#57485 - 11/23/02 05:56 AM
Questions...first time visitors
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kent4489
Junior Member
Registered: 11/23/02
Posts: 7
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**Hope this isn't a repeat post, but I never saw my first one show up. Anyway, here it is again...
*Long post...I am posting this message in both Tahiti and Moorea-misc., as I have questions concerning both locations. Sorry for the duplicate post for those reading in both places...
Hello,
I've been reading this board over the past week and it seems like a good place for helpful and informative advice. My husband and I will be first time visitors to French Polynesia and I would appreciate some input from those experienced FP travelers.
We will be departing the US on (Tues.)Dec. 31, arriving at Papeete very early on (Wed.)Jan. 1. We are sailing on the Wind Song on (Fri.)Jan. 3. I booked a pre-cruise pkg. (Tahiti Sheraton) with the cruise line before really doing any research. Now that I have been reading, it seems Tahiti might not have been the "best" choice for a pre-cruise. However, that can't be changed now and I'm sure we are going to have a wonderful time. That being said, we are considering taking a day trip to Moorea on (Thurs.) Jan. 2 (our 10 year anniversary.)
As we arriving on Tahiti on New Year's Day, I assume there won't be much activity and we will be tired from the flight, so we plan to just "hang out" and relax by the pool for most of the day. If anyone does know of anything interesting going on for the day, please let me know. After a rest, some light activity might be nice. Also, suggestions for dinner? If we just decide to stay around the hotel, does anyone know how the restaurant is at the Sheraton?
Jan. 2...the day we are thinking of taking the ferry to Moorea...I found a ferry schedule and see that we could depart Papeete at 7:30AM and the return would leave Moorea at 4:45PM. First, do we need reservations for the ferry and do we need to purchase tickets in advance? Can our hotel take care of the details or would we do it before we leave the US? I thought we would rent a car for the day and just explore the island. Suggestions? We don't snorkel, but would enjoying spending a little time on a beach in addition to exploring. The cruise will make a stop on Moorea the following week, but I'm sure we will enjoy a second visit to the island and won't have to be rushed either day to explore. Any suggestions for lunch on the day we go over on our own? Some place relaxing with nice views and good food (I love seafood, my husband won't touch it). What will I need to bring with us for the day (I assume beach towels, sunscreen, camera)? Can we just wear swimsuits (with cover-up) or should we wear shorts over on the ferry and change clothes somewhere? We will be back on Tahiti for the evening. I would appreciate suggestions for a nice, romantic restaurant for our anniversary dinner.
Jan 3...Our cruise doesn't leave until the evening, so we can use this day to do some exploring on Tahiti. I want to relax by the pool this day as well, so I don't want to plan something for the whole day, but would like suggestions for a few sights to see. We'll also have the day we return from the cruise (Fri. Jan. 10) to do a little exploring/relaxing. We depart the cruise at 8:00AM and our flight doesn't leave until very late that night. We will have a day room at the Sheraton on that day, so we can again spend part of the day exploring, part relaxing again.
One last question for now...re: tipping. I have read about this topic. Please tell me specifically who we would tip (and how much) and who we don't tip. I'm still fuzzy on this.
Sorry for the long post. I really appreciate any advice anyone can offer.
Thanks!
Jayne
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#57486 - 11/23/02 09:54 AM
Re: Questions...first time visitors
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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We are going the same time you are and its our first time out of the country!!! I would not call those nice folks in Canada out of the country. It will be our honeymoon and I can not wait for the wedding and the honeymoon. My wedding is on Saturday the 28th and it will be a white wedding. All my relatives and friends are coming but they are upset with me because its between Christmas and New Year. Not my problem its my day. I have the same questions but here are a few more. We will also arrive New Years morning very early, can we arrange for a limo pick-up? I want this to be a perfect honeymoon like in the movies. Since it is New Years day can we find a store open to buy those friendly natives some trinks, maybe a Wal-Mart or Costco will be open. Our Wal-Mart here is open.
How will the weather be? I will not tolerate rain on our big honeymoon so historically what is the weather like? If it does rain I will turn right around and come back to Iowa. If I wanted to have bad weather I would stay home and not pay the $2,800 we are paying for our entire trip. If I tell them its our honeymoon will the hotel automatically upgrade me to a premium overwater. Our agent said they would since we are special and its our honeymoon. If they do not I will be very upset and it will ruin my time. We do not swim, my new husband is scared of the water and almost everything else, so what else can we do not water related? I am also scared of bugs and lizards, are there any in Tahiti? If I find one of them in my room I will go crazy. Thank you for all your help. I hope to see you in Tahiti we will be wearing matching "Wife" and "Husband" hats the entire trip.
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#57487 - 11/23/02 12:48 PM
Re: Questions...first time visitors
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kent4489
Junior Member
Registered: 11/23/02
Posts: 7
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Since I am the original poster, I'm obviously not an expert, but thought I would reply to your post. Honestly, I'm not sure if you are being serious or not, but I will reply anyway.
I don't know about the limo. As for Wal-Mart or Costco, I don't believe you will find those stores in FP. (I could be wrong, but I'm not expecting tofind such stores.) Uh, you might want to cancel now...I do believe you can expect to see rain. January is part of the "rainy" or "wet" season, although I understand there are rains in the "dry" season as well. I believe there are several sites where you can find average rainfall and temperatures. You say you are going the same time...to Tahiti? Moorea? Wind Song cruise? If you are going on the cruise for that price, you certainly got a bargain. No, I would not "expect" an automatic upgrade to an OTW bungalow. I think those things are nice when they happen, but never something that should be expected. It will "ruin" your honeymoon if you are not upgraded? Perhaps you should pay for the OTW, so as to not have such a huge disappointment. While I enjoy comfort and luxuries, I couldn't imagine letting something like these things you mention ruin my honeymoon. After all, you will be with Mr. Right and in Paradise to boot. I'm not sure why you chose FP if you don't swim and hubby-to-be is afraid of the water...and I don't know of a destination where bugs don't exist. If you do end up going to FP, I sure wish you the best and hope for your sake that everythng is "perfect". Good Luck with the marriage.
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#57488 - 11/23/02 02:36 PM
Re: Questions...first time visitors
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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Well, for someone who has never been you seem to think you know all the answers. My questions and concerns are as important to me as yours are. Its my special time and I want it perfect. I would like answers from someone who has actually been to Taheti!!!
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#57489 - 11/23/02 02:45 PM
Re: Questions...first time visitors
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hamara
Expert Advisor
Registered: 01/07/02
Posts: 2296
Loc: Washington/Moorea
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Kent4489
The first thing you need to do is buy a travel book
Tahiti and French Polynesia Guide by Jan Prince as it will
answer many of your questions. Be sure to reserve a car
for Moorea and request a return Email confirming your reservation.
The best romantic restaurant in all of Tahiti is Coco's if you
eat outside of the hotel be sure to make reservations.
Please don't TIP at all. If someone goes out of their way for you put
some $$$ in the their shirt pocket.
Barabra in Iowa
If you both don't swim,hate bugs and lizards,expect limos,and no rain
Maybe you should book a trip to Peoria and shop to your hearts content.
PS: I am an American part-time resident of Tahiti.
[This message has been edited by hamara (edited 11-23-2002).]
[This message has been edited by hamara (edited 11-23-2002).]
[This message has been edited by hamara (edited 11-23-2002).]
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#57490 - 11/23/02 03:28 PM
Re: Questions...first time visitors
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pointboy
Member
Registered: 05/09/02
Posts: 123
Loc: Florida
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Barbara, I think you should probably wait-list yourself on a standby flight back to Iowa for the next day! There are no guarantees in FP, and your criteria sounds like you will definately be dissapointed..
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#57491 - 11/23/02 03:55 PM
Re: Questions...first time visitors
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kent4489
Junior Member
Registered: 11/23/02
Posts: 7
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Barbara in Iowa...I'm sorry if you misunderstood my reply. I'm sure your questions and concerns are important. No, I do not know all the answers, nor did I say I did. I have traveled extensively, but not to that part of the world. I do know that no matter where you travel, you should not "expect" to be upgraded...it's nice when it happens and would certainly enhance your trip, but it would be a shame to let it ruin your honeymoon if you are not upgraded. As for the rain, well, I've read a lot about FP and know that it will rain there. Again, it isn't something to ruin your honeymoon over. We went on an Alaskan cruise this summer and it rained every day except one. Even though our dog sled excursion was cancelled, we were disappointed, but it sure didn't ruin our vacation. It was still an awesome trip! Travel is never "perfect", you just go with the flow and have a great time. If no rain and limos will make your dream honeymoon, Las Vegas might be a great place for you. Anyway, again, I'm sorry you misunderstod my reply...I know written words can be easily misconstrued. Best wishes for a great honeymoon.
Hamara...Thanks for your reply. I do have that book by Jan Prince...it is a great resource for planning a trip to FP and the information seems to be very up to date. I have been reading it every night. She listed a lot of restaurants and they all sound great. I was just wanting some personal replies from all the helpful folks on this board. Her book is very informative with contact information on ferries and car rentals too. I just wasn't sure if I should book them ahead or if I could do it once I arrive. Thanks for your "tip" on tipping. Is it proper to leave a few coins for waiters as we do in France? We're going to St. Martin next week and the tipping issue is a little vague there as well, so I was looking for a straightforward reply to this...thanks for providing that! Are there other tokens of appreciation the people of FP would be pleased with? Again, I appreciate your input.
[This message has been edited by kent4489 (edited 11-23-2002).]
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#57492 - 11/23/02 04:17 PM
Re: Questions...first time visitors
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hamara
Expert Advisor
Registered: 01/07/02
Posts: 2296
Loc: Washington/Moorea
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In 26 years I have never left a tip at a restaurant. In the last
several years you see a line for tips on the bill at some places.
I just don't tip as I hate to see Paradise become Americanized.
I always take some small kites to give to the kids as their homemade
ones are make from sticks and newspapers. We don't stay in hotels as we have a home but I know some people who take quality beach towels
and give them to the hotel maids.
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#57493 - 11/23/02 06:54 PM
Re: Questions...first time visitors
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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Barbara, You may want to reconsider this trip as I greatly doubt you will get all that you expect from this vacation, unless you go with less expectations. Don't assume that you will be upgraded because you are honeymooners. Newleyweds make up a large amount of tourists to this beautiful destination so you will not be considered that special. Yes you may come across the odd bug especially the lovely geckos(lizards). Consider these little creatures your friend as they are completely harmless and do eat other insects that you may not like. Don't expect to find a big Wal Mart or Costco after all you are leaving America for a completely different experience and culture. Tipping is not required unless you feel that you wish to reward some extra service given. Learn a few simple Tahitian phrases(you will find these on this website) as it is appreciated by the locals. Also a hello or thank you in French goes a long way. As far as the weather is concerned, this is definitely beyond anyones control. Even in the rain FP is wonderful. You don't need to go in the water to enjoy it. There are lots of other activities you can do without getting wet. Tour the islands by car, do some hiking, take a boat trip, relax and read a book, etc. Also If you are getting this entire vacation for the cost of $2800 you are getting a real bargain. With all that said I do hope you and your new husband have a great time in FP as it is an extraordinarily beautiful place.
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#57494 - 11/24/02 07:03 AM
Re: Questions...first time visitors
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ara
Member
Registered: 10/20/02
Posts: 72
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This was definitely too long to read. :-)
No reservations necessary for the ferry to Moorea, just go to the dock in downtown Papeete and buy the tickets at the small building with the ticket counter. There are signs.
Moorea has a beautiful public beach with a parking lot and a small building with showers and wc. Beach access by road is not obvious, you need a map which the car rental agency provides.
Make reservations for the car beforehand. We made those reservations a few days beforehand in Papeete.
One of the suburbs of Papeete has a huge French style supermarket, much better than Costco. I don't remember which chain it was, but it had delicious desserts like mousse au chocolat in yoghurt containers, just like in France.
These are laid back tropical islands with a French flair. Enjoy the beauty they have to offer and the different culture.
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