PG for seniors?

[Hambagahle]

My husband and I have been considering a PG cruise - and I have been reading everything I can about it. We are "seniors" - he is 70 I am 65. We are reasonably active - we play golf twice a week and walk a lot. We used to be good snorkelers, but to tell the truth, snorkeling here in Switzerland isn't very good! So we haven't done that for years. (but would like to try it again under calm conditions) I am wondering if any other "oldie mouldies" have experience of the PG and/or Tahiti cruises and if you think it is a good thing to do. I am sure the scenery will be breathtaking, and of course there is always the pool and the beach(es) but we would like some excursions too!!

I also wonder about the general age group on board...are people mostly young (under 50) or are there also some people like us??

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Yes you should do it, for sure. The age demographic varies quite a bit from cruise to cruise. But there have always been quite a few "senior citizens" on board. Our first trip (when we were both in our 50's), we met some great folks in their 80's. And since then, we've been lucky enough to go back twice, and make friends with people older than ourselves, or younger. We're going back again next year, when we will both be officially "seniors", I'll be 60 and my husband 65.

 

So I would say that in general, you will be slightly at the high end of the demographic, but not at the top, for sure. Probably average age overall is mid-50's.

 

The water is great, the opportunities for nice, easy snorkeling abound, the scenery is magnificent.

[newlondon]

I agree with Wendy! My wife and I went when she was 62 and I was 61. We were able to do all but the wave runner excursions. The snorkeling was great, especially at Ta'haa. We certainly weren't close to the oldest either in age or number. There were a few hard bodies, m&f, to make us jealous; but we had a ball. GO!!!

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Hard bodies, that's funny! Yes, always a few of them. On our last trip there were a couple of honeymooning pairs in their 20's who were quite lonely; there were just not enough of "kids" of their age to party with. (Like you need people to party with on your honeymoon, go figure!)

[murphysmum]

Hello...

 

My husband and I are 67 and 62 respectively and we'll be on the PG in May. We travel all over the world and don't seem to have a problem "fitting in" or keeping up....in fact, we're often the ones putting together the excursions.

 

French Polynesia is one of the places I've never been...and always wanted to go...so I'm quite excited. Like you, I'm a little concerned about snorkling as I'm not a strong swimmer, so I'm taking a snorkling vest so that I won't miss anything.

 

I hope that you don't let your age deter you; I've never felt any kind of intolerance from the younger crowds on any cruises...or anywhere for that matter.

 

Happy sailing...

 

murphysmum;)

[RachelG]

There was a couple on our cruise in August that were celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary. They were so lively and fit--I couldn't imagine they were in their 80's. They were out and about all the time and on the dance floor at night. Very nice couple.

[RachelG]

There was a couple on our cruise in August that were celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary. They were so lively and fit--I couldn't imagine they were in their 80's. They were out and about all the time and on the dance floor at night. Very nice couple. My husband teased them that they must have gotten married at age 10.

[AtA]

We're going back again next year, when we will both be officially "seniors", I'll be 60 and my husband 65.

WHAT????!!!!:eek: I'm sorry but you do NOT look like you're 60. I assumed when we met you were around my age or even a few years younger! And I thought your DH was in his mid 50's. Sheeeeeeeesh what do they put in the water up in Canada?

[Hambagahle]

Thanks everyone - I shall be booking the PG cruise when we are on the Mariner in january! You have given me such a great picture of what "oldies" can do in FP that I can't wait to go! Neither can my husband. And meantime maybe we can find a quiet Swiss lake to snorkel in!! (Just kidding - they are too cold for that!):)

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Ata, I'm not 60 yet, only 59! In my case, it's genetic I think. My mom always looked 10 years younger than she was.

 

In David's case, he just keeps getting more distinguished looking the older he gets!

 

And in both our cases, I think adulthood kind of crept up on us, and we never totally accepted it. Despite careers, mortgages, a kid.

 

You must just be jumping out of your skin with excitement right now!

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Thanks everyone - I shall be booking the PG cruise when we are on the Mariner in january! You have given me such a great picture of what "oldies" can do in FP that I can't wait to go! Neither can my husband. And meantime maybe we can find a quiet Swiss lake to snorkel in!! (Just kidding - they are too cold for that!):)

 

Glad to hear you are taking the plunge, so to speak. French Polynesia is a wonderful destination and the PG a lovely little ship.

 

Once you're booked you can ask lots of questions here, people who have been love to talk about it, as you may have noticed!

 

For example, coming from Europe, I would suggest overnight in L.A., and an arrival in Papeete at least one night before the cruise. A 3-4 night pre-cruise on one of the islands is also a great option, if pricey, but the one night is essential.

[AtA]

 

You must just be jumping out of your skin with excitement right now!

Now there's an understatement if I've ever heard one. :)

[Hambagahle]

Hi Wendy

 

Sound advice indeed! In fact we thought we would spend 3 nights in LA (we have a flight to London, then 12 hours to LA) and then another 3 in Papeete at the Intercontinental in an OTW bungalow...something I have always wanted to do! I did think of going straight to Bora Bora, but the trans Pacific flight isn't going to be as comfortable as the BA flat beds from London so I think Papeete will be our limit!

 

Can't wait to go! But will have to, 'cos Lima/BA comes next on Mariner in Jan!

 

Hambagahle

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I understand about Bora Bora. I think it's a bit over-rated anyways (lovely lagoon however.) You could think about Moorea, which is just a short hop by air (about 15 minute I think), or a short ferry ride from Tahiti. And infinitely superior, in my opinion, at least for a first-time visitor. There are several hotels there to choose from with OWB.

[newlondon]

Once again I agree with Wendy. Moorea is beautiful and not hard to get to from Papeete. I would council against the Intercontinental. We found it to be noisy and commercial--not like Moorea or where we stayed; Le Ta'Haa. In addition the food left a lot to be desired.Any of the islands are no more than 45 minute flights so not difficult.

Enjoy

[RachelG]

We stayed in an OTW bungalow at the Intercontinental and loved it--it was VERY quiet. I agree about the food though--way expensive. We ate off-property after the first night. It was something to do once. If we go again, probably would not repeat.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Once again I agree with Wendy. Moorea is beautiful and not hard to get to from Papeete. I would council against the Intercontinental. We found it to be noisy and commercial--not like Moorea or where we stayed; Le Ta'Haa. In addition the food left a lot to be desired.Any of the islands are no more than 45 minute flights so not difficult.

Enjoy

 

Finally someone who agrees with me about the Intercontinental (aka Beachcomber). I admit I have never stayed in an OWB there, but the times I've spent there (day room and day use), I found it incredibly ersatz and commercial. But then the first time we were there was at the end of a PG cruise that had begun with 3 nights at the Manihi Pearl--an outstanding experience of the islands that spoiled us for the commercialism of mainstream Tahiti.

[Hambagahle]

I cannot thank you all enough - all of this is priceless information...and as Moorea is so close even decrepit (well, not really!) persons like us can wait another couple of hours to make the connections.

But the name "Bora Bora" sounds so great! For me, the OWB is really a prime need ("must"?).

:) :)

[catmommy]

Hello...

 

My husband and I are 67 and 62 respectively and we'll be on the PG in May. We travel all over the world and don't seem to have a problem "fitting in" or keeping up....in fact, we're often the ones putting together the excursions.

 

French Polynesia is one of the places I've never been...and always wanted to go...so I'm quite excited. Like you, I'm a little concerned about snorkling as I'm not a strong swimmer, so I'm taking a snorkling vest so that I won't miss anything.

 

I hope that you don't let your age deter you; I've never felt any kind of intolerance from the younger crowds on any cruises...or anywhere for that matter.

 

Happy sailing...

 

murphysmum;)

 

You don't need to supply a vest since the PG has what you need. I brought my own mask since I have prescription lens. I should have also had fins with me since I have tiny feet and they couldn't find fins that fit well enough for me. Not their fault in any way; I have a hard time buying shoes as well.

 

But to the OP you will find folks of all age ranges. The longer the cruise the more likely to skew older.

 

But no matter what you age I'm sure you will have a ball.

 

Caroline

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Yeh, everybody gets fixed on Bora Bora. It's the fantasy place! The hotels there are pretty expensive, for the most part I think. The only OWB I've seen there other than at a distance is the Pearl, where they face Bora Bora with is stupendous view. Only downside is that you're on a motu, so need a water taxi to get to the main island. But on BB, the motus are the place to be, just make sure you get a good view facing the main.

 

I'm hoping to swing a stay on Moorea myself next year, finally, after lusting after those hotels from the PG all these years.