Tahitianbigkahuna

16 minutes ago, KmacMac said:

Where to go for dinner in Tahiti?  Specifically Papeete.  Thank you!!

Food trucks ... well known as the place to go. Usually open by 6PM. Along the water, close to where the ships tie off.

On 7 night itineraries the menu stays the same every night in Veranda and LeGrille. On 10 day and longer the menu switches halfway through the cruise (10, 11 and 14 night).

As LeGrille is a smaller specialty restaurant the menu is limited compared to L'Etoile. LeGrille is a Pacific Rim / Polynesian infusion menu. I've always found enough variety though I'm not a veggie. The menu is available for viewing long before you would go so if something isn't suited for you just go to L'Etoile ... where they do offer menu options for those that have dietary restrictions. 

Veranda has more French influence and always has enough options for my palette though again I'm not a veggie. Creme Brulee is available every night.

2 hours ago, jthayek said:

My wife and I are planning a 10 year anniversary trip, and I would love to hear the opinions of experienced cruisers to the area. 

 

Have you cruised on Windstar's Star Breeze or the Paul Gauguin? What did you like/ dislike about each? Have you done both? Even better! Tell me about it. 

 

How was the food? How was the atmosphere? Did it feel stuffy or fun and casual? 

 

One of the most important things to us is having quick and easy access to play in the water. Did you use the sports platform to kayak/ swim/ SUP? Was the sports platform open a lot? Was it fun and easy to use? 

 

Thanks for sharing your opinion and experience! 

 

Only a few comparisons ... the SB is relatively new to FP full time ... likely only a handful of people have done both 😉

Most of your questions have been asked several times and answered several times ... I would recommend looking through the post for the last 4 - 6 months.

Remember the SB has only been stationed full time in FP since February 😉

2 hours ago, jthayek said:

My wife and I are planning a 10 year anniversary trip, and I would love to hear the opinions of experienced cruisers to the area. 

 

Have you cruised on Windstar's Star Breeze or the Paul Gauguin? What did you like/ dislike about each? Have you done both? Even better! Tell me about it. 

 

How was the food? How was the atmosphere? Did it feel stuffy or fun and casual? 

 

One of the most important things to us is having quick and easy access to play in the water. Did you use the sports platform to kayak/ swim/ SUP? Was the sports platform open a lot? Was it fun and easy to use? 

 

Thanks for sharing your opinion and experience! 

 

Most of your questions have been asked several times and answered several times ... I would recommend looking through the post for the last 4 - 6 months.

Remember the SB has only been stationed full time in FP since February 😉

I've been on the PG 16 times ... last year I was on her twice. Taking the SB in a few weeks for fact finding as the ship is relatively new to FP compared to the PG.

Both are wonderful small ships ... the only way to really experience FP ... small ships 😉

12 hours ago, WaggesAZ said:

Thank you TBK!  Excellent, as always.

 

Day 1 Huahine, Society Islands - Huahine Nautique- Marc’s Combo Tour 

Day 2 Motu Mahana, Taha'a Island (drift snorkel NEED TO BOOK- PG excursion or?)

Day 3 Bora Bora, Society Islands H2O Bora Bora

Day 4 Bora Bora, Society Islands 

Day 5 Moorea, Pacifik Attitude from 9:45 AM to 2PM 

Day 6 Moorea, 8:00 am - 12:00 Moorea Moana Tours

Day 7 Papeete - check in at Intercontinental

 

After reviewing what I have booked already, it appears we are only open one day on Bora Bora - or afternoons while on Moorea. Any suggestions? We are planning to fish the day before we board out of Papeete

 

I was thinking of sunset sailing - would that be better on Bora Bora or Moorea?

Here is a place to check out for fishing

https://www.mitimanafishingbora.com/web/en/

3 hours ago, WaggesAZ said:

We are a middle 50's couple who have cruised plenty of times on mass market lines but very much looking forward to the Paul Gaugin smaller ship.  That said, I wasn't sure of a few things, and I am hoping your experiences can you me have an understanding.  We are about 75 days out and I am trying to finalize things in my head and would appreciate any information others could offer.

 

Snorkel gear, I really don't want to pack our own gear, does the ship offer them to take on tours if booked outside the cruise line?  If not, is there a place in Papeete to rent gear?

 

I understand LeGrill is open to book once on board but had read it may be best to book when we are at an overnight stop as it may be more enjoyable.  Is that your experience and/or recommendation?

 

My husband is a casual guy and doesn't enjoy wearing long pants in warmer weather, however I understand evenings long pants are required.  Is that in the dining room only or anywhere outside of your cabin?  He does not have an issue adhering to the dress code, so no complaints just want to be respectful.

When I first started planning this trip, there was a casino.  I believe it has been removed...Is that correct?  Normally we have dinner, head to the casino and go to bed.  We are not production show people so if we are going to sit on the balcony or deck and enjoy ourselves that will be ok too!  

 

My husband is an avid fisherman and has spent many, many days on the water deep sea and reef fishing.  Any suggested island that I should book him to fish?   I am an avid snorkeler, so I will likely go along and enjoy the beauty.

 

Thank you for reading!

Snorkel gear can be checked out for the full duration of the cruise.

Le Grill is best reserved on an overnight in Bora Bora or Moorea 😉

Any time after 6PM full length pants are required anywhere outside your room.

Occasionally Le Grill can be enjoyed in shorts but you would need to ask the guy in charge, it is up to him.

Casino is no more

Island for fishing depends on your itinerary 😉

12 hours ago, Trend said:

Thanks 

The reason  .... when you use USD the small vendors always convert 100/1 but the fact is the USD on the open market is about 110/1 ... and we all know the Canadian Dollar value wise is a mess. So  .... you will get more bang for your buck using local currency. 

2 hours ago, Trend said:

Taxi, small food trucks what is best currency 

XPF

14 hours ago, KmacMac said:

Hi all

 

Who is the cruise director now? 

Gaelle Pichon

9 minutes ago, debway said:

Thank you Tahitianbigkahuna. Your video makes me really really want to do it. My husband doesn't even float so I'm really afraid this will be too shallow for him!

Leave him behind 😁

45 minutes ago, debway said:

Hi all - on our first trip to FP via Windstar in October. I love to snorkel and am a good swimmer, but my husband is not a good swimmer and not a confident snorkeler. I've heard that the drift snorkel is a must do in Taha'a but I don't think it would be good for my husband. Or would it? I've read so many accounts of people getting scraped on coral - that would insure he would never snorkel again! Thanks for any help!

Best to take the drift snorkel from Raiatea if possible ... a bit closer than from the motu. Usually 3 passes are allowed. 1st pass is easiest ... then each one a bit tougher. I've done it st least 15 times ... only scraped once and it wasn't my fault as some one stopped in from of me to take s picture ... hard to stop. If you go you want to go towards the front as there is less chance to get 'stopped'. First pass is easy ... and then he can just hang out at the end and play with the colorful fish.

This is what it is like on the first pass 😉

I'm taking the video when things are moving ... my Better Half is taking video when it is stationary at the end.

https://vimeo.com/311007932

Another weekend  ... another wedding

Last minute booking ....

Star Breeze in French Polynesia - soon

29 minutes ago, MrBill923 said:

Thanks this is good info. On our way back to home, we have a 6 hour wait at LAX to depart to ORD. What are our options for our luggage as we won't be able to check those for several hours. 

Thanks. 

Watch my video 😉

Maneuvering around LAX

Where your sitting on the plane dictates how long it takes to get through immigration/customs at PPT. If your in business class or premium economy it goes quickly, usually out within 30 minutes. If your in the back of the plane it could take an 45 - 60 minutes.

On the return if you have Global Entry we get through quickly, usually get to baggage before the our bags do. If you don't have Global figure 30 - 45 minutes before you get your bags. There is a bag drop off after you've cleared customs ... there is now passage through to the other terminals without going through security again. Maybe I should do a video on this  ...

5 hours ago, oakridger said:

 

Hmmmm.....Thank you.  I'm not planning on using ATN airlines, however.  Probably United from SFO and possibly French Bee Premium Economy coming back if the cost works out.  Both are daytime flights which is why I'm looking into using different airlines instead of one round trip.        We'll see how it plays out!!  🤷‍♀️

 

~Nancy

https://www.loungebuddy.com/PPT/air-tahiti-nui-lounge-international-terminal-NOrsx7UxK7

2 hours ago, oakridger said:

@jean87510 Thank you so much for all your information!  One question, what airline lounge did you go to at PPT?  I will be searching for flights in a couple of months and the lounge access you mentioned may be a factor on which airline I use.

 

~Nancy

There is only one lounge ... Air Tahiti Nui. However, under certain types of booking categories and/or airlines you can access the lounge ... 

Already pick out a 2026 date on-board the PG ...

1 minute ago, jean87510 said:

Thank you.  Yes, we knew we were just touching the edge of the snorkeling.  We definitely are coming back, just on a much smaller ship or a land vacation.  What we saw was so much more incredible than the Caribbean.

Ah .... I mis-understood. I thought you meant that the Caribbean was superior ... my bad.

Many people do a pre/post cruise stay for 3 - 7 days. Some some of the best is the south pass on Fakarava it would be best to do a pre/post stay as the boat trip to the south pass is long ... 90 minutes each way so it it hard to do it when a ship is only there for a day usually 8-5.

1 hour ago, jean87510 said:

Home now and thought I'd jot some more notes.

 

We really enjoyed the intercontinental.  The shower is an outdoor shower though which was interesting.  The food was really good but drinks not included in the day pass.

 

Took cab to airport which was hell on earth.  I read many reports on this and knew what to get prior which was the priority pass for the line and the lounge pass at the airport.  Boy am I glad I did!  We were stopped at immigration and patted down which was fine, it happens.  We were in lounge by 845pm which was about 3 hrs before our flight.  The lounge does have showers and towels with shampoo and soap but I packed a sample bottles pre cruise as I knew about this.  Food was ok.  There is coffee, wine, soda, water.  Typical airport lounge food.  Places to recharge phones snd batteries.  Plus it is air conditioned.  

 

I did upgrade my seat to the level above economy.  Got 2 meals plus drinks from the cart.  Chair was not very comfortable but at least was roomy.  

 

We loved the French Polynesian islands but think when we return we are going to do a windstar or paul Gaughan.  NCL was a bit out of their league there.  We want to return to Australia and try New Zealand as well but with Royal or Celebrity.  We are hesitant about Hawaii because our son lived there and shared some stories with us about Hawaiians feelings about cruisers.  We would rather stay there then cruise.

 

I am afraid the underwater world has forever ruined me for the Caribbean and Bahamas!  Absolutely no comparison.

I'll simply say I've been to the Caribbean by ship 4 times. One time was abort a 90 passenger ship owned by PG, the Terra Moana. IMO the Caribbean does not compare to French Polynesia. The Polynesian people are nicer ... when you go into a Caribbean is can be filled with 2-4 mega ships all competing for the same space. I've read everything you said in previous post. One one thing that sticks out to me is your comparison of snorkeling ... but you did not go to the best places for such in FP. I've been to FP 32 times ... there are places that will blow your mind. The #1 location in the world for the best underwater world experience is French Polynesia. The Tuamotus of Fakarava and Rangiroa sit at the very top according to Travel and Leisure. I know other publications have difference opinions but my point is you did not go to the best places French Polynesia has to offer. Visit again ... on a smaller ship as you mentioned ... take an itinerary that includes the Tuamotus 😉

If you got the IC Tahiti for $50 you got a steal  ....

This is their current price list  ... as of a few days ago 😉

Pappy ... you will have a wonderful time ...

As my video stated the PG is still a great choice ... so much so we've booked our 17th cruise on her. September, 2025 🙂

I'll say it again ... stay flexible. I would say 1/2 of my cruises in FP over the last 4 years have had some changes. Some due to the pandemic, some weather and some where the captain made a changeup in the itinerary because a larger ship would be visiting at the same time  ... thus rotating the order of islands. This is to make sure safety is the foremost responsibility of the crew. But be flexible  ...  Go with an adventurous spirt. 

Only one have I had a vendor be a no show and even then there was a reasonable explanation why. All the vendors I use have been very good to me over the years ... they go the extra mile. Almost all know when there is a change of plans by the ships and plan accordingly. If your date changes the vendors know ... though I would still check with them to verify. 

1 minute ago, jean87510 said:

The island was not offering anything at all - kayaks, taxis, tours, bikes, scooters, SUPs...etc... to walk offs.  It was bedlam.  We ran into the cruise director who had a similar issue in even getting a cab and went to Matira with us to and from.  Almost everyone was back onboard by 3pm.  Scheduled onboard was 730.  Even the captain commented on the situation.  They were not prepared for that size of ship.  

As you've heard me say before the only way to really see FP is by smaller ship. The big ships will soon be a thing of the past ... now you know why. Most of the islands do not have the infrastructure to accommodate large ships. 

When I go I always have private vendors booked and ready for me to arrive.