Where does ship depart from in Tahiti?

[merryecho]

Going on 7 day Tahiti-Tahiti cruise and arriving a day early. Planning to stay at Le Meridien because I have points there.

A. Anyone know if this is remotely near where the Paul Gauguin departs?

B. Will a cab be able to find the port easily?

C. If this is difficult, I will just book the Intercontinental, but I understand they don't allow early check in, which would be a bummer.

D. Any other advice for us?

Thanks- getting excited

[Benita]

Hi - how are you? Glad to see you are still traveling. We stayed at Le Meridien, using points as well, before our PG cruise in May. It was lovely. There is a really good burger place and Italian restaurant right next to the hotel, as well as a grocery store - we picked up fresh pastries and juice and avoided the $40 hotel breakfast. We were there for three nights and went into town one day - took the local bus for $3 each, instead of the $30 cab ride. The pier is right in downtown Papeete, across the street from the stores.We did take a taxi to the pier - it is docked right next to the ferries - no problem finding the ship. The Intercontinental is a little closer, but the taxi fee is almost the same from there. We took the ferry to Moorea and stayed there for 4 nights before taking the ferry back to Papeete. It was about 20 feet from the ferry dock to the PG.

[merryecho]

Thanks Benita! Was just talking about the charge of the light brigade visit with son in law- good to see you here too. Did you like this ship/cruise? Great rate for last minute trip, so taking daughter

[Benita]

We loved the cruise. We took the two week itinerary, so went to the Marquessas as well. The ship is in good shape, the food good (although not as good as on Oceania) and the activities fun. We took a snorkeling trip with Reef Discovery (Christophe's tour) in Bora Bora and a 4 wheel drive tour, as well as Dr Poole's dolphin watch in Moorea.

That Black Sea cruise was great- still remember the art museum tour in the dark.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Papeete isn't that large, and all the cabbies know where the dock is, no worries. Le Meridien is a little further away from the dock, but that shouldn't be a problem at all getting there.