VisionaryJax

On 1/22/2019 at 8:38 PM, Petoonya said:

Hi there. I was the one who started the roll call for Marina PPT to Lima in March. But we switched gears and did the 17 day Wind Spirit cruise last month instead. I hate using superlatives but it really was incredible. We had 4 days in Bora Bora and did Pure Snorkeling, Lagoon Service and Tohora Bora Bora. They were all excellent but Tohora was the best. In Raiatea we did Bruno's Le Excursion Bleue and enjoyed. He took us to a place where there was no one else, just the boat, my husband and I and about 50 reef sharks and many manta rays. Also did the Coral Garden with him as well as doing that independently on another day. That's a do not miss excursion. I know that you want to dive everywhere so these are a "just in case," your husband wins and you end up snorkeling 🙂

 

We also did Nuku Hiva on an Oceania PPT to LA in May 2017 and did a 4x4 island tour with Temarama Tours (no diving or snorkeling in Marquesas as you prob already know). We're going back and doing Oceania PPT to SFO April 2020 we love it so.

 

Used the Terevau Ferry to go to Moorea on a day we were docked in Papeete. Dock #2, best departure times and you can buy tickets online. Spent the day at the Hilton Moorea- $90pp use of all facilities and a fabulous lunch. Used Torea Transport to the Hilton. But if it were me I'd do jet skiing/snorkeling with Moorea Activities Center- they'll pick you up right where the ferry docks.

 

Sounds like you've already figured out Fakarava.

 

We've stayed at the Intercontinental in Papeete. The pool is wonderful and you have a gorgeous view of Moorea. But doing a day in Moorea is ideal while you're there as not as much to do on the island of Tahiti. Moorea gets voted number 1 by a lot of people.

 

The dogs in Tahiti really do break your heart. There were many right at the dock in Bora Bora, but all those were well fed. Not so on all the other islands, Huahine, Moorea, Tahaa, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Fakarava doggies were borderline starving. We bought dog food at supermarkets and fed dogs everywhere. It's particularly bad on Moorea. The locals take in puppies and release them as they get older- spay/neuter is virtually unknown. (The government even makes it terribly difficult to adopt dogs too!)

 

We have two huge hard to manage Pyrenees that we worried about, and four cats, one who is 21 and insulin dependent. They were all in wonderful hands but despite that I called, texted and emailed home a LOT wondering about them.

 

We spend our cruise dollars judiciously like you and Tahiti and Oceania are things we can't get enough of when we can swing it. Sirena PPT to LA was superb. You are going to have the time of your life!

5

Wow! Thank you so much! Those pix are amazing! I will keep the snorkeling and excursion tips in mind, as you say, just in case. I looked at Wind Star, too, when we were planning, but my husband really wanted a balcony, a butler, and the most luxury we could afford. How would you say Wind Star stacked up?

It's impressive you've kept a diabetic kitty alive for 21 years (in a house with Great Pyrenes! LOL). I am sure I will be like  you and checking in on our Barney a lot.

We looked at the PPT to LA cruise ... what did you like about that? If we are lucky enough to be able to do a trip like this again (we just started saving for our 25th-anniversary trip!) that one looked like a lot of days for not as much money, if I recall. Plus it would be nice to be flying home to Houston from LA rather than Lima -- we have to wait all day in Lima until a midnight flight to head home after arrival. (We do have a tour lined up, which sounds fabulous -- and will probably get a hotel room to rest up in the evening until we have to be at the airport.)

Thanks again everyone for all your recommendations and kind words! It's getting close now ...

22 hours ago, GeorgesGal said:

 

Absolutely Patrik is THE BEST!!!  We took his tour last year in January from Lima to Papeete.  Also if you are lucky enough to get ashore on Easter Island, James Grant-Peterkin has a tour company there.   His comfy name is Easter Island Spirit, e-mail info@easterislandspirit.com.  

 

If you are interested in either of the two tours, Patrick's or James', I suggest contacting them asap as they are extremely popular and fill up quickly.  Here's hoping you aren't too late to snag either or both of them!

 

Enjoy your trip, we certainly did!

Thank you for this information. I emailed Easter Island Spirit, and they responded very quickly; now we are booked on a tour with James Grant, and it was much more economical than the shore excursions Oceania was offering. I am going to post this information in our role call as people are looking for things to do for Easter Island. I sure hope we make it there!

14 hours ago, Sea42 said:

We were able to visit both days on our Marina cruise that ended today. It was pretty choppy the first day but the second day was an easy tender. Best of luck to you!

That is good news. We only have one shot, but I am very hopeful.

14 hours ago, Hoopster95 said:

 

 

YAY! Another FP thread... your 2nd post above hits the nail on the head, I got so much great advice before I went from so many awesome people here on this Forum. 

 

Regarding your first post, Fakarava will be best bet for diving. Google "Fakarava Diving"... plenty of options to make inquiries.

"Less expensive" pearls? Papeete would be my guess. Papeete has a flee market.. I don't know days and hours, google it and it should help. Papeete also has a large "Pearl Market" (we never went, however we were told about it and the GF googled it) store so I assume you can find something there. However note, in shopping with my gf for pearls, the "cheap" ones are not cheap at all.

 

Denise!!!!.... when are we going back?!?!?!   ** sigh ** 

 

 

Thank you! We found one scuba shop, TopDive, that seems to have operations on all the islands where we're going. I would like to dive on each island; my husband is less keen, but he is a bit older than I am and never was as passionate about scuba as I am. I hope to drag him along though. This is why I haven't booked any other shore excursions in FP yet; I would like to dive everywhere. We will probably only be there once, and I don't want to miss the underwater world. Although your snorkeling photos from your review were awesome; I love free diving, too, so that would be fun too.

1 hour ago, Wendy The Wanderer said:

Glad people have figured out for you that it's the Intercontinental you're staying at.  Very nice resort, many people love it.

 

As others have said, taking the ferry over to Moorea is a piece of cake, just make sure you get back before dark (ferries only run in daylight hours.)  Albert's  rents cars and does excursions, so if you just want to do some snorkeling, or ATV'ing, or 4x4 tripping, you can book an excursion (there are many operators there--go to Tripadvisor and see.)  If you'd rather rent a car, Avis is apparently near the ferry dock, Albert's will pick you up there and take you to the rental office--on return they'll drive you back to the ferry.  

 

If you drive, try for lunch at Snack Mahana or on the beach at the hotel Les Tipaniers (latter place you could also have a swim).  Make sure to drive up to the Belvedere for fabulous views, and stop at the Agricultural Research station on the way.  Just driving around the island and stopping is fun.

 

I've bought pearls on Moorea and Bora Bora--the latter has lots of shops in all price ranges.  Prices for beautiful, but less than perfect, pearls has come down over the years since I bought my first pearls in 2000.

Thank you for the recommendations! I will check out Albert's. I would like to have something booked before we go.

I appreciate all the thoughtful responses y'all. Thank you! If I can figure out how to post as we go, I will do a review like Hoopster did and hopefully post some scuba photos, too.

1 hour ago, pinotlover said:

We’re planning on taking Paulchili’s route to Easter Island. Take the cruise from BA around the end of South America into the Chilean Fjords and to Santiago. Then fly over on a land package. Oceania has to high of a missed port rate in the EI to risk going with them to get there imo.

9 minutes ago, Paulchili said:

Plus you’ll have more time to explore leisurely, have local food and entertainment.

Enjoy!

That's so great. We have just this one shot, so I hope we make it! This is our "trip of a lifetime" so I don't know if we'll get back to Easter Island again if we don't get there this time. Fingers crossed!

2 minutes ago, Paulchili said:

In addition, while they may be malnourished they are not domesticated and not accustomed to all human foods. Think meat products over things like bread or dry dog food.

On one occasion the dog ate only the slice of ham out of a ham sandwich, leaving most of the food uneaten.

Sorry for OT post.

Thanks, good point.

What does "OT post" mean?

3 hours ago, jdm said:

You will love being in paradise.  As a fellow dog lover, I was so saddened in the back areas of Papettee to see so many stray dogs, super skinny just lying in the roads.  In hindsight I wish I had taken a small baggie of dry dog food to give them some nourishment, especially those that were nursing.  They come right up to you when you get out of the car.  Our spoiled 14 1/2 year old german shorthaired pointer and our cat don't have a clue how spoiled they are. 

Enjoy your  cruise!

 

9 minutes ago, Paulchili said:

I share your concern as we are dog lovers as well.

A word of caution as we encountered this in the past. While traveling in rural South America we brought some food with us to do just what you wanted to do and it caused a terrible fight among the dogs fighting for the food. We never tried that again (unless there is only 1 dog).

Thank you both for this information! I thought the dog food sounded like a great idea, but now I will know to be careful and not start a fight!

Thanks Lourdest& Hoopster. I could see the video in Lourdest's post, but not in Hoopster's. Very cool. And thanks for the information!

1 hour ago, Hoopster95 said:

 

 

Resurrection!!! 

 

Thanks for the kind words. Delee, thx for re-upping this blog as it was buried in this AWFUL new cruise critic platform and virtually unsearchable unless you're savvy with the new search tool functionality.  What the new readers don't know is that is that all my videos are missing, again another issue when CC changed, never brought back full functionality of my entire review after the hours/days putting it together. At least the disappeared photos returned after about 2 weeks.

 

jlgreuel... I brought 0% XPF with me when we left our homes, purchased all my exchange at the airport. The Papeete airport exchange was convenient and easy, had no issues. In hind site, Euros not needed at all unless you're planning a specific private excursion with a tour provider who gives you that option. ATM will be fine as well (I used in Bora Bora no problem)

Hoopster, based on the XPF cash you used/needed for the days in FP, should we do half our cash into XPF, do you think? We always us credit cards more than cash, but I am thinking on excursions for tips, etc? I know you aren't a travel agent, but as you've been where we're going, I thought you might have  a thought.

Also, thanks again for the terrific review; I didn't realize there were videos I missed. The photos were there, though, and they were fab.

18 hours ago, sammiedawg said:

We were booked with Easter Island  Spirit, unfortunately we did not get ashore due to wave action.  Crossing my fingers you get in.  

me too! we would be so disappointed! i wish they had arranged for 2 days there, just in case? but here's hoping! sorry you didn't make it. 😞

19 hours ago, Paulchili said:

Good news and bad news 

Good news - you will LOVE your Oceania Suite

Bad news - it will be hard to sail in anything less in the future 

Remember that you can exchange the complimentary alcohol in your bar for any others - Vodka for Gin or wine, etc

You can dine ensuite from any specialty restaurant course by course on those days when you had a long day ashore and just want to dine in a bathrobe and slippers instead of getting dressed up.

Oh wow I didn't know that about the in room dining, that's cool. And I was wondering about what alcohol would be in our complimentary bar -- I don't drink spirits much, so that's good to know. Thanks so much!

17 hours ago, ORV said:

I've been in your exact room, but on Riviera. Of course they're just alike I think. Here are some pictures to whet your appetite. 

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1892358-oceania-suite-v-penthouse-suite/?tab=comments#comment-40004025

 

I didn't realize that Photobucket had put the pictures back they used to host. I guess that charging for their service didn't work out so well for them. It's good to know any pictures I've posted in the past are back. 

 

 

 

Oh wow, that's fantastic! Thank you!

16 hours ago, sammiedawg said:

The I’m so excited for you!!!  You will love Marina and this trip.  We did this itinerary in 2015 or 2016.  

Definitely check your roll call to see if you can join private tours.  

Another vote for Patrick in Bora Bora. Fabulous day.  

Francky Frank gives wonderful tours in Moorea.  He is offbeat, hilarious and fun.  Check with him to see if he can meet your ferry, otherwise rent a car.   

 

Many cruisers arrive in Papeete a few days early but then ferry to Moorea to one of the resorts there.  We used a company called Tahitian Legends for a great package deal, ferry, transfers, three nights at the Moorea Intercontinental Hotel.  We stayed overnight in Papette on the day we arrived in FP.  

The ferry in Papeete is centrally located in the town and is a few slips away from where Marina will dock.  

The ferry terminal on Moorea is not centrally located, a car or a tour guide picking you up is essential.  

 

Is your cruise doing Easter Island?  If so, this is a great locale for private tours.  

For Pitcairn, make sure you attend all the lectures.  Residents of the islands will probably come  on board, hawk  some stuff and give  a few talks about life on the island.  The destination expert will present some stunning info the next day.  I won’t spoil it but you will be mesmerized. 

 

Enjoy

Thank you for the recommendations! Yes, Easter island for one day -- and thanks for the info on Pitcairn, too; I wasn't sure what the Pitcairn Island experience was, as we don't go ashore. Very excited!

14 hours ago, Sea42 said:

We're currently on the Marina but from San Antonio to Papeetee.

So far it has been a great cruise. We had two full days on Rapa Nui (Easter Island).

Day one we did a one day (8 hour) tour with Green Island Tours. There was so much information and we saw everything we wanted to see. For us, a 2 day tour would have been too much. We had 5 days of sea day lectures leading up to Easter Island!

Day 2 on Easter Island we set up a car rental with Oceanic Car Rental. They did not show up at the appointed time. I had printed out the email exchange with the company showing we would meet at 9am. They were there at 8. We waited until 10am then walked into town (about 1 1/2 miles). They were very sorry but had no cars left by the time we arrived at their office.

We ended having a fun day in Hanga Roa and saved the $100 for the rental.

Our other ports will be Fakarava, Bora Bora, Raiatea and Tahiti. We are also spending 3 day visiting Moorea. If you have any questions I'd be happy to help.

Thanks for the recommendation of Green Tours for Easter Island, we are only there one day, so I will probably try to book that. And thanks for taking time from your cruise to reply! I will certainly PM you for more information after you visit the other FP islands. Also, have you done any treatments at Canyon Ranch Spa? That looks great for days at sea.

12 hours ago, dcsam said:

I agree about shopping for pearls in the Papeete Marche.  I’ve found many lovely pearls there.  Last time we were there (about a year ago), I bought several for gifts.  They range anywhere from$10 (great for kids) to $25-50 (better for adult gifts.  You’ll notice the quality difference).  Walk around once and get a feel of the various pearls.  Walk around again and pick up the ones that stood out.  Go upstairs too.  You can do a bit of negotiating if you buy more than a couple at a vendor.  But some are so inexpensive, it’s not worth haggling.  Ahh... shopping for pearls at the Marche - one of my favorite things to do.  

Thank you ! This is great information. I will certainly be able to find gifts for our kiddos.

I see me reply previous to this got formatted all crazy, but I hope everyone could see to whom I was replying -- all the posts have been so helpful and reassuring! Thank you all again!

VisionaryJax

(Can you believe when I set up my account, I misspelled my own username?) LOL

4 hours ago, LHT28 said:

 

 

4 hours ago, Paulchili said:

Take a couple of deep breaths and relax 🙂

It sounds like you planned a wonderful trip and I KNOW that you will enjoy it.

You can find tons on info about French Polynesia on this forum as well as on Ports of Call forum....

You can do searches for other info typing in French Polynesia or Moorea into the search box. 

We have a black lab that is 14 1/2 so I understand your worries.

Good luck and enjoy

1

Thank you! Aw, your doggie sounds like a good pup! We don't know exactly how old our Barney is because he was a stray and then went into terrier rescue, but we've had him for 10 years, so he is no spring chicken, and he is like a little old man with his health problems.

 

I did look at Hoopster's review, which was fabulous! And thanks for the other ideas to get info here on this site.! 🙂

4 hours ago, cruiseaholic78 said:

Speaking as someone who is also going there in March beit with a different company we are really looking forward to our cruise visiting some of the same Islands.Just finished watching a German cruise video of a ship visiting many of the same islands and it all looks out of this world.

Some of the tours may already be fully booked but do check out https://albert-transport.net/ to see if they have any offers available in Moorea. Speaking as an Oceania fan with four cruises done and two booked I am absolutely sure you will love it. The Marina/Riviera are beautiful ships not too small not too big the only danger is that you might get addicted! 

Last but not least I suggest you visit the roll call for your cruise and see if anyone is still looking for people to join their tours and also to register for the M&G to meet up with fellow passengers at the beginning of your cruise.

https://www.cruisecritic.com/rollcalls/marina-march-2-2019/

Relax enjoy your planning.

Rosalyn

Thank you Rosalyn! So glad to hear you are an Oceania fan -- and thanks for the roll call link; I didn't even know it existed. I can't afford to become addicted to Oceania, but the photos and refuse make it seem like a really good choice. When we went before with the kids, we were really just doing the family stuff ... I think this is going to be so different and fun.

4 hours ago, LHT28 said:

DEEP BREATH

Take one issue at a time ..if you have confirmation on the hotel why would they bump you ?? 

check the  ports of call forum for things to do in the ports

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/62-pacific-islands-all/

 

maybe people on your roll call will have private tours you can join

There was a lengthy thread here on a a cruise to FP with lots of info on guides etc.. 

 

enjoy

Thank you for the link and the ideas! I thought the hotel might just refund what Expedia charged and rent the room to someone who would pay full price and booked with them ... but there's no reason why they should, you're right. 🙂

4 hours ago, PaulMCO said:

Some advise -- seems like we all chimed in at once you have lots of advise...

 

Point 1 and Point 2.   Try phoning the hotel.   It certainly easier than an email and you can talk with somebody. 

 

Shore excursion.  Check using Trip advisor, tours by local and  you can also post on your role cal for this cruise and the specific area.

Roll call --  some may have same interest and you may be able to share a private tour

 

You can get some answers to your other questions here --

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/62-pacific-islands-all/

 

Regarding your love... we have also some  older dogs.  Maybe for some peace of mind take to the Vet before you leave.  Make sure your sitter has your Vet info.  

Thank you so much for the links! It would be great if we already knew people from online ... I didn't even know about Roll Call here, so this is great. Yes, our dog Barney will definitely get the once-over from his vet before we go, and also his dog-sitter is a vet tech, so I shouldn't worry. It just seems a long time to leave him.

2 hours ago, gabelle said:

Moorea is very doable on your own.  Take the ferry over from Papeete and rent a car.  Avis rents there as does Alberts.  Reserve your car ahead of time particularly if you want an automatic. There are probably others, but those are the two I am aware of.  There is one road that circles the island.  Belvedere is a must as the views are spectacular.  French Polynesia is one of our favorites.  Your trip will be wonderful! 

 

While staying at the Hilton on Moorea a couple of years ago, we witnessed a beach wedding.  I know you aren't staying there, but it might be worth inquiring about a beach vow renewal.

 

Oh, thank you! That is a great thought about doing the vow renewal on our day trip to Moorea. I read good things about the Hilton (on this site I believe), but my husband is older and didn't want to haul luggage to the ferry terminal and/or risk trying to get back on the ferry to PPT on the morning the cruise leaves and miss the boat, so we made our land part of the tour just there in Papeete.

1 hour ago, vaitape said:

I was unaware that there is a Holiday Inn in Tahiti. Wonder if you're talking about the Intercontinental which is an IHG property such as the Holiday Inn. If so, the hotel is quite large but if you booked an OTW bungalow, you did well! I think they've been remodeled lately...good timing as they were in need. 

 

BTW, when getting a cab at the airport, tell the driver you want to go to the Intercontinental, not the Holiday Inn....because I seriously doubt they will know what you're talking about. 

 

If you want to have a drive around the island or have a taxi waiting for you at the airport, let me know. We know a very reliable women who speaks English well and is very nice.

 

Also, look for pearl shops around Le Marche in Papeete. Good deals to be had if you have the time.

Thank you! I said the Holiday Inn but I meant the Intercontinental which is a part of IHG as others have noted. And you're right I probably would have said the same thing to the cab driver! LOL. I think I read about Le Marche on Trip Advisor, but I am glad you give it a personal recommendation, too. I think the hotel will do a transfer for us from the airport to the property, but we might like to have your friend give us a tour! Thanks! I will PM you.

1 hour ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

OP: if nothing else, book a tour on Bora Bora with Patrick ASAP: http://www.maohinui.net/en/lagon-et-festin-polynesien 

 

you will not be disappointed!

Thank you! I am appreciating all the recommendations and Patrick looks like the real deal.

33 minutes ago, delee78 said:

Oh my goodness, you are going to have a blast!!!!  You are going to paradise!  As soon as you arrive in Papeete, you will feel the stress totally melt away!

 

I wasn't aware of a Holiday Inn in Papeete.  If you booked through IHG, then you probably are at the Intercontinental.  It is 10 minutes tops from the airport.  I stayed at an overwater bungalow at that property in March.  It is AMAZING.  you will love it.  Just send them an email and they will help confirm the ceremony details.  

 

I also took the ferry to Moorea after our cruise.  There are two ferries that go from Papeete to Moorea.  They are located right next to each other.  Super easy.  Just take a taxi from the IC to the ferry pier.  Pay for your tickets, drop off any bags with the porter and then just relax for the 30-40 min ride.  The Avis is right across the street from the ferry in Moorea.  Just reserve ahead of time and the car will be ready for you.  The link above to Hoopster's review of the March cruise will be really helpful.  It includes two stops in Moorea and a TON of detail.  It will also include the IC in Papeete. 

 

As for tours, I can help you there as well, but it might just be easiest to read Hoopster's review and either one of us can help you get contact info for the tours that interest you.  Definitely second Patrick's tour in Bora Bora.  One of kind, highlight of the trip.  Just email them and see if they have availability.  Their company name is Maohi Nui. 

 

What suite are you in?  We were in 12001.  I did a review of that suite on Hoopster's review if you want to get an idea of the features/style. 

 

Please let me know if you need any information!  

12008 -is our suite -- Yes, I read Hoopster's review, and I was very excited about your description of your suite which I think is similiar to the one we'll be in. And thank you so much for your information and recommendations. I will go back through the review and see about excursions; I appreciate your offer to help get me connected.

18 minutes ago, floridatravelersforlife said:

We did this exact itinerary on Marina in 2016.  After 28 cruises it was one of the top 3 memorable cruises.  It is worth the anxiety.!!!

Re the Papeete hotel.  You are not visiting the surface of the moon. Even if all goes wrong (which it wont) there are plenty other places to stay.  And Pepeete is not  dangerous.  The regular citizen is warm and friendly.  We had 5 days at the IHG and spent a day doing what locals do. Shopping at Carrafours, walking around downtown.  Very Friendly. 

Hint, if you are able to snorkle,  you will never forget it. 

 

 

Thank you so mcuh for this! It is great to know from someone who has been that it's safe -- and of course you are right, even if everything went wrong, we're not children -- we would get it sorted. LOL, thank you for the reminder!

 

I was not sure how to format this reply as it is a long time since I was on an internet forum -- I HOPE when I hit post that it looks all right -- and that everyone can figure out to whom I was replying. The main thing I want to say to everyone is THANK YOU! What a lovely community of cruisers to respond so quickly and so positively. Y'all are terrific! I promise I will try to keep detailed notes and do a review, too.

Oh my goodness, y'all are wonderful! Thank you so much for each reply! I am shocked and so pleased how quickly this got responses! I am at work right now but will check the links you suggested -- and take a deep breath! LOL.

I didn't even know roll call was a thing, so we will definitely check that out, how exciting.

More replies later. THANK YOU  all again!

My husband and I are celebrating our 20th anniversary in March with a "trip of a lifetime." We've been planning it for over a year and saving for it for some time. We used to take an occasional cruise with his kids when we were all younger -- Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and once we did a Princess Cruise. But it's been I would say at least 10 years since we did any cruising.

We're not independently wealthy people, but we wanted to do things first class and cruise for at least 2 weeks, so we had to be economical about our choices. We found Oceania's 16-day cruise from Papeete to Lima, Peru, offered a longer itinerary for less dollars because there are fewer ports of call; they're apparently moving Marina out of the South Pacific with this cruise, so that worked in our favor: we could afford a nice suite with a hot-tub on the balcony, for 16 days at more of a 10-day price.

And our cruise broker set us up with a credit card that gave us bonus points for United Airlines, so we paid for the cruise on the card (and paid it off) and were able to get one set of business class airfare tickets using points and only had to pay cash for one set, which meant we could fly business class to Papeete and home from Lima, which is what we wanted. We're old and traveled a lot for work before my husband retired, and we're done with coach class. He didn't even want to do an international flight if it wasn't business class.

We loved the looks and sound of Oceania with an older clientele and great food, plus we're spending 3 nights in Papeete beforehand at the Holiday Inn there in an overwater bungalow, and I'm trying to put together a little informal ceremony on the beach  for us to renew our wedding vows.

Then the cruise goes to a couple other French Polynesian islands, then a bunch of days at sea, a stop at Easter Island, then on to Lima and home.

It all sounds enchanting! And we've been looking forward to it for so long now. The thing is, this our more-or-less 3 weeks in the sun ... we'll probably never have the means to make another trip like this again ... and maybe the anticipation of it is better than the actual cruising. Because then it will be over!

So I am freaking out a little because we depart from home in Houston in less than 8 weeks and ...

• We booked the Papeete hotel on Expedia because it was a bargain (for an overwater bungalow, it was a bargain, still really steep) and I worry what if the hotel just bumps us because they can rent the bungalow for more themselves?
• Plus it's difficult communicating with the hotel at this distance, and I am not exactly sure how to find out about a vow renewal on the beach -- sent an email, waiting to hear back.
• I want to take a day trip to Moorea one of the days we're on Papeete, and I see how the ferry works, but I am not sure what to book for us on Moorea that day or how to do that.
• Also I am having a little difficulty finding information on shore excursions - the Oceania excursions don't seem that exciting, but I want to have our tours planned in advance, and I want to do scuba diving on the FP islands, which Oceania doesn't even offer ...
• And I want to pick up black pearls for our grown-up girls and know nothing about choosing nice ones and not spendig a bundle ... Not that the girls would know the dif as long as the pearls looked pretty.
• Our senior dog, who is diabetic, has been getting more and more feeble. We have a great house-sitter/dog-sitter, but 3 weeks is a long time to leave the little fellow! I attach a photo of him and me. He is a rescue terrier.

I'm really looking forward to the trip, but I am having some anxiety about it, too. So, if you have any soothing words and advice, I would be happy to hear them!

On 10/29/2018 at 4:51 PM, cutiepie43 said:

 

I am now certified but I regret not doing it before our trip to French Polynesia.  Snorkeling was a blast but I would have loved to dive in a few of the locations.  We would do this itinerary again in a heartbeat but my only complaint is now Oceania seems to have shortened the stop in Easter Island to only one day.  Considering how often cruise ships can't tender into the port due to rough seas, it would be a big disappointment to go all that way and miss out.  We were lucky enough to get three days on the island (at a cost of missing the Pitcairn island experience).  Plus if you can't land in Easter Island it ends up being a lot of sea days between FP and Lima.  I hope you have a great time.

Yes, I noticed the difference in the time spent at Easter Island! I do envy you that. I hope we are able to go ashore. I am looking forward to the Pitcairn Island experience, but the itinerary makes it clear we won't be going ashore there, which is disappointing. We will see. I usually enjoy days at sea, but we have never been on Oceania before, or had so many days at sea in a row. I think it will be lovely to relax; hope so.

My husband hasn't been diving in a while because of problems clearing his ears; he could have a simple surgery to repair a deviated septum that would help, but I am not sure he will do it; if he doesn't, I am not sure if we will be diving. I certainly hope so, though. The underwater world looks spectacular in the Tahitian islands. Thanks again for all the photos and the review. I'm really excited to go.

Thank you so much for linking to this review in the other thread! I enjoyed it very much, specially because it is practically the same cruise we are doing next year in March! Your photos were fabulous and your descriptions were great. I, too, enjoyed seeing Droozy's adventures in the cabin. What a riot!

My husband and I are scuba divers, so we may try to do scuba in the Tahitian islands rather than snorkeling, but I loved your underwater pix (all your photos, really, were fabulous and informative). I hope we can connect with scuba operators and get the time to go deeper. 🙂

Thank you again. When I get back, I hope I have good notes so I can come here and update everyone on what has changed.

On 10/27/2018 at 8:47 AM, cutiepie43 said:

Although it was a few years ago, here is my review for our Papeete to Lima cruise we took a few years back.  You might find some helpful information.

 

 

Thank you so much! I look forward to reading it!

Hoopster, thank you a million times for this extensive review! Husband and I are booked on Marina for a Papette to Lima cruise in March next year, and the kind of information you've shared here is just invaluable. We will visit some of the same islands as your itinerary, so your help here is also appreciated very much. (We don't get Nuku Hiva, so I am sad about that, but otherwise so looking forward to the FP portion of the cruise and will take your advice when arranging excursions, etc.)

I registered on the Forum to be able to thank you for taking the time and loading all the photos, etc. Also Delee, your input was fantastic, too.

Thanks y'all!

VisionaryJax