It looks like Moorea is not for those of us who are not terribly steady on our feet unless we're on terra firma. May have to send DH ashore to purchase the necessary "treasures" we collect at each port.

:)

 

I am following this thread and loving it, thank you Pia.

 

We have been fortunate to have done the Trans Pacific cruise three times with Princess, last time being 2007 on the Sapphire Princess, Sydney/LA.

 

Can I suggest that for those who really want to experience the beauty of this lovely island perhaps consider hiring a car. We drove very carefully and stopped at some of the scenic spots along the way. Called into a small roadside cafe for lunch and then had a coffee at one of the luxurious hotels on the island.

 

It was a day we will never forget. If it is a one and only visit, I wouldn't hesitate to do this. We shared the car with another couple and it was only about $70 for the car for the five hours we had it.

 

Have a wonderful cruise, it is a fabulous itinerary.

 

Best wishes :)

[Seal]

Pia

 

Enjoy my favorite island--first time there --oh...so long ago--late 70's/early80's--when Bloody Mary's opened and lots of folks on the island hadn't learned yet about clothing

 

Been back many times and stay at IC-Bora Bora in one of their OWB's--not going to do it this year--going to take the Royal in February and B2B the basic 10 day FP cruise--we've also chosen to go on the LA to LA rt via Tahiti, Samoa and others--28 days on the sapphire.

 

Enjoy my favorite--

 

Nancy:D:D

[DonahCBrown]

The Patter must have been referring to the TV remake, not to the original movie.

 

I remember the Patter for Monaco listed Prince Rainier as it's ruler several years after he passed away.

 

Right you are: Here's the IMDB locations:

 

 

Filming locations for

South Pacific (2001) (TV)

 

Australia

 

Moorea, French Polynesia

 

Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia

 

Queensland, Australia

 

Tahiti, French Polynesia

[DonahCBrown]

Ok, here's my two cents...Pia is graciously taking time out of her vacation so that we all can live a little vicariously through her travels. For me, reading her blogs about the cruise is like taking a mini-vacation in the middle of my work day. I really appreciate them.

 

When we nitpick over small details, it seems unappreciative of her time, effort, and hard work. It seems a bit unkind. It's sort of like taking a red pen to someone's postcard. It's unnecessary. Just enjoy the journey!

 

Since we DID nitpick on this whole detail...don't forget there was a remake of this movie in 2001. So, neither of you has to be wrong...does it really matter though?

 

Believe me, I'm not nitpicking my dear buddy Pia - she loves the trivia and I'm sure doesn't mind this digression.

[BayCalif-Ariz R Us]

Hi Pia - You asked about the movie Shutter Island. Unlike the earlier poster, I would give it a definite two thumbs up just for its incredible cinema noir effect. The scenery and people are oh so spooky - Leonardo DiCaprio is outstanding. The ending is, well, bizarre to say the least but I doubt if you'll see it coming. It was a refreshing change from all the car chasing, high-tech computerizedanimated movies. Let me know what you think. Didi

[GottoCruise]

Didn't want to watch the movie after reading the book! :rolleyes:

Weather is SO nice now - you can come home!

Regards........

[drrichard8]

We have used that service as well. It was only $3 then:D.

Took us to the beach, then picked us up again and dropped us off at Bloody Marys on the way back.

We are not signed up for any tours on Bora Bora. Walking the beach and going to Bloody Marys sound great! Any other suggestions?

[Toto2Kansas]

We are not signed up for any tours on Bora Bora. Walking the beach and going to Bloody Marys sound great! Any other suggestions?

 

On Bora Bora there are many small private tour operators set up at tables right next to the pier. If you are interested in a 4X4 tour, or a snorkeling tour, just see what they have to offer when you arrive. Many are much more reasonably priced then what the ship offers. They offer short tours and long tours there with a wide variety to choose from. ;) You aren't just limited to beach time if you would prefer something else.

[cruzisme]

regarding Bora Bora tours; we went on a private one in one of their special 'Le Truck'

make sure your operator has a working microphone; it is impossible to hear any info without one, as you will be sitting in the back.