5/23/12-Embarkation

[D-ma]

This morning was was beautiful. We spent the day lounging around the pool. Pg picked us up at 2:45 in a nice bus. It took around 25 minutes to get to Papeete. I was disappointed in the city. I found it more industrialized than I thought it would be. It did not fit my imagine of FP.

 

The embarkation process was the best that I have experienced. We were handed a cool cloth then had our pictures taken on the pier. Once on board we received a glass of champagne and were escorted to deck 5/grand salon to hand in our passports for the length of the cruise. This process took 10 minutes. We were then escorted to our cabin.

 

My impressions of the ship are all positive. I love the refurbishing. Everything looks fresh and modern. The colors, fabrics and carpet were all first rate. All the public rooms were kept spotless and all the chrome (even the stair rails) sparkled.

 

I had reservations about the cabin size when I booked it. This is the smallest cabin that I stayed in. We were in a C category deck 7. I was pleasantly surprised. The cabins were beautiful and they were adequate for 2 people. The only place that I feel they lacked square footage was at the foot of the bed. There was plenty of closet space and drawer space. The bathroom was nice with a lot of storage. The fridge is stocked with your choice of beer, water and sodas. We had fruit everyday.

 

I have to discuss the bed. It was the best bed that I have slept in when I have been on vacation. I will guarantee you that you will sleep like a baby and you will never wake up with a sore back from a bad mattress. That bed gets 5 stars.

 

Not many people were on board at this time because the majority were flying in that evening. We had a good dinner at La Veranda.

 

Note: This evening on the way to Huahine the boat really rocked. It woke me up. If there are storms the boat rocks and if you are prone to motion sickness you will need your medicine. I took medicine 3 nights.

 

Next Huahine.

[Tikiintahiti]

I would agree, this is a trade off of the smaller ship experience. I too needed a bit of medicine, almost lost it the first night.

 

As you experienced the embarkation was flawless for us as well.

 

I agree, the mattress was incredible ........

[lithlith]

I would agree, this is a trade off of the smaller ship experience. I too needed a bit of medicine, almost lost it the first night.

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What do you take for the motion sickness and when do you start/stop taking it?

[rcandkc]

Although we did feel the movement more, we had no need for meds. We came prepared with bonine and Dramamine and did not need it. It is very by person situation.

[Tikiintahiti]

The ship will give you free meds for motion sickness. If you use the patch you might not want to drink. Free booze on ship and you can't drink, might want to bypass the patch and use the ship's meds.

[Familygoboston]

DMa - Enjoying your detailed review! Will you post each day as a seperate thread? I just want to make sure I dont miss any!

 

Tiki, I love your priorities! :p

 

I'm hoping for smoother sailing on a 7 night...seems she was built for that!;)

[Tikiintahiti]

I was on the 11 night Cook Island run and yes it was a bit more to and fro between the Society Islands and Aitutaki. I already had meds then so it wasn't a big deal. I got sick first night as we headed over to Huahine from PPT .........

[mllcal]

I put on a patch for our trip over to Rangiroa and Fakarava. No problems of dry mouth and no seasickness. Slept like a baby. Everyone is different, but it worked for me.

[Emdee]

Family I too once had a bit of discomfort first night out of Papeete. Cannot remember which cruise. However, was never sure whether it was the waves or my allergy to fresh tuna. They used to have the seared tuna on day 1 and I decided to 'test' my allergy!