Tere Moana live

[crisp1]

Do we need to bring euros for any of the poc, or will american dollars be accepted

[Emdee]

Crisp I don't know the ports you are going to.

[crisp1]

Emdee, same as you, Tortola, Jost V D, St Kitts, Virgin Gorda, St Barts and Les Saintes.

[Emdee]

All take us except for les saintes. However st Bart's also takes euro.

[crisp1]

The TM drops anchor at Sopers Hole in Tortola correct? Are there taxis or tour operators there. We want to do an island tour with a stop at Brewers Bay. All the tour companies I have found so far leave from Road Town

[Emdee]

There were a few taxis there.

We went to cane garden bay and the beach and water was lovely.

[gcmv]

Desert cruiser

Will you please give us an update or review

Thanks

 

@dessertcruiser: It looks like, you are still cruising around the dessert or you vanished in the desert?!;)

 

Any review updates for TM? (Google shows only one at CC)

 

Ralf

[dessertcruiser]

Sorry, I have not revisited this string in a while. This was our first cruise with PG, and the smallest ship we have been on to date. Last year we were on Windstar's Wind spirit in Greece and Turkey. We book a Tauck tour of Panama and Costa Rica which included a 6 night cruise. I knew that the TM had had its recent renovation and was re launched just a few weeks before we were set to sail. I had also read a lot of the negative comments posted here and had hoped that things would not be that bad. They were not. DW and I traveled with a couple we have traveled with before.

 

We were in cabin 319, which is right behind the reception desk. I was a little concerned about this location at first, but there proved to be no noise due to the proximity of the reception and lobby area. On the contrary, the location was ideal as it was so close to the lounge and the steps down to the dining room or up to the buffet area.

 

We boarded January 25th in Calon, Panama. The cabin was about the size of a typical cruise ship and had all the typical amenities. The bathroom had lots of storage, more than most land based hotels. We did not have to leave anything out on the sink. We did have difficulty keeping the room cool in the evening. This experience was exacerbated by the fact that the bed had a very heavy duvet and no sheet so we could not regulate the temperature without being too cold or too hot.

 

I was fairly satisfied with the entrees. One of our traveling mates was not impressed. I was fairly dissatisfied with the desserts though. You might expect that would be important to me. They had almost no chocolate desserts for dinner, and the one they did have I did not like at all. On 3 of the 6 nights I had vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce.

 

Service on the first 4 nights was OK. The last 2 nights at the different table was unsatisfactory for a line like this, or any other for that matter. I know the staff has only been working together for 3 or 4 weeks, but I think it should have been better. So we sit down and the wine guy fills our glasses and then we wait for the waiter, and wait, and wait. When we notice that some tables are getting their salads and we have not even seen a waiter we flagged down the Maitre D. He hailed a waiter and all was well after that. The next night was an EXACT duplication of the prior night. Other tables are getting their salads and we flag down the Maitre D. I hope they have coordinated their efforts better in the last few weeks.

 

There were 82 passengers on this sailing so it should have been a little easier than if the ship were full with 90 passengers.

 

On the first 4 nights for dinner in the L'Etole dining room we sat in the back on the right side. The temperature was comfortable in that location. On nights 5 and 6 we ate in the front near the left side. Both nights it was very hot and we are all uncomfortable and sweating a little.

 

We ate breakfast and lunch in La Veranda on deck 4. The was a large variety of food and we enjoyed most of what we sampled. The had an omelet station which doubles as a stir fry station at lunch. There was usually a lineup as only one dish was prepared at a time.

 

We tendered off the ship via the zodiacs at each port. The crew was very diligent at helping the passengers into the boats. It was not too difficult. There are no seats in the zodiacs, we just sat on the rubber pontoon. They had put down towels for our comfort. The ride was short and this was not a problem for anyone in our party. We had a lot of help exiting the zodiac also. Our experience probably was a little different as we had 4 naturalists and 2 tour directors on shore to assist the cruise staff with the process.

 

We had one very rough night at sea as we sailed from Calon to the San Blas islands. We were heading into the wind and against the current. The little ship(3,504 tons and 330 feet long) was rocked. Fortuneately the captain had kept us in port at Calon until 10pm so we had a quiet dinner. Coming back that way was much less rocky. I believe it was mostly smooth on the Pacific side after we transited the Panama Canal.

 

We signed up for a tour of the bridge. We were told they would only take 25 people. Many more signed up, so the first 25 to arrive at the appointed time were escorted up to the bridge. The others on the list, we were told, could get a tour the next day. Captain Lebrun gave us a tour of the bridge and answered our questions. We were fortunate to see 2 wales while we were on the bridge.

 

Our tour began in Panama city, where we spent 3 nights. We boarded TM in Calon, visited the San Blas islands(Acuatupo and Holandes Cayes specifically), transited the Panama Canal, visited the Darien, Coiba and Granito de Oro, then proceeded to Costa Rica where we visited Marenco and deparked in Puerto Caldera Costa Rica. The weather was warm, low 90 and high humidity for most of the panama locations. We did not see a single mosquito.

 

We had a great time.

 

I hope this review is helpful.

 

Happy Cruising Rick,

[gcmv]

Rick, thanks very much - this was very helpful.

 

It must be really hard for an experienced dessertcruiser to have only vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce for dessert ... ;)

 

I'm interested in a balcony stateroom as I like a little privacy sometimes. Did you miss a balcony or does this small ship offer enough quiet space for everybody?

 

Ralf

[trav25]

Thank you for taking the time after your cruise to write a detailed report. Very helpful.

[dessertcruiser]

Ralf,

I too like to have a balcony, but did not on the cruise. I understand that part of the remodel was to add balconies to the cabins on deck 4. We did not take a balcony cabin because of the added cost. I did not miss it though as we spent very little time in the room.

 

This consideration may be different for an itinerary with sea days.

 

Rick

[gcmv]

One last question about the concept for dinner - is it possible to dine al fresco or do I always have to sit inside?

 

Ralf

[Emdee]

Breakfast and lunch was alfresco.

Dinner was inside unless you get invited by the officers/captain when it was alfresco.

[gcmv]

Thanks emdee - this is a big minus point for me, because on a yacht, I want the feeling of being outside as often as possible - especially for dinner.

Perhaps Seadream is the better choice for me, though they don't offer balconies.:(

 

Ralf

[teach60]

We are leaving on the 1 week March 16

There are 8 couples

We are anxious about the negative comments.

My husband and I travel several times a year Oceania and Regent and I'm sure this is not up to that standard, however we are expecting quality. The fact there is not enough room in dining venues is a real concern as we have so many folks and will want to sit together. When traveling alone it easy to connect seats for 2. seats for 6-8 ahhhh

 

Good to hear you can ask for items like EB breakfast Hamburgers not on menu

We have never been on any ship that doesn't have grill and burgers available everyday....some of our tours booked might not get back in time for lunch venue

 

Room service is not acceptable especially when they are ship excursions that do not get back in time for lunch.

 

Appreciate any comments...any one go diving anywhere that the ship planned???

[paulmichael]

We are leaving on the 1 week March 16

There are 8 couples

We are anxious about the negative comments.

My husband and I travel several times a year Oceania and Regent and I'm sure this is not up to that standard, however we are expecting quality. The fact there is not enough room in dining venues is a real concern as we have so many folks and will want to sit together. When traveling alone it easy to connect seats for 2. seats for 6-8 ahhhh

 

Good to hear you can ask for items like EB breakfast Hamburgers not on menu

We have never been on any ship that doesn't have grill and burgers available everyday....some of our tours booked might not get back in time for lunch venue

 

Room service is not acceptable especially when they are ship excursions that do not get back in time for lunch.

 

Appreciate any comments...any one go diving anywhere that the ship planned???

 

Hi: We sailed on the first 21 days, BB. I can assure you that the dining venues both have more that ample room for all to sit at the same time. Seating 8 is no issuse. I would just go down early and let them know you need a table and what size. While they did not use the outside grill and they have one, on both our sailings, they did have food, lunch, after our tours. A lot of us ate lunch off the ship to sample the local foods. Just ask. We had a fun time on both the BB and while due to they were the first sailings everything was not perfect, we have signed up for another curise in June. your going to have a great time..

 

Mike

[trav25]

We are leaving on the 1 week March 16

There are 8 couples

We are anxious about the negative comments.

My husband and I travel several times a year Oceania and Regent and I'm sure this is not up to that standard, however we are expecting quality. The fact there is not enough room in dining venues is a real concern as we have so many folks and will want to sit together. When traveling alone it easy to connect seats for 2. seats for 6-8 ahhhh

 

Good to hear you can ask for items like EB breakfast Hamburgers not on menu

We have never been on any ship that doesn't have grill and burgers available everyday....some of our tours booked might not get back in time for lunch venue

 

Room service is not acceptable especially when they are ship excursions that do not get back in time for lunch. :)

 

Appreciate any comments...any one go diving anywhere that the ship planned???

Please come back and give us your opinion of the Tera Moana. Those of us with upcoming trips are watching closely too. I know I will try to update our opinion when we go on some of the first itineraries in Europe. Positive comments, constructive criticism and helpful hints will help many travellers in the future. That is why we all came on this board.

[jkwestlake]

My husband and I are booked on the November TA and I am very grateful for all of the feedback from those who have been onboard already. We will be happy to share our experience as well, looking very forward to the trip.

[crisp1]

I was able to find and watch a webinar about the TM. Several things jumped out at me. It said that La Veranda would be open for dinner- reservations only- not correct, right? In Jost Van Dyke the webinar said that we would have access to everything at Ivan's Stress Free bar along with a bbq- also not correct?

[Az.cruiser]

We have just returned from a great cruise on the TM. Saint-Martin roundtrip.

 

Our room was very nice, comfy bed, lots of closet space. And lots of hot water in the shower. We enjoyed breakfast on our balcony.

 

The food was delicious, and the wait staff was fast and efficient in taking care of all our needs. The wine was plentiful and if you didn't care for the wine served there was always another available.

 

The beach BBQ on a private island was delicious. We all had a great time.

 

The ride on the zodiacs, ship to pier was fine. The crew helped everyone on and off. Most rides were short since the TM is a small ship and could come in close to the islands

 

We met many guests that had previously sailed on the PG in Tahiti. We also have been on the PG in Tahiti many times.

 

If I can answer any questions I will be glad to help.

 

AZ cruiser

[crisp1]

We have just returned from a great cruise on the TM. Saint-Martin roundtrip.

 

Our room was very nice, comfy bed, lots of closet space. And lots of hot water in the shower. We enjoyed breakfast on our balcony.

 

The food was delicious, and the wait staff was fast and efficient in taking care of all our needs. The wine was plentiful and if you didn't care for the wine served there was always another available.

 

The beach BBQ on a private island was delicious. We all had a great time.

 

The ride on the zodiacs, ship to pier was fine. The crew helped everyone on and off. Most rides were short since the TM is a small ship and could come in close to the islands

 

We met many guests that had previously sailed on the PG in Tahiti. We also have been on the PG in Tahiti many times.

 

If I can answer any questions I will be glad to help.

 

AZ cruiser

 

You have put many minds at ease :D. So glad you had a good experience.We're looking forward to our upcoming cruise this Saturday. Where did you anchor in Les Saintes. Any options there?

Thanks

[trav25]

Thanks!

 

Air conditioning rooms/public areas?

[Az.cruiser]

crisp1...

We docked at Terre-De-Haut.

In the morning we walked around the village, lots of cute shopping and restaurants.

After lunch we walked through town over a hill to a great beach, Baie de Pompierre. When you get on board ask Tina Kistenmacher, the Hotel Director she will give you directions to the beach. It's about a 15 min. walk.....Well worth the walk. Lots of the guests walked to this beach.

Hope you enjoy the cruise as much as we did. Hope this helps.

AZ.cruiser

[crisp1]

Az, thanks, sounds good for Terre-De-Haut. Which bay did you anchor in in Jost, Great Harbor?

[Az.cruiser]

Az, thanks, sounds good for Terre-De-Haut. Which bay did you anchor in in Jost, Great Harbor?

 

In Jost we anchored off White Bay. Lots of yachts in Great Harbor.

We snorkeled at the Caves at Treasure Point.

Later we went to Foxy's on the island and had Painkillers, delicious coconut milk w/rum and dusted w/nutmeg. Quite a place. Nice little beach at Foxy's.....

 

AZ.