Tahitian Princess

Can anyone tell me anything about this ship?

Has anyone cruised it recently? We are looking into cruising in late October. We have never cruised before. Should we be looking into a bigger ship? We are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. Any comments, suggestions, etc. are greatly welcomed and appreciated. Thanks.

Sorry...forgot to ask about the pool on the Tahitian Princess. Is it too small. Pictures make it look extremely small. Is it a good size for the size of the ship? How about beaches. Are they rough and require some kind of shoes or more like Carribean? Thanks again!!

I don't think that you could find a better cruise to celebrate your anniversary on. FP is absolutely beautiful, and you can choose to lay around on a beautiful beach, or snorkel or hike. The water is the warmest we have ever been in. The pool is proportionate to the ship, not large but it never seemed crowded. We are headed back for the second time in 7 more months, can hardly wait!

Laurie

Zenith 02/01

Century 01/02

Century 02/02

Tahitian Princess 01/03

Century 01/04

Tahitian Princess 01/05

We are going on the Tahitian Princess in Sept. and are so excited! The islands of French Polynesia look stunning. But having said that, I must add that I think a cruise in Tahiti sounds like it entails a lot more work to get there, get transferred, and certainly of more cost, than, say, a cruise based out of FL. (Food and hotel for a pre or post-cruise stay and shore excursions appear to cost lots more than say, in FL or even Puerto Rico.) We have been on many cruises and there is just something that makes a cruise going out of the Port of Miami to the caribbean seem special. Seeing the ships all lined up and the excitement in the air. . .well, there's just nothning like it! Views as you leave MIA are fabulous along So. Beach and Star Island, etc. etc. Not to mention it's easier and cheaper to get to MIA than French Polynesia. It isn't that I think you wouldn't enjoy a cruise on the TP greatly, but it's going to be more WORK. There actually is a lot to cruising. So do your research (seems like you are just by being on and finding these boards) and read everything your cruise company gives you. Check what the weather is generally like in the place you will be cruising at the time of year you want to cruise. If you've been married 25 yrs., you are no doubt at least in your 40's. Nice lines to try: Princess, RCCL, Celebrity. And don't let a large ship scare you. Most of the newer ones are laid out better than the older, smaller ships used to be and it's pretty easy to find your way around. If you haven't already been to many caribbean islands, I'd start there on an E. Caribbean cruise. Everyone has their own opinion and this is just mine. Not meant to disregard anyone else's opinion. As I said, I've not cruised in FP yet, but have in the caribbean many, many times and have taken "newbies" along who love it. Have a wonderful time whichever place you chose to cruise!

there really is no comparison between FP and the Caribbean. It may take longer to get to Tahiti, but it is a trip you will never forget. You can go to the caribbean anytime, but what great memories to spend your 25th in french polynesia.

Laurie

Zenith 02/01

Century 01/02

Century 02/02

Tahitian Princess 01/03

Century 01/04

Tahitian Princess 01/05

Is the itinerary going to Marquesas Islands or Cook Islands better? Which is more desirable? Thanks for all the information!

we've been on the Cook Islands itinerary so can't comment on the other. They both offer opportunity to snorkel. I believe that there is no real beach access in the Marquesas though.

Laurie

Zenith 02/01

Century 01/02

Century 02/02

Tahitian Princess 01/03

Century 01/04

Tahitian Princess 01/05

Thank you, laurieb, are you going to Cook Islands in 1/05 also? We are definitely looking for beach access, so I am wondering if Marquesas is the way we should be going? We are not great snorkelers, but love beautiful beaches, beautiful waters and the scenery that FP seems to offer. Thank you, laurieb, for your replies! This is just all so confusing, and I guess I am trying to make it perfect....maybe that's not possible!! A lot of money spent and a 25th anniversary, so at least trying to perfection! Hope it doesn't rain the entire time!

yes, we are going on the Cook Islands itinerary again. If you are looking for beaches, I think this is the one to choose. There ae some really good websites you might want to check out fo both Cook Islands and FP. www.thetahititraveler.com is one of my favorites. We had very little rain in 1/03, and are hoping for great weather again this time.

Laurie

Zenith 02/01

Century 01/02

Century 02/02

Tahitian Princess 01/03

Century 01/04

Tahitian Princess 01/05

krispy, you will love the TP. Yes, the pool is small, but you are always off the ship except 2 days at sea and then the last day you are there. There are hot tubs too. This is a smaller ship, but never felt full. There are enough chairs to go around. It is worth how ever long it takes you to get there. We also live on the east coast and it totaled 17 hour flight. I would be proud to share any excursion information you would want. Just email me at mbr961@bellsouth.net

Nancy

Thank you for all the great info! Is it necessary to wear some sort of shoes on the beaches of the FP? Some of the pictures make the beaches look a little rough, but can't really tell for sure. This is half excitement and half apprehension for me, as I've never been on a cruise before and the FP is sooooo far away!!

we used our aqua shoes everyday. we threw them away the last day because they were worn out! you don't really need snorkel fins though. the currents are so good, just water shoes are fine.

Krispylovesdonut,

The Tahitan Princess is lovely. We were on her in March for our 40th wedding anniversary and I cannot think of anywhere nicer to have been for our special event. The Society Islands are just what I had imagined and I was not disappointed.

The ship is a lovely size and our cabin, a verandah was compact but big enough. I am so glad we had a verandah as we spent a fair amount of time out there.

We found the food to be good and the entertainment was great. We always managed to find a deck chair around the pool area and we had a great group of C.C. members on board so we always were bumping into acquaintances and having a chat about the day. Actually we met a few times around 5pm up at the pool bar for a drink and a get together.

We also found the staff on board to be excellent. Of course the islands are magical and the itinerary is great.

You will have a wonderful time. To me this cruise and holiday was one of the best in our 40 years of marriage.

Jennie.

:o I don't mean to be rude, but I have to take exception w/Cruisernurse's advice & have to put in my 2 cents. Though I have not been to FP, I HAVE read several posts and a guidebook or two that said it is WISE to bring your own fins if you plan to snorkel. You need to know that it depends upon WHERE you snorkel as to whether or not you will need fins. Perhaps Cruisernurse only snorkeled in places where there was a drift current (?). There are calm waters in FP and there are areas where you will be pushed along by the current, and there are no doubt areas or times when you might have to fight the current a bit. Have you ever snorkeled w/out fins? I have and it's one heck of a lot more work! You get a lot farther a lot faster WITH them w/out nearly the same amount of effort. Your feet are not made in a way to do as much as fins. Also, you can also help yourself "up" into a waiting boat better if there is no ladder if you are wearing fins. I have snorkeled a lot in the caribbean, Bahamas, Florida, Mexico and Hawaii and fins have always been very useful. And I am NOT a strong swimmer so they are even more important to me. Even if you are being pulled along in a drift current, if you have to swim in a different direction even briefly for any reason, the fins will help you. You may want to consider just how much you plan to snorkel and where. Snorkeling is something I know I will do a LOT of there so my fins are coming w/me for SURE!

I must also say that it is a good idea to have fins. they really aren't that heavy to pack, and even if you are a strong swimmer, if you get tired they are a great help. We had a few occasions that we were happy to have them.

We brought tuxes, formal gowns and the like in one bag (never had to be unpacked for pre-cruise stay), next bag had lotions and potions (tanning cream and bath products, etc) including snorkel stuff (goodie bags, masks, and fins), other bag had clothes for both of us -then take carry on each with docs, camera equip and anything you cant live without. Take it if in doubt, there arent kmarts on every corner, no reason to go without. Leave your water socks or reef/all terain shoes (think Teva) ON if you aret using fins, why chance a scrath or injury with a lengthy cruise ahead?

We used the Space Bags to keep everything dry (in the event that swomeone elses luggage leaked...it was nice, no odors either. Then borrow the cabin boys vacuum on the pack night before and suck it all up and off you go!

Thanks for all the information everyone. I have shared it all with my fiancee and he is looking forward to our honeymoon on the TP in march 2005 more than ever now. Thanks! Tanya

I wish you a wonderful honeymoon on the Tahitian Princess. We just loved that ship and that cruise. THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME!!! The islands were beautiful and there was so much to see and do. We met so many wonderful people and one set of honeymooners. "She" was just as cute as could be and introduced herself within the first five minutes aboard at the pool - "he" had won the Mr. Tahitian Princess contest - we became such good friends that we are meeting them in Hawaii for a two week vacation on Sunday for their one year anniversary. I know you will have a blast - be sure to do the afternoon tour of Motu picnic on Huahine and the a.m. tour 4WD jeep safari with Joel on Huahine. If you miss every other tour - these will be worth it. If you have time for one or two more - see the Snorkel Ray Ballet and the Aqua safari both on Bora Bora. Be prepared for added expense of everything in French Polynesia, stuff is alot more reasonable in Rarotonga, buy tons of pareos as gifts on the tender dock. See my other posts for more info. I am so excited for you!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

I have cut and pasted your advice into a document I am compiling with all kinds of advise, suggestions, comments, complaints - there haven't been many, but now that I know that the coffee isn't the greatest (and my DF drinks it now and then) I will pack the Coffee Singles for him.

I have a question regarding seatings for dinner. I was thinking that perhaps we could sign up for a table of 6 or 8 people, but I am not sure which seating would be best with all the things on the go. What has been your experience? Early or late?

And lastly, that's really nice that you are going to meet the honeymoon couple for their first anniversary. Hopefully this cruise will convert my DF that cruising is the way it should be from now on!

Thank you

Tanya

I cant comment on the coffee, I am a grab a diet pepsi and run kind of girl. I enjoy coffee now and then but run on high heat - so in the tropics its out. Translation = I am a hot tamale!

We had early dining. It was rather rushed here and there - but on the whole, we were glad we did it that way. We had morning and afternoon tours EVERY day, so get up early - grab gear, underwater camera, video, regular digital, equipment, curl and blow dry etc, maybe snag a bagel off the buffet and grab a water and GO! Then race back and grab the afternoon tour and do it all again! Race back from that and run to the room, get ready for dinner, eat capapes that are delivered tot he room as part of the celebration package, then go get pictures and race to dinner, race to casino, race to bed, do it again the next day. Check out the ports of call and see the tours there (for Tahiti). I didnt want to miss anything or regret not seeing whatever there was to see, if I did it over again, I would not do circle island tours on every single island, let me tell you after a pre-cruise stay on Tahiti for five days and ten days of sailing around - fifteen days of circle islands begin to run together - yes, even for me - the botanical queen!

That's what I am too - that's why I never knew that coffe on cruise ships was.... not as good as it could be. But I want my DF to be able to have a cup or two that wasn't going to terrible. After all, he'll be my new husband then. :D

I am trying to store all the info I get and will sort it all out later so I appreciate any advise that you or anyone else has to offer - that's what the boards are for (as well as socialising I see). :)

I don't think I could manage to get DF to go on that many excursions anyway. He wants to relax and running from here to there may not be in the cards (this time). ;) But thanks for giving me your thoughts. I started a new thread to ask others what they think about early vs. late seating during the TP cruise. I think early myself but I will see if others have any thoughts on that (that I may not have considered). There's lots of time to decide yet. (Too much time if you ask me.) Just under 7 months to go!

I am reading a few of your old posts to see what else you've offered up - I'll take any words of advise I can get.

Thanks!

Tanya

If I can make a suggestion, don't book your excursions through Princess. You can find the same or better once you get ashore for less money, and usually for a longer time. I would also suggest that you rent a car on whatever islands you don't do excursions. We had a blast with our CC friends, and I have no doubt that will be the case in January.

I dont agree - unless you speak fluent French or Tahitian - its a great idea to book aboard - the fact that the ship moves so often is reason enough. I thought the tours were well priced and reasonable amounts of time. I think we did something like 20 tours. I highly recommend the ships shorex because of the guarantee they dont leave you behind, let along the quality and convenience of having everything handled for you - its a long way to go to be screwed up with your shorex. You have other things to worry about - like the Bingo! Be sure to play every day

Dont forget to log on the board for ports of call and look under

Tahiti for ideas and tips and info

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!!

For the most part - I agree about booking independent excursions for FP Tahiti cruise. IMO - it's good to book tour operators that offer English speaking guides. And - getting back to the ship on time should not be a problem since the tour people are very familiar with the ship's schedule. However - if you book independent excursion(s) in advance...and the ship's sailing itinerary changes due to weather, etc., (and this has happened) you may have some fun undoing a deposit or credit card charge...not to mention missing the excursion(s). Normally - the tour operators will be aware of any change and make necessary refund. Also - some tour operators have a deadline to cancel policy. No big deal - but, an itinerary change can be a real hassle. Just FYI - SeaFish

If you do cancel a tour, or a room for a pre-cruise or post-cruise stay, be sure to get the name of the person that you talked to and maybe a printout showing you owe nothing, etc.

We cancelled a post cruise hotel stay for day use (stayed aboard and ate for free vice a $17 Croque Monsier...oh yeah, sounds elaborate - but its ham and cheese for $20US and drank American beers, and layed out by the pool) and never did see the money again! We paid in advance and never did get our money back.....if you are offered a meal program, go for it!