We just finished watching our 3 videos taken during our recent cruise(Dec.12th). I concur with Glenda about the weather.
We rented bikes while on Bora Bora and rode around the island stopping at various locations to enjoy the views and to visit various hotels along the way.It took us a little over 2 1/2 hours to do it. There are only 2 areas that are a bit of a challenge and we walked the bikes in those areas(one was a curvey down grade that was gravel and the other an upgrade). Our daughter is in excellent shape and aced the ride. My husband and I are in average physical shape and did not find it overwhelming so it truly is not that demanding.
We took the trek to the Waterfalls while on Raitea. While the distance was not a problem, I thought the walk was not for the timid or unadventurous. We had to climb up ledges with just foot steps carved out of the hillside, walk along very damp trails while holding onto ropes and then on the way down "repel" down a hillside. I slipped and hit my knee cap which still aches. The guides were right at my side the rest of the way down to be certain I would be able to make it down safely. We went back to the ship wet and full of mud. One really needs good walking shoes for the trek. Tevas are not advisable.
On Moorea we took the catamaran sail and snorkle excursion and enjoyed the experience in spite of a short rain shower.
The guest lecturers are excellent and well worth attending their talks. Do note, that if you have sailed on any PG cruise of any length the talks are the same.
Our daughter took full adventage of the Carita spa while on board having massages and other services done. I had my hair washed and blowed dry but thought at $60 a session it was a bit too expensive since we were swimming and getting our hair wet nearly everyday. The body exfoliation and body wrap was wonderful especially when I went to pay my daughter surprised me by prepaying for it.
We kayaked and our daughter waterskied off the marina of the ship. The marina crew is great and very supportive.
The crew service remains wonderful. We made a special request one night for Ostyers Rockerfeller and the chief came through with enough for 2 tables to share!
We only had minor negatives. One afternoon we went to see a film about the Marquesas and instead they were repeating a film about Paul Gauguin. The Gauguin started the film and then left without being certain what was being shown.
One afternoon there was a serious pool towel shortage that left most without a towel while on the pool deck.
We had one major disappointment. Our adult daughter left her camera in the Grand salon and someone took it and never turned it in to the reception desk. She lost not only the camera but all of her wonderful photo memories.
The market place in Papeete is the really the least expensive place to purchase shell jewelry, pareos,calendars,soaps and oils, etc. As for the pearls, we didn't shop for them so I can't speak to that.It is within walking distance of the ship. If you have time before the cruise, go the market and then tour the islands and then go back to the market place. We finished breakfast at 7:30 am on the last day and then ran over and shopped returning by 9 am to the ship.The market opens at 5:30 am and closes at 5 pm on the weekdays.
I always like to see what people have in their supermarkets and what the prices are. There are 2 Carrefour supermarkets on Tahiti. One is located within walking distance of the Intercontinential Hotel and the other within a short bus ride from the Radisson Hotel. Their baquette sandwiches are very tasty and reasonably priced($2.50 to $4.50US). We also picked up soda and Tabu beer(the other Tahitan beer)to eat while staying at our hotel.
All three of us are ready to cruise again and hopefully we will be able to take the Marquesas cruise in December of 2008. We enjoyed our cruisemates and hope to cruise again with them again!!!
