?'s about P.G. cruise and post or pre lodging, 2 week sale

[Tikiintahiti]

I would agree about having a good TA to some degree. For the first timer I can't stress the importance of having a good TA. However, I always take advice from a TA with a grain of salt. Remember a TA makes money off of what they recommend. Are they going to recommend a cheap hotel or an expensive one?

 

Just for the record if you go check out several of the other travel forums for French Polynesia the "experts" are TA's, own travel companies or have rental property on the islands. Not anywhere is this disclosed. That isn't to say they don't share valuable information but I have found that in many cases they give advice that is ............ ah ... expensive.

 

I am a real estate Broker by trade, I have no connection with the travel industry. My advice is not compromised and typically I give suggestions that will enable the traveler to get the best "bang for the buck".

 

My suggestions are based on first hand information. Much of what I know is because I've gone out of my way to educate myself so I'm able to share first hand information. Much of the fun for me is taking time to visit the places I give advice on. As an example on my last trip I circled the islands by car with a video camera looking forward the whole time. I will soon upload video so everyone can take a virtual tour of the islands taken as if your driving around yourself.

 

As you have noticed many of the links I give are PDF files made by me of the topic. I have a whole library of PDF files I've personally made. I do this so you will know I have first hand knowledge of what I'm sharing.

 

Are there some TA's that might know a bit more than I do about FP? Well of course ........ but I can say 100% of my suggestions come with no hidden agendas or with the possibility of personal gain.

[Tattoo boy]

Sorry I got your nickers in a twist.All I wanted to do is give a newbie

some direction.

This discussion is closed.

[Tikiintahiti]

You didn't get my nickers in a twist. That's what this board is all about, helping one another ;)

 

If I have a question about ths ship I'll know who to ask :)

[Dunner]

I appreciate all suggestions from everyone! Just in one day I learned it is important to have a great T.A., you don't have to use one in your city it can be anywhere and that you have to pick your agent carefully so you pick one that has your best interest in mind. All of these points are most helpful. Tiki and Tatoo boy---mentioned that I could email you directly if need be. My email is dunne99@yahoo.com--can you email me your address? Keep all suggestions coming--I still have a couple pages left in my book-Ha! My husband says I'm becoming addicted to F.P.---It is so beautiful, it looks like heaven!

[Tikiintahiti]

I emailed you ;)

 

Dunner,

 

Questions about the PG send to Tattoo as he has more PG trips than I. Questions about the islands themselves, off ship tours, resorts, flights, ferry, restaurants ............ feel free to send to me as well as others.

[Kwanzachristmas]

Reading the last few posts is like reverting to kindergarten and arguing over whose house is bigger or whose toys are nicer. The argument over who has the most trips to FP or is the expert is actually disgusting.

 

Sorry Tiki but you need to grow up.

[Tikiintahiti]

Lets see, Tiki did what? Oh yeah gave the winky eye when he said 18 trips as in jousting in fun .......

 

Oh, and did I say Tattoo has more experience than I in regards to the PG? Yup

 

Did I encourage Dunner to contact Tattoo Boy? Yup

 

I even went so far as to say, "If I have a question about the ship I'll know who to ask :)" in reference to Tattoo Boy

 

I will say this KwanzaChristmas. You have only made 4 post on PG threads. All 4 post have singled me out. I won't say anything negative about you as that isn't in the gist of this forum.

 

Enough said

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Reading the last few posts is like reverting to kindergarten and arguing over whose house is bigger or whose toys are nicer. The argument over who has the most trips to FP or is the expert is actually disgusting.

 

I agree with you. I was going to post but have been travelling.

[MotuIslander]

Tiki,

I am sure Motu will agree with me that a good TA can be a god send.

 

Of course, I DO agree. I think that a good TA is worth their weight in gold and I have always ended up better off than when I tried to make my own arrangements. Of course, I only have six trips on the Paul Gauguin. ;)

[Emdee]

And soon to be 7......

 

You have a way of catching up with me don't you !

 

Two months for you to return... Enjoy, Motu!

[Tikiintahiti]

There are a number of of travelers that use a TA & like having the details handled by a professional, however ........ there are a bunch of travelers that find that half the fun is making their own arrangements. That's me ..............

 

I always tell a newbie to FP to use a TA for their first few trips .......

[cmdubois]

Just wanted to mention that we did all of our own research, but ended up using Cruise Compete to get the best rate for our PG cruise. While almost all bids came back with the same rate, we did have 1 company that offered a $1,125 OBC. Hard to argue with that. We continue to do all of our own research and book our excursions, but I don't see any issue in using the TA to get some credit to help the price point

[Emdee]

We do all the research on our trips that is why we tend to work on and book trips over a year or two in advance.

 

However, IMO, the services of a good TA who specializes in certain areas is invaluable. I have used separate specialists for East Africa as opposed to South africa, Vietnam , Peru etc. Each TA has been able to give me access to information and bookings that are not available to me if I just surf the net. A lot of bookings in hotels and resorts are tied to specialists and these specialists give you access to deals, credits and freebies not seen otherwise. In short dont try to book an Orient Express Hotel with a Four Seasons Specialist!

[Dunner]

Not sure if you are allowed to give advice on travel insurance on this site or not, but if you are I would love everyone's opinion. First off, I have never purchased insurance. I feel after all the times I have travelled and not bought it, if I lost the money for one trip I would still be ahead. This trip is another story-- I have never gone on such an expensive trip so I feel I should have it this time. Have to say I was shocked on the price. Mom and uncle are in their mid 80's so who knows?? Would you think we would miss out if we didn't take a balcony? Stayed inside cabin on Carnival-no problem, then went to a balcony-great--do I want to go back to an inside room -not really--but just wondering your thoughts??

 

Thanks again for T.A. advice!

[Emdee]

Hi Dunner,

 

If you check with repeaters most of them book on deck 4.

Its well located and has a nice window. I was able to see the deck 3 port hole cabins a couple of years ago and the entire cabin is the same except the window portion has 2 portholes instead of the window.

 

I also like the window cabins because of the location very convenient to the pursers desk etc.

 

Last year for the first time ever I was upgraded to a balcony on deck 8. Loved it so much that for next year I am splurging and taking a B suite. We are three of us so the space will be nice.

 

We also started in an inside but once we went to a balcony there was no looking back. However the exception has been the PG where as a family we are more than content with the 4th deck.

 

The ship is so small that the whole ship can be your balcony.

 

Regarding the price ... if you add up all the costs that you would normally pay for but are included on this trip especially comparing it to a resort the ship is very good value.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I absolutely agree with Emdee, you don't need a balcony on the Paul Gauguin. We too were upgraded once to a B on deck 8, and it was lovely, but will go back to our lowly E on deck 4 next year. I've always thought the price differential for a balcony was indeed shocking--I'd rather save my money for another cruise (although I usually insist on a balcony on other ships.)

[MotuIslander]

No need to repeat what Emdee and Wendy have so eloquently stated; except to say that I agree on all counts.

 

We are coming up on our 7th sailing and all have been deck 4 except one upgrade (actually, who knows what will happen on #7, we still have 60 days to be upgraded to the Owner's Suite :D ). I would MUCH rather sail twice on Deck 4 than once in the 'high rent district."

[Tikiintahiti]

Deck 3 is just fine. big window. Even deck 3 with the port holes is fine. One of the nice things about being on the low side is there isn't any waiting in the tender line ............ your there ;)

 

Last year 2 weeks prior to our trip we did get a real bargin at deck 7 so we took it but even with the great price we thought we could of used the money on other things we would of enjoyed.

 

As MotuIslander mentioned, I too would rather have 2 trips to paradise on deck 3 or 4 than just one trip up in the clouds.

[Dunner]

If seasoned cruisers are saying the window as well as the porthole are fine ( on this ship), then I will rethink the balcony. It will sure reduce the price! I just thought it would be nice to sit out on the balcony in my robe without having to fluff. Maybe we could organize a robe party on a deck-ha! If it is a once in a lifetime trip maybe I should go for it ,but if I don't maybe it won't have to be a once in a lifetime trip!!

 

Emdee and Lounge Lizard 61 I will be in touch tomorrow evening

RE: excursions L.L 61--I think you were the one I said I would get back to tomorrow--I'm signing off for the night and will check through my numerous emails to make sure it was you I was suppose to get back to. Things are actually coming together--ya hoo!

[Benita]

Not sure if you are allowed to give advice on travel insurance on this site or not, but if you are I would love everyone's opinion. First off, I have never purchased insurance. I feel after all the times I have travelled and not bought it, if I lost the money for one trip I would still be ahead. This trip is another story-- I have never gone on such an expensive trip so I feel I should have it this time. Have to say I was shocked on the price. Mom and uncle are in their mid 80's so who knows?? Would you think we would miss out if we didn't take a balcony? Stayed inside cabin on Carnival-no problem, then went to a balcony-great--do I want to go back to an inside room -not really--but just wondering your thoughts??

 

Thanks again for T.A. advice!

 

You may want to rethink the decision not to buy travel insurance. At the very least, buy some type of medical evacuation insurance - it would probably be more than $100,000 to air evacuate you back to Canada. Medicare will not cover you mother and uncle out of the country ( I don't know what the Canadian equivalent is, but that might not cover them as well). There is a website called http://www.insuremytrip.com where you can compare rates - I think they cover Canadians as well as US citizens. If you just want the evacuation and medical insurance, you can put the trip cost at only a dollar. You will lose the money for the trip if you cancel, but if you get sick or need evacuation you will have the coverage very cheaply.

Just my 2 cents

[Tikiintahiti]

Actually they do have a hall introduction night where you mix with the cabins around you as they come by and pour the wine. If you want to waer your PJ's go right ahead :eek:

[twin123185]

I agree with everyone! I personally like the porthole rooms the best - mostly for getting on and off the ship. love the ledge! I got upgraded on my next cruise - hope I don't miss that ledge too much. I hate paying for insurance but the medical evac thing to me if worht the cost.

[Dunner]

Thanks for the tips!

[Capri73]

Another side of the coin.I would only take a balcony.It gives you private time to sit outside and watching the beautiful sites.If this is a one time deal I say if you can afford it go for it.

[MotuIslander]

I would say, take the window and go again next year! :D

 

Once you have the FP flu, it WON'T be a once in a lifetime.