Tahiti or Fiji or ??

[cigloo]

Hello all.

 

We would like to said Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia anytime starting from January 2010 and we are not sure which is the best time for it to be cost effective. We are a group of 12 coming from the West Coast and will have some teenagers with us so school is possibly a factor but it all depends on cost. We know nothing of the area and thought maybe we should do a repositioning cruise from the west coast or do part cruise and part land in Australia/NZ? Any input, suggestions for us would be great.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Jennifer :)

[Spikesgirl]

Jennifer - it's really hard to say what sort of options will be available this far out. You might want to pay a visit to your friendly neighborhood TA and see what he or she might recommend.

 

I know that Princess does an extended cruise that hits FP and Fiji on its way to Australia, but whether or not it will fit into your schedule is hard to say - it only runs a couple of times a year and is both long and expensive. There isn't much running that course during the summer months either. Princess repositions to Alaska, leaving you with the Paul Gauguin - a very nice line, but not inexpensive, especially with 12 people.

 

There really isn't a cheap time to visit FP, unlike Hawai'i, where they do have an off season. Good hunting!

[Toto2Kansas]

Jennifer - it's really hard to say what sort of options will be available this far out. You might want to pay a visit to your friendly neighborhood TA and see what he or she might recommend.

 

I know that Princess does an extended cruise that hits FP and Fiji on its way to Australia, but whether or not it will fit into your schedule is hard to say - it only runs a couple of times a year and is both long and expensive. There isn't much running that course during the summer months either. Princess repositions to Alaska, leaving you with the Paul Gauguin - a very nice line, but not inexpensive, especially with 12 people.

 

There really isn't a cheap time to visit FP, unlike Hawai'i, where they do have an off season. Good hunting!

 

I agree, there is nothing not expensive in Tahiti (except flowers :)) You are talking huge $$$$'s with 12 people in Tahiti, no way around that one. If you check pricing today for cruises you are interested in, think higher than that for 2010 as prices are getting out of this world and going up everyday.

Best of luck though.

[Aussie Gal]

Having been to both Fiji (a number of times) and Tahiti twice, in my opinion there is no comparison. Tahiti wins hands down each time except in one area and that is cost.

 

Tahiti is a very expensive place to visit hence doing a cruise around the islands is the best way to see it. Fiji is completely different. You can choose from going out to an exclusive adults only island which costs a fortune or you can go to one of the other islands where you will get a mix of families, singles and honeymoon couples. You can also do a short cruise around the islands which is very popular.

 

As Fiji is only 3-4 hours flying time from both Australia and New Zealand you will find the guests will be mostly from these two countries. Food is still expensive in Fiji but accommodation is much cheaper than Tahiti. It is not nearly as idyllic as the outer islands of Tahiti but it is a great place to spend some time especially for families as the Fijians love children and are the friendliest people on earth.

 

Jennie

[Bucky3]

Jennie - Can you recommend a beach for a one day stop in Suva? We are looking for perfect beach days at our one day stops in Apia, Pago Pago, and Suva. We have been to Tahiti before but not to any of the others. Any suggestions from those that have "been there, done that" would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

[Aussie Gal]

There are not a lot of beaches close to Suva but there is this hotel which has a beach and the Fijians are so friendly, I am sure they wouldn't mind you visiting whilst the ship is in port. Here is the link:

 

http://www.beautifulfiji.com/tradewinds-suva/index.html

 

Jennie

[Bucky3]

Thanks, Jennie

[cheznandy]

Jennie - Can you recommend a beach for a one day stop in Suva? We are looking for perfect beach days at our one day stops in Apia, Pago Pago, and Suva. We have been to Tahiti before but not to any of the others. Any suggestions from those that have "been there, done that" would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

 

Bucky3

 

Have just returned from these places. You can read our blog at www.getjealous.com/ducknchook

 

In Suva we hired a car from Budget, a short walk from the wharf, $50FD for the day. We drove down to the Coral coast, where we resort hopped and had lunch.

 

In Apia, the best beach on the island is Lalomanu Beach, it is about an hours drive. We hired a bus through Berties tours, Mark the owner showed us around for the day. The bus cost us $350 Tala, which worked out to about $20AUD each for the 7 of us. by hiring the bus for the day, you can do what you want. Mark can be contacted at

http://www.berties.org/

 

Pago Pago doesnt have nice beaches close by.....we went to Tisas Barefoot bar, there is a nice beach there, about 10 minute taxi ride from town, although we didnt swim, there were plenty swimming and snorkelling, though it wasnt nice weather! Alot swam at Sadies by the Sea, a short 10 minute walk from the main Town area.

 

Have a look at the blog, and my photos are at

 

Happy to help with any other questions

 

Chez

xx

[Bucky3]

Thanks for the great information and for sharing your beautiful pictures!