10 day Society Islands and Tuamotus Review

[Emdee]

Clairesmom - I was also blown away by the Blue Lagoon - the beauty and isolation are what makes it a special place. I hope to go there in January.

 

Ato too is very happy with receiving business from CC people. Life is hard in the Tuamotus and I feel he really loves his home.

 

My hope is that I will be able to see the Rangiroa blue Lagoon and the Pink Sands in Fakarava sometime.

[Familygoboston]

Hi Clairesmom

 

great to meet you both. - I am enjoying reading your wonderful review, thank you for taking the time to post all your photos and letting us share and enjoy the experience. The cruise was fantastic, wasn't it? We had such a great time. I would be back on the PG right now if I could!

I think your review of the Jul 11th cruise is much better than mine.... (it's still in draft form in my head....)., but will make time to write a few words soon, - you have made me feel guilty that I haven't written yet.:o

Tess

Oh Tess, please do! We are enjoying Claire'sMoms review and your thoughts and experiences might be different! Some of us can't have too many reviews;)

Clairesmom - I was also blown away by the Blue Lagoon - the beauty and isolation are what makes it a special place. I hope to go there in January.

 

Ato too is very happy with receiving business from CC people. Life is hard in the Tuamotus and I feel he really loves his home.

 

My hope is that I will be able to see the Rangiroa blue Lagoon and the Pink Sands in Fakarava sometime.

We will not get there on our 7 night, but I'm wondering if you or anyone else knows if there is any tourist infrastructure ( even a guest house) to stay for a few days. It sounds like a perfect place to unwind a few days while traveling between the US and Australia. Next time I will not make that trip from the east coast of the USA all at once! I will find some out of the way places and extend it to nearly a week in each direction.

Thanks Clairesmom...glad the sun finally came out, .loving the pictures!

[Emdee]

Family,

If you are thinking of the 2014 trip then do think about the b2b. I am inclined to do it myself especially if we go to islands that are different. Aitutaki is breathtaking. We can ask for 1 day only in Moorea and that will give us a chance to do Fakarava on the way in. You can chill on the Pg better than at any hotel!

 

There are small hotels and guest houses. You should look for the ones near the Pink sands area in Fakarava - very primitive but the Napoleon Wrasse will swim into your arms!

[avalong]

Hi Clairesmom-

 

I was on that excursion with you. I agree it was a very special day indeed. Your pictures are better than ours! :p

[clairesmom]

A local dance troupe from Fakarava performed on the pool deck right before sail away. it was mostly kids, and it was a cool way to say good bye to this little gem in the middle of the Pacific!

 

Day 8 (Sea Day) - Both my husband and I utilized this day to fully relax from morning on. Starting with breakfast in Le Grille, we immediately moved to a pool deck lounge chair where we stayed the entire afternoon. It was really relaxing, and I was so thankful for my kindle. We did find out that we would be circumnavigating the island of Tetiaroa, Marlon Brando’s island, and it was a super cool experience. They (I assume the Pacific Beachcomber Company) had a plane filming it with the m/s Paul Gauguin next to it, full flags flying, The Gauguines serenading us with music. The island is gorgeous and I would have to assume that the future resort will be amazing. The other piece of good news that we received was that we would be arriving in Moorea at 3pm and tender service would start at 3:30! I love sea days but I came to French Polynesia again for the islands. 10 years ago, I fell in LOVE with the beauty of Moorea and I was so excited to see it again.

 

 

DSC_0368 by bundykim, on Flickr

Flags flying high

 

DSC_0369 by bundykim, on Flickr

 

DSC_0367 by bundykim, on Flickr

Tetiaroa

 

 

We caught the second tender over, and I think we caught them by surprise and the dock was virtually empty. A few vans from the local pearl stores were there waiting to shuttle us to their stores, and we caught one of those to do a bit of shopping. There are a few nice pearl stores, and a handful of souvenir stores. Even though Moorea is large for French Polynesia standards, there is not a lot going on after 5 or 6 and we went back to the ship to get ready for dinner.

 

 

DSC_0389 by bundykim, on Flickr

 

DSC_0394 by bundykim, on Flickr

 

DSC_0399 by bundykim, on Flickr

[clairesmom]

Tess,

It was so great to meet both you and Roger. You two were so great, and guaranteed a good laugh! I loved this trip as well, and would go back in a heartbeat...unfortunately reality has set back in, and I'm trying desperately to remember details and get them down before they are forgotten. I am looking forward to your review!

 

Avalong, it was such an amazing day! So glad you were able to join us!

 

Kim

[Cruisedreamer1]

We were assigned to this cabin and the water swishes at 4 am and and at 4pm. When we requested a change due to this problem they acted as if it was not happening and when we invited them to experience it they found us another cabin! At 1st, we were told since we had our daughter with us there might not be another cabin for 3 available. it was so funny, since in the end they moved us across the hall and then moved the sofa bed along with our luggage!.

[clairesmom]

We had a fabulous dinner again in the main dining room where I had told my husband that I was missing the kids and actually getting ready to go home in a few days. This was bad luck I think because I woke up at 10:45pm that night and the first thought I had was “Am I seasick?” We were anchored, so this was not the case, but that was the beginning of 36 hours of the stomach flu for me. I continued to throw up and be miserable for the night and entire next day. I was so thankful that I got to see Moorea a bit the previous day! We had an ATV tour booked from atvmoorea.com that day, so my husband went onshore to see if he would be able to postpone it until the following day. Unfortunately they were booked, so he participated in the tour by himself. He loved it and would recommend it to anyone. They went up to multiple viewing points, and went inside the crater. They saw pineapple fields, citrus and avocado trees, and everything else in between. When he returned, it was Polynesian night. I had showered and attempted to sit with him for dinner, but as soon as my soup that I ordered came I had to leave. Very disappointing, and the Maine lobster tail stuffed with shrimp and scallops, topped with a vanilla sauce is still on my list of things that I need to try. Maybe a future trip on the PG is in store? We shall see. I hear so much of this French Polynesia Flu that goes around on these boards...I seem to have caught a different form! Ha! Ironically, 10 years ago when we were in FP for our honeymoon I got the same thing and was sick for almost half of our trip. I don’t know what is going on in Moorea, but it doesn’t agree with me!

[avalong]

We had a fabulous dinner again in the main dining room where I had told my husband that I was missing the kids and actually getting ready to go home in a few days. This was bad luck I think because I woke up at 10:45pm that night and the first thought I had was “Am I seasick?” We were anchored, so this was not the case, but that was the beginning of 36 hours of the stomach flu for me. I continued to throw up and be miserable for the night and entire next day. I was so thankful that I got to see Moorea a bit the previous day! We had an ATV tour booked from atvmoorea.com that day, so my husband went onshore to see if he would be able to postpone it until the following day. Unfortunately they were booked, so he participated in the tour by himself. He loved it and would recommend it to anyone. They went up to multiple viewing points, and went inside the crater. They saw pineapple fields, citrus and avocado trees, and everything else in between. When he returned, it was Polynesian night. I had showered and attempted to sit with him for dinner, but as soon as my soup that I ordered came I had to leave. Very disappointing, and the Maine lobster tail stuffed with shrimp and scallops, topped with a vanilla sauce is still on my list of things that I need to try. Maybe a future trip on the PG is in store? We shall see. I hear so much of this French Polynesia Flu that goes around on these boards...I seem to have caught a different form! Ha! Ironically, 10 years ago when we were in FP for our honeymoon I got the same thing and was sick for almost half of our trip. I don’t know what is going on in Moorea, but it doesn’t agree with me!

 

OMG, Kim, the exact same thing happened to me. I would suspect something we both ate on Fakarava, but neither my husband nor yours were sick, so that can't be it. We should form a "sick on Moorea day" support group!

[Trend]

We were assigned to this cabin and the water swishes at 4 am and and at 4pm. When we requested a change due to this problem they acted as if it was not happening and when we invited them to experience it they found us another cabin! At 1st, we were told since we had our daughter with us there might not be another cabin for 3 available. it was so funny, since in the end they moved us across the hall and then moved the sofa bed along with our luggage!.

 

What your room number is as we were told this is a problem in 426 and are booked into this room.

I sent my TA a request to move and hope she gets somewhere with P&G

[clairesmom]

OMG, Kim, the exact same thing happened to me. I would suspect something we both ate on Fakarava, but neither my husband nor yours were sick, so that can't be it. We should form a "sick on Moorea day" support group!

 

Omg! My husband actually DID get sick, just delayed. He came down with it the night before we disembarked at dinner, but was feeling better faster than I was. I wonder if it WAS Fakarava? Misery loves company and I'm glad I wasn't the only one!

[coldweathergirl]

I just wanted to say thank you for your great review and pictures. We have to wait until November to get back on board PG. I'm looking forward to our trip all the more now.

[dontdiwundrin]

Kim,

Thank you, we enjoyed meeting you too. Your review and photos are fantastic. I've just posted a few paragraphs of my impressions of the cruise. (My photos aren't up to your standard). I'll try and recall what happened every day, have to do it now before my memory fails me!!!! (Oh wait, I kept the daily schedule - that helps.....).

 

Tess

[clairesmom]

Day 10 (Moorea) I woke up and felt much better, and my sweet husband had booked a car rental through the shore excursion desk for us to do that wouldn’t be too strenuous. It was the last one, and for the $90 for an automatic car, it was a great deal for 4 hours. We took off right to the Belevedere for the photo op and beautiful scenery. On the way down we stopped at the agricultural school store where you can get fresh pineapple juice (which is more like a smoothie), local jams, and water. It’s a great stop and there’s some outdoor seating with amazing surroundings. The thing I love most about Moorea is the lush, green landscaping that surrounds then entire island. Absolutely gorgeous. We also stopped by the Pineapple Juice Factory and Distillery to get some Tahiti Drink and sample the juices and liquor. We both have fond memories of drinking Tahiti Drink (pineapple liquor and juices in a carton) 10 years prior on our honeymoon, and couldn’t imagine leaving without getting it one last time. We countinued our journey around the island and just took our time. We stopped at the lookout above the Sofitel (gorgeous) and stopped at Pinapoe Beach and had a drink and watched the rays swim just off shore in the bright blue lagoon. I would highly recommend renting a car in Moorea for anyone. It’s so easy to get around (there’s only one road!) and the ability to just stop and enjoy the scenery is priceless.

 

DSC_0414 by bundykim, on Flickr

 

DSC_0411 by bundykim, on Flickr

 

DSC_0418 by bundykim, on Flickr

 

DSC_0422 by bundykim, on Flickr

 

DSC_0433 by bundykim, on Flickr

Pineapple Juice at the Agricultural School

[clairesmom]

DSC_0441 by bundykim, on Flickr

The viewing point above the Sofitel with Tahiti in the background

 

DSC_0444 by bundykim, on Flickr

 

DSC_0460 by bundykim, on Flickr

Pinapoe Beach

 

DSC_0478 by bundykim, on Flickr

Stingray off the beach

 

DSC_0484 by bundykim, on Flickr

Intercontinental Moorea

[clairesmom]

Final Thoughts...

 

 

The ship is beautiful. I love the remodel, and the colors are gorgeous. Very subtle but modern, and still leaves the beautiful scenery in the forefront. It’s well kept, and the staff has done an incredible job at keeping it look beautiful every single day.

 

 

The staff is where this ship shines. Everyone was excellent. Our room stewardess Caroline was so sweet and helpful, the bar staff Jonathan, Elmo, Francisco, Ephren, etc. were standouts. Our waiter almost every single night, and most mornings, Roderick, was fantastic and I love him so much for getting me Vanilla Creme Brulee in the main dining room. Tania in the casino was lovely and made our nightly blackjack so much more fun, and Miki, the maitre D who knew we wanted a table for two with Roderick and Francisco, and would automatically know to come get us in the piano bar just by seeing us walk up.

 

 

The food was much better than I expected. The dinners were all excellent, and I tried many new foods that I enjoyed immensely. Kudos to the chef and his team! I had a conversation with him one night and he said that every single thing on the ship is made on site except english muffins and bagels. That is amazing, as the variety is so extensive, and everything is delicious. La Veranda was wonderful, and the seared Foie Gras over sashimi is a must have. Le Grille was wonderful and is a great option, but it’s probably a lot better on nights where the wind isn’t rocking the ship like crazy!

 

 

 

Embarkation/Disembarkation. I loved how fast and easy this was. We were literally on board and in our room within 10 minutes, and disembarkation is organized with no obnoxious announcements throughout the morning.

 

 

Entertainment. We did not go to a lot of the shows in the evening as we went to bed usually before 10pm most nights. Both of us were getting up early (5am) and were beat by the end of dinner (combined with pre-dinner cocktails and wine throughout dinner)! We did attend Cousteau’s Q and A session with Michael Shapiro, and he was fascinating. I was impressed with how well spoken he is! The Gauguines were a beautiful and unique presence, and I would have loved to see their Polynesian Show.

 

 

Fitness Room. This is a small room, but they have utilized the space. There are 3 treadmills, 2 ellipticals, a stair stepper, and 1 bikes, as well as some machines and free weights. There’s water and towels available as well. This was well used, but you could usually find a machine. Only one day was packed out of 10.

 

Dayroom. I had upgraded to go to the Intercontinental over the Radisson for $40 and it was well worth it. We opted out of the tour, and went straight over. The pool area is fabulous, and it's a great place to spend an afternoon. The room was decent, and the food was really good and reasonably priced from my expectations. The transfer over was really confusing, and with both of us feeling weak and not great, we opted to get a cab and for $15 we were at the airport about 30 minutes or more before the rest that took the transfer. If we were feeling ok, it would have been fine I'm sure.

 

IMG_1880 by bundykim, on Flickr

Intercontinental Tahiti

 

French Polynesia is truly amazing. The beauty that surrounds you at any given moment is mind blowing, and the people that live there all seem to be at peace. The staff on the PG take you in as family, and the entire trip seems so surreal. I can't imagine anyone leaving without having the desire to return one day, and that is exactly where we are at this time. Time seems to stand still and worries that we have at home are no longer important. It gives you the rare opportunity to enjoy your spouse, reconnect in paradise, and truly be pampered 100%. I left with only wonderful memories and dreams of bright blue lagoons...

[Familygoboston]

Thanks for your report! Your last statement is exactly why DH wanted this cruise over a European cruise;) I'm so glad you had a nice time, thanks for taking the time to review.

I do have a question for you...

After reading about Le Grille, I looked on the deck pans and didnt see it:confused: is it at La Pallette at night?

We also upgraded to the IC post cruise day room, based on the good advice here and I'm very happy it worked out for you.

[clairesmom]

Thanks for your report! Your last statement is exactly why DH wanted this cruise over a European cruise;) I'm so glad you had a nice time, thanks for taking the time to review.

I do have a question for you...

After reading about Le Grille, I looked on the deck pans and didnt see it:confused: is it at La Pallette at night?

We also upgraded to the IC post cruise day room, based on the good advice here and I'm very happy it worked out for you.

 

Le Grille is between the pool and La Palette. There are windows for protection, but it's open air. Breakfast is also served there (buffet only), and there's an afternoon tea with sandwiches and desserts.

[Emdee]

Family a good time to go to Le Grille is when its anchored. SO my suggestion is you book the moment you get in for the first night in Moorea or Bora Bora.

Otherwise if its windy ask for a protected central location . Tell Cesar or whoever runs it before so they know to keep you that table.

[Familygoboston]

Le Grille is between the pool and La Palette. There are windows for protection, but it's open air. Breakfast is also served there (buffet only), and there's an afternoon tea with sandwiches and desserts.

Thanks! I'll look at thos explains again. My eyes are getting bad;)

Family a good time to go to Le Grille is when its anchored. SO my suggestion is you book the moment you get in for the first night in Moorea or Bora Bora.

Otherwise if its windy ask for a protected central location . Tell Cesar or whoever runs it before so they know to keep you that table.

Great advice! Where are the dining staff when we embark? Are they at their appropriate restaurant? Or is there a reservation number to dial on the cabin phone? Thanks again for all this advice...you saved me the " live" part of " live and learn";)

[Emdee]

Before dinner go up to La Veranda and speak to the Maitre there - he will book both Le Grill and La Veranda. Otherwise you can try through reception. I prefer the personal touch as they get to meet you. Dont forget to say Hi to Ivan if he is back from hols.