dontdiwundrin

No. The ship just charges your cruise account.

 

I think the cruise lines could assist their passengers re whether normal visas are required, or whether the ship gets group "visa" approval for passengers on their ships.

 

It is not good enough advising passengers that visas are passengers' responsibility. I phoned our Vietnamese Embassy here and was advised, incorrectly, that a visa was required ($130 including all extras at that time). Fortunately, I read on CC of a passenger on another RC cruise line who paid only US$6 and decided that was good enough for me. Another example of useful information gleaned from CC, which saved me a lot of money.

Thank you Marion!!

When I cruised on Azamara in December, the ship got visas on board for all passengers, including Australians. Cost $6US. This was only for passengers who stayed on board the ship. If passengers wanted to stay on land overnight, a different visa was required.

 

Later google - vietnamvisaembassy.org re cost reverting back to $US5 per passenger.

Thanks MM, that was what I hoped was the case. Did you have to request this prior to boarding?

I realised if you wanted to stay overnight on shore it would be a different story.

I also acknowledge finding out about visas is the guest's responsibility.

I have already checked smartraveller.gov etc and the countries Embassies, I just wanted to know if the ship had the facility to do this for passengers.

As a newbie to Azamara, and taking our first cruise soon :) I have read this board over the past few months and found a great deal of useful information - thanks to all who have replied to my question!

Is it necessary to apply for visas (Thailand and Vietnam) before travel- or does the ship do this for passengers on board?

We are from Australia.

Thanks in advance for help.

YES! Support. We will be happy to contribute after our cruise.

Also support this suggestion, we will also contribute after our cruise.:) Thank you.

Excellent news, and thanks for the prompt reply.

I am happy with the positive comments about the cruise line and their timely responses.:)

Hi, We were on the same cruise. Agree with Tom's assessment.

 

A few other things to add.

 

1. Tender service was excellent

2. Did not enjoy the included wines but drinks were great

3. MDR service variable.

4. Specialties excellent.

5. Smoke from smoking areas was terrible and noticeable in adjacent stairwells and on top deck when walking. Very unpleasant for me.

6. Also allergic to Aloe but knew ahead so brought my own products. Please rethink the use of Aloe inclusive products.

Just interested to know from other cruisers please, is smoke from smoking areas really bad, - personally I also find it unpleasant. I assume smoking is banned in cabins and balconies? Thanks in advance for responses.

so pleased I found this ! have been on Paul Gauguin 3 times and only that ship, so was keen to see a comparison with Azamara, as we want other destinations. Thanks to all for your considered views. Seems like Azamara will suit us!!

I second your opinion. There are many wonderful things about cruising in French Polynesia, - but it's the staff on the PG that make the experience special and memorable!:)

Thank so much for taking the time to post these photos. They are delightful and brighten my day.

You really capture the magic of French Polynesia!!

We've booked Cabin 767 for Society and Cook Islands, May 26, 2018.

 

Maybe the upcoming refurb will reduce vibration/increase stabilization?

 

 

 

 

Anyone know what's being attended to in the upcoming refurb as mentioned here?

 

Is it refreshing the décor, repainting, new upholstery/bedding, or a more substantial refurbishment?:)

Thank you to everyone for the suggestions. It sounds like this is an easy port to DIY an excursion using the local bus. Looking forward to it!

 

Becky

Have fun doing the research Becky, hope you enjoy the cruise and all the ports of call.:)

take a look at Trip Advisor, lots of recommendations for Rarotonga, Titikaveka beach, (been there on a few days vacation myself and it is lovely).

Easy to get to by own transport or bus. - and not far from Muri, (where the shops and restaurants are) -- see a local map online for ideas.

Trip advisor has good detail on things to do in Raro (and many other destinations!) and also helpful info' on the Forum.

Thanks for the correction. Although, I don't know why D couldn't find the website and the promotion since once I got the email while I was waiting for my TA to respond I went and found the promotion on the website.

 

Anyway, this is a great promo and it got us to book the cruise we wanted but didn't want to put down so big a deposit so far out.

Hello again Cruisedreamer1, - I found the details, thank you and the dates of the cruises. Sadly, the date is unlikely to work for us in June 2017, as we have previous commitments for that month. We shall look forward to the Reunion cruise end of July 2017 with much excitement.

Incidentally, the last time the ship went to dry-dock and undertook a similar voyage in about August 2014, we were aboard!

We joined the ship, (after it had been in Singapore )in Cairns, Australia for a 12 day cruise - and it then sailed to Port Moresby, (Papua New Guinea) and then on to some of the destinations on this 2017 trip you are booked on.

If you wanted to read my trip report of that particular voyage I posted it about Sept 12th 2014. Sadly, I didn't upload any photos. It was a fascinating trip and I am really pleased we went, - in fact, on reflection - we would be happy to do it again!!

Also, on the same page (7) is a

Go to http://www.paulgauguincruises.com/special promotions and you will see this great offer for 2016 and 2017 cruises.

 

I have been a PG customer for years and this is the best offer they have ever offered.

Thanks very much for responding so promptly!! will check website link you mentioned.

We just booked our cabin for this unusual itinerary. The ship will be just out of dry dock. If you are thinking about a 2016 or 2017 PG cruise, now is the time to book. $250 per person deposit instead of the usual 20% of fare. $500 cabin credit plus 10% off fare.

 

I need a countdown clock!!! My husband and I decided after 8 PG cruises we would only come back for a different one (we have enjoyed all of their usual itineraries).

 

Anyone else out there planning this cruise?

Hi there Cruisedreamer1,

I just looked on the PG website and couldn't find this one (currently upgrading website, and fill in name etc and wait to be contacted, etc.etc).

Please would you tell me where you found these details, - sounds interesting!!!

We have been to one of these destinations with PG and would be keen to know more about the itinerary, and I like the deposit, and extras!!

Thank you.

Wrong thread for the record

Go to the actual roll call with the date!

I made a mistake - , I feel suitably reprimanded by you.

O.K., - Here's another post towards the record...

Reunion cruise deposit paid !!

Happy holidays everyone and looking forward to 2016, and July 2017 cruise especially:D Tess

Brilliant review, well done. Thanks for taking the time to record all the details.

I liked the final conclusions and agree completely.

Seems like you have the flu', - there's only one cure - a return trip!:)

Tess

That's great news Miriam!

Really looking forward to this vacation. and getting back on board the PG...is it too soon to count down just how many months, weeks, - days?????

will keep an eye on this thread for updates:)

Thank you so much for taking the time to post such a fascinating review and such amazing photos.

Very much appreciated!:)

Hi Miriam,

That sounds just perfect....the dates are on the calendar already. It's great timing with my Birthday late July and Wedding Anniversary early August......so how can my husband resist this!!! (He is not the greatest sailor, but indulged my wish to cruise and managed quite well on our last 2 PG cruises).

:)

Look forward to hearing any more details and chatting about this soon.

Tess

Hi Tess,

 

Definitely in 2017. Tentatively July/ August but to be confirmed. Will likely be Cook Islands itinerary and also have two days in MM.

 

Likely I love to plan ahead.

 

Miriam

Thanks Miriam, that will be something else to look forward to.

I thought Aitutaki lagoon was the most beautiful I have ever seen, would love to visit again.

Altho' I recall sometimes the seas can be a bit "inclement" en route to the Cooks!! Have to hope for good weather:)

Tess

:)

Glad you had a great trip.....repeaters cruise coming up in 2017 do stay tuned!

 

Shocked about your iPad. We have left ours outside at hotels around the world including the IC Tahiti with no problem at all.

Hello Emdee,

Any info' on repeaters cruise 2017 yet, as I'm really keen on forward planning, ..have already got my eye on a 10day 2016 cruise, but wouldn't say no to the following year too!!!

:D

It was a really great cruise wasn't it. Some wonderful memories.

 

2017 anyone?

Any potential dates yet Emdee?, ..... I am evidently some-one who loves to forward plan vacations. :)

Miriam,

So delighted you had a great time on this cruise, good news about the experience - and am also pleased the weather was beautiful.

I look forward (as I am sure many others do) to reading your review/opinions/assessment of all aspects of the cruise.

Really sad we couldn't make this trip, just have to wait for the next time!!:)

Tess

I