Live from the PG

[Emdee]

After the waiting and anticipation we are finally on this well loved ship.

We were greeted very warmly with hugs from staff who remembered us and that set the tone for the holiday. Many of the staff asked after our daughter who with us on previous trips but couldnt make it this time ( she is in her first job after finishing University).

 

I didnt find the PG that much the worse for wear but then, I forgive her the slightly worn carpet and the occasional mildew smell in a hallway corner. Siglo is in full swing and Hal Fraser was at his best yesterday. Elmo was holding court at the pool bar and told me that he has heard of his cruisecritic fame. I still maintain the Efren's Cosmos are the best and enjoyed a couple.

 

Yesterday was our first day at Rangiroa and we hadnt booked anything. We took the tender to the pier and walked 100 metres by the water . We went into the water full of slippery stones and very little sand. Thank heavens for our water shoes. People without them just returned to the ship. I dont snorkel but the consensus from snorkelers was that there were plenty of fish but the coral was 95% dead.

 

Today we take the glass bottomed boat trip - I am not a swimmer though I enjoy the water.

 

Miriam

[Jim B]

So glad to hear you are having a wonderful time.

Take lots of pictures for us!!

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Thanks for posting, Miriam, hope you continue to have a great time! Too bad about the coral in Rangiroa, perhaps it's because it's close to the dock? Say hi to Hal for us, Wendy and David from Toronto, he might remember us from Voyager MC-Dover 2 years ago.

 

Looking forward to more postings, but concentrate on having an amazing trip!

[parislady40]

Miriam, I am so jealous. I can just imagine it. A couple of cosmos at the pool bar, looking out to the pass. No agendas other than to have an amazing time. Life is good.:) Keep us up to date if you can!! We cannot wait!

[MtnDriver]

After the waiting and anticipation we are finally on this well loved ship.

 

Siglo is in full swing and Hal Fraser was at his best yesterday. Elmo was holding court at the pool bar and told me that he has heard of his cruisecritic fame. I still maintain the Efren's Cosmos are the best and enjoyed a couple.

 

 

Miriam

 

Tell Hal Fraser that "Tony Danza" (from the 7/5 sailing) says hi...I think he will understand - and you will too after his Elton John show.

 

Steve

[Texed]

Miriam,

Thanks for posting.

[azgkrudi]

How wonderful to hear from you, Miriam - what I wouldn't do to see Efren's pleasant smile right now...these are the BEST staff ever. Is Laksman (from Sri Lanka) on board? If you see him, tell him "hello, Foxy Laksy" from Greg and Kristin.

 

Above all, ENJOY! Don't you love that feeling of having recently boarded and having the whole cruise ahead?????

[caloilman]

Miriam,

 

Who is the Maitre in L'Etoile I am hopeing Franco!

 

We will be aboard Sept 6th getting close.

 

Frank

[Emdee]

The glass bottomed boat trip was pretty good. Saw a few huge sharks in the aquarium at Rangiroa as well a couple of shy yet curious moray eels and more of the usual.

 

Wendy, I understand that the Coral has some kind of disease . They dont allow fishing in the 'aquarium' and it looked better there.

 

Yesterday was the captain's party and before that there was a block party in the hallway outside the cabins. First time for me on a cruise it was different and rather warm. The Captain was quite humourous and Dinner was wonderful at L'Etoile.

 

Today is a day at sea and I enjoyed a cocktail demonstration and a movie about the Marquesas.

 

Steve, I shall make sure to say hi to Hal from tony Danza.

Kristin, Laksmann is on board shall say hi.

 

Frank, I cannot recall the Maitre's name but he is the same one from past cruises.

 

The next two days we are in the Marquesas so I will likely report back on the long days at sea.

 

Miriam

[drifting_away]

Glad to hear you are having a great time! Look forward to hearing more reports....:)

[Emdee]

We arrived at Hiva Oa bright and early . Apparently the currents were in our favour and so we had no difficulty with the tenders. The weather was hot and steamy but the islands seemed lush but austere at the same time. We had cancelled our 4 x 4 excursion as I had twisted my knee just prior to the trip so took the Le Truck provided by the ship to the Cemetery and town. We were welcomed at the pier by musicians and greeted with Leis. Walked a bit and returned to the ship. Those who went on the excursion came back roundly bitten. We were well sprayed with OFF so were pleased that we were spared. That evening we had a Marquesan dance performance which was very warlike and quite enjoyable

 

NUKU HIVA - this island was gorgeous and formed a semi circle around the ship. Our 4x4 tour was excellent - we were in Mark Eddowes group and he was an excellent leader. The tour took us to a couple of view points with beautiful vistas including a view of the survivor beach and drove through lush forests. As these tour usually do it ended in a fruit tasting cum sale of island handicrafts. I found the carvings particularly disappointing, very rudimentary compared to those available in India or Asia .

 

Yesterday was the Country Fair which was a lot of fun and we won one of those nice expandable Regent Bags and a Photo Box. Evening was the seven seas party very low key but nevertheless enjoyable. We had dinner with the Cruise Director Dionne Lochner who is an excellent addition to the PG.

 

I likely wont post until my return as we have three hectic days after today and then we are off to Vegas for a few days before returning to reality.....

 

Its been a great trip so far and I am sure the next few days will be wonderful as well.

 

Miriam

[Emdee]

The last few days on board went really fast. We went to the Bora Bora Motu both morning and afternoon and really relaxed there. One of my absolute favourite spots in the whole trip.

I found the area as you enter the water changed in Motu Mahana - the sand seemed to be swept ashore and as a result there was a drop in one place. Also the area was now more rocky. This I know was the result of the natural erosion and sand movement with storms etc but I found I enjoyed it less. Also more than one person got spiked by those sea urchins which now lie a lot closer to shore. Of course the day was idyllic in other ways.

 

Moorea: after several discussions we decided we would not go to the Sofitel and went instead to Le Tipannier beach. Elia, the very friendly young lady at reception told me that the crew takes the Tahia Collins shuttle to this beach and then walks the ten minutes to Tahia's shop and returns to the ship by shuttle. Apparently the cost of taxis have gone up substantially in FP. The plan worked well and the beach was really nice as well and very easy to access. There is a reasonably priced beach restaurant - not five star but acceptable should you want a sandwich or drink. We had need of neither I we travelled everywhere in FP with our bottles of PG water.

 

Tahiti - didnt do much - went to the market which was kind of empty being a week day and bought some fabric for tablecloths and then vegged out at the Radisson. Lucky to get the corner suite second time in a row.

 

Parting was such sweet sorrow - we were welcomed with so much warmth by the staff and then hugged goodbye.

 

We are seriously looking at booking the Papeete to Fiji trip (Nov) next year. One last trip before the ship is gone....or so we tell ourselves.

 

I can hardly think of any cons on this trip.

The chef at L'Etoile is excellent - Pastry chef as well.

Dionne is a great cruise director: we had polynesian shows with outside troops at Bora Bora and Marquesas as well as at Moorea. The other entertainment and organization of the whole cruise was excellent.

Weather was excellent - steamy in the Marquesas but otherwise wonderful.

 

To cap a perfect trip we had a a great time at Vegas and for a change I broke even at the casinos.

 

Miriam