Here are a few observations about our recent trip (back 2 days) on the PG....

Weather - don't be afraid to go in December! We were so anxious about the weather, as we had several snorkling excursions planned......the weather was perfect - calm seas and balmy breezes with clear skies almost the entire cruise. When we got to Moorea, and then back to Pap., we got some rain, but not until then.....

The last time 4 years ago I went with one daughter, this time it was our whole family - hubby and both daughters - we had a great time! In my opinion, the thing that makes the PG stand out is the excellent service of the crew, and their friendly attitude. We had wonderful service at L'Etoile, and the meals there were the best. Only one sour note at that restaurant - one evening my 2 and 2 other young women ate together there. They were ignored for at least 20 minutes, and had to pluck someone's sleeve to get attention. They felt they were at the "kids table".

We dined twice at La Veranda, and once at Le Grill. Le Grill, as it is outside, can be windy and hot despite fans, so it depends a bit on the weather on any one evening.

Our favorite place to hang out was the La Pallette bar on the stern of the ship. Stargazed, and just enjoyed the evening breezes and whatever music was being offered - sometimes the Les Gaugines played and sang, and sometimes it was the Siglo trio.

Cabin service was fantastic! Our attendant had our room made up efficiently, and completely, every time we returned from breakfast.

Excursions were terrific, and as advertised, for the most part - also, the ones we took (snorkling trips) had at most 10-12 participants. Coral gardens in lovely condition, and wonderful snorkling. As I say, the seas and weather really cooperated!

I loved the extra 3 days - from the usual 7 to 10 days. The snorkling we did on Rangiroa was spectacular.

I simply can't think of any negatives. Not only that, the few times they offered a trivia game I was on both winning teams - nice gifts, too - a Regent travel diary, and a Regent visor. We had a snorkling excursion almost every day, so didn't do much in the way of lectures or classes offered on the ship.

Oh, BTW, we had a private excursion with Damien on Bora Bora. What a cutie he is! He took the 4 of us to 2 different snorkel spots. At the last one we did an adventurous walk across a deserted motu, and he pointed out the various features of the island - then we snorkled quite a long way back to the boat in pristine coral gardens.

One Negative for Damien - It was too difficult for me to use his ladder for the first snorkel stop - so I didn't go in. The second one was in shallow water, so no problem. Most of his clients are honeymooners, and presumably are younger and in better shape than yours truly. Its a lovely speedboat with room for 6-7 people, but shade for maybe 3 or 4. He's a lovely guy, and very informative, but get him to take a photo of his ladder if you have any concerns at all.....or, make sure he takes you to places where you can beach the boat.

Any questions for your upcoming PG sailors, let me know!

Oh, and I loved meeting Debbie and the other Texans, as well as Carol and the other B&K clients - I believe a wonderful time was had by all!

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!!!

Thanks so much for your comments, Glenda and Cruisedreamer. I am so sorry to hear about the camera though :( It is just beyond me how someone could do that in good conscience.

We are boarding the PG 12/29 and are very excited! Love that Tabu beer (more than Hinano, actually) - do they happen to have it on the ship nowadays? They didn't in June 2006.

Wow nice comments, both of you. What a shame about the camera, just unbelievable really.

I'm also glad to hear about the weather--we're currently booked on the 14-day Marquesas itin. next December. It's their 'dry season', so I'm counting on that, although I don't have unreasonable expectations about the weather--we've been to FP in April when it's very hot and humid, so will take what we get, if we're lucky enough to make the cruise.

Unfortuately, the ship only carries Hinano beer which I think is not as good tasting as Tabu.

Glenda, I'm glad to hear that you still think the PG is up to snuff like your previous trips. I've heard conflicting things since the buyout by GCTravel about service and food quality but know and trust your evaluations....so things must still be good. Sorry to hear that Dan got eaten alive by the no seeums on the motu. Is it perhaps the time of year as well as being late in the day that brought them out? Great tip too about the boat ladder. None of us like looking like beached whales trying to get back up or down.
Cruisedreamer, loved your comments too and I'm sorry to hear that your daughter never got her camera back. That too has happened to us on a cruise ship and we didn't give a hoot about the camera as you can always go buy another one but we only wished the person would have at least left the memory stick behind with all of our treasured memories and photos on it.
Pat