First Timers

[AquaAgua]

My wife and I will be enjoying our first visit to French Polynesia and also our first ever cruise in March 2017. We will be on the 10 day cruise which includes Fakarava and Rangiroa in addition to the FP islands. We are in our 60s and are experienced travelers but first time cruisers. We will be spending a couple days prior to the cruise at the IC Tahiti.

 

Just curious what activities people consider as must-do's on this itinerary. We have rented a car for 1 day on Moorea. We plan to take advantage of the included motu days on Tahaa and Bora Bora. We are not divers but would consider snorkeling although we are not strong swimmers. Also would be up for the kayaks on the lagoon. So please share what you consider the best activities on this cruise!

 

Other questions:

- as first time cruisers, do we need to be prepared for seasickness or are these waters generally calm? What do people recommend as remedial drugs or other strategies to combat this?

- how dressed up are the evenings?

- if boarding starts at 3 pm, is it a good idea to arrive at the dock for an early boarding?

- is the marina at the back of the boat a good place for trying kayaking?

- which islands should be seen from the land side and which are best enjoyed from the lagoon?

 

Sorry for so many questions. We would appreciate any comments for first time cruisers and first time visitors to FP!

 

Thanks!

 

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[Tahitianbigkahuna]

"as first time cruisers, do we need to be prepared for seasickness or are these waters generally calm? What do people recommend as remedial drugs or other strategies to combat this?" I always have a prescription that I've filled with me. However, that was 10 years ago and I've never used it. I also purchase ginger gum on-line, it works. There is also ginger chips next to the door into the dining area. Ginger works well ;)

 

 

"how dressed up are the evenings?" Country club casual, meaning no denim along with a collared shirt preferably button down.

 

"if boarding starts at 3 pm, is it a good idea to arrive at the dock for an early boarding?" No early boarding, not even a celebrity gets in early ;)

 

"is the marina at the back of the boat a good place for trying kayaking?" You can but the best place to try it will be at Motu Mahana where you can enter the water from the beach.

 

"which islands should be seen from the land side and which are best enjoyed from the lagoon?" Huahine/either, Bora Bora/water, Rangiroa/water, Fakarava/water, Tahaa/either, Moorea/land

[AquaAgua]

Thanks! I meant should we be there at 3 for boarding or is it OK to show up an hour or 2 later?

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

Thanks! I meant should we be there at 3 for boarding or is it OK to show up an hour or 2 later?

 

3 or later is fine .........

 

takes no more than 15 minutes to go through the process unless your in ther back of the line when the buses drop off.

 

Ship will not depart until late in the evening

Edited January 14, 2017 by Tahitianbigkahuna

[Cruisedreamer1]

Our very first cruise was on the Paul Gauguin (it really ruins you for mass market cruises). The ship will not let you on before 3 pm so just try to be there at 3. Check in is painless even when you arrive with the transfer bus. You are served champagne and a wet cloth to refresh yourself. After a few business details are taken care of you are escorted to you cabin by a steward.

 

Please take with you over the counter Bonine (Target sells both brand and generic)for motion sickness. It works better than Dramamine and doesn't make you sleepy. I woke up from a sound sleep on the PG with motion sickness when first cruising. I also use wrist bands as a precaution. HOWEVER, since that first cruise, I start with one pill as the ship leaves port and wait and see how I feel. I don't usually have any problems now (we will be on our 8th PG cruise in June).

 

You will have a great time. ENJOY!