Cook Islands and Society Islands June 15th, 2013

[AHB626]

Hi Fellow Cruisers,

My husband and I and another couple will be taking the 11 night cruise on Paul Gauguin which departs on June 15th, 2013. We are interested in arranging some private excursions with fellow passengers. We have never been to the South Pacific and would love to hear from fellow cruisers who have any suggestions about what not to miss on this trip. We are so looking forward to this vacation!!:)

[OKIslandGirl]

Hello! My husband and I will be on the cruise with you. We are also starting to look at possible excursions for the trip and have never been to French Polynesia before either.

[ALB0711]

My wife and I will also be on this cruise. This will be our first time on the PG. We were married in September and will be celebrating a delayed honeymoon.

 

So far I've got Teking booked in Atuaki and Christophe in Bora Bora. Tried to book a couple of ship tours earlier this week but PG told me to call back in 3-4 weeks when they've got the details of available excursions on our voyage.

 

I started a roll call a while back, looks like OakIslandgirl already found it. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=36891428#post36891428

[OKIslandGirl]

I called PG today and was able to pre-reserve excursions for this cruise. Thought I'd let you know it can be done as of today :)

[ALB0711]

Thanks for the heads up! Just pre-reserved a couple also. Learned that Mark Eddowes will be on our voyage - I reserved the Trail of Ancients excursion and Huahanie Safari.

[OKIslandGirl]

We got pre-reserved for the Trails of the Ancients also. Planning on doing the Dolphin Watching Expedition w/Dr. Poole, Pa "Son of Rarotonga", and the Bora Bora Off-Road Adventure through Paul Gaugin. We got reserved on the Teking Lagoon Cruise and Pure Snorkeling by Reef Discovery outside of PG. It's looking like a great trip to me :D

[ALB0711]

We are considering Pa's tour - will probably end up doing it as our one day in Rarotonga might be the only day we ever get there. The only tour I've heard often sells out early is Trails. Are you aware of any others?

[AHB626]

Are Teking and Christophe private tour companies not associated with Paul Gaugin?

I'm going to look into booking some of the tours that have been mentioned on this thread. Looks like you guys have done your homework! Thanks!

[OKIslandGirl]

Yes, Teking and Christophe are independent (outside) of Paul Gaugin. I haven't read which tours fill up, just picked what I think I want to do. I'm open to considering any others that are highly recommended, should you find something.

[ALB0711]

Here is Tekking's email - teking@aitutaki.net.ck

And Christophes - reefdiscovery@gmail.com

 

They'll give you prcing and tour descrptions.

 

We are sort of splitting our island visits between water based and land/cultural.

[AHB626]

Thanks so much. I was able to book the Teking Lagoon tour online and I have an email into Christophe at Reef Discovery. I was not able to book any excursions online through Paul Gaugin, but I spoke to our travel consultant at Paul Gaugin. He will book the excursions we want, but he said there is no payment required beforehand and you can change your mind anytime before the cruise. Let me know if you hear of any other worthwhile excursions, either private or through Paul Gaugin. Thanks again!

Annette

Wellington, Florida

[OKIslandGirl]

Hey, folks. PG on Facebook has been running a Sweetie to Tahiti offer which includes a $200 spa credit, chocolate, and flowers on any 2013 sailing. I called my travel agent and he was able to get this bonus added to my booking. Offer expires 2/16, I think.

[shrkdive1]

We're you able to get this special offer for your existing booking or just new bookings?

[OKIslandGirl]

It was added onto my existing booking.

[ALB0711]

OakIsland - Thanks for the tip. First round of drinks is on me! ;)

[OKIslandGirl]

You're welcome! Enjoy!

[Eliger]

Hey, folks. PG on Facebook has been running a Sweetie to Tahiti offer which includes a $200 spa credit, chocolate, and flowers on any 2013 sailing. I called my travel agent and he was able to get this bonus added to my booking. Offer expires 2/16, I think.

We are on the May 14th sailing and booked since October. Our TA called and PG rep said that we couldn't get the deal because we had received a large reduction in price in November. Did anyone get both a reduced price and this deal?

 

Gerry

[ALB0711]

No price reduction for me.

[AHB626]

I got a price reduction, but no chocolate or flowers! Booked our flights from Fort Lauderdale to LAX using frequent flyer miles. We will be staying in LA for a few days after the cruise as our two daughters live there. We are ready to go (except for the packing!):)

[lovetotravel68]

Ahh this is a bit annoying. I saw this promo when it came out and asked my TA about it but she said she couldn't apply it to my existing booking :(

 

Maybe she didn't bother asking PG??

[hrprof]

Well. what do you know? There are some folks taking this cruise! The roll call has been dead except for a few of us. We haven't gotten into excursions yet, but will soon. This will be our 3rd PG cruise and are looking forward to it.

[ALB0711]

Only 12 weeks until we sail. Time to start packing!

[hrprof]

Hey ALBO.

 

Let's not overlook our common anniversary date (a few years apart!)

[ALB0711]

Hey ALBO.

 

Let's not overlook our common anniversary date (a few years apart!)

 

Oh yes - we'll have to toast to that! We'll be doing the honeymooner ceremony on Bora Bora.

[kathy16]

Same response to my question to my TA- not applicable. Not a big deal, but it would have been nice to be included in the "sweetie to Tahiti" promotion.

Kathy