I just got notice that RSSC has changed my precruise for my PG 10/15/05 cruise from the BB Pearl to the Le Tahaa resort due to overbooking and renovations??? My dream was to stay on Bora Bora... I am heartbroken. Has anyone ever had this happen with RSSC?

Babs

Wow!!

I agree with your disappointment! I would make Radisson provide equivalent or better accomodations on Bora Bora. When we were there this past spring, we fell in love with the lagoon on Bora Bora.

Looking at their website , Le Tahaa appears to be a fantastic resort, too. However, it is not on Bora Bora. Maybe they feel that they have given you a better selection; I would just get across to them to find a better resort on Bora Bora if that is what is critical.

Marc:

Yes, Le Tahaa is a beautiful resort, but Bora Bora is where I booked to stay. I am waiting for a response from RSSC and my TA. I can't believe this is happening, I researched this trip for over a year and booked through RSSC because of their excellent reputation. I am at a loss for words... So far what I'm hearing is not good for booking anything on Bora Bora through RSSC due to it being "High" season. This is my first cruise with RSSC and needless to say, I am disappointed. I hope this will be resolved. I'll keep you posted. Where do I go from here?

Babs

Babs:

If there are no rooms, there are no rooms. Even Radisson can't make a room appear if it is not available. If any room is available at any rate, you should make Radisson book it for you at no additional cost. Otherwise, you and your TA just need to figure out how to get your pound of flesh. Radisson probably has all sorts of caveats in their contract about "similar properties." However, they should have reserved a room for you, especially if they have money from you for the hotel.

You might also agree to Le Tahaa but request Radisson to keep checking to see if there are any last minute cancellations at any of the Bora Bora properties.

I'm sure you will get more advice here.

Good luck and keep us informed on what you and your TA get worked out.

Bora had a reportedly 20 hour storm surge over the weekend of Sept 12 from reading postings on another travel board and some hotels were damaged . It will take some time to complete the repairs which is probably why your booking was switched to Tahaa'a. I bet RSSC is trying all alternatives to get you accomodations on Bora. I wouldn't be surprised to see if something does open up at the last minute. Best wishes, vai

Vaitape: Thanks for the support. As soon as the storm surge happened I emailed the resort to ask if there was any damage since I was to arrive on 10/12. I got a very nice response back from them that they will wecome me when I arrive and that there was nothing to worry about,that there was no damage to the resort.

I know that the BB Beachcomer is closed for at least 2 months due to the storm, BUT I was booked at the Pearl. I still don't understand why my booking was cancelled.


Marc: I quickly checked Yahoo Travel and the only room that I see available is a Royal Overwater Bungalow Suite at the Nui.

Babs

I'm sorry about your trip Babs, I can understand how you feel. I hope something will come up that you still can have your dream. To plan for a year and not get it is not good and not nice of Radisson to change in the last min considering that the hotel had no damage!

Good Luck

Mrs. Moose:

I really appreciate your support. I've enjoyed your posts about your Alaska cruise. This is also my first cruise on RSSC. I realize that "stuff" happens in the travel industry all the time. I'm just looking to get my resort stay to be on Bora Bora. I'm trying to make lemonaide out of all these lemons that I'm getting!

I know that I did the best I could planning/researching this trip.. so we'll see what happpens. But after "lurking" around the various travel boards for over a year I've never read that someone's hotel had been cancelled and rebooked to another island, no less.

One thing I know, is that I will make this the trip of a life time no matter what happens. The ball is in Radisson's court.

Babs

Babs, this is unfortunate after all your worrying about the storm surge. But I can imagine that BB is suffering from a shortage of rooms right now. Acts of nature can't be controlled, as we are very painfully aware right now.

Could they switch you to Moorea by any chance? It's a beautiful island, quite different from Bora, but magnificent. On the other hand, so is Taha'a, as you will find out on Monday of your cruise. I'm betting you would love it there, although if I was choosing, I would choose Moorea.

Thanks for the advice Wandra. This entire trip was to fulfill my dream of staying in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora. I was originally going to make this a land trip, but decided to try RSSC with a precruise on Bora Bora for many reasons. I haven't heard that there was any damage to the Pearl resort and that's from the Pearl it's self. Does anyone have any further information? Is there more damage on Bora Bora than what I've heard??

I know that Le Tahaa is a beautiful resort as there are a lot of beautiful resorts out there. I also wanted to go to Bloody Mary's one night, Villa Mahana one night, "tool" around Bora Bora and check out the island...

After reading the travel boards it's very interesting to hear what other people have to say and what they like.

On Le Tahaa I believe it's the only resort on the island and you have to eat there for all your meals? It's just a different experience than I imagine Bora Bora to be.

I am looking forward to Moorea. I see that it is many people's favorite island. On our cruise stay there, we want to rent a car for the day to explore. I also would like to check out some hotels there that I've read about.

Babs

I think from Taha'a you can get over to Raiatea by water taxi. You can rent a car there and "tool around". It is alot less touristy than BB, for sure, but it has struck me as quite friendly too. There are lots of yachters around these two islands, which usually means laid-back types.

I visited the BB Pearl in June, did I tell you that? It seemed very nice, but then so are lots of places. I can understand how the OWB is a dream for you, would you get one of these at Taha'a?

I guess there's nothing at the Hotel Bora Bora? I know Cyndi loved her stay there in May--anything available at all in BB?

WE stayed in an OWB at the Intercontinental Beachcomber on Papeete and everyone thought we should have stayed on BB or Moorea - it was a delightful stay.

Wendy,
We have been rebooked at LeTahaa in an overwater bungalow. I had looked at this resort and it really is amazing. I do realize how fortunate we are to take this vacation and that there are certainly worse things in life than getting "bumped" from a hotel. It's just disappointing not to get to stay on Bora Bora. I'm still waiting to hear if RSSC has been able to rebook me for bora bora. If the Hotel Bora Bora was available, Le Meridian, the nui, etc. I would be more than happy to stay there.

Chatkat:
I think anywhere in Tahiti would be wonderful. We are booked at the Beachcomber for one night upon our arrival in Tahiti. I look forward to it.

Thanks again everyone for your thoughts!

Babs

Babs
I think that each of us has had a special disapointment during the course of sailing. I have had canceled port stops, a terrible hotel room which was booked through RSSC & flight delays. I spent one precruise in Rome in my hotel room with stomach flu. Big disappointment -but all I could do is say, an excuse to need to return. And I am doing that in October, 4 years later. Marcie missed part of her WC scheduled stops due to weather last winter. To me it is just the nature of the beast. It is hard when you have your heart set so much on something, but I just try to look at the overall experience of each cruise (including pre & post cruise experiences booked through RSSC or booked on my own). And after each cruise I can't wait to sign up for my next. I am not thrilled that I am booked on Olympic Air for my return from Athens in October, but better that, than getting stuck in Athens.
Bora Bora will still be there next year, or even the year after that. Look at it as something to do in the future. Just wasn't meant to be this time.

Betty:

Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it. I do know when traveling "stuff" happens. Two prior cruises (HAL and Celebrity) were both during hurricanes. Boy, did we rock and roll, but we had the best time! I like what you said about returning to Bora Bora in the future! You never know... and I will be there for 2 days on the PG. Maybe some day I'll be lucky enough to cruise with some LCT people! I would enjoy meeting everyone.

Babs

I would have been very upset by the change also. We've only been on the PG, not at any of the land resorts. It made me curious about the resorts, and I just went to Tripadvisor.com to see what others have said. While I am not minmizing RSSC's actions, postings on Tripadvisor generally rave about LeTaha'a. I would see if you can get the "best" OWB on the resort, given the circumstances. I'm sure you'll have a great time.

------------

Eugene

Dreps:
I also went to tripadvisor.com and the reviews are unbelievable. I also looked at some vacation photos people had taken. We certainly wouldn't be suffering there! I know we'll have a wonderful time. I noticed they have some OWBs with a view of Bora Bora. I'll hope to get that one!


Babs

On the bright side you will have two days in Bora Bora and really no time in Tahaa as you would not want to miss one moment of the Motu Mahana. So you will get to see an island you would really have missed otherwise.

The Bora Bora Pearl is okay, it was an old hotel that was redone it is honestly a nice resort but nothing to write home about.

If RSSC does come up with another hotel in Bora Bora you might think about whether that is what you really want.

This may end up being a blessing in disguise.
Just a thought.

Didn't want to say, but I agree with you, Ngaire. I was at the Pearl in June, didn't stay there, and it seemed very nice, but frankly, given the chance, Le Taha'a sounds like a real win in this case. Babs, if you really want to do Bloody Mary's you can go during your cruise, but I would give that a pass too, except for maybe a drink. Aside from the beautiful lagoon, Bora is the most touristy of the islands, and Taha'a the least--you will be in for a magical experience there, I am guessing.

Babs: sounds like you hit a home run without realizing it - lucky you!!!!

Bora Bora is the most popular as it so well known. But, wait until you stay at one of the out of the way resorts. You will have a great time. If your heart is set on BB, do some research and see what is available and ask your TA to see if RSSC will switch you. If you are still unhappy, you can contact Mark Conroy.

Thanks Nagaire, Wendy, Joanna and Sedona for your encouragement. I DO know what a wonderful resort Le Taha'a is. Right now, I am booked there, but RSSC is seeing if they can get a room on bora bora for me. Either way, I will have a trip of a lifetime.

Babs

Getting bumped is indeed a bummer... I know how it is when you have your heart set on a place.

On the bright side - Le Tahaa is a far, far nicer resort than the BB Pearl. And, with two days during the cruise on BB, there should be time to do most everything you were planning - you can rent a car and see the island in a half day, and if you go out to the motu, you'll be right next to the Pearl!

As for Bloody Mary's - you can either go for lunch when you rent a car, or there is usually a group that goes for dinner from the ship. It's a fun place but I don't think I'd give it up for dinner on the ship though - the seafood is very fresh but seriously expensive.

One more thing to consider - while a beautiful island, Bora Bora is a little cursed by it's popularity. While lovely people, there are many of the BB islanders who are a bit jaded by all of the tourists... while I find BB to be very beautiful, the people of Raiatea, Huahine, and Tahaa are so friendly that the overall experience for me on those islands really surpassed BB as a whole.

As you say, though, when something is your dream it's a letdown to have it disrupted. I hope Radisson can come through, and if not, I hope you will enjoy Tahaa.

--Rebecca

Rebecca,

Thank you for your thoughts. It's not so much that my heart was set at staying at the bb pearl, it was to stay on Bora Bora. After looking at the precruise resorts on BB that RSSC was offering I chose the Pearl. But I did have a tough time deciding. All the resorts were nice and each had different things to offer. It was more about the island, not the resort. I do see that LeTah'a is beautiful. No doubt that we will have a wonderful time. Either way, I'm going with the flow! Where ever we stay I'll be sure to post my trip review when we return.

At this point RSSC is still trying to see if they can get me a room on bora bora. I know they are working very hard at this and doing the best they can. Everyone I have spoken to has been wonderful. I should know the outcome soon and I'll let everyone know.

Babs

If you do end up staying at LeTahaa I would love to hear your opinion. We just booked a week for next October and are looking at the pre-cruise options. After reading trip advisor I was really seriously considering LeTahaa - the only concern that I had was the fact that you pretty much have to eat all your meals at the resort. However this resort gets wonderful reviews. Having done the PG in Sept. 03 I was also considering Moorea as that was our favorite island from the cruise. We met 2 couples on the cruise that did post-cruise stays on Moorea and loved it - I believe that they stayed at the Pearl. Bora Bora was not on our list for the reasons others have stated - just too commercial for our taste. Whatever happens you will have an incredible time and will definately be trying to figure out when you can go back.

Steph

Babs

Towards the end of the Bora Bora 4x4 excursion, the one that goes to the cannons and other high vista points, we had enough time to stop at Bloody Mary's for a drink. I wasn't expecting that, so it was a welcome surprise. I enjoyed the bar and seeing the restaurant and know I didn't miss much not going for dinner.

Isn't the private beach you can go to on Bora Bora days on the same motu right next to the Pearl? I liked it better than Motu Mahana. I'd do the excursion in the morning, have lunch on the ship. then go to the beach after lunch. Take your blow up rafts for laying on in the water and on the beach. Have drinks in fresh coconuts and snack on fruit and nuts. If it's not too windy, it's pure bliss! There's a nice coral formation for snorkeling near where the beacher lands. But the rest of the beach is soft white sand. Much nicer than Mahana.

You'll have a great time!

Steph,
I'll definitely let you know how Le Taha'a is should I end up there. I realize that a lot of people feel that BB is too commercial, but I still would like to experience staying there. It's my first visit and maybe my only visit, who knows!

Seadog,
Thank you for the great tips! I just started packing yesterday (I know it's early, but...) and the first thing I packed were my blow up rafts!

Our planned excursions for BB are the sharkfeeding tour and the waverunners around BB. I can't wait!

Everyone on this board has been SO helpful and I really appreciate it.

If I can figure out how, I'll also post some photos from my new camera when I return.

Babs

Just wanted everyone to know that I just heard from RSSC. I am now headed for the BB Pearl Resort OWB as originally requested! I'm VERY impressed with RSSC's handling of this matter. I know that the overbooking was something that was out of RSSC's control.

Thanks everyone here for all your advice, thoughts, support, etc. You're a great group. I hope our paths cross someday. In the meantime I'll keep on posting!

A special thanks goes out to Mr. Conroy. He runs a great "ship"!



Babs

Congratulations!!!!!!!


Awaiting to hear your reports from Bora Bora; we really loved are "short" time there.

That's really nice, Babs. I know you would have made the best of it wherever you landed but how wonderful to go where you wanted to be in the first place.

Hey Babs, great news! One thing they do at that resort is that they have a marine biology program for coral restoration. They have a coral hospital, and gardens built under the OWB waterways. So, watch out for that, and you can see some neat fish, just walking around in the water with a mask on. Oh, and a very cut marine biologist too ;)

Wendy:

Thanks for the heads up on the cute marine biologist. I may be married for 25 years, but I can still look!

Marnalou:

You're right! I will have a great trip where ever I land!

Babs

Wendy didn't say "cute," she said "cut." Imagine working around all that coral and no surprise that he would be "cut."

:D <img border="0" alt="[bounce]" title="" src="graemlins/ubbbounce2.gif" /> :D

Marc; Yes she did but the women knew exactly what she meant - I agree Babs - looking is fine -

"Cut" does have a meaning physically, so I can go with either one.

Now I'm hoping that he's cute AND cut!



Babs

Well, I meant cute, and I'm not sure I know what "cut" means, so I won't go there. His name is Denis Schneider, and he's French. We met him doing the coral restoration excursion on Bora Bora, and it was great, and we learned alot. Expensive, but there were only six people on the tour.

Wendy, I think cut has the same meaning as "buffed and chiseled"!