Please convince me to go on Tahiti / French Polynesia cruise

I have the opportunity to go on a French Polynesia cruise in February 2019. It would be on the Oceania Marina, starting in Tahiti and sailing to Moorea, Fakarava, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Raiatea and Hauhine. I've cruise the Caribbean many times, been to Maui and the Big Island. Is this a world above those? I'm willing to spend the $$ if I think it's one of those bucket list types of cruises. As fate would have it, it just happens to be the same 2 weeks I picked for vacation (I'm a pediatric nurse and we choose our vacation a year ahead of time), and it's our 34th anniversary during the cruise. So to those that have cruised, is it worth it? I would love to hear your overall thoughts. Between the money and they flight (from Michigan, so maybe 18 hours overall), I'm just not sure. Thanks in advance!!!

Davela2 - Yes, French Polynesia is a 'world above' Hawaii and the Caribbean and worth the extra money and effort to get there. FP is not remotely commercialised and is far more beautiful. That's why people pay top dollar for cruises and the resort hotels. However, you are thinking about the wrong ship. The Marina is much too big for these tiny islands. Only Papeete has a harbour/port that you might recognise as Caribbean-ish. The other islands have no ports at all so tendering from a ship the size of the Marina isn't the best way to go. Look at the Paul Gauguin or Windstar - same islands, much better ships for these islands.

MARINA/French Polynesia Mar 4-19,2018 REVIEW w/lots of photos

Should be pretty convincing.

I have the opportunity to go on a French Polynesia cruise in February 2019. It would be on the Oceania Marina, starting in Tahiti and sailing to Moorea, Fakarava, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Raiatea and Hauhine. I've cruise the Caribbean many times, been to Maui and the Big Island. Is this a world above those? I'm willing to spend the $$ if I think it's one of those bucket list types of cruises. As fate would have it, it just happens to be the same 2 weeks I picked for vacation (I'm a pediatric nurse and we choose our vacation a year ahead of time), and it's our 34th anniversary during the cruise. So to those that have cruised, is it worth it? I would love to hear your overall thoughts. Between the money and they flight (from Michigan, so maybe 18 hours overall), I'm just not sure. Thanks in advance!!!

Congratulations on your 34th anniversary. Moorea and Bora Bora are my favorite places in the world.

I tend to agree when people say that the FP is an unspoiled Hawaii. You will not find the birds like in Maui, but the water around the islands are the best. It is also our favorite snorkeling location because of the protected coral around each island. Make sure to do a drift snorkel.

IMO since the islands are small and it is so expensive, a cruise is a great way to see and enjoy FP. Other than a precruise stay for a few days, I have never taken a land vacation there.

The worst part of a cruise there is the flight back. We never mind the flights on the way to vacation because we are so excited. We just do not like the departure airport in Papapee. Several times we have taken a cruise back.

IMO it is definitely a “bucket list” cruise and an excellent experience.

Good luck with your decision.

We have booked the cruise you are looking at. I can only say that we did this itinerary in 2017 and are repeating in 2019. Yes the ship is large, the roll call and book some private excursions. It will be a blast. Beautiful and amazing snorkelling.

We have been on land trips (on our own) in the Society Islands and on 3 cruises with Haumana, a 25 passengers catamaran, and Aranui, passenger/freighter. The islands are worth it, believe me! Very different from the Caribbean. The Marina is a wonderful ship, enjoy your cruise!

We have been to those island on a previous trans Pacific cruise & are doing it again in Mar 2019, love it & are looking forward to it again. I agree about the long flights that's way this time we're doing a return cruise out of San Diego. What ever you decide you'll love it, enjoy. Bon Voyage.

Allan

Why not go?

See as much of the world as you can!:D

It's something about that part of the world you just have to see for yourself!

I hate long flights, but, I'm definitely going back and that itinerary sounds amazing!;p

Go! You won't regret it!

Also a peds nurse and this November will be the third time I'll cruise Tahiti, and fourth coming up in April 2020. We did FP on Oceania's Sirena last May and November will be on Windstar. Marina's itinerary is perfection- absolute paradise. Not every FP cruise includes all the islands you will get to see!

I also go to Maui and Kauai every year but it is no comparison to FP. FP is Maui fifty years ago. The only iffy part is rainy weather season which is November to April, the height being January. But it's just like traveling to Maui in February- your chances of rain are a higher than in June, but it doesn't interfere with your experience. Most rain occurs in the afternoon and at night when your snorkel time is behind you. As I say our next cruise is Nov/Dec this year and the prospect of rain doesn't deter me at all.

Hope you decide to go for it. It's everything people say it is and worth going broke for!

After researching when to go to FP (All months have their drawbacks) and land versus cruise we decided on a cruise with pre and post days in Tahiti. Then I researched cruise lines taking into consideration cabin size (we do large suites) and inclusive amenities. We booked Oceania Marina 10 night. Great itinerary with two overnights and long port times. The Windstar and Paul Gauguin have the swim platform but only open them in 3 or 4 ports (really when anchored). OEven in a standard cabin space is needed for wet swim suits, rash guards etc. we just went to four of the Hawaiian Islands and are looking forward to the exceptional beauty and culture in FP.

Come back and let us know what you book.

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Thanks for all your replies. Especially loved the comment: “worth going broke for”. I am booking on Friday for an 8 night.

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What cruise line are you booking with?

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Don't do it! You will catch the Tahitian flu and be compelled to return time and time again. It will ruin future experiences to other exotic locales that will never measure up to the FP experience. Plus, the people are just too darn nice. As a favor to you, since you have already paid, we will go in your place and suffer through it for the fourth time. Bon voyage and remember that you were forewarned!

Thank you to all who convinced us to go. I just booked on the Oceana Marina. It’s a specialty charter cruise which included a charter flight from LAX. Saved us quite a bit of money. Super excited!

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Thank you to all who convinced us to go. I just booked on the Oceana Marina. It’s a specialty charter cruise which included a charter flight from LAX. Saved us quite a bit of money. Super excited!

 

 

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What date did you book. We are booked on the January 31, 2019.

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What date did you book. We are booked on the January 31, 2019.

 

 

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February 22 sailing

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Don't do it! You will catch the Tahitian flu and be compelled to return time and time again. It will ruin future experiences to other exotic locales that will never measure up to the FP experience. Plus, the people are just too darn nice. As a favor to you, since you have already paid, we will go in your place and suffer through it for the fourth time. Bon voyage and remember that you were forewarned!

I totally agree with you. We visited 35 years ago and have been dying to return. Just booked a 28 night on HA from Papette to Auckland. Can't wait!!!