Brief notes on our recent PG 7 day

This was my husband's and my 7th cruise on the PG and our first under Mr. Bailey's management. Except for our first time (when it was under the French flag), we found; overall, the food and wine were better than they have ever been. Only glaring exceptions were the soups (which were too salty) and the desserts (cakes and tarts were pretty but not tasty). Seafood, which has always been good on the PG, was spectacular. Excellent sauces, refined platings, etc. Wide variety of options at all meals. A few quibbles, (including lack of raw oysters which used to be offered), but; overall, very, very pleased.

The ship looked well. Beautiful choices made in upholstery, rugs, etc. both in cabins and in public areas. Deck 9 bar was open/used (with limited hours of noon - 5pm) and expanded shade areas noted on deck 8. Miss the gigantic flower arrangement that always previously greeted us in L'Etoile but flowers elsewhere were lovely, as always.

The service was stellar, saw many old friends and made new ones. Noted exceptional service also in two areas which in years past had often been lacking: cabin stewardess & reception.

Can't speak to shore excursions as we didn't take any this year. Did a full week of dive excursions; though, and they were excellent. Appears the crown of thorns have moved on and, while the reefs suffered tremendous damage, plenty of fish both large and small.

It's hard to imagine a better vacation, which is why we keep coming back. We were so pleased with the ship and experience under its new management. It was a very sweet surprise in a time when we start getting used to 'the good falling away."

Mauruuru!

Thanks for the update! In 48 hours we will be on our 8th sailing and our first seven-night in over ten years (choices are rather limited in December).

Second that! See you onboard Motu :)

Thanks for the post. We are thinking about a no. 6 this year. What is the situation with the dive team? Any old friends left? Martin or Dominic? Is it true that you are required to take a refresher the first day if it has been more than a year since your last dive?

If due to timing we have to take a longer cruise, do you have an opinion which ones are better?

Thanks

Dominique is a good friend of ours and we missed diving with him terribly. That said, the crew led by Regis was very good. Martin was not there either.

The forms filled out in advance of diving included questions concerning last dive. Since we had in the prior 6 months, it wan't an issue. I will tell you we were not required to provide proof/log books.

Recommend the Tuamotus itinerary for diving. Rangiroa is still the best diving were have ever done (and we were not even able to do the pass; just the outer reef and was spectacular) and we have heard Fakarava is even better.

In Bora Bora, the ship offered a dive they haven't in our prior cruises, Anau, which is on the opposite side of the island and is a cleaning station for the giant manta rays. Nothing like seeing a 12 foot ray stroll by. The site is protected, only one excursion allowed per week and at a specific time. They do not advertise it on the PG site so ask about it at the dive desk.