Help me rationalize Tahiti / Fr. Pol.!!!

[JRoeT]

Hello, all. For those of you have hauled it all the way to Tahiti / French Polynesia ---

 

I am trying to make a decision here - August of 2006 to French Polynesia on Princess? Or Bermuda?

 

I know this is apples to oranges, but I need to understand WHY there is no comparison (By the way, I already understand this in my HEAD, but I need to understand this in my HEART!!!)

 

I want to spend the ten days in Paradise. What, in your opinions, is the reason to fly 16 hours and pay more than double to do this in FP?

 

(Husband and I are in Boston.)

 

Help me rationalize this impending decision to do Tahiti and Cook Islands! Thanks in advance for your ideas!

[Toto2Kansas]

Everyone needs to see Tahiti at least once in their lifetime, it is beyond description in words, and even the pictures don't do it justice. Last October we visited for the 5th time to FP, once in 1993, twice in 2002, once in 2003 and this last time in 2004. I must say that it is loosing it's appeal to us after all of these trips and becoming far to commercialized for our tastes compared to our first visit.

Is it worth the flight down? Well, I would say yes it is. Compared to Bermuda, Tahiti is heaven and Bermuda...................well, let's just say it is much lower (we have also sailed to Bermuda). lol Compared to Hawaii, Tahiti wins hands down for beauty also.

 

One thing I would have to say is IF you plan to visit, don't wait, who knows what the next 5-10 years will bring to Tahiti. We saw it change so terribly much in the last 12 years, I really hate to see what the next 10 will bring to that beautiful, breathtaking heaven on earth. Who knows, what happened in Hawaii with commercialism may also hit French Polynesia in the not to distant future.

[calikak]

Small ships like the TP seem to be a dying breed and I want to sail one before they're extinct. That's one of the reasons we're going there next year! :) We also live very far from Florida so it's not that much further for us to go to Tahiti than it is to go to Florida (I know this is different than your situation). And everyone says the Caribbean is so crowded nowadays, with way too many ships in port at one time and lots of pushy vendors who won't take no for an answer...we prefer places that are a bit less discovered. We're also going to Hawaii because I've never been there and DH loves Hawaii.

[sunprincess]

Tahiti is worth every single second spent to get there.

My ultimate favorite is Moorea ;)

If you are looking for paradise this is it.

Bermuda is lovely, but, in my opinion, does not compare to Tahiti.

 

I do have some pictures to sway your decision:

 

http://community.webshots.com/user/sunprincess8

[Love Cruis'n]

Well I’ve never been to either destination, but after seeing those pictures, I’d call the kids and tell them that they would be inheriting a few dollars less – ‘Cause we’re Going to Tahiti :)

[sunprincess]

Well I’ve never been to either destination' date=' but after seeing those pictures, I’d call the kids and tell them that they would be inheriting a few dollars less – ‘Cause we’re Going to Tahiti :)[/quote']

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You will NOT be disappointed ;)

[Tahitian Princess]

I've never been to Bermuda, so it would be unfair for me to say, Tahiti is better. I have been to many other places in the world, Europe, Hawaii, many places in the U.S. and Canada. All I can say, is I've never been to a more beautiful place then Tahiti and Her Islands. I now have been there three times and hope to go back many more. I don't have the urge to go anywhere else, I guess it's because I finally have found my place. The colors of the lagoons are amazing, the islands themselves are beautiful and serene, the people are the nicest people, I have ever met and so very proud of their culture and the sunsets are brilliant colors of red, yellow and burnt orange. I know many people say that it is becoming so commercialized, compared to most places, I just don't feel that way. Yes, there are more resorts being built on several of the islands and I didn't see Tahiti, 20 years ago, but it's still very peaceful compared to most places in the Carribean. As Toto2Kansas said, "Everyone should see it once in their lifetime"

My favorite island is BoraBora, because of the colors of the lagoons, many shades of blues and greens. Although, I have to say, Raiatea, Huahine, and Moorea come pretty close to being my favorites too! I guarantee, if you take this trip, you won't be disappointed! Please, let us know what you decide!

[Deb in Cali]

I will be honest I haven't been to Bermuda but I did spend 18 days in Tahiti back in 1992. It is the most beautiful place on earth. As I waded in the water on the Island of Moorea there were tropical fish everywhere. It was surreal swimming in a tropical salt water aquarium.

 

The cruise is the very best way to go. You will get to visit the prime locations while eating the very best Tahiti has to offer. Food was outrageously expensive back then, so I would hate to see how high it is now. Almost all of their food is shipped in, so it is of poor quality when they get it and it is expensive for the freight. A head of broccoli was $8, carrots were $2 a pound and they were rubbery, not crunchy. A box of cereal was $ 7-8. A pound of hamburger for $4. :eek:

 

The one thing that is extremely cheap to eat was their bread. It was a long thin bagette that cost about 25 cents a loaf. It was difficult to make sanwiches with it, but we managed. :p

 

We met an American couple that was staying at one of the more expensive hotel in Faaa which is located close to the airport. They were paying $60 for lunch at the hotel for hamburgers.

 

Back then the resturants closed by dinner time. One night we tried to find an open resturant for dinner. After trying for close to two hours we gave up adn went back to the house for sandwiches.

 

Deb

[Toto2Kansas]

Deb-Prices have really changed since the early 90's, we were absolutely shocked in October. :eek:

[laurieb]

we have been to the Caribbean 3 times and Tahiti twice, never to Bermuda. As beautiful as the Caribbean is, it doesn't even come close to FP. the water is so much warmer and clearer, not as many people, and no poverty. The people for the most part are very friendly, not pushy to sell you stuff. we are heading back to FP in 2007. Pictures really don't do it justice. It is well worth the expense!

[MikeDMess]

Tahiti blows away Bermuda. It is worth the long flight from LAX. I am used to being on large ships and enjoyed the Tahitian Princess. Make sure you get a balcony. It is the best cruise we did.

[nancycoop1]

We have been to Bermuda, Hawaii and many times to the Caribbean. I thought the Caribbean was paradise until I went to Tahiti. It is unbelievably beautiful and many of the islands are still very unpopulated. The snorkeling is magnificent and the people are wonderful.

 

We were on the Tahitian Princess, which we very much enjoyed as it is a much smaller ship than the other Princess ships. The staff was wonderful.

 

I wasn't too excited about Tahiti before we went - but I have to admit it was a totally awesome experience. Tahiti is by far the best - definitely go there!!!

[cflutist]

Maybe looking at some of our pictures from our Tahiti/Cook Islands cruise in April 2004 will sway you. Link to them can be found in my signature.

[TheParrotHeads]

Lauren and I are trying hard to decide a destination for our honeymoon. We really want to try the tahitian islands, being the beach seekers we are. However, we are apprehensive. We have many different options as well. Money is not a major concern with this trip so we're blessed with that regard. Though, we are concerned that our age, 24 at the time, will limit our appreciation of what the islands have to offer. I guess that is the problem--what they have to offer. I love the beach, I love the water, and nothing more than having a good book and a mixed drink in my hand. But what do you do after 7pm when dinner is over? What do you do when that 5th day comes around and you have visited all of the island, swam with dolphins, and snorkeled everywhere?

 

Aside from the things most people do on their honeymoon's to be preoccupied ;) , I am affraid there just won't be enough activities to keep us satisfied. I mean one must only be able to sit with nothing to do for so long right? I guess having done cruises or resort destinations (i.e.,Disnyworld, Miami, Mexico) I am accustomed to having choices. I too am looking for a little help--insight--into what those more experienced would have to say about this :confused: We like Hawaii because there is an option for nightlife or a little city feel if you choose that. We like the Four Seasons in Nevis or Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman because there are choices to visit surrounding areas and other hotels/restaurants to frequent. Our initial plan was to stay in Honolulu for five nights, then board the Pride of America for 7 nights and circle Hawaii. Heck even an African Safari and a trip to Mauritius entered into our minds. :p I guess I'm thinking out loud and looking for help with this big responsibility that has been placed in my hands. :)

[travelgirl913]

Lauren and I are trying hard to decide a destination for our honeymoon. We really want to try the tahitian islands, being the beach seekers we are. However, we are apprehensive. We have many different options as well. Money is not a major concern with this trip so we're blessed with that regard. Though, we are concerned that our age, 24 at the time, will limit our appreciation of what the islands have to offer. I guess that is the problem--what they have to offer. I love the beach, I love the water, and nothing more than having a good book and a mixed drink in my hand. But what do you do after 7pm when dinner is over? What do you do when that 5th day comes around and you have visited all of the island, swam with dolphins, and snorkeled everywhere?

 

Aside from the things most people do on their honeymoon's to be preoccupied ;) , I am affraid there just won't be enough activities to keep us satisfied. I mean one must only be able to sit with nothing to do for so long right? I guess having done cruises or resort destinations (i.e.,Disnyworld, Miami, Mexico) I am accustomed to having choices. I too am looking for a little help--insight--into what those more experienced would have to say about this :confused: We like Hawaii because there is an option for nightlife or a little city feel if you choose that. We like the Four Seasons in Nevis or Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman because there are choices to visit surrounding areas and other hotels/restaurants to frequent. Our initial plan was to stay in Honolulu for five nights, then board the Pride of America for 7 nights and circle Hawaii. Heck even an African Safari and a trip to Mauritius entered into our minds. :p I guess I'm thinking out loud and looking for help with this big responsibility that has been placed in my hands. :)

 

I think you will be fine since you enjoyed Nevis. My husband and I went there last year and found the evenings a little boring after dinner.

 

I am 30 and my husband and I are sailing the Tahitian Princess this August for our 7th anniversary. We had the same concerns as you at first. Then we started researching the amazing excursions that can be done here like swimming with sharks, renting a private boat to explore the motus & beaches, private motu picnic in the water, drift snorkel through the passage and we just had to go.

 

I would suggest taking the late dinner which won't be over until 10:30pm then if you meet some other couples onboard maybe you can go for drinks or go to the casino until the wee hours. We also figured we would be a bit exhausted from getting up early everyday and being so active in the water. Also since you have the budget I suggest you stay in an overwater bungalow a few nights first. I have booked them for tons of honeymoon couples, being completley envious of them :-) , so we are staying at the Sheraton in Moorea 3 nights first.

 

Good Luck choosing!!

 

Judith

[TheParrotHeads]

I think you will be fine since you enjoyed Nevis. My husband and I went there last year and found the evenings a little boring after dinner.

 

I am 30 and my husband and I are sailing the Tahitian Princess this August for our 7th anniversary. We had the same concerns as you at first. Then we started researching the amazing excursions that can be done here like swimming with sharks, renting a private boat to explore the motus & beaches, private motu picnic in the water, drift snorkel through the passage and we just had to go.

 

I would suggest taking the late dinner which won't be over until 10:30pm then if you meet some other couples onboard maybe you can go for drinks or go to the casino until the wee hours. We also figured we would be a bit exhausted from getting up early everyday and being so active in the water. Also since you have the budget I suggest you stay in an overwater bungalow a few nights first. I have booked them for tons of honeymoon couples, being completley envious of them :-) , so we are staying at the Sheraton in Moorea 3 nights first.

 

Good Luck choosing!!

 

Judith

 

Thank you Judith for the comments. We have not stayed at the Four Seasons Nevis (though wish we have :) ). It was an option as was the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman rather than doing Tahiti. We have not even considered the Tahitian Cruise, but rather I was thinking of spending all 7 days on land. Sorry, if that was confusing, I was referencing a land vacation and not a cruise there. I think you have sparked a good idea though and something I will have to look into. Maybe a few days in Bora Bora/Morea then onto the cruise.

[travelgirl913]

Thank you Judith for the comments. We have not stayed at the Four Seasons Nevis (though wish we have :) ). It was an option as was the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman rather than doing Tahiti. We have not even considered the Tahitian Cruise, but rather I was thinking of spending all 7 days on land. Sorry, if that was confusing, I was referencing a land vacation and not a cruise there. I think you have sparked a good idea though and something I will have to look into. Maybe a few days in Bora Bora/Morea then onto the cruise.

 

If you have two weeks you could do that easily since the cruise is 10 days long. Food is very expensive there so the cruise is a very good deal. Less expensive than some Caribbean cruises I have taken. Moorea is only a 30 minute ferry ride from Papeete where the ship leaves from and we chose the premium overwater bungalow at the Sheraton becuase it is to have the best snorkeling on the island. You could always fly to Bora Bora to pre-cruise there. Just to let you know the overwater bungalows there are almost double in price than Moorea and you would have to pay for a flight there as well vs a $11 ferry ride. The ship does spend two days on Bora Bora though.

 

Congratulations on your wedding!! Let us all know what you decide.

[pugsbest]

I was in Tahiti and Moorea as a teenager in 1980. I have since traveled all over Europe, Australia, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, etc. As far as I am concerned, nothing can compare to French Polynesia. I am sooooo excited to finally be able to go back and not only see Tahiti and Moorea again, but to experience the other islands and the Cook Islands as well!

 

Julie

[kryos]

Everyone needs to see Tahiti at least once in their lifetime, it is beyond description in words, and even the pictures don't do it justice.

Of course, this is not gonna work for a lot of people with limited vacation time ... but I figured a way around the long flight! :)

 

I'm doing a HAL voyage, circle San Diego, Hawaii AND the South Pacific. Of course, it's 30-days ... but I'll bet it's not much more expensive than the Princess itinerary that requires the cost of the long flights, as well as possibly the expense of a pre or post-night stay.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[CAPinBoynton]

JRoeT,

 

If you want something to convince you that Tahiti is as close to paradise as you can come, take a look at www.thepreismans.com Here's a sample:

 

[iluvcruzin]

Tahiti is one of the places on my list of "I wanna go there". I just recently read Toto's review and it sounds like a wonderful place to go.

 

Julie - I was wondering what was up with the Group Cruise for Tahiti and no postings yet. When will prices be posted? I was thinking of May 2006 but if the rates are good I may consider August. Summer's not my favorite cruising time but would be flexible if it's a good deal.

[land lover]

I suggest going to Africa and doing that Safari........at 24 and no children( I'm guessing) Tahiti waters will always be there....but your free spirit and limited responsibility will not...........:D

[tiffnco]

We like the Four Seasons in Nevis or Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman because there are choices to visit surrounding areas and other hotels/restaurants to frequent.

 

:rolleyes: Ah, Nevis! That's where we went on our Honeymoon. The Four Seasons was amazing...and you can purchase a meal plan (at least you could 7 years ago!) And the funny thing is (for this thread at least!) my husband proposed in Tahiti (Moorea to be exact!)

 

And Maureen, the prices are posted for the group cruise...and I think it's quite a good deal. DH and I are currently booked on an Oceania Med. cruise for next July but may switch over and go revisit FP.

[llund]

I have not been to Bermuda but went to Tahiti for our 25th wedding anniversay, on the Paul Gaugin. Princess was not yet going there. I really don't know if anything could be as beautiful as Tahiti. I have been to the Carribbean islands several times, Bahama and Hawaii and none of those compare to the waters and beauty of Tahiti. It is a special place. You should go their once in your life. We live in L.A. so only had to get there from Los Angeles, not Boston. Air Tahiti Nui was a long, uncomfortable flight, but the beauty of the Poleynesian Islands made it worthwhile.

[iluvcruzin]

Thanks Tiffinco. I must have overlooked it as I only saw 2 postings. Thanks - I'm going to check into it.