doug52

I will chime in.  We really look forward to hopefully South Pacific this year on the virtually new Breeze  and follow up on the Breeze in '22 to Alaska.  Love having this small luxury ship at least part of the time on the left coast.

And, my apologies to Jazzbeau on my previous post.  I had to go back and read the forum rules to see that I had encouraged emails that was improper.  It had been too long since I had read them.  

Will not happen again.

Doug

Yes, as I said in my initial post, this is the Star Breeze.  We are reluctant to sail on the Sailing ships due to cabin size and my Wife's feeling her sea sickness will be worse in open waters. And one of my initial points was that I was comparing Paul Gauguin to Star breeze, two similar size cruise ships, not sailing ships.

And, of course this is based on the cruise sailing, I have my doubts as well.  But that doesn't mean I put my head in the sand and just wait this out.  We have our vaccines and are ready to cruise if this one goes.  And if it does, this is a great price, which was the only point I was making.

There are countless posts about whether any cruise will go this year, but that was not the thrust of this thread.

So let's stay on topic, thanks.

Doug

I started looking at Windstar versus Paul Gauguin to do a Society Island and Tuamotu cruise.  And, what led me to Windstar was their price and the fact that they had just completed the major renovation of the Star Breeze.  So, when I called my TA, she quoted me a price based on a promotion  they were doing with Windstar. So, I thought I would share what I got versus the price shown on Windstar's website:

Windstar 10/17/21 11 day Society Island and Tuamotu

S1 ocean view cabin

$4,299 plus 133 tax =  $4,432 per person

and there is a perk offered currently by Windstar

Our TA price

S1 ocean view cabin

$3,032 including port tax 

$410 rebate from TA, no perk available from Windstar with this promo

And, only a  $290 down payment.

This was too good a deal to pass up, and thousands less than a comparable PG cruise. So,  it pays to shop around.  As you probably know, I am not allowed to share the TA name, but  it pays to shop around. 

Good luck,

Doug

2 hours ago, Zukini said:

 

Dr. Poole was offered as an excursion on both of my cancelled cruises, September 2020 (Whale Watching) and May 2021 (Dolphin Eco Excursion), so it's likely he's under contract with Windstar.

Yes, I just checked and Dr Poole is offered on our stop in Moorea.   Since we have already  done a jet ski tour there and a fantastic atv tour of the island, this may be our best alternative for Moorea. 

Thanks,

Doug

OK, I may have to look at Jet skiing in Raitea.  Last trip we took a full jet ski tour around Moorea and while we liked it, the young guy guide went full out almost the entire trip.   It was too much, we were with 3 other couples,younger, that seemed to enjoy the speed. We would have enjoyed a more leisurely

trip with some speed but not for the entire time. 

And, I know Patrick's tour sounds somewhat hokey, but if offered I think we would take it for a change of pace.  Windstar is offering a tour for 6 hours that sounds similar to Patrick's.

We did enjoy a private tour of a Vanilla plantation with the owner that Vahine arranged. But, once is enough.  And, once was definitely enough for the Pearl visit, where we saw everything and then the entire boat waited on a couple for a good 20 to 30 minutes while they bought pearls. Eating in to our time to do other parts of the tour.

Dr. Poole is a great suggestion, not sure Windstar offers him.

And, if things open up and Windstar relaxes its protocols, we will definitely be booking independent.

Doug

1 hour ago, Petoonya said:

Doug,

The Blue Lagoon is a gorgeous spot but not for snorkeling- very shallow. You are there for a long time just snacking, hanging out and gazing at the tiny sharks in the water. We got bored just hanging out and watching the crabs with no opportunity to snorkel- there at least 1.5 hours. Pufuna is deep water snorkeling which is why I think WS rates it as strenuous. Really didn't think it was strenuous- besides the boat is always there with you. The snorkeling is gorgeous and really worth while.

 

Just an aside. There is a famous provider in Fakarava that some will be familiar with- Ato, and if you want his email let me know. I realize that WS will only allow their own tours and vetted tour providers for excursions. Ato is very good, great snorkeling (Blue Lagoon too), with lunch and is an entertaining fellow. If he passes muster with WS he'd be the person to go with. Have suggested that he approach WS, but don't know if he's followed through. Also encouraged a few that we like in BB and Moorea to contact WS. We've done BB, Moorea, Rangiroa, Raiatea Huahine with independents. Happy to share names if it works out that they are WS preferreds. All very small group snorkel trips.

 

I forgot about Rangiroa- as I say have only done with independents but WS tours are sure to be equal. Don't miss the Aquarium- water clarity is exquisite. And the drift snorkel is fun too, even though WS lists it as strenuous. There is always a boat standing by should anyone have a problem. All you do is adjust your mask, jump and hang onto a float behind the person in front of you and watch fish, especially hammerheads. Amazing.

 

 

Great input, we will go with the deep water snorkel unless Ato is available. We can handle strenuous, and we would get bored with the Blue Lagoon also.  I may reach out to Ato, as well, and encourage him to approach Windstar.

We loved Pure Snorkeling on Bora Bora  and will look to do a similar excursion with Windstar. 

Does Windstar use Patrick on Bora Bora?  If so, we will also do his excursion on our other day there. We previously did a smaller tour, similar to Patrick's, on our previous trip.

And, we will do Windstar's Aquarium tour on Rangiroa.  

We would love to be able to get off the ship in Raitea and have lunch at the restaurant that the couple that used to be at Vahine private island resort and now have their own restaurant on Raitea.  He is one of the best chefs we have ever experienced.  I know he has a restaurant now on Raitea as I play pickleball with a neighbor that has a second home on Raitea and knows them very well.  However, I know that we probably can't do that unless the protocols change.

Possibly do a river excursion on Raitea?

We are not looking for Pearl stops or Vanilla as we have already experienced that with Marc for Pearls on his tour on Huahine,  and we did a private excursion to Tahaa when we were on Vahine to go to the vanilla plantation.

Thanks again for your advice, all is welcome!

Doug

1 hour ago, Petoonya said:

Don't miss the Coral Garden tour from Motu Mahaea. It's a snorkelers paradise in a heavenly location with an almost IMAX like view of the fish. It's only 3 hours so you'll have plenty of time on the motu to relax and enjoy the barbecue. Don't forget at least water shoes and maybe a rash guard. The coral is sharp here and due to the current it's easy to get banged up. We've always brought pants and gloves too, but only ones in group who do, so it's not a necessity.

 

The Blue Lagoon trip in Fakarava is nice, but the best snorkeling in Pafuna is last of the day, and not always time enough to see as much as it deserves.

Petoonya, thanks for the input.  We do plan to do the Coral Garden tour from the Motu and already have rash guards and water shoes from our PG cruise.

As to Fakarava, Windstar offers a 4 hour snorkeling tour at Blue Lagoon or a 1.5 hour snorkeling tour at Pufuna for about the same price. I am leaning toward doing the Blue Lagoon for the extra time and Windstar calls Pufuna strenuous and Blue Lagoon moderate.  What has been your experience?

Thanks,

Doug

Congrats on getting in right under the wire. Thanks for the input on the Safari Expedition, it sounds like a good choice for a land visit to one of the ports versus all snorkel stops. Plus, we always look for excursions with just a few people per vehicle versus the large bus tour. 

Thanks,

Doug

So, we just booked the October 17, 11 day Tahiti and Tuamotu cruise, hoping it goes!  However, all indications I read assumes that all cruise lines are going to initially require their own excursions to help control Covid risk.  Therefore, I am looking to initially book Windstar excursions for each port.  Three years ago we sailed on Paul Gauguin and their 11 night Society Island and Cook Island itinerary and I booked all private excursions, so this is a real change for us.  But, we just want to cruise at this point.  Masks, OK--  Social Distance, OK --   Windstar excursions--  OK  just get me on the darn ship!

Now, we love to snorkel.  So, we will be doing that in Bora Bora and the Tuamotu's for sure.  Probably not on Huahine, we did Marc's tour last time, not impressed. Also, may do the drift snorkel on our beach stop, we did not do that with PG just enjoyed the motu all day.

Any and all suggestions welcomed including the specific snorkeling excursions that Windstar offers. I notice at some stops they have more than one snorkel opportunity.

And, if anyone else out there is going on this cruise, please join us on the roll call I just started.

Thanks,

Doug

While I haven't sailed yet on NCL, I also was wondering about the difference.  If you watch both videos to conclusion and  focus on  the bathrooms, that is the major difference between the two interior cabins.  The club balcony or mini suite has a double sink and a larger shower, and is therefore a larger overall bathroom.  I think the rest of the cabin is about the same.

Not much difference, unlike on other cruise lines like Princess where the mini suite cabin is considerably larger than the balcony.

So, we are hopefully going on a Bliss cruise in November to the Mexican Riviera in a balcony cabin.

Doug

38 minutes ago, msmayor said:

 

My experience with employers is that even with a new job, if you have pre-planned and paid-for vacations they will not deny you the time.  You might not get paid for the time off, but at least you get to keep your planned vacation.

 

It's a question I ask every single person I've ever considered hiring - "Do you have any vacations or time planned with your family that you cannot change?"  so I know ahead of time and can allow for it.

It is advisable that when HR or your new boss makes the job offer, you make your pre-paid vacation plan a condition of employment.  This is when you are in the best negotiating position, as your new employer has made the decision to hire you.  And, if there are any issues, this is when you can still make the decision of accepting their terms or not.

Just my 2 cents from hiring hundreds of employees over the years.

Doug

2 hours ago, cruisegal415 said:

Thanks Doug.  We don't have this promotion, but that's ok, we don't usually take the beverage package, we use our on board credit for wine purchases on board.  Unless we're doing a Caribbean cruise, we don't usually drink much besides wine with dinner.  Which brings me to a new question, other lines we've been on will allow us to purchase a bottle of wine, and if we don't consume it all in one night (which we don't), they store it for us to use at dinner on subsequent days.  Does Princess do this as well? (sorry for totally being off topic here)

Yes, they should do that for you. 

You are also allowed to bring on as much wine as you like,  you just pay a $15 corkage for each bottle over 2.  We sometimes will stop at a liquor store and get several bottles that we know we like and bring them on board and pay the extra corkage, still probably cheaper than the inflated prices per bottle on the cruise ship.  We won't need to do this on this trip, since we were given the beverage package and will hopefully have some decent wines in their included  list.

Doug

19 hours ago, cruisegal415 said:

So helpful.  Definitely getting the coffee package now that I understand.  And those flavors look yummy!!

Cruisegal,  so I saw your questions on this thread.  And since we are on the same cruise with you, I thought I should bring up one other point that may apply to you.  When we signed up for this cruise Princess offered the sip and sail promotion which gets you a premium beverage package for both passengers.   If you also have this promotion, you do not need a coffee package as premium coffees are included in the package.

Doug

I have never had a bad meal at The Daily Grill.  Hope it works out for Thanksgiving.

Doug

Just happened to see this post for info on Thanksgiving near LAX.  One of my favorite restaurants for a very good meal is the Daily Grill that I have enjoyed in Irvine and out in Palm Dessert.  Now, I have not been to the one on Century Boulevard near LAX but this would be my choice for a Thanksgiving meal near the airport.  Here is what one reviewer on TA said a few years ago about this restaurant for Thanksgiving:

Yes, the reviewer was on the Crown Princess.  We are taking this trip next year on the Regal Princess and are looking to book International Friends as well after reading this review.  Here is the link for the review:

Good luck,

Doug

17 minutes ago, minabruuke said:

We've been on several Caribbean cruises and the French Polynesia and Paul Gauguin really did spoil it for us. I look at different Caribbean itineraries and just shrug now because the itinerary just doesn't really matter as none of them will come close to comparing to the French Polynesia. We are especially spoiled now when it comes to the snorkeling.  Given that we are on the East coast we will likely do many more Caribbean cruises in our lifetime but they will be more for the cruise itself than the destinations. 

 

We, too, have a few more bucket list destinations that we want to hit in the near future so it will be a couple years before we can get back on the Paul Gauguin but we will be back!

 

This year we are doing a land trip to Bali, Singapore, Phuket & Dubai. Next year we will most likely do South Africa on the Azamara Journey. I have been waiting for a more affordable and shorter cruise option for Africa!

I hope you do the Journey to S. Africa in '20 and review it on the Azamara board.  As I mentioned above, we are already booked for this cruise in '21 and we are going with at least 3 other couples.  So, would love to get feedback on this new itinerary for Azamara.

Doug

We were on the March 31st cruise in a Sky Suite and had a different experience.  First, Cali did a fantastic job of arranging a special Carrot Cake prepared and presented at Luminae. We were traveling with another couple and he was celebrating his 55 birthday and Cali organized getting a full carrot cake(his favorite) and having it for his birthday.  I also had Carlos in Luminae present and serve a bottle of wine from my cellar that I brought on specifically for his birthday.  We had excellent service from Carlos as well as the entire wait staff in Luminae.

In the retreat lounge, we had Dominic supply us a bottle of Blanton's whiskey and I even had him deliver this bottle to the Sunset bar one night, so that we could enjoy it one evening with a Cigar. I did tip him of course for this service.

And, we loved the quiet pool area and had excellent service from Dominic sometimes and a young lady(forget her name) that were almost always there to serve us drinks.  And, it was nice to be able to enjoy lunch right in the pool area.

If and when we return to the Edge or Apex, we will get,at least, a Sky Suite more forward than aft or even mid-ship to really enjoy the Retreat area.  We were in a Sky Suite,  a few cabins aft of the aft elevators and I would definitely move forward on a future cruise.  Also, the aft elevators on the Edge are way busier than the forward ones.

Doug

We just returned from btb cruises on the Edge, first week in Aqua, second week in a Sky Suite.  In general, we felt the food was a  big step up from our last cruise on the Reflection.

We did have a 3 night specialty dining package that we used for Fine Cut, Eden, and Petit Chef.  We also had 3 lunches at Raw on 5.

Overall, the dinners at Luminae were some of the best we have had on any cruise ship.  Blu was not far behind.

Of the specialties,  our favorite experience was the bone in filet mignon at Fine Cut with the blue cheese crust. Excellent steak with some great sides including the stuffed tater tots, the mac and cheese and the sauteed mushrooms. A great addition to this meal was the fact that with our premium beverage package we were able to get a glass of Caymus for an additional $10 per glass.

The other specialties were one and done from our standpoint.  While the food was good(but not any better than Blu or Luminae), you are paying for the ambiance and entertainment in Eden and Petit Chef.

We also really enjoyed Raw on 5 for a light lunch and very good sushi. They had  a menu with some cooked selections like the crab cake and an excellent cooked beef dish stuffed with veggies (forget what it was called, started  an N....).  Crab cake was much better than the one we had in Blu, more crab and better flavor.

As others point out, food is very subjective, but the four of us traveling together felt the Edge did a great job with the meals we experienced.

Doug

2 hours ago, SWFLAOK said:

Before we retired, we normally did 2 flights to the Caribbean a year from the NY metro airports. We've visited nearly every island in the Caribbean for a week to 10 days and returned home. After retiring and spending a number of years taking our boat to the Bahamas where we spent the winter on board our 43 foot boat,  we sold the boat and bought a condo in Florida.

Since we missed boating, we decided to take our first cruise ever. And since our "once in a lifetime" trip many years ago was a week at the Sofitel Bora Bora followed by a week at the Park Royal Beachcomber (now IC) Moorea, we found the Paul Gauguin to be a reasonably priced alternative to return to French Polynesia.

Before disembarking, we had another PG cruise booked, and we have another booked this year and one next year.

We've started taking other cruises have done 2 cruises to the Caribbean since they're easy to access from Florida, and have decided that we would rather fly to an island destination and stay for 10 days to 2 weeks rather than cruising to the Caribbean again. The Med, SE Asia and Austrailia, and a river cruise from Amsterdam to Prague are also booked this year and next.   

Somewhat similar to your history, we had a 38 foot express cruiser in Newport Harbor here in Southern California for several years before we got tired of the same old boating experiences(no Bahamas out here) and ended up selling our boat and buying a second home in Big Bear at 7,000 feet to enjoy the climate and the lake.  And, then we started our cruise vacations first with Princess, then Celebrity, and last year PG.  

We really enjoyed the luxury, small ship experience on PG, so we are going to try the  luxury Regent Splendor for Europe, and the luxury lite Azamara Journey for South Africa to stay with the smaller cruise ship experience.  

While we are doing some bucket list destinations for the next three years, we both agree that French Polynesia and PG are our ultimate destination.  We will probably do one of their other itineraries next, the 10 or the 14 day, although we loved the 11 day Cook Islands itinerary.

Doug

Wow, 10 trips, we can only hope.  We do have a few bucket list destinations that are planned:

Med- so the Wife can see Venice this trip on the new Regent Splendor

South Africa- for the animals on the Azamara Journey with land safaris before and after

Australia and New Zealand on Celebrity

And then, like you we may just plan repeated trips on the PG and enjoy the beauty, remoteness, service, and friendly locals over and over again.

Doug

10 hours ago, Wendy The Wanderer said:

Of course it helps that you live in California!  But we absolutely agree about FP.  The Vahine resort looks great, btw.

Yes, even more of a reason for us to fly 8 hours to Tahiti versus 5 to 6 hours to Miami or San Juan.  Just two hours more for a much more scenic and remote destination.

And, Vahine is great!  I am happy to answer any questions on this small, luxurious remote resort.

Doug

My Wife and I just completed two back to back cruises in the Caribbean this year after cruising on the PG last year on the 11 night Cook Island and Society Island cruise.  We had booked the Caribbean cruise mainly to experience a brand new ship(Celebrity Edge) two years ago while on a TA cruise on Celebrity.

Well after experiencing these two destinations in consecutive years, there is no comparison.  French Polynesia will be our warm weather cruise destination from now on.  While the Celebrity ship was fun, so is the intimacy and service on the PG.  And, the beauty and water activities in French Polynesia just totally blew away the Caribbean.  

We can't wait to plan another trip on the PG.

If you are undecided based on cost, just go for it. The PG experience is definitely worth it.

And, if you really want a romantic extension, look into the Vahine Private Island Resort extension offered by PG.  The best land resort we have ever experienced.

Doug

The liquor store in St. Martin had a full set of Pappy for sale.  They wouldn't take OBC.

Doug

Yes,  I also bought a bottle of Springbank 18 year Scotch that would cost me $200 here, but was only $120 in St. Martin with no tax.  My favorite Scotch.

Doug