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Petoonya

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Everything posted by Petoonya

  1. Hello Windstar CC family. It didn't go very well, but I've decided to buck up and get through this with a smile. Too many nice people on board and wonderful staff. So the dentist in Nice was quite young. He said he didn't see anything on Xray, yet I shot to the ceiling when he tapped on the tooth. Ended up giving me some gargle and floss, lol. But what changed my mind about things was the way the medical staff responded after I made my complaint.....supreme kindness and empathy. And chasing me around fluffing my pillows like mother hens. Dr. Dennis also told me that he had to go 4 months after COVID with a similar bad tooth before the ship was able to make port and he could attend to his it. If he stuck it out so can I. Curiously when I got back from the Nice dentist there was a message on my stateroom phone from endodontist- he'd looked at Xrays and believed indeed he did miss a nerve. I see him when I get back 4/10. Went to dinner for the first time in Amphora tonight, and very pleasant. Not able to eat a lot, and dined by myself contentedly. Have met nice folks, and we've made dinner plans. Dr. Dennis onboard has nicely offered various pain meds when I need them but trying to avoid as much as possible. Know I'll just push through. This big storm we're experiencing isn't allowing us to do a second day in Nice but Genoa instead. Love Portofino, and so will get to sit by the dock of the bay there. Thanks for all the encouragement everyone. Have been through a small nightmare this last year, and this pales.....I appreciate all the words of wisdom. You are all dear friends and I'm inspired and touched by your kindness and love.
  2. @new_cruiser Thanks for the good word on pre-existing. Unfortunately I used up all my benefits on my dental plan at home, so hoping that the one given by WS will help even a bit a bit, Like you I never purchase cruiseline insurance, but this happened to be a freebie incentive from WS. It's a pretty mediocre plan that I strongly considered backing up- and should have- but didn't. @Jazzbeau -amazing fix at a time of need for amazing price!
  3. @Strenz And another thanks for your empathy! Gotta say, at 72, finding out cruising solo is iffy now. As an old nurse believe It's crucial to have an advocate available just like at home. Can't just squeeze by because I believe I'm an independent old bat. Jeez, booked a 31 day for the end of this year. Will wait till all this is behind me, but don't know anymore. Thank the universe for TWO banana creme brulee they brought me tonight!
  4. @Strenz Thank you! Have always heard the very same.
  5. Last thing. I really appreciate your input everyone. Traveling solo for the first time.....there's no second opinion to be had! Been in touch with my family and they're divided about heading home, but none of them are regular cruisers and limited experience pleasure international traveling. Susie, you are wise to hold onto a few Vicoden for travel. That's the answer to all of this.
  6. Thanks very much everyone. Last night wrote an email to corporate about the pain management problem with medical doctor on board. This morning the doc did give me ketolorac (non-opiod pain med) injection. Helped greatly. And been resting all day. A storm at sea- missed Marseille, but have an appt in Nice tomorrow, 16 hrs away. Looking at my tomorrow at dental clinic. Examining my mouth- there's a big area- like 3 molars that are now involved. I worry this is going to cost a small fortune! And wondering if I should just fly home. I do have insurance but it's through Windstar and I've been unable to reach them because of the storm. This may be considered "pre-existing". Captain got on a bit ago and advised a second storm coming in now and have to leave Nice early...then next port will be Livorno. If the news is unaffordable or scary from dentist in Nice tomorrow, I'll fly home from Livorno. Funny, I asked the same medical doctor tonight about pain control for a possible flight home if that's what I decide to do. He hemmed and hawed AGAIN! What is this? It's definitely scary. Makes me extremely reluctant to book any further cruises. Who knows when they're going to get a severe toothache? opiod abuse is frightful, but when opioids are obviously necessary- WHAT THE HAY?
  7. Thanks so much. Yes, 5 days this morning. And yes, wondering about possible damage....it's pretty damn painful. About 32 hours until I can be seen in Marseille. I figure I'll see what happens there, and talk to family at home if there's a decision to be made. It seems most likely that the endodontist missed a nerve, so it either needs more drilling or the tooth needs to come out. Neither would be as complicated as what you went through. Yikes that was bad! I can hang in there for another little while. Hadn't considered leaving the ship and rejoining. Easter Saturday and Sunday the ship is in Rome and I could rejoin there. Thanks for the great suggestion. Missing all the wonderful food onboard, dammit!
  8. An RN for 50 years. Grateful to you, but would not write if I'd not tried that already. It's been over 48 hours so still hope for the antibiotic- meanwhile I'll fuss- meekly.
  9. Had the misfortune of having a root canal 2 days before departing for cruise.Post procedure day 3 I flew out of LAX for Barcelona. The doctor gave me 5 Vicoden and a low level antibiotic. Jaw was very painful. Has just gotten worse. Went throught the Vicoden in 1.5 days. Day after boarding Star Legend saw doctor onboard who offered me a visit to endodontist in Barcelona, or to up the antibiotic power. I chose a new antibiotic- the doctor thought a good first line choice too. 36 hours later much worse. It's an 8/10. Jaw swollen. Pain from tooth to ear to eyeball. The medical clinic offered me a visit to another endodontist in Marseille (2 days away) which I'll gladly choose. Meanwhile, my head/jaw feels like it's going to explode. Onboard medical doctor says the clinic has no pain medication to offer.With opiod abuse the way it is, it is understandable. Yet, confusing as I know people in pain do need pain control, and alternating Tylenol and Ibuprofen doesn't work for severe tooth pain or broken arms, broken hips, etc. I don't think I would have cruised taking a chance on hurting like this without adequate pain control. Unfortunately too I'm traveling solo, first cruise after losing my spouse- no one to "there, there" me. Anyone else verify- no opiod pain meds on cruise ships unless you bring them yourself?
  10. Did Wind Song Tahiti once, Wind Spirit Tahiti four times. Oceania Regatta Tahiti twice. Won't be doing Breeze till October, Despite having a marvelous time on Regatta, WS will always get the nod for time in port, closeness to the water, size and authenticity. The motu dinner in BB is pretty much unsurpassed too.
  11. Thanks so much everyone. You're replies make me weep. A hello to everyone and a big hug, and especially those dear folks I've cruised with. Bill did not want to be here anymore and decided to leave this world. Some of you helped him through our last cruise- especially one dear soul who even helped him play gin rummy. 🙂 (I'll write soon.) We did our first WS cruise 35 years ago on one of the first sailings of Windsong to Tahiti. What a privilege it is to be able to continue to be spoiled by WS- the staff, ships and life on board makes all of our hearts sing. Love to you all.
  12. I'm back, and booked for 15 days Med, Barcelona to Athens in late March 2023 on Legend. Have done the Mediterranean in April and the weather was perfection, and will see how things go this time. Eager to get on a ship again so doubt much will disappoint. My dear husband, who I cruised with for 40 years passed away in a tragic way March 2023, and it's taken me a bit to stand up straight again. But moving along with a lot of loving support and very eager to be crui sing on WS again. Such deals for solos in the last several months from the WS Guardian Angel. Have always done independent tours when cruising, but this time guess will stick with WS's own. Extended my trip on both ends. Anyone here have solo experience on WS? It's good to be back. Hello to all the beautiful souls who've helped me enormously in the past. Hope to bend your ears in the upcoming months. Fondly........Nancy
  13. A suggestion? On our last trip there last August we booked H2O BB twice, but we did an 18 day, H2O BB was 10 days apart. Was great, as with the weather it did turn out to be two different experiences. Can’t fully explain why but I don’t think I would have booked 2 consecutive nights- the only variation you might have are 2 different captains. I’d go with a different operator and that would be Tohora Bora Bora. Again small boat 6-8 passengers with the captain Simon, who is a character and passionate about the lagoon. We’ve been out with him 3 times and it’s always a treat, and like H2O- kindness, thoughtful care of the lagoon, and lots of fish. You can read about Tohora Bora Bora (and H2O BB) and make reservations too on TripAdvisor. But he books up fast too, so do it soon. 🙂 I’m nuts about the lagoon in BB- think it’s heads above even Moorea. If you love snorkeling don’t waste a day and just end up using one of the two days you have booked with H2O. I’d take my chances, and book both H2O and Tohora and live like kahunas! One last thing if you or anyone else is interested. I have a thing about bringing my own snorkeling equipment and we always have. This way I know the mask fits perfectly. But I lost my mask on a trip out last summer and used one of the ships. It was perfectly fine, and I’m sure the fins and snorkel would be too. The WS sports deck crew are meticulous and I’d have no problem using a set if I minded packing.
  14. Whoops....Raiatea Jet is the name of the jet ski operator in Raiatea.
  15. Snorkeling is all we do when visiting Tahiti, and over the years and especially the last 5 years, have developed a favorite list- rather a "don't go snorkeling unless you use these guys!" Number 1 not to be missed iis H2O Bora Bora- wow are they amazing. On our last cruise there were several in our group of friends who said they were the best snorkel trip they ever taken. One beauty of their tours is that they have only two boats that accommodate either a group of four or six, so essentially your're getting a private tour for a price was actually less that those tours with 8-12 people. The result is that you have a captain who is dedicated to making sure that all have an opportunity to experience sea life. For instance in years past in the manta ray "nursery" we used to see 2-3 mantas- with H2O we saw 20-30. With a small group you have the time to do so much more. We went out 2x with them on our 18 day cruise in 2022 August. Do all day including the motu luncheon for a real treat. Bora Bora's lagoon is my favorite spot in Tahiti Moorea- treat yourself to a again to a private tour 2-4 people- Mermaid Private Boat Tours . More spendy than most, but especially worth it. Warm people who are dedicated to your snorkeling experience. Also highly recommend are Alex Tours, and Moorea Adventure Tours (marine biologist onboard). You can book the last two on Viator. Fakarava- can't miss Fakarava Explorer, atolissant@hotmail.com He's been doing it for 20 years and now his son has taken over. Fakarava is a pristine paradise and what a day we've always had. O2 Fakarava is a half day intense adventure, number 2 choice. Tahaa/Raiatea is the place to go for jet ski snorkeling. Are Tours also quite good. Coral Gardens- spectacular- forget the ship's tours. Huahine- I'd choose Huahine Dream Tours. Rangiroa- a few good ones but we like The Six Passengers. Our last cruise people really seemed to like the ship's tour. The all do the same thing- the Aquarium (gorgeous) and/or drift snortkeling the Tiputa Pass. Can you tell I love snorkeling, French Polynesia and Windstar? Sorry to be so wordy- been addicted for a long time, and love chatting about it. Have a fantastic cruise!
  16. Agree. We went out with H2O BB twice on an 18 day cruise....one of the days with wonderful lunch on private motu, We snorkel a lot and theirs was the best snorkel tour we've ever been on- and we've been to Tahiti several times. Magnificent. Saw things we've never seen before in Bora Bora. Prices so reasonable and only 4 or 6 passengers in their two boats.Like a private tour.
  17. Picking a time to me is a crap shoot. I've been in Feb, Aoril, May, August, Sept, Oct and Nov/Dec. August should have been the best month but out of 18 days it either poured or was overcast 12 last summer. Feb, April, May, Sept and October were all fine. But 18 days in Nov/Dec when it should have been the worst, it was sunny and gorgeous 17 out of 18 days. I think you take your chances with Tahiti weather any time of year. The crew on Wind Spirit this last August agreed. Doesn't matter- if you can do it- DO IT. It's amazing.
  18. Oh no, not at all. The price is the price for tours in Tahiti as most places. But Captain Benoit and his Tahiti Lagoon Paradise seemed to be a little more "flexible". Prices on his website seem quite high by comparison to other tours say in Bora Bora or Moorea, but for whatever reason we've been able to negotiate a price that's within our budget. With him if the price seems a little too high, I'd ask "can you do it for ----? , and he's been amenable. Whatever the price it's worth it hands down- his tours are wonderful, and the price is for 2-4 people.
  19. If you're going to Raiatea, almost all the tours out of Raiatea offer a stop at a pearl farm- it's really hard to escape the pearl farm, rum distillery, vanilla farm stuff! Raiatea and Taha'a sit across from each other (historically they were one island), and we've been to Champon Family Pearl farm in Taha'a twice on a snorkel tour from Raiatea. Probably a nice spot for low quality craft type pearls. Second option is right in Papeete (you didn't mention but assume you'll be stopping there too?). Mihiarii Pearls in the Papeete Market. Price wise probably the best you'll get. Since it's craft quality purchases you're looking to make, and there is always MUCH too little time in FP, if it were me I'd buy my pearls on eBay. If they aren't sentimental or valuable pearls I'd go that way. Too, too much fun to be had out on the lagoon or in the hills above.
  20. @coopster No. Pharmaceuticals in FP follow generally the same prescribing provisions as the US and Canada.
  21. @jbcallender There is a very nice, but spendy wine vendor about 5 blocks from the port, Wine XS. But looking online they close at 6pm. You'll be happier anyway going to Carrefours in Faaa despite the cost of the taxi ($25 each way from port). But if you're coming from the airport Carrefours will be right on the way..... Wonderful store, fabulous wine selection. Open till 8:30. Just in case you're departing on a Sunday, no liquor sales on Sundays.
  22. Interesting! Well either this couple was pulling our legs or the crew was pulling yours. They were part of a foursome who said they were from Texas and their stories and accents sounded pretty authentic! They did some mean country dancing much to everyone’s delight, not that Anschutz isn’t a hoofer too.
  23. There's really no need for XPF before traveling to Tahiti. Just visit any ATM, close to any of the ports and use your card. Independent tour operators generally accept online cc payment.. You'll find out if you book an independent. Most we used last month took online cc payment. Nice to carry XPF for tips etc.
  24. A good question. It is possible but think it would be hard to coordinate. There’s a ferry 3 days a week between Raiatea and Bora Bora but it takes 2.5 hrs each way. Might be very hard to coordinate with arrival and departure of the ship. But there are reasonably priced flights between Raiatea and BB on Air Tahiti last I read. And only 20min. flight. Again could be hard to get flight times to work but worth a try! I like to use the Expedia feature “Rome to Rio” to plug in off the beaten path destination ferries, flights etc. Will let you have the fun of researching it though! Let me know what you find. Are you just one day in BB?
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