Honeymoon - November 11 sailing

My husband and I booked the November 11th sailing for our honeymoon. We booked in March 2016, so we definitely had a long wait. I read the cruise critic boards like an addict prior to departure, and some of what I read concerned me. I began to question our decision. However, I am glad to report we had had a fantastic time and wouldn't hesitate to go back.

My husband and I drove 4 hours to the Saskatoon airport (We live in Northern Canada). We then boarded a flight to LAX and stayed overnight. We arranged for a car service to pick us up at the airport. We used MGCLS, they were great, they texted me when I arrived and arranged pickup at a door outside the baggage pickup.

We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott Santa Monica. It was a newer hotel, used points to get it and it was right next to the pier which was great. We also used the same car service the next day to go back to LAX. We arrived at the airport and their was a PG rep (Lois) waiting for us. What a great start! Security line was long, but that is to be expected. Boarded the flight, have to say I was pleasantly suprised with the food on Air Tahiti Nui.. the reviews were not good, but it wasn't bad at all. The complimentary wine was also good. 8 hour flight went by pretty fast, we landed in Tahiti around 10:40 PM.

We did not book our Pre-Stay through the PG. I acutally booked a catarman through AIrbnb and it was fantastic. Eric, the owner picked us up at the airport and drove us to the marina. We stayed on his CAT for 3 nights, eating, sun bathing and snorkelling. (Highly recommedn, it was a fraction of the cost of the IC)

Embarkation day came, we had to be out of the CAT at 11am, so Eric's wife ALic dropped us off at the PG. We couldn't board yet, so we walked across the street sat at a bar. I enjoyed some Mai Tai's while my husband enjoyed beer and soccer.

At 2:40 we walked across the street, and we were on board at 3:00 sharp. Having cruised larger ships, this was by far the easiest embarkation ever. Glass of champagne, swipe you AMEX and then our cabin steward Rona escorted us to out cabin.

Cabin was great, were in 606 a D class balcony. Bathroom was bigger than previous cruises which was great. Bed was comfy and mini bar was stocked well.

Dinner every night was fantastic! I had fresh fish every night (Get the Wahoo & the Red Snapper) and the wine service was fantastic. we elected to sit at large tables to meet new people. We had a 7 course meal every night, I miss that already.

Lunch was just as good, everyday was a themed buffet, I elected t visit Sammy the chef for the make your own pasta station. Always enjoyable.

Can't really comment on breakfast, we never made it. We ordered croissants and fruit from room service every morning. It was prompt and good.

Don't miss going to Tea every afternoon, it was a hidden gem.

I had three massages at the spa and they were all fantastic. I also had my hair curled there and I was also satisfied. (Note: The spa is a little overpriced though)

The dive team was great, very patient as I am a new diver.

In Bora Bora we did an excursion through Pure Snorkeling and it was excellent. A must do.

We saw a hammerhead shark from our balcony in Moorea. Highlight for us.

The ship was well layed out. Easy to find everything and never a line. We would absolutely return!

The guest speakers were great. I only wish there were more lectures.

A dead whale washed up on the reef when we were at Motu Mahana, so they advised us to stay out of the water.

I would highly recommend this cruise, the food was great, staff were great!:)

Thanks for taking the time to post your review, so glad you had a wonderful trip

Sounds like Les 3 Brasseurs .... where you had a MaiTai and beer ....

Can you provide a link to the Airbnb catamaran you stayed in? Sounds fantastic!

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I enjoyed your report and it helps with my Polynesian flu.

Can you provide a link to the Airbnb catamaran you stayed in? Sounds fantastic!

 

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https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/7969962?location=Papeete%2C%20Windward%20Islands%2C%20French%20Polynesia&adults=1&children=0&infants=0&s=ZPhHQS-Q

https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/7969962?location=Papeete%2C%20Windward%20Islands%2C%20French%20Polynesia&adults=1&children=0&infants=0&s=ZPhHQS-Q

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