We just returned 2 days ago from the PG cruise. I will write a longer review when I get a spare minute but I want to help with this question.

We stayed at the IC for 2 nights pre cruise. Great hotel - it is a destination in itself! There is a tour desk in the front lobby across from the reception desk. They were selling 1/2 day and full day packages. We rented a car and enjoyed having that flexibility on Friday. We spent about 6 hours touring Tahiti and Tahiti Iti on the Friday before the cruise.

If you decide to rent a car you should reserve it in advance from EuropeCar. That is the only rental agency at the IC. We rented a new Renault with air for about $120. The desk is not manned all the time but they are there if there is a reservation for a certain time period. I scheduled my pick-up at 9 AM and the clerk appeared at about 8:59. Upon the return the clerk was not there but (per directions) gave the keys to the IC reception desk.

I must say that the IC is spectacular. There is enough to do there to fill several days. We stayed at the Radisson on the way home for the afternoon. The Radisson is also very nice but not quite the IC. Plus the IC is much closer to the airport.

As for freezing temps on the PG, I did not notice that - I am also from the north so it may not effect me as much. I definitly do not like cold restaurants so I think I would have noticed if it was cold in the public areas.

We had a great time - it was hard to leave. You will have a wonderful time.

Francine