Various ?s - 1st time Paul Gaugin cruiser

[WaggesAZ]

We are a middle 50's couple who have cruised plenty of times on mass market lines but very much looking forward to the Paul Gaugin smaller ship.  That said, I wasn't sure of a few things, and I am hoping your experiences can you me have an understanding.  We are about 75 days out and I am trying to finalize things in my head and would appreciate any information others could offer.

 

Snorkel gear, I really don't want to pack our own gear, does the ship offer them to take on tours if booked outside the cruise line?  If not, is there a place in Papeete to rent gear?

 

I understand LeGrill is open to book once on board but had read it may be best to book when we are at an overnight stop as it may be more enjoyable.  Is that your experience and/or recommendation?

 

My husband is a casual guy and doesn't enjoy wearing long pants in warmer weather, however I understand evenings long pants are required.  Is that in the dining room only or anywhere outside of your cabin?  He does not have an issue adhering to the dress code, so no complaints just want to be respectful.

When I first started planning this trip, there was a casino.  I believe it has been removed...Is that correct?  Normally we have dinner, head to the casino and go to bed.  We are not production show people so if we are going to sit on the balcony or deck and enjoy ourselves that will be ok too!  

 

My husband is an avid fisherman and has spent many, many days on the water deep sea and reef fishing.  Any suggested island that I should book him to fish?   I am an avid snorkeler, so I will likely go along and enjoy the beauty.

 

Thank you for reading!

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

3 hours ago, WaggesAZ said:

We are a middle 50's couple who have cruised plenty of times on mass market lines but very much looking forward to the Paul Gaugin smaller ship.  That said, I wasn't sure of a few things, and I am hoping your experiences can you me have an understanding.  We are about 75 days out and I am trying to finalize things in my head and would appreciate any information others could offer.

 

Snorkel gear, I really don't want to pack our own gear, does the ship offer them to take on tours if booked outside the cruise line?  If not, is there a place in Papeete to rent gear?

 

I understand LeGrill is open to book once on board but had read it may be best to book when we are at an overnight stop as it may be more enjoyable.  Is that your experience and/or recommendation?

 

My husband is a casual guy and doesn't enjoy wearing long pants in warmer weather, however I understand evenings long pants are required.  Is that in the dining room only or anywhere outside of your cabin?  He does not have an issue adhering to the dress code, so no complaints just want to be respectful.

When I first started planning this trip, there was a casino.  I believe it has been removed...Is that correct?  Normally we have dinner, head to the casino and go to bed.  We are not production show people so if we are going to sit on the balcony or deck and enjoy ourselves that will be ok too!  

 

My husband is an avid fisherman and has spent many, many days on the water deep sea and reef fishing.  Any suggested island that I should book him to fish?   I am an avid snorkeler, so I will likely go along and enjoy the beauty.

 

Thank you for reading!

 

Snorkel gear can be checked out for the full duration of the cruise.

 

Le Grill is best reserved on an overnight in Bora Bora or Moorea 😉

Any time after 6PM full length pants are required anywhere outside your room.

 

Occasionally Le Grill can be enjoyed in shorts but you would need to ask the guy in charge, it is up to him.

 

Casino is no more

 

Island for fishing depends on your itinerary 😉

[WaggesAZ]

Thank you TBK!  Excellent, as always.

 

Day 1 Huahine, Society Islands - Huahine Nautique- Marc’s Combo Tour 

Day 2 Motu Mahana, Taha'a Island (drift snorkel NEED TO BOOK- PG excursion or?)

Day 3 Bora Bora, Society Islands H2O Bora Bora

Day 4 Bora Bora, Society Islands 

Day 5 Moorea, Pacifik Attitude from 9:45 AM to 2PM 

Day 6 Moorea, 8:00 am - 12:00 Moorea Moana Tours

Day 7 Papeete - check in at Intercontinental

 

After reviewing what I have booked already, it appears we are only open one day on Bora Bora - or afternoons while on Moorea. Any suggestions? We are planning to fish the day before we board out of Papeete

 

I was thinking of sunset sailing - would that be better on Bora Bora or Moorea?

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

12 hours ago, WaggesAZ said:

Thank you TBK!  Excellent, as always.

 

Day 1 Huahine, Society Islands - Huahine Nautique- Marc’s Combo Tour 

Day 2 Motu Mahana, Taha'a Island (drift snorkel NEED TO BOOK- PG excursion or?)

Day 3 Bora Bora, Society Islands H2O Bora Bora

Day 4 Bora Bora, Society Islands 

Day 5 Moorea, Pacifik Attitude from 9:45 AM to 2PM 

Day 6 Moorea, 8:00 am - 12:00 Moorea Moana Tours

Day 7 Papeete - check in at Intercontinental

 

After reviewing what I have booked already, it appears we are only open one day on Bora Bora - or afternoons while on Moorea. Any suggestions? We are planning to fish the day before we board out of Papeete

 

I was thinking of sunset sailing - would that be better on Bora Bora or Moorea?

 

Here is a place to check out for fishing

https://www.mitimanafishingbora.com/web/en/

[Tom Sandra]

TBK provided excellent info, as always. The only things I would add are:

• Snorkel gear:  Go to the swim deck on embarkation day and they will fit you for gear. They'll put them in a netted bag for easy transport. You'll return them to the swim deck on the last evening of the cruise, so the gear can be used for ship and independent excursions. 
• Le Grill is our preferred place to eat on any night. I think people like it on overnight ports because there's no movement of the ship and they put tables out on the pool deck (assuming to accommodate more people) where you can see the sunset, stars, etc. 
• We are not usually production show people either, but there is one night when the crew puts on the show -- and you don't want to miss that. It's towards the end of each cruise.
• My two cents for deciding between Bora Bora and Moorea for a sunset cruise:  Bora Bora. 

[NoelleM.]

On 5/12/2024 at 8:57 AM, WaggesAZ said:

We are a middle 50's couple who have cruised plenty of times on mass market lines but very much looking forward to the Paul Gaugin smaller ship.  That said, I wasn't sure of a few things, and I am hoping your experiences can you me have an understanding.  We are about 75 days out and I am trying to finalize things in my head and would appreciate any information others could offer.

 

Snorkel gear, I really don't want to pack our own gear, does the ship offer them to take on tours if booked outside the cruise line?  If not, is there a place in Papeete to rent gear?

 

I understand LeGrill is open to book once on board but had read it may be best to book when we are at an overnight stop as it may be more enjoyable.  Is that your experience and/or recommendation?

 

My husband is a casual guy and doesn't enjoy wearing long pants in warmer weather, however I understand evenings long pants are required.  Is that in the dining room only or anywhere outside of your cabin?  He does not have an issue adhering to the dress code, so no complaints just want to be respectful.

When I first started planning this trip, there was a casino.  I believe it has been removed...Is that correct?  Normally we have dinner, head to the casino and go to bed.  We are not production show people so if we are going to sit on the balcony or deck and enjoy ourselves that will be ok too!  

 

My husband is an avid fisherman and has spent many, many days on the water deep sea and reef fishing.  Any suggested island that I should book him to fish?   I am an avid snorkeler, so I will likely go along and enjoy the beauty.

 

Thank you for reading!

Hi, I was just sailing April 2024.

 

long pants for dinner I think was required. No where else more casual to eat except room service. 
 

don’t bring snorkel. They have plenty and we took out on excursions. 
 

Do a lagoon tour in bora bora, we did all day tour and loved it. 
 

no casino. 
 

we did Le grill 1 night. Not impressed. Very limited menu. Couldn’t sit outside (too windy) and it was very warm in restaurant. Felt very rushed. La Veranda was my favorite location to eat but it’s the same menu all week. As a vegetarian, I would have eaten the same food each night so we only went twice. The final option is L’Etoile. It’s equivalent to main DR. Food was ok. Bright, loud.

 

enjoy the trip. Tahiti is beautiful! I can’t wait to visit again. 

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

On 7 night itineraries the menu stays the same every night in Veranda and LeGrille. On 10 day and longer the menu switches halfway through the cruise (10, 11 and 14 night).

 

As LeGrille is a smaller specialty restaurant the menu is limited compared to L'Etoile. LeGrille is a Pacific Rim / Polynesian infusion menu. I've always found enough variety though I'm not a veggie. The menu is available for viewing long before you would go so if something isn't suited for you just go to L'Etoile ... where they do offer menu options for those that have dietary restrictions. 

 

Veranda has more French influence and always has enough options for my palette though again I'm not a veggie. Creme Brulee is available every night.

 

[NoelleM.]

For me, it was not a great experience as a vegetarian. But if you’re not a vegetarian you’ll be fine. My BF is an omnivore and he enjoyed his meals. 
 

since the OP has traveled on other cruises, I’d add in my experience, the food was above Royal Caribbean but not as good as Celebrity suite class. 
 

 

[WaggesAZ]

On 5/14/2024 at 12:33 PM, Tom Sandra said:

TBK provided excellent info, as always. The only things I would add are:

• Snorkel gear:  Go to the swim deck on embarkation day and they will fit you for gear. They'll put them in a netted bag for easy transport. You'll return them to the swim deck on the last evening of the cruise, so the gear can be used for ship and independent excursions. 
• Le Grill is our preferred place to eat on any night. I think people like it on overnight ports because there's no movement of the ship and they put tables out on the pool deck (assuming to accommodate more people) where you can see the sunset, stars, etc. 
• We are not usually production show people either, but there is one night when the crew puts on the show -- and you don't want to miss that. It's towards the end of each cruise.
• My two cents for deciding between Bora Bora and Moorea for a sunset cruise:  Bora Bora. 

Thank you for all of this information! 

 

[WaggesAZ]

On 5/16/2024 at 10:58 AM, NoelleM. said:

Hi, I was just sailing April 2024.

 

long pants for dinner I think was required. No where else more casual to eat except room service. 
 

don’t bring snorkel. They have plenty and we took out on excursions. 
 

Do a lagoon tour in bora bora, we did all day tour and loved it. 
 

no casino. 
 

we did Le grill 1 night. Not impressed. Very limited menu. Couldn’t sit outside (too windy) and it was very warm in restaurant. Felt very rushed. La Veranda was my favorite location to eat but it’s the same menu all week. As a vegetarian, I would have eaten the same food each night so we only went twice. The final option is L’Etoile. It’s equivalent to main DR. Food was ok. Bright, loud.

 

enjoy the trip. Tahiti is beautiful! I can’t wait to visit again. 

My husband will be fine to wear pants, and if he doesn't want to wear them after dinner, we will enjoy the balcony!

 

We have a 1/2 day tour and a full day on the boat, 1/2 fishing and 1/2 snorkeling.  I will definitely schedule LeGrill on an overnight, hopefully it will be a better experience.  We are not vegetarian, but I am sorry your experience wasn't better.  My parents are vegetarian and honestly have found food choices and flavor to be very good on their/our cruises.  It has to have been a bit of a disappointment but I am glad to hear you'd return!

[NoelleM.]

4 minutes ago, WaggesAZ said:

My husband will be fine to wear pants, and if he doesn't want to wear them after dinner, we will enjoy the balcony!

 

We have a 1/2 day tour and a full day on the boat, 1/2 fishing and 1/2 snorkeling.  I will definitely schedule LeGrill on an overnight, hopefully it will be a better experience.  We are not vegetarian, but I am sorry your experience wasn't better.  My parents are vegetarian and honestly have found food choices and flavor to be very good on their/our cruises.  It has to have been a bit of a disappointment but I am glad to hear you'd return!

💯 going back. So beautiful. I want to check out the more remote islands too.