Tahitianbigkahuna

We turned 40 head of goats loose into the pasture ... lawn mowers for fire protection. 

Sony RX10IV

600mm, 1/500, F/5.6, ISO500

Yesterday I played with my Christmas present to myself ... a Zeiss 25mm F/2 lens ...

The 2 dog pictures were taken at: 1/320, F/5.6, ISO4000

Sunset shots: 1/125, F/8, ISO100

January 28, 2024 on the Regent Navigator in French Polynesia. My 32nd trip to paradise 🙂

Merry Christmas to everyone on this South Pacific forum ... nothing like Christmas on board a small ship in paradise ... Yes that is the TahitianBigKahuna playing the little fat man ... HO HO HO. 

Depends on the ship's policy ... I know on some of the smaller ships isn't isn't hard at all to get off early. I would contact the cruise line and ask  ... usually you can have the ship make arrangements for a taxi. 

There are 2 email contacts for Rudy's

hello@rudysmoorea.com

rudysmoorea@gmail.com

They open @ 5:30PM and are closed on Wednesdays 

No for you on the cheap ... I love the IC Tahiti but it can get spendy for many people. We've booked rooms at several different places for a night. Some allow us to check-in around 11AM which is wonderful. We are within walking distance of downtown PPT and enjoy the day getting gifts and then enjoy a casual dinner at the food trucks ... back to the hotel ... take a shower and then off to the airport. 

I would encourage people to do a search and you will find reasonable places for a day room ... no need to break the bank. Don't get me wrong ... love the IC and when we have 'extra' money we do stay there. I prefer the IC over the Hilton if your wanting incredible grounds/pools to enjoy. The IC grounds are more expansive than the Hilton. If being close to town is a biggie and you want a real nice place and enjoy the Hilton.

Taxi are available from the marina ... pre-schedule a pickup at Matira with the driver who takes you over to the beach. There is also the IC Moana across the street from the beach ... I'm sure you could go over there and ask the desk to request a taxi 😉

4 hours ago, Rick&Jeannie said:

I found out that our traveling partners (2 other couples) were staying at Fare Suisse.  So...I grabbed the last remaining room that they had.  I know it's going to be pretty basic, but I figure we can muddle through most anything if we have companions to commiserate with! 😄 Thanks for your suggestions!

There is a 'Champion' market one block away. Several places to eat close by. Food trucks are a 15-20 walk. You can rent a car from Beni (Fare Suisse) to drive around the island. 

Pictured: Breakfast at Fare Suisse

On budget? Check out Fare Suisse ... I've stayed there many times. Close to town ... reasonable, smaller rooms that are clean and have A/C. Inexpensive breakfast ... they provide free shuttle service to and from the airport. 

20 minutes ago, Rick&Jeannie said:

Budget is not a *huge* concern...don't want to go crazy but not opposed to a decent hotel. NOT looking for a Motel 6!  I guess my main concern would be ease of getting to the property from the airport and then getting to the ship.

Have never been to the area so I don't know what I don't know!

Kon Tiki is a solid pick ... not the cheapest or the most ... right in the middle. Newer hotel right across from where the ships dock  ... easy 10 minute taxi ride. I'm staying there in January ... I've stayed at most of the expensive places ... they are nice but this place fits the bill just fine.

For expansive resorts/landscape/pools you will need to pick and expensive property such as the IC Tahiti, Hilton or Pearl ... the IC is a large property with extensive gardens and pools.

2 minutes ago, Rick&Jeannie said:

Have just booked a cruise that embarks from Papeete.  I have air already booked and will need a hotel for 2 nights.  Any recommendations?

Might help if you told us things that are important to you and your budget 😉

4 minutes ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

Looking forward to your comparative review.  PG has been described so often as perfectly suited to FP that I wonder how Regent (or any non-specialized ship) will be able to compare.

I mention Regent simply because the poster has enjoyed Regent ships in the past. I just happen to be on one in FP next month.

5 hours ago, pappy1022 said:

As a percentage of the cruise fare, what is the typical OBC amount that one could expect from a travel agent for a Paul Gauguin cruise? What can you use these onboard credits for? Laundry services, SPA, shore excursions, etc.? I just booked an 11 day cruise for 2025 and this will be my first time cruising with Paul Gauguin and my first time to the French Polynesia. In the past, I have cruised with Oceania, Crystal and Regent. What should I expect as far as service, food, ship shore excursions, and the overall experience? 

You do know that Regent has a ship that visits FP ... I'm on one at the end of January ... 10 days all in FP. Looking forward to it.

16 hours ago, PurpleHays said:

@Tahitianbigkahuna I am jealous of your hummingbirds. All of ours moved south several months ago. We miss them over the winters.

We likely have 20 - 25 left

More than hummingbirds in the garden ... this little guy wanted some peanuts.

45 minutes ago, vegasdriven said:

Tahitian big kahuna- thanks for the suggestions. May I ask…are you nota fan of Rudy’s? It seems to be very popular, but le lezard Jaune does look a little more charming.

we will not have a car, so do you have any tips to ensure we can get a taxi back to Sofitel after dinner?

The restaurant can call for one  .... or you can tell the driver to return in a few hours to get you

Another beauty taken yesterday in my garden

Cute little guy this morning ...

135mm, 1/500, F/5, ISO 640

Love those hummers ...

Taken in my garden this afternoon ...

May I suggest something very good but the prices are very fair ...

https://www.facebook.com/lelezardjaunecafe

https://www.facebook.com/snackmahana  (only open for lunch)

Love snapping pictures of hummers in their own habitat. Taken in my garden ...

Sony RX10IV

1 hour ago, Knighthunter said:

in general, Can it be rough sailing the South Pacific in November. We are considering Tahiti to Hawaii cruise November 2024 on Norwegian Sun. I’m afraid we don’t tolerate rough seas very well.

 

FP wetter season and potential for rougher seas is early December - the end of March

Your going across the equator ... it is always a bit more turbulent 😉

13 hours ago, GeezerCouple said:

 

Note:  To be safe, make sure your passports do not expire until at least 6 months after your scheduled *departure* from each country (not your arrival date).  If there is a shorter requirement, not problem, but you don't want the reverse situation...  (You might be denied boarding at the initial embarkation port, where they check passports along with other documents.)

 

GC

 

Actually some countries are now requiring longer than 6 months. One cruise we are going on in the  Pacific requires 9 months and also insurance. 

I agree with so many others .... study the requirements and verify yourself 😉

WOW!

Some big ships ... hopefully your aware that the large ships can not visit some islands.