may 18, 2013 Marquesas, Tuamotus, Society Islands cruise

I am interested in this cruise. If anyone has been on this itinerary, is it really good? Is there too many sea days? Is the water rough when traveling to the Marquesas? Is there enough to see and do? We have been on the Society Islands cruise itself years ago, and really enjoyed it with days before/after in OWB as well as a stay at the Sauvage in Rangiroa, but if I do the 14 day cruise, will not have time for much of a pre/post cruise. But- I am intrigued by the Marquesas...

Thanks,

Kathy

If you are intigued by the Marquesas then go for it.

The Marquesas are very different from the society islands andyou will have the days at sea as well. Excursions are largely land, hiking and cultural. There is no snorkelling nearby or swimming.

If you like the societies then do the 10 day Tuamotu cruise which will take you to some new islands and atolls otherwise the M are wonderful too!

I am interested in this cruise. If anyone has been on this itinerary, is it really good? Is there too many sea days? Is the water rough when traveling to the Marquesas? Is there enough to see and do? We have been on the Society Islands cruise itself years ago, and really enjoyed it with days before/after in OWB as well as a stay at the Sauvage in Rangiroa, but if I do the 14 day cruise, will not have time for much of a pre/post cruise. But- I am intrigued by the Marquesas...

Thanks,

Kathy

We took this in April 2012. It was our first time to the South Pacific--overall a very enjoyable cruise, but here are my thoughts: (1) Yes, I did think there were too many sea days (not that it was the fault of PG--just a function of the itineary). I believe there were days at sea, and while the PG is a lovely ship, it has limitted activities, and our time on the islands was far more intesting/enjoyable than our sea days. (2) The Marquesas Islands are interesting, and certainly different than the Society Islands, but frankly, they were more similar than different. As they are smaller, and visited by far fewer people, I think for you to make the most of your time, you should do some research and plan some private tours/excursions--we did that on all of the Islands, and when comparing notes with those who took the ship's excurisons, I think we made out better. There is less to do on these islands. (3) Fakarava was great only because we took Ato's Tour to the Blue Lagoon--again, booked privately. Great snorkeling, beautiful beaches---amazing place. (4) We had no issues at all with rough seas, though I am told that is the luck of the draw--have heard that others have not been so lucky.

I believe there is a 10-day Society Islands, Tuamotus cruise---If I had to do it over again, I would have taken than one, and perhaps added a few days on post cruise in Bora Bora. having said all of this, I think you will enjoy the 14-day cruise very much.

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate your candor. I was afraid there were too many sea days. Perhaps- the alternative you suggest would be more to my liking. With so many beautiful islands to see...

What excursions did you book in the Marquesas?

Thanks,

kathy

What excursions did you book in the Marquesas?

Thanks,

kathy

I get the islands confused, and I will try check for you this evening for more detailed info, but as I recall we went horseback riding on Nuku Hiva; we took two island tours with local guides/drivers---bascially drove all over the islands on a lot of pretty narrow and not very "western" roads (some were mostly mud/dirt), saw some pretty sights/views, visited some arhaceological sites, had lunch at local restaurants, etc. And on 1 island there really were no excursions per se, so we just walked the one road on the island from the village we docked at to the lone other village. Was kind of cool---we got hungry on the way, and picked some bananas from a tree growing on the edge of the road for a snack.

We've just come back from the Marquesas cruise. We loved the Marquesas, but you will largely have to organise your own excursions, which can be excellent. Too many people on our cruise just took a tender, walked around a bit and went back to the ship. I thought it was a real shame to come this far and not explore properly. We love photography and thought the Marquesas were truly stunning. They also have a lovely less commercialised polynesian feel.

Do you have any recommendations for excursions? We prefer private tours, but know they are limited in these remote islands.