#16899 - 05/05/06 08:22 PM
Re: PG Cruise 4/22
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Nana
Member
Registered: 08/11/05
Posts: 59
Loc: ny
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Ia Orana!
We're back and had a most wonderful, incredible time!! When I get everything together I'll post more details. A few randoms:
A couple of nights into our PG voyage at approximately 2am, my husband woke up to find NO POWER on the ship. We were in a blackout. No water, lights (except for some emergency lighting), engines, no nothing. He immediately called reception to find out what was going on and was told we were "in a blackout." That was it! Well, come to find out there was a problem with the generators and they were working on it to be on the safe side......(we had absolutely no power). Of course, my first thought was, "What about the food??" But that's just me.... Anyway, they made the announcement around 8-9 in the morning. It's my understanding that some passengers got nervous and actually went to their respective muster decks and thought we may have to leave the ship - they didn't know what was happening, as it was 2 am and no announcements were made. I just figured they'd fix whatever had to be fixed, opened the balcony doors and went back to sleep - didn't get nervous. My husband however stayed up until all was fixed - I think about 2 hours. He had numerous scenarios going on in his head - all of which I'm glad he didn't mention to me until the next morning!!!!
All in all, the ship was impeccable. The service was A+, as was the food. Housekeeping was immaculate. The Gauguins were just lovely. Eating at La Veranda was an event. Actually, eating everywhere on the ship was great by me. One of my favorites was the chilled cherry soup and the strawberry soup. Soooo good. The people we met were so interesting. Maryland, California, Georgia, CT, NY. Never did get to meet Larry Boy. Lots of Americans on the ship.
The first four days it rained (and hazy) so the Captain changed the itinerary and we postponed Tahaa until Wednesday and went from Raitea to Bora Bora, then Tahaa and onto Moorea last two days. The day at Tahaa was still rainy/hazy but still had a nice time. They put out a beautiful BBQ and spread and the drinks were plentiful. Had it been sunny, it naturally would have been nicer, but ya takes what ya gets!! We still enjoyed ourselves.
After the ship we did a post cruise at PB Bora Bora. Lots of stories to tell you about that place at a later time. The sun did come out on the Thursday of our ship cruise and stayed out until we left the following Wednesday from the post cruise,(7 days of full sun). I don't think I'll ever be able to top this journey. For people who haven't been there, words are inadequate to describe the beauty. It brought tears to my eyes and I thanked God I was able to witness it. I kept closing my eyes to try to imprint on my brain what I was seeing, so I could call it up next week when I'm behind my desk at work weeding through 2 weeks of "stuff" waiting for me.
Oh, and the Navigator was side by side with the PG when we were on our post cruise at PB Bora Bora. First, the PG pulled into the Lagoon on Tuesday, then the Navigator right next to it. It was an event to see both ships side by side. Also, I forgot, Paul Allen's ship "Octopus" (Microsoft) docked right near us when we were on the ship. I think it was in Moorea, but not sure, have to check my notes. I'll post pictures when we get our act together.
All the advice I received from all of you was right on - the beach shoes, a must - the float A+ - people were asking me where I got it, they thought you could buy it locally, and 45+ lotion a must. I was getting a burn/tan even on the rainy days. Oh, NO bugs whatsoever - from the beaches to the jungles we trecked through on tours. I think my husband got a couple of mosquito bites - no more or less than he'd get at home. I think I got one.
More to come with pictures for those of you who are interested. Be glad to answer any questions.
Sorry about the choppy flow of thoughts, but I'm still a little jet lagged.
j.
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TahitiTravel offers excellent deals for cruising the magnificent lagoons of French Polynesia.
We highly recommend the Bora Bora Cruises for luxurious intimacy (actually a v.good value compared to the cost of a stay at a 5 star resort) or the Regent Seven Seas Cruises Paul Gaugin for a deluxe but more traditional cruise experience.
Check our Cruises page for more information
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#16900 - 05/05/06 09:28 PM
Re: PG Cruise 4/22
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vaitape
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/09/02
Posts: 1373
Loc: socal
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Nana, Welcome back! You are great to post so soon after your return. Isn't the PG and FP incredible? Nana, vai
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#16901 - 05/06/06 12:10 PM
Re: PG Cruise 4/22
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Nana
Member
Registered: 08/11/05
Posts: 59
Loc: ny
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Vaitape
The PG is truly incredible, as was FP in general. The Tahitians are just lovely, friendly, happy people - and why not? They really do live in paradise and are very welcoming to tourists. Crime is virtually non-existent on the islands we're told. Some petty theft, but nothing scarey. Very safe environment. We walked all around Vaitape and it was so interesting - went to the local supermarket there and the pharmacy. Walked through a nearby "neighborhood." Sooo different from the States. Got a good feel for the island. Very rudimentary life there, to say the least - fruits, root vegetables are plentiful, as is all the fish. We're told no one goes hungry, everyone has some sort of "home" - everyone has medical coverage on the islands, as well. If you work, you pay a minimal fee for medical insurance if not, it's free.
The ship: the crew, the food, the amenities were just excellent. No complaints, other than one could only eat in LaVeranda once during the week -and that's so everyone could get a chance to dine there. The food was just scrumptious and plentiful wherever we went on the ship and the crew couldn't do enough for you. Room service was delivered within 15 minutes of calling and breakfast was delivered right up to the minute, or earlier. Incredible, considering all they were doing for everyone...It really was worth every penny we spent. We saw the TP docked in Tahiti. It's really a very large ship in comparison.
All in all, a real learning experience. I'll remember it always. I just close my eyes and see it all.....
j.
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#16902 - 05/06/06 03:51 PM
Re: PG Cruise 4/22
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vaitape
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/09/02
Posts: 1373
Loc: socal
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Nana, looking forward to your photos when you get the time. So glad that you enjoyed your trip to the fullest and took the time to learn about the culture and lifestyle while you were there. Best, vai
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