Just back from the PG!

[poolechick]

We just returned from Paradise! This was our second trip on the Paul Gauguin. Our first was a 7 day Society Islands trip (November 2004), but this time we chose a 14 day cruise that included the Marquesas.

 

The trip to LA was decent. We stayed at the LAX Hilton, which looks rather shabby from the outside but is lovely on the inside. We stayed there before our last cruise and really like the place. They’ve updated the linens and the beds are quite comfy. They have a free shuttle service available and it’s quite convenient.

 

This cruise was exactly what we needed. I can't say enough good things about it, really. The captain and crew were even more friendly and accessible than before. Perhaps it's because they know they have 2 weeks with you instead of one, but we were VERY impressed this time. Captain Tony Mirkovic (we called him Captain Nice) was fantastic, as was Cruise Director Rani.

 

Our favorite island is Bora Bora. On the 1st Bora Bora day we did the jet boat excursion. This was the BEST EXCURSION EVER!!!! And I mean EVER! We had a slightly "older" crowd on board (10 passengers plus hubby and I), so the operators didn't go as fast as normal, but it was a blast. They stopped at a place with a zillion stingrays, then we moved to a coral garden which was amazing, and a final stop for swimming in about 3 feet of water where they served refreshments. I can't say enough good things about this excursion. Truly. The 2 guides were knowledgeable and attentive. We loved this trip!!!!!!! We spent the 2nd day on the Bora Bora motu and it was as beautiful as ever. No, Regent does not provide chairs and umbrellas and BBQ on this motu, but we adore this beach anyway. There are plenty of beverages as well as fruit and peanuts/chips provided.

 

I will mention that my hubby and I were most definitely among the youngest passengers on this trip. We are in our late 40’s. It was wonderful how tender and attentive the staff and crew were with the older passengers, some who were barely able to get around. Some were in wheelchairs or scooters and some were on walkers. The crew were very careful and patient with them. Impressive. My guess is that the crowd was “older” because of the 2 week cruise, instead of the single week cruise.

 

On Rangiroa we snorkeled the "aquarium" and loved it. The Regent info warns that the current is sometimes strong, but that was not the case at all. It was great.

 

We loved the At Sea Days. Lots of drinking and playing in the "wave pool" on the ship. How is it that I never got into the pool on my last trip aboard?

The seas were pretty choppy on the way to Fatu Hiva, but we were not sea sick. What a sight that island is! We were unable to get the tenders to Omoa safely so Captain Nice moved us to Hanavave. They brought handicrafts on board to sell and they finally got the tenders ashore for some shopping and sightseeing.

We did nothing at Hiva Oa or Ua Huka, which was just fine. More time for drinks in the pool!

We encountered a bit of rain on Nuku Hiva, but it did not cause much trouble with our 4x4 Taipivai Valley excursion. We are big fans of "Survivor" and we wanted to see the place. Had a great guide who was wonderful and gave us a nice tour.

We did have some spectacular storms at night while at sea, but none that caused much rocking and rolling. Just large lightening displays and they were kinda fun to watch.

Tahaa was great as always. Some rain, but only a couple of showers in the morning -- fine by afternoon.

We were desperately sad that they couldn't squeeze us onto the snorkeling excursion on Moorea. We LOVE to snorkel and we got too little of it on this trip. We knew there was no snorkeling in the Marquesas, but I guess we didn't realize how much we would miss it. I suppose we could have tried to organize something with a local once we got to the dock, but we just went shopping instead. Yes, Tahia Collins got our money again.

Everything was soooo smooth. Regent really ruins you for the trip home, cuz once you leave the ship it's back to the cruel world of traveling and no one -- NO ONE -- treats you as good. We were at the Radisson for a few hours before we departed. Nice enough place but we prefer the Beachcomber (or whatever it's called now). We just LOVE that sand bottom pool!!! We also chose to take a taxi to the airport a little earlier than the bus departures and we're glad we did. That airport can be a mad house and getting there early to avoid the lines is wonderful.

We really missed Hal Fraser. They have a woman named Amy Abler onboard and quite frankly --- she is lacking. No personality, mediocre piano playing and VERY weak voice. Ugh. Really bad. I made VERY good friends with the members of Siglo. What a riot these guys are!! And they loved having someone under 80 to play to. They adored us for requesting rock and roll tunes!

Great trip. Great ship. Great cruise line. The food was excellent (except for one night at Le Grill) -- and the service beyond compare. I so miss the cheese and port trolley. It was my friend for 14 days!

 

This was a beautiful vacation and it was sorely needed. The ship, the crew, the islands were all fantastic! We would probably not do the Marquesas again as we missed the snorkeling. We knew there was no snorkeling there, but we did not realize how much we would miss it. I think a B2B is in order next time, most likely.

 

Finally I must thank Helene and Neil, CruisinCats! Meeting you guys really made our trip. Thanks for the memories. We are very grateful for the new friendships.

[Cornus]

We're leaving from JFK this Friday for Tahiti and boarding the PG on Saturday for a 7 day cruise. Hope we have as good a time as you did!

[missouri_girl]

Cornus - we will be on the March 24th cruise with you... see you in Tahiti! We leave tomorrow. Francine

[ski3bee]

Hi Poolechick,

Thanks so much for the informative report. We will be on the April 11 sail out of Papeete for the 10 night:cool: cruise, reading your report makes it even more exciting.

Thanks

SKI

[mapschier]

Poolechick - Thanks so much for posting your report. We have done the 7 day cruise twice and thought about a B2B. However, we are on the 14 day Tahiti to Fiji on May 19th. I was very interested in you comments about the at sea days. I'm glad to hear you were able to enjoy the bar and pool on those days. That's what I expect we will be doing.

 

One question for you - is Tahia Collins the pearl vendor on the PG? I'm looking forward to the pearl shopping again!

 

Thanks.

[Texed]

Thanks for the review. We fly to Fiji on June 3rd for our cruise on PG. :)

[poolechick]

Poolechick - Thanks so much for posting your report. We have done the 7 day cruise twice and thought about a B2B. However, we are on the 14 day Tahiti to Fiji on May 19th. I was very interested in you comments about the at sea days. I'm glad to hear you were able to enjoy the bar and pool on those days. That's what I expect we will be doing.

 

One question for you - is Tahia Collins the pearl vendor on the PG? I'm looking forward to the pearl shopping again!

 

Thanks.

 

Tahia Collins is indeed the vendor on the PG, and she also has stores in Tahiti and Moorea.

 

My husband and I dearly needed some rest and the Sea Days definitely fit the bill. Lounge by the pool and let the staff take care of you. They will spoil you rotten if you give them a chance. :D

[canadagal]

Great review! I can feel your enthusiasm. Gotta love Siglo and I'm so happy they are back and great as ever. I would guess that you had more time to enjoy the pool as you had sea days.....which is always more relaxing then port days. Did you notice much difference with the new shade canopy around the pool?

[poolechick]

Great review! I can feel your enthusiasm. Gotta love Siglo and I'm so happy they are back and great as ever. I would guess that you had more time to enjoy the pool as you had sea days.....which is always more relaxing then port days. Did you notice much difference with the new shade canopy around the pool?

 

I'm a Sun Bunny, so I really didn't notice a difference. There is no shade around the immediate pool area, but you'll find shady spots near the bar and on the other side as well. Not to worry.

[paulmichael]

Poolechick - Thanks so much for posting your report. We have done the 7 day cruise twice and thought about a B2B. However, we are on the 14 day Tahiti to Fiji on May 19th. I was very interested in you comments about the at sea days. I'm glad to hear you were able to enjoy the bar and pool on those days. That's what I expect we will be doing.

 

One question for you - is Tahia Collins the pearl vendor on the PG? I'm looking forward to the pearl shopping again!

 

Thanks.

 

We will be with you on the May 19th. flying over 3 days early, so see you on board

 

Mike

[Cowgirlup]

I'm relatively new to the cruise board, and don't know all the lingo - what is b2b?:confused:

[Jim B]

b2b

 

Back to Back sailings

 

Someone books two 7 day cruises in a row and stay on the ship.

Yes you do the same cruise, but in Tahiti who cares!!

It is wonderful. We could only do a 7 day but wished we had done B2B

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Too bad about Hal and his replacement. But he's moving around now among the ships. He was on Voyager with us last summer, and apparently was recently on Mariner around SA.

 

As to back-to-backs, yes, we did this on our third trip on the PG. Yes, we have done the 7-day itinerary 4 times now, and loved every minute of it, especially the B2B!

[Kathy Z]

I'm another fan of the b2b on the PG. That is how we did our first PG cruise. It does cost a little less than 2 separate cruises and you also save by only needing transportation for a single trip. It is very convienent to stay in the same cabin and enjoy the final night of the first cruise while everyone else is packing and placing their luggage out in the hallway. We did the 10-day itinerary our second time but I prefered the b2b.

[Cruising Librarian]

Thanks for the trip report, Poolechick. We're leaving in about 16 days and I can't think of much else at this point but being back on the Paul Gauguin. It sounds like you had a great trip and we are also on the 10 day itinerary.

 

Did you happen to notice if there was a blackjack table in the casino? The new literature only mentions that slot machines are available.

 

Thanks

[Sonofasailor1]

We were on the PG in Feb. and the casino has one black jack table and I believe one poker table.