PG - August 22, 2007

[Iamboatman]

Well, I figured I would divulge my next Regent cruise. It has been planned for quite a while and I was waiting to see if anyone posted about it. Final payment has been made and now we just waiting for the fun to begin.

Anyone else going?

[Love Cruising 711]

Hi! I was beginning to think no one was going! There are four in our party. This is our third trip to "paradise" and first on the PG. We will be at the Radisson for 2 days pretrip and in Moorea for 3 nights posttrip. Seems like we've been waiting forever. We booked in December and we finally getting close.

[Iamboatman]

Hello. We are doing a night in Hawaii and then 4 at the Intercontinental in Tahiti in an over the water bungalow pre-cruise. I know Moorea and Bora Bora are probably better choices, but we are looking to just relax before the cruise.

Do your four include children as ours does?

BTW, I booked this back in August, so we have really been waiting. (We did cruise a bit in between, so it hasn't been that difficult.)

[Love Cruising 711]

No children (or grandkids). Just two couples. One retired and one not. This is our 25th cruise and our 47th anniversary. We last sailed last fall on the Star Clipper in the Med. We live in the Northwest so are looking forward to warm weather and water. Judy

[Iamboatman]

Hey Judy:

This is cruise 20 somethin' for me as well. I am in my late 40s and my wife is er, humm, 29...OK she has been 29 for a few...OK more than a few...years, so I can't match you on anniversaries.

We have cruised the Med quite a bit and I travel there for my other business fairly often. My wife has also spent a good bit of pre-marriage time there.

I am usually a "Let's go do this" kind of guy, so kicking back will be a nice change. I plan on enjoying some of the Ambassadors of the Environment stuff with my kids. Should be interesting, since I have a degree in marine biology. (I am a bit rusty on some topics, but I love it.)

[Love Cruising 711]

Eric, Between you and our travel companion we will learn all there is to know about fish. He's active in that field. Snorkling with him is a kick as you spot a fish and he can tell you what it is, how long a gestation period they have, and all kinds of info you never thought you wanted to know. Should be fun. Will get back to this in a week. We're off to Las Vegas in the morning. Got to get warm somehow. My DH is trying to research Rangiroa. Have you any ideas? We're not divers. Snorkling and relaxing on the beach is our thing. Judy

[Iamboatman]

I am just getting my research going on the various islands as I have just been too darn busy. Hopefully this weekend. But as our agenda is pretty much the same as yours - snorkeling and relaxing - it hasn't been high on my critical list. I will get back to you...thanks for giving me a week!:D

Sounds like your friend and I should be able to bore the pants off of everyone. My idea of the perfect pet for my son: A snowflake moray eel. (His name is George.) He eats right out of your hand...just make sure you have 5 fingers when he is done!;)

Enjoy Vegas. Here in New Jersey it was 90 yesterday.

[RMS Olympic]

Sailed the PG in 2005....and will be returning this Dec 1.
This time it will be for a longer than 7 day sailing.
Please write about your experience, the state of the ship and service.
As I am booked at the Radisson Hotel for 2 nights precruise....please comment. I have stayed at the Beachcomber in the past and loved it...but wanted to try something different. Also hope to do a tour of the island of Tahiti (Patricks tours).....would like to see the island in depth. If anyone does this please comment.
Best wishes for most memorable cruise. I will be on the westerdam out of Italy while you are on the PG...I'll raise a glass and toast to your PG experience.
Tom

[Iamboatman]

Thank you kindly! I will, as always, provide a detailed report.

And I shall tip my glass as well.

[jaguarprincess]

Greetings to all, and hello to my favorite cc (i.e., cruise companion), Judy. My husband and are the other half of Love Cruising 7-11's foursome and counting the days. We too look forward to getting warm, as SOCAL is not the tropics. Our interests are snorkeling, relaxing, and more snorkeling. I'm just starting my research, but here are some observations and questions.

RE Rangiroa, my impression from the odd posting and various websites is that this may be the only place on our itinerary where one can snorkel from the island itself, without being taken to a motu or deep-water site. I've also seen mention of the fact that the Paul Gauguin provides a free shuttle service around the island. Does anyone know if these tidbits are true? One of us may want to do the drift snorkel through Tiputa Pass, and I've read that the Aquarium is a wonderful, shallow-water snorkeling site, but it's not clear to me if it's accessible from the beach. I've contacted Cosette et Pascal regarding a private, small group tour that would include both these places, but I've not heard back.

RE Bora Bora, I've seen mention of a "fabulous" private motu, with food and drink, snorkeling, and transport, all provided gratis, by the Paul Gauguin. Does anyone know anything about this? We would love to repeat the private tour we had with Johnny during our post-cruise (Tahitian Princess) stay on Bora Bora in 2003. We don't want to feed the sharks, and we don't need to pet the rays. We just want to return to the same wonderful snorkeling sites. Johnny is no longer around, of course, and I've been referred to Teiva Tours, Keisha Tours, and Damien. So far, all sound like the same round-the-lagoon-with-the-full-cast-of-characters-itinerary. Maybe a personalized tour would best be arranged at the dock?

RE Raitea - Taha'a, I noticed that someone was looking for another couple to do Bruno's tour. I'm very glad we did this one in 2003, but we don't need to see the vanilla plantation again, and we don't want another picnic with reef fish on the menu. We do, however, want to do the shallow water drift snorkel that was part of Bruno's tour. One of us is not comfortable in deep water and has been focused on returning to that site and the ones on Bora Bora for four years.

RE Huahine, I was debating about Marc's tour again, when Judy reminded me we don't arrive in time. What a short time on that island! I saw a post where the person said the PG transported everyone (gratis) to a "wonderful beach". ???

In addition to the freebies that get mentioned in past cruisers' posts, does anyone know anything about the PG's excursions in general? I think I can speak for the four of us when I say we're all pretty negative about ship's tours; do we need to rethink things for the PG?

Looking forward to reading further posts from all.

Mary Sue

[chipsahoy]

Hello. There will be seven of us. Four of which are kids age 15 to 18. Also hoping to enjoy the ambassadors program. We are staying in Bora Bora for a four night pre cruise. Coming up fast.

[Iamboatman]

Hello everyone. Glad to see there are lurkers coming out, posting and looking forward to this cruise.

[twa1011]

My wife and I are celebrating our anniversary (22nd) on the PG on this trip. We are in our mid-40's. We have never cruised before, and have never been to FP before. This cruise seemed ideal for having a great cruise experience and seeing some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. It's also giving us a chance to brush up on our french (which was never fluent, but which may come in handy). We are very excited about the trip. We are traveling through Hawaii also, spending a couple nights there, and then doing a pre-cruise on Moorea for a few days. We are looking forward to having a great trip with all of you.

Ralph

[laurelguy]

Quite a good bunch for Aug. 22! Yay! Haven't been on PG since 2004 and curious to see changes. Glad such a fun group going! Did the 7-day so this wil be a bit different. Looks like many of you doing Hawaii and pre-hotels. From LA, I just go straight from here to the ship! The day flight on Air Tahiti seems easier. I've been dreaming of the waverunner around Bora Bora for 3 years! See ya!:cool:

[Iamboatman]

WOW. I figured since no one had started a rollcall I was going to be it. Glad this thread got started.

What a great cross-section of people, too. Should be a great cruise.

[jaguarprincess]

I didn't notice if was started before or after this one, but there is another thread going on the Roll Call site.

Mary Sue

[Iamboatman]

That was a roll call for a 2006 sailing on August 23rd! Be sure to be onboard on August 22nd this year. A day at the dock with no ship would be very depressing.:eek:

Usually roll calls for Regent stay on this board as there generally is not wide interest in Regent compared to the larger lines.

[egret]

Mary Sue,
I will give you my perspective on your questions.
I have never been to Rangirora, but that location is all "motus" since the main island has receded into the lagoon. I would really like to try that stop sometime since I have heard amazing things about the SCUBA there. My experience at Tikehau, much smaller similar lagoon was outstanding.

The Bora Bora motu is great but there is no food to speak of, they do have an open bar. The snorkeling is good there and the beach is nice. the Motu Mahana at Tahaa is where you have all the frills, food drink, entertainment etc. The water was clearer at Motu Mahana and much shallower than at the Bora Bora motu the three times we have been on the PG.

All of the excursions we have been on in FP were great, we only did those provided through Regent. I can understand why someone who is hard core snorkeler, or SCUBA for that matter, would want to do a local operator. The excursions from Regent are sort of lowest common demonator trips. They aren't challenging and are limited in the amount of time in the water. They were good for us because my wife isn't part fish like me and gets chilled and tired.

Hope this info is helpful.

[jaguarprincess]

Hi egret,

OK, that explains a lot about Rangiroa and the snorkeling there.

Did any of your Regent excursions include a shallow-water drift snorkel between two uninhabited motu (Raiatea/Taha'a)?

Thanks so much for the information. I'm sorry, as it doesn't sound like you're going with us.

Mary Sue

[jaguarprincess]

Duly noted. Sorry if I confused anyone other than myself. The funny thing is that I noticed the "mistake" in the day and thought the person was just taking liberties with the date, since we don't actually sail until the 23rd. But the 2006? Duhhh.

[jaguarprincess]

That was a roll call for a 2006 sailing on August 23rd! Be sure to be onboard on August 22nd this year. A day at the dock with no ship would be very depressing.:eek:

Usually roll calls for Regent stay on this board as there generally is not wide interest in Regent compared to the larger lines.

Error duly noted. Sorry if I confused anyone other than myself. The funny thing is: I noticed the error in the day and thought the poster was just taking liberties with the date, since we don't actually sail until the 23rd. But the 2006 ... duhhh.

Mary Sue

[jaguarprincess]

That was a roll call for a 2006 sailing on August 23rd! Be sure to be onboard on August 22nd this year. A day at the dock with no ship would be very depressing.:eek:

Usually roll calls for Regent stay on this board as there generally is not wide interest in Regent compared to the larger lines.

Error duly noted. Sorry if I confused anyone toher than myself. The funny thing is: I noticed the error in the day and thought the poster was just taking liberties with the date, since we don't actually sail until the 23rd. But the 2006 ... duhhh.

Mary Sue

[jaguarprincess]

Duly noted. Sorry if I confused anyone other than myself. The funny thing is that I noticed the "mistake" in the day and thought the person was just taking liberties with the date, since we don't actually sail until the 23rd. But the 2006? Duhhh.

This reply was supposed to have quoted Iamboatman's message correcting my error.

[twa1011]

Mary Sue:

I've contacted Cosette and Pascal, too, but also have not heard back yet. My wife and I also want to do that excursion. I've contacted a different operator as well, and will let you know what I learn.

Ralph

[timberchop]

We are four of the seven travelling together. My husband and I are early 40's traveling with teens 16 and 18. I did notice another post travelling with kids....what are their ages? I've been reading everything I can get my hands on about this trip. Can't wait to get going. We're spending a pre-cruise trip in Bora Bora with over the water bungalow's....I really still can't get my head around that. We've cruised 8 times previously but to Bermuda and some of the Caribbean. This is, I am told, something totally different!

Looking forward to meeting everyone on board!

[Iamboatman]

Hello!

Our kids are 8 and 11, so not much help for your kids.

The South Pacific is totally different from the Caribbean. While I haven't been to these Islands yet, I have been around and you will not want to go back to the Caribbean again.

My approach has been a bit more low key for this cruise as I usually plan everything out. I am not planning much of anything; choosing instead to more or less go with the flow and modifying my activities based upon what the Ambassador's program has in store for the kids.

[timberchop]

My husband and son will be diving during the cruise. As will the son of my friend with whom we are travelling. I too am looking forward to what the Ambassador's program has to offer for the kids (old and young).

[amy711]

i'm glad to hear there will be a few more teenagers since i am a teenager myself (18) and I will be traveling with my father

definitely excited!

[timberchop]

I will inform the gang that they will be joined by another 18 year old. They'll be happy to hear I am sure.

[amy711]

do your children have screen names/facebook/email they wouldn't mind giving out so we could chat?

[timberchop]

They do have email and facebook. Give us your email and I will get them to add you. FYI.....Kristin is 16 and Jon is 18. Where do you live? Canada? US? We are also travelling with my friend Chipsahoy and her two kids Amanda 15 and Cameron 18. I will tell them your email too if you want and get them to add you.

[amy711]

<P>i live in the U.S. California to be specific, my email address is <A href="mailto:amyocean313@yahoo.com">amyocean313@yahoo.com</A></P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>thank you</P>

[magens93]

We will be traveling on the PG August 22, 2007 for our first in the FP and with Regent. We are very excited about this trip and cannot wait. We are both in our early 40's and are frequent cruisers/travelers and currently reside outside of Philadelphia, PA.

We are looking for 4 other people interested in this excursion on August 24, 2007 for 6 total with Bruno from L'excursion bleue. Excursion leaves from Raiatea and circles Tahaa including Black Pearl Farm, Vanilla Farm, one of the best places in the islands of snorkeling as listed on many threads on cruisecritic, motu lunch, snorkeling again at the coral garden and return to Raitea around 16:00 - 16:30. Cost is $110 pp USD. Contact information is:

Bruno FABRE / l'excursion bleue.
E mail tpt@mail.pf (tpt@mail.pf)
Site www.tahaa.net (http://www.tahaa.net)

Looking forward to meeting everyone and appreciate all the information on excursions with Regent or any other recommended operators.

eric & linda

[timberchop]

Can't believe how close the trip is getting. I've started to think about what to pack. I've been told that I can only bring one suitcase...and this trip will be very casual. Haven't been on a cruise before that didn't have somewhat of a dress code for dinners....and no formal nights. It just takes a whole new way of packing I guess. I have bought myself three new swimsuits though!

[jaguarprincess]

Can't believe how close the trip is getting. I've started to think about what to pack. I've been told that I can only bring one suitcase...and this trip will be very casual. Haven't been on a cruise before that didn't have somewhat of a dress code for dinners....and no formal nights. It just takes a whole new way of packing I guess. I have bought myself three new swimsuits though!
Hi Timberchop,
I don't want to get into the middle of a family argument, but who told you that you can take only one suitcase?
Also, there is a dress code of sorts for evenings: "country club casual" or "elegant resort wear" and "no jeans, shorts or t-shirts".
I approve of your purchases. Happily, bathing suits and pareos take up way less room than heels and ball gowns. If you're young and slender (neither of which applies to me) pareos can also do dinner duty.
My husband and our friends all travel light; I am the culprit, with just one more bathing suit, or pair of thongs, or tank top, etc.

[jaguarprincess]

By my count, we have accounted for 22 of the 330 passengers the PG is said to accommodate. Does anyone know if the ship is sailing full?

[Iamboatman]

Yes, it is sold out.

[timberchop]

I believe the ship is waitlist only as I checked on the RSSC website.

The reason behind the "only one suitcase rule" is that we are flying to Bora Bora from Tahiti when we arrive pre-cruise. There are restrictions as to weight on this airline. I also believe that my dear husband does not want to shlep my heavy luggage. I think the later to be more the truth!!!!

I will be bringing a few skirts/sundresses for the evening but do believe that the heels will get nowhere near the suitcase. I'm really looking forward to not taking tux's, long dresses, accessories and jewelry etc.

I am planning on purchasing a pareo for myself (maybe two) but likewise....the body will not allow it to second as a dress. My 16 year old....5'10 slim daughter....yes!

Getting more and more excited by the day! Just don't want to wish the summer away!

[jaguarprincess]

I understand, Timberchop. We were uninformed and ended up paying through the teeth for excess weight going to Bora Bora post-cruise on our last trip. Our transportation had left us stranded at the dock until the last minute, so, when we were finally "enlightened" at check-in, there was no time to go to the next building to check one of our bags. From our exchange with the agent, however, I assume that is a viable option if one plans ahead. Instead, we're doing the ferry to Moorea this time. I really don't like planes anyway.

[moses0]

My wife and I will be on board. First time on PG and first time to FP. We will be spending a few days on Maui then few days in Tahiti at the Sofitel Tahiti Resort before the cruise. Back to Kauai for a few days after. It is our 40th Wedding anniversary.

[timberchop]

Just read post of group on July 11th sailing. Makes me even more excited to get going. Just booked restaurants online. We've booked shore excursions as well. Purchased my water shoes and floats, dug out snorkel gear! Think I'll go surf for photos to oogle over this evening!

Cheers!

Sandy

[timberchop]

OK guys......we're 11 days and counting! We fly out on the 17th and I can't believe it's next week. Anyone else as excited as I am? Any others booked their dining room preferences yet?

[moses0]

We head out the 13th first stop Maui. Really looking foward to it

[timberchop]

Which day is your wedding anniversary. I think you posted that it's your 40th? Congratulations!

[Iamboatman]

Yes, the time is getting near and the excitement is building. We have had family over from Scotland for a month...with the final relatives leaving on Tuesday, there hasn't been the normal amount of discussion or preparation. But as I figure it, what a great vacation to be looking forward to.

And, as it is the South Pacific, why plan too much?! As our kids will be in the Ambassadors of the Environment program I think we will pretty much do those sort of things together - of course with an exception now and again. Le Veranda has been booked and that is about all our planning. (And if any of you have booked through an Ensemble travel agent I will be hosting the tour in Moorea and the cocktail party.)

We stop in Hawaii then spend a few days at the Intercontinental on Tahiti before the cruise. We should be plenty relaxed by the time we board the ship and will be raring to...well, just enjoy being there.

[Iamboatman]

Don't know if it is a good or bad omen, but I just found out someone got a hold of my Platinum Amex number yesterday. :mad: Fortunately no harm, but glad it happened before I departed on our trip, so the new card will be in place and ready to go. :)

[moses0]

Our wedding Anniversary is actually the 2nd Of September. We are heading to our favorite place in the world for our Anniversary dinner, overlooking Hanalei Bay Kauai. We end our vacation with a few days on Kauai. Thanks for asking.

[jaguarprincess]

Just in case anyone might think I'm not excited ...

Company has gone, the 2006 tax return just (finally) got done, a manuscript has been uploaded to press, the newspaper has been stopped, and the cat-sitter arranged. The big stuff is done, so now I can pack.

This is our first trip on Regent, second trip to FP. We sailed on the Tahitian Princess for my big birthday in 2003 (and saw the Southern Cross for the first time from our balcony on the exact date). That's where we met our friends and traveling companions, who are celebrating an anniversary this trip (see Love Cruising 7-11). We're all spending a few days at the Radisson (Tahiti) before sailing and a few more at the Intercontinental (Moorea) post-cruise.

Safe travels to Tahiti and smooth sailing to all,

Mary Sue

[chipsahoy]

Hey timberchop, you sound really excited, I would be too if i were you. I wonder if the walls are thin on the PG, cause I certainly wouldn't want to hear any snoring.
See u soon.

[timberchop]

I'm sure you won't hear the husband snoring! I guess I am pretty excited.....just to be vacationing with you is reason to be excited! Don't forget.....A.O.P. 6:30 am Friday!

[chipsahoy]

and why won't i hear him snoring? will you be drowning him out?
A.I.C. 6:30 or bust.

[timberchop]

This is it....the final post from me. The packing is done....and the bags are at the front door. We leave early tomorrow morning!

See you all on board!

Sandy

[Iamboatman]

See you there, Sandy. We leave in a few hours.

[RachelG]

Actually I wouldn't worry about snoring. My husband snore all the time at home, but on cruises, never. Maybe it is something about the motion of the ship, but he sleeps better on a cruise than any other time. Just another good excuse for cruising!