Thinking ahead --Cruise to Tahiti.. which ship for the best experience?

[newbie2468]

Thinking of booking a cruise to Tahiti in the next year.. WHich ship is best and why? What about cabin choice? WHich itineary? Are there ever "deals" for Tahiti cruises? Also, what about pre-cruise hotels? Thanks for all the information you can give me. So far, I have cruised to the Southern Caribbean, Alaska and will be cruising to the Eastern Caribbean in 2008..now I have the bug to go to Tahiti...

 

Tori

[BigGuy25]

I think your best option would be to go to the "reviews" section of Cruise Critic and read about the expriences people have had on the various ships that serve the region. We cruised this summer in a balcony stateroom on the Tahitian Princess sailing 12 days from Papeete to Hawaii. It was a terrific experience for us on a 670 passenger ship. While we absolutely loved the small ship experience, we heard some onboard saying that they didn't like the fact that there weren't as many "night-life" opportunities, day-time activities, stores on-board, etc. So much of cruising is personal preference. That's why I think reading a broad range of reviews is your best bet in deciding which ship and itinerary is for you. All I can say is "GO" ... we've cruised quite a bit and the South Pacific was unlike any area of the world we've been in before. It's stunningly beautiful!!!

[Spikesgirl]

Tori, we did a Tahiti cruise in '04 and decided to grab at possibly one last chance and go again next year before Princess, if the rumors are correct, abandons the islands totally. The TP is a great little ship, just the perfect size for us, but we have also started reseraching the Paul Gauguin (Regent) as I'm certain this will not be our last trip here. If you prefer the bigger ships, I think the Island P may be doing a couple of tours along with Hawai'i, but couldn't tell you when. However, the itineraries are becoming limited as are the sailing dates, so you should decide soon as the cruises will fill up fast.

 

Precruise hotels - we stayed at the Sheraton, which we liked very much and the Le Meridien, which we didn't care much for. I thnk the Marriot's Intercontinental is also a choice. If you go to the Princess 'extend your stay' page at their website, it will tell you what hotels are being offered.

 

My advice is to grab Tahiti ASAP before all the choices are gone.

 

Charlie

[AtA]

The difference between the two is that the Tahitian Princess. is still a mass market ship and the Paul Gauguin is a luxury ship. The difference between the two besides those listed below are the intangibles. The TP holds 670 pax and the PG holds 330 pax.

 

The advantages of the PG: "Fares include all shipboard gratuities; complimentary beverages, including select wines and spirits served throughout the ship; complimentary 24-hour room service; in-suite bar setup for suites with butler service (although all you have to do is ask for a bar setup if you're not in a butler suite and you'll get it); refrigerator stocked with soft drinks, beer and bottled water replenished daily"

 

On the TP according to their website meals and entertainment are included. Also on PG you don't have to ask your steward for a robe; two are provided and they're not waffle weave but thick terrycloth.

 

For passengers on the PG, the destination is the entertainment although "her beloved troupe of Gauguines - part cruise staff, part entertainers, part storytellers, add the unique personality of French Polynesia to every cruise."

 

If you go for a balcony room, the PG is slightly larger at a combined size (inc balcony) of 239 sq ft vs the TP with 216 sq ft.

[Pennysue]

We have just returned from a Hawaii/Tahiti cruise on the Pacific Princess. We were so impressed with this ship. We are Brits and have sailed on P & O's smallest ship which holds twice the number of passengers as the Pacific Princess, but the Princess ship never felt like a small ship, it was such a classy ship in our opinion. This was a special occasion for us so we had a suite which was just lovely, but the whole ship and cruise was to die for. We felt that there was plenty to do day and night if you wanted to.

This was our first Princess cruise but we have already booked our second, which will be our 7th cruise in all.

 

Penny

[LisaB19]

Thanks for taking the time to write the great review. I had a couple of questions though. Were you glad that you did the couple of days post cruise? We've been pondering that, but in the past after our cruises, we were kind of anxious to get home. Second, what is air deviation?

Thanks!

Lisa

[LisaB19]

Wrong person, wrong thread! Sorry!

 

Lisa

[Spikesgirl]

Hey, Lisa - sounds like you need a vacation!

 

Charlie

[2manyplaces]

We have cruised on Princess (although not the TP) and on the Paul Gauguin. There is no question which is the better experience if you want more of a luxury cruise in Tahiti. The Paul Gauguin experience is fabulous, although you do pay rather dearly for it. That said, you will need to make the decision about which type of experience you prefer. You might also want to go to the Regent board for information, as the Paul Gauguin and her various itineraries are discussed regularly there.

[pixrman]

Ia orana,

 

Hurry if you want anything on the princess. Many categories are selling out. Their are deals to be had. see your travel agent etc.

 

But don't delay. Princess leaves the islands at the end of 08 and won't be coming back as of yet. The Tahitian princess is going on a world tour in 09. Summer of 08 she is in Alaska.

 

good luck

 

This will be our second trip and regret that the Princess is leaving.

 

nana,

[Wendy The Wanderer]

A few more advantages of the Paul Gauguin:

 

- a completely free motu picnic day, off Taha'a

- free beach afternoons (weather permitting) in Bora Bora

- snorkeling gear provided gratis

- NO FORMAL NIGHTS!!! Country Club Casual the whole cruise

[budaman]

You'll enjoy any of the ships while cruising FP. We did the TP last year & had an excellent time and with your experience with Princess, you should feel right at home on the TP...just on a smaller scale. We were prepared to book the PG for next year and then found out the Star Flyer would be starting up this January and decided to give them a shot. Ended up pricing pretty close to the 10 day TP cruise in a balcony cabin with no pre or post stays. We will be on the 7 day cruise in a Cat.2 cabin with 1 day pre @ the Sofitel & 2 post @ the Radisson which will give us a chance to explore the island of Tahiti outside of Papeete that we weren't able to do last trip. The 7 day cruise makes overnights in Huahiine, Raiatea/Tahaa, Bora Bora & Moorea and includes some Motu parties & all water activities & gear except Scuba. The scuba is reasonably priced & uses Zodiacs right from the ship as does the PG. One disadvantage of the Star Flyer is the size of the cabins, but we didn't spend that much time in our cabin on the TP and having the chance of climbing the mast and also laying out in the widows net under the bowsprit was too much to pass on:) Everyone says it is a trip of a lifetime, but once you go, it will drive you nuts till you return.

 

Mike

 

http://gallery.mac.com/csealove#gallery

[HonTri]

A few more advantages of the Paul Gauguin:

 

- a completely free motu picnic day, off Taha'a

- free beach afternoons (weather permitting) in Bora Bora

- snorkeling gear provided gratis

- NO FORMAL NIGHTS!!! Country Club Casual the whole cruise

Wendy tell me more about the free beach afternoons in Bora Bora.

We are booked on the PG march 1st 2008 it's our first cruise.

[Are we there yet?]

You'll enjoy any of the ships while cruising FP. We did the TP last year & had an excellent time and with your experience with Princess, you should feel right at home on the TP...just on a smaller scale. We were prepared to book the PG for next year and then found out the Star Flyer would be starting up this January and decided to give them a shot. Ended up pricing pretty close to the 10 day TP cruise in a balcony cabin with no pre or post stays. We will be on the 7 day cruise in a Cat.2 cabin with 1 day pre @ the Sofitel & 2 post @ the Radisson which will give us a chance to explore the island of Tahiti outside of Papeete that we weren't able to do last trip. The 7 day cruise makes overnights in Huahiine, Raiatea/Tahaa, Bora Bora & Moorea and includes some Motu parties & all water activities & gear except Scuba. The scuba is reasonably priced & uses Zodiacs right from the ship as does the PG. One disadvantage of the Star Flyer is the size of the cabins, but we didn't spend that much time in our cabin on the TP and having the chance of climbing the mast and also laying out in the widows net under the bowsprit was too much to pass on:) Everyone says it is a trip of a lifetime, but once you go, it will drive you nuts till you return.

 

Mike

 

http://gallery.mac.com/csealove#gallery

 

Will you post a review of your cruise on the Star Flyer when you return? I would love to read about it.

 

Also I took a quick look at your photo's,(beautiful) and am very impressed with the site you have them on. The colours just seem to pop because of the black background. Do you have to have an apple computer in order to use "web gallery"?

[ljtinney]

Will you post a review of your cruise on the Star Flyer when you return? I would love to read about it.

 

Also I took a quick look at your photo's,(beautiful) and am very impressed with the site you have them on. The colours just seem to pop because of the black background. Do you have to have an apple computer in order to use "web gallery"?

 

 

hey stranger....how are you??:)

[budaman]

Will you post a review of your cruise on the Star Flyer when you return? I would love to read about it.

 

Also I took a quick look at your photo's,(beautiful) and am very impressed with the site you have them on. The colours just seem to pop because of the black background. Do you have to have an apple computer in order to use "web gallery"?

 

Plan on doing a complete review & hope there are others prior to our cruise, but it doesn't seem like there is a large CC presence for Star Clippers...guess because their customer base has been mainly European. That should change as the Tahiti itineraries start up in about 45 days. I understand that much of the shedule for '08 is fairly well booked. There has been several entire cruisess booked by University Alumni Associations & other organizations. We had originally booked for Sept. '08, but a European company booked the ship for the entire month of Sept. Star Clippers did us right on the rescheduling...they have been very pleasant to deal with.....easy to get answers, unlike some of the mainline Cruise lines.

 

And, Web Gallery is a new feature in IPhoto 8 and is only Mac compatable. Wish I had one of the new Intel based Mac's as with the new Leopard operating system you can run Windows & Mac programs natively.....best of both worlds.

 

Mike

 

http://gallery.mac.com/csealove#gallery

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Wendy tell me more about the free beach afternoons in Bora Bora.

We are booked on the PG march 1st 2008 it's our first cruise.

 

Hi HonTri. I think it depends on your itinerary. I can only vouch for the 7-day Societies cruise, but it's probably similar on any full day that you're anchored at Bora Bora. Both afternoons, there is tender service to a beautiful motu beach (it's on the same motu as the Pearl hotel, but separate). They don't provide lunch or anything, but drinks and snacks. The beach is really nice, the water clear and wonderful. The snorkeling's a bit of a challenge, since any coral heads are further out than at Motu Mahana, and require being a good swimmer. The sand is white and soft, and the view of Bora Bora is to die for.

[HonTri]

Thanks Wendy:). Are we talking 200M swim out? we've snorkeled on a Motu

on Bora Bora at Club Med we know how great it is;).

[Are we there yet?]

hey stranger....how are you??:)

 

Hey Lauren, I'm great, hope you are too.:) How was your trip?

 

 

Thanks Mike, I'm not surprised the itineraries are booking up quickly with the threat of Princess pulling out permanently. If they do then the Star Flyer may be an alternative if we decide to go back in the future.

Too bad about the web gallery, I don't know if we will ever buy a Mac.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Thanks Wendy:). Are we talking 200M swim out? we've snorkeled on a Motu

on Bora Bora at Club Med we know how great it is;).

 

You know I can't remember exactly, and I'm no expert, I've only been there a few times. As I remember, there may be some shallow snorkelling on the lagoon-side. But in the gap between the motus you're over your head, oh, perhaps 20 metres out. I don't think the coral is as far as 200M, but the water is deep, and depending on the tides, there can be quite a current. Definitely worth the afternoon if you like the water.

[ljtinney]

Hey Lauren, I'm great, hope you are too.:) How was your trip?

 

I'm doing well and have been crazy busy since I got back from the Golden.....which was fantastic. Just waiting patiently for our cruise in January and then of course Feb on the Tahitian Princess:D

Don't forget to call if your are passing through town.

[kakalina]

We have taken the HAL ship Amsterdam on their 30 day cruise. It is a wonderful cruise with a fabulous itinerary. It is RT from San Diego. We went to the Hawaiian Islands first and then to Riatea, Bora Bora, Moorea, Papeete, Nuka Hiva. We stayed overnight in both Bora Bora and Papeete. We loved it so much we leave again in Jan 08 to do it a second time. In case we missed anything the first time.

[Aussie Gal]

We have been on the Tahitian Princess twice. The first time we did the Cook Island Itinerary which we loved. We were fortunate in having good weather and were able to tender into Raratonga.

 

The second time was in June this year when we did the Tahiti to Hawaii cruise. Again we loved this itinerary for the diversity of the two groups of islands.

 

The ship is a good size and not too large. We love these ex "R" ships so much that we are going on Oceania's Nautica for a 35 day cruise in April.

 

Jennie

[RMS Olympic]

Here are a few thoughts on making choices....

Tahiti is beauty, natural and unbroken by the sight of tall concrete hotels. Of palm trees, magificent colored waters, and tropical splendor.

If night life, big casino, activities within the ship are a must...then perhaps flying all the way to Tahiti isn't worth it. But seeing the beauty is reason to fly there.

Therefore to me, the smaller the ship the better...the fewer the passengers...the more intimate the experience.

I am pro Princess, and will admit I have not sailed on their two small ships. However I did sail their sister Oceania Insignia in Rio....the interior of the ship is very english country side home....not what I would associate with French Polynesia...maybe the Baltic or Alaska. The pool area is typical of big ships...a raised walk area above.....so sitting by the pool you dont see the sights.

Paul Guaguin......smaller, pool on the top deck with uninterupted views. Interior is quiet in design and decoration...almost too simple but does not compete with whats outside. Sevice, food wonderful...fewer passengers more intimate. I have sailed her in 2004 and sail this coming Saturday for a second cruise.

Star Clipper Line.....I have sailed the Star Flyer in Thailand, the Royal Clipper in the Med and the Star Clipper in the Caribbean. The product is great, and I intend to sail them in Tahiti in the future. Simple pleasures, warm crew and descent food. The idea of a sailing vessel just seems to fit the area perfectly. Nights are spent at the piano bar inside or the outside deck under the stars. Its a quiet experience but you will also meet people who socialize more and dont need shows, casinos of shopping on board.

I did sail the WindSong years ago...a sailing ship is ideal for these waters.

So to me...smaller is better.....its keeps you close to the natural beauty. Sitting under the stars at night beats any interior lounge when your surrounded by Polynesian heaven.

Good luck with your decision...... For me.....for a nautical experience...Star Flyer, for a luxury experience....Paul Gauguin. For the Pacific Princess or Tahitian Princess.....Alaska would be perfect.

As far as Tahitian waters...still the most beautiful area I have ever seen.

Tom

[ISLANDS LOVER]

I'm also in doubts trying to choose the best ship for FP.

 

However I'm learning a lot reading all your experiences, which are very helpful.

 

I've never cruise the Regent, but it looks to be a good ship, medium size between PRINCESS, PG, STAR FLYER

I have cruise the Saphire Princess on NZ

I have sailed Royal Clipper on Mediterranean last may

I'm going next January to sail the Star Clipper on the FAR EAST route

 

So, I have a few questions, (may be my main doubts to decide) for those that have alredy been on FP:

1.-Does the size of the ships be decisive to enjoy better the itinerary? the lagoons? the views?

2.-I know PG and Star FLYER provide water sports plataform facilities, but does the TP offer this feature?

3.-Where do the ships usually dock when cruising/sailing the Society islands?, right on the ports/villages or do they use tenders going in and out to the ships? does this "tender" service vary between these three ships?

4.-could anybody tell me if beach barbaque have been organized at all of the ships?

5.-Finaly, what time of the year could I get (theoric, I know) best weather asured? (it means for me, less rain and dry sky) march, april, may or october, november, january?? these are the months I can choose to travel.

 

Due we are trying soon the Star clipper on FAR EAST I'll be able to decide quite well regards to the sister ship, (S.FLYER) however, I'll be very very grateful if for any information you could share about all, thank you!!:)