Random Thoughts - January 15-29 cruise

[Silver Sweethearts]

Time for our first post now that we have experienced the Paul Gauguin. As Shorton said, the weather was excellent, as was the service and food, and we were quite happy. Miki continues to charm everyone in the dining venues, and Jacques is the consummate Hotman/Hotel Manager. The young man who seemed ever-present at the reception desk was always in a good mood - unlike some ships where the staff there is barely civil. Yes, the carpeting in the public areas and the furniture needs renewing, but the ship is clean and well kept.

 

We aren't water sports/beach people, and we went to see the ship and the scenery. Tendering in and out was no problem, with adequate staff to assist passengers on and off the tender if the sea was a little choppy, and a prompt schedule. Cold water, fruit punch, wet washcloths and seating were provided in the shade of a tent dockside at every port. At some ports, local musicians played whenever the tender arrived and departed.

 

L'Etoile was wonderful in that its menu changed every evening, and a table for two was never a problem. In fact, a table of whatever size never seemed to be a problem for Miki. The food was very good and varied. We definitely preferred it to the food on Regent. La Veranda was a wonderful place for buffet lunch, as was the more casual Le Grill. Both were open from noon until 2:00 p.m. It seemed that not too many people realized Le Grill opens up for an afternoon snack from 2:30 until 4:00 p.m. and will whip up a hot and fresh order of skinny french fries or a cheeseburger, fruit tart, cheese plate, etc. La Palette had quite a nice offering of treats for tea time from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., and the live piano music is something we appreciated.

 

The "Block Party" that is held early on during the voyage worked very well, with everyone on each deck encouraged to bring a wine glass, come out of their cabins and have a glass of wine (poured by stewardesses) and socialize in the hallways on each deck. The Captain and Officers circulate among the hallways meeting and greeting.

 

There is a lot more we could mention, but don't get us started. One last point though. If you take the post-cruise day room package at the Radisson, it is great to be able to stay on the ship and have a full luncheon before you depart. Thought: After clearing your cabin, you'll have a while to kill before lunch, so head for the marche/market near the dock in Papeete (consult the map hung just inside the gate where you exit the pier for directions). Buy enough non-perishable food and beverage to make a decent picnic (expensive, but cheaper than the Radisson). Have it for "dinner" on your balcony at the hotel rather than dining on prem at one of their $$$ venues. By the way, the tour was a good way to eat up time. The lighthouse was a yawn (and, no surprise, you are funneled through a gift shop on the way out); the Hall home/museum might appeal to some; the waterfall is beautiful - but bring mosquito repellent and wear sturdy shoes. The trek from bus to volcano and back is a fairly good hike up and down rocky "steps". It is not for everyone. The tour guide was very nice. If you take the tour, try and wear something casual (and pack a change of clothes) as you may sweat a bit. The Radisson may appeal to some people, but it did not do anything for us. Still, it was a place to have our "picnic" and take a shower and change clothes before our flight.

 

Just our random thoughts...

[Emdee]

Thanks for the review. So glad Miki was there.

 

It funny how some seem to dwell on the faded and musty carpet to such an extent that they miss out on the natural beauty of the place.

 

I for one never realized that Le Grill is open after lunch! We have attended the tea from time to time.

[shorton]

Thanks for adding all the great details that I forgot to mention. The "light snacks" in Le Grille were indeed wonderful. We can't wait to go back! Likely 2012.

[Molokai-Chuck]

Well....I just spent the last 3 nights in a hotel near STL airport.... rather than drive the 44 miles home each night in the 11 inches of ice/snow pellets/snow we had. So...the talk of this PG cruise gives me something to look forward to!

 

Does one have to take the tour after the sailing....or can they be taken directly to the Rad. Resort?

 

 

Thanks....Chuck

[Silver Sweethearts]

Molokai-Chuck - You may go directly from the ship (after having enjoyed lunch on board) to the Radisson and skip the tour. There were three busses leaving the ship for the tour and then on to the Radisson (at 12:10 p.m., 12:20 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. - about 30 passengers per bus), but can't remember what time you left if you were going straight to the hotel. Your room may/may not be available until 2-ish (depends on who you speak with and how fast the hotel wants to free things up) but, as others have said, you can hang out in the public areas there.

[MightyQuinn]

Time for our first post now that we have experienced the Paul Gauguin.

Thank you so much for your first post! It's great to read your positive comments about your PG experience. Did you take any PG excursions? I'm trying to get feedback on what Mark Eddowes is leading, especially in Marquesas.

 

Thanks for the heads-up about the mid-afternoon treats at Le Grille. Sounds perfect for a quick bite after a late excursion.

 

Did you enjoy the mini tour enroute to the Radisson after the cruise? What time did you get dropped off at the hotel? We're still tossing around whether to do the tour or to head directly to the Radisson for some quiet time. Thanks again!

[Emdee]

Mighty,

Mark Eddowes leads the excursion to the Taipaivai Valley for sure. It was very good. I chickened out of the other one in the Marquesas as it was a lot of walking and at the time I did it I had some ligament problems.

[Texed]

Time for our first post now that we have experienced the Paul Gauguin.Just our random thoughts...

 

Thanks for posting. :)

[Go9ersjrh]

Texed - Thanks for taking care of me.

 

Jacquie

[Molokai-Chuck]

Silver Sweethearts....Thanks for the answer...think we will probably pass on the tour if possible.

 

Chuck and Mary

[Silver Sweethearts]

The tour (on the way to the day room at the Radisson after the cruise) was informative. The guide explained more than just what we saw along the way. She had facts and figures about all of Tahiti and was open to any questions. Since all we had to do was sit back and let the bus driver drive, we were able to rubberneck a lot. We got to the hotel a little after 3:30 p.m. (we left the ship at 12:30). In our opinion, there wasn't a lot for us non-beach people to do at the Radisson, so that worked for us. Your bags are put in the rotunda at the main entrance when you arrive and you can either take them to your room or leave them there (basically unattended). For those flying out on Air Tahiti Nui, bags had to be back at the rotunda by 7:30 and would be taken to the airport at 8:00. Guests would be picked up for the airport transfer at 8:30 p.m.

 

As another random and unrelated thought, the dinner menu for L'Etoile was available and sitting on the bar in La Palette and the Piano Bar starting early afternoon for those who don't like to wait until they get to the dining room to see the nightly offerings.

[Silver Sweethearts]

P.S.

 

You could, of course, also consult the menu posted outside L'Etoile every afternoon. As far as La Veranda was concerned, their set menu was posted outside that venue.

[Texed]

Texed - Thanks for taking care of me.

Jacquie

 

What did I do? :)

[MightyQuinn]

Silver Sweethearts, thanks for filling in the blanks about the post-cruise tour & timing. Those little details are very helpful. Unless we're too tired when we disembark, I think we'll give it a go.

[Silver Sweethearts]

Consider bring a travel clock and a night light. You can request automated wake up calls, but a clock is good for other times of the day when you may not always have your watch handy.

 

Wonder if we were the last ones to discover an outdoor shower for pool users on deck 8? It is hidden on the starboard side of the deck forward of the stairs to deck 9.

[Emdee]

Silver sweethearts... after 5 trips I have never discovered the shower but then I have never been in the pool either

[Semolina]

Here is a little bit of information on Mark Eddowes. I was talking to him at the end of the cruise and I asked him how often he was on the ship. He said that he was taking a break and would only be acting as a guest speaker, I think he said once a week. So you had better check thoroughly if he will be available for your cruise whichever one you do.

For anyone who hasn't been before I can thoroughly recommend him and his lectures, although we did one very good independant tour which included lunch on Nuku Hiva. The lunch at Yvonne's was a good experience. Lot's of atmosphere and great food. We also enjoyed Patrick's lagoon excursion. We actually had Mareto the crazy cousin. What a character!

We really enjoyed Miki. We also loved Joey in Le Grill. He has a constant smile on his face and was always there to greet us in the morning. As a matter of fact both times we had dinner in Le Grill it was our favourite meal.

All in all the experience on PG was excellent, but I did find the central part of the ship too cold.

[newonboard69]

Silver Sweethearts...

 

Did you make arrangments for the post cruise day room directly through Raddison or through PG?

 

Thanks

Dan & Margaret

[Silver Sweethearts]

Even though we did not book our air through Paul Gauguin (we flew Hawaiian from Hawaii instead of Air Tahiti Nui from Los Angeles), we were able to book our ground transfers and day room at the Radisson through Paul Gauguin. It was easier for us to let them arrange the details than to negotiate on our own. If you take the package, they are well aware of when you will be arriving and departing, so you won't miss your connections and will have peace of mind. The Radisson was their choice of hotel, and wouldn't have been ours, but you get transfer from the incoming flight to the ship; luncheon on board the day you leave; a tour if you wish; a day room for a few hours at the Radisson and transfer from there to the airport for about $160.00 per person. Consult your travel agent to book this.

[Silver Sweethearts]

We found it very handy to take an umbrella (found in your cabin closet - or ask your stewardess if you don't have one there) ashore no matter what the weather was like. It's good for protection from what can be wicked sun; to use as a walking stick on uneven streets and paths and, of course, shelter from expected and sometimes unexpected rain. We even used it on Motu Mahana, as the motu had plenty of chaises but no umbrellas.