Because I had wondered aloud here about how we all could cruise Polynesia after the PG is gone (and the TP will soon be gone too), Karen sent me a brochure on Cruise West's Polynesian itineraries. I checked their website, and it contained no info about these cruises, so I called them at a tool free number on their site (www.cruisewest.com). Here is what I was told (no guarantee of accuracy, of course.).

The ship is the 118 guest Spirit of Oceanus, which is the former R-5 of the old Renaissance line. From late December '05 to February '06 it does itineraries in Polynesia, gradually working its way from Hawaii to Guam. Cruises range from 11 to 18 nights. Included in this was an 11 night cruise, Papeete to Papeete that included some familiar islands, including the Marquesas. Fares begin at $4149 for the lowest category, which is a 215 sq. ft. outside cabin. This INCLUDES all port charges and taxes. Apparently TA's can get and give discounts. And all excursions are included. All soda and bottled water is included. All dining is open seating and the dress code is casual. Very casual, including shorts. If you book air through them, they have much the same post cruise day room situation as Radisson.

On the negative side, all alcoholic drinks are extra, and the line has one of those "anti carry on" policies. There are no TVs or DVDs in the rooms. There is no entertainment, as we know it. No shows. No dance bands. Instead, they have lectures about the islands every night after dinner. (I rather like these, but wonder if I'd like them every night.) Air booked through Cruise West is HIGH! For our 9/17/06 PG cruise, Radisson charged us $1359 pp coach from and back to Okla. City., which includes fuel surcharges. Cruise West charges $1840 for the same thing. Also, I note that all their cruises of this area are during the rainy season. Cruise West will offer these cruises again in '07.

Some of the excursions sounded very different. On one, I was told that a group of local families each take a couple of guests in their cars to their homes for a visit, and then give a tour of the island via car. Other excursions, I was told, emphasize snorkeling and in-water activities.

I have no idea how the food and service is. I checked CC and there are very few Cruise West reviews, and none on this ship or itinerary.

The folks at Cruise West told me that this was more of an "expedition" and less of a "luxury cruise" compared to the PG, and that conclusion would seem to fit the description of the details.

If any who read this board have any experience with Cruise West, please tell us about it. All in all, I think I'd rather take the PG. But we do like Polynesia, and with the PG (and all other present cruise ships) leaving the area, we just want to explore any alternatives.

Thanks,
Richard :) :) :)

"It's five o'clock somewhere."