Kathy & Wendy, you both always have so many good tips! The separate packing is a good idea. But I'm really hoping to wear some of my PG clothes on my pre-cruise, if possible. That will cut down on the number of clothes to bring. I have several tops that are easy to wash and quick to dry without wrinkling.

I was wondering about Pareos night. I read a review that mentioned it. Does everyone wear them that night or just a few?

The hardest time I ever had packing light was for our 5 night sail on a 37' sailboat. We could each only bring one small bag. Of course, on the sailboat we didn't wear many clothes, but we did have several nights stay on St. Croix at a hotel before the sailboat. So I had to really plan hard on that one. It worked out fine. I'll try to remember what I did. It's been so many years.

Pareos night? Pray tell, what does one wear underneath?

I know bathing attire is frowned upon after a certain time.

There was no pareo night on either of our PG cruises, so perhaps this is something they added.

I wore a pareo to dinner the last night of our first cruise. It's my "formal" pareo--black with nice big white flowers, and my newly-purchased mother-of-pearl necklace (which I have not worn since!) Since I have not managed to find a pareo that is long enough to wrap right around me twice the way the Gauguines do it, I just tied it in the middle as I usually do (but with special tying techniques!), and then I pinned the front discreetly so that I wouldn't disgrace myself.

There's another way of wearing it where you just wrap it straight around your body, strapless-style, and then roll the top several times to secure it--this too could be pinned, and then you are safe--unless you laugh too hard and the whole thing falls apart. :ohmy:

Wendy, I must have misunderstood that review I read. But I am glad there is not a designated Pareo night. I wasn't sure I'd feel comfortable in one at dinner and didn't want to feel obligated. Now if I find one that looks really good like your pretty black w/flowers one, that would be a different story!!! You'll have to share your special tying techniques when we're sipping our drinks on Motu Mahana :)

Don't worry, Cyndi, there are pareo-tying lessons on the motu, compliments of the Gauguines! By the time you get on the ship from Bora Bora, you will have at least one, I'm betting!

Cyndi, the only "excursions" we did were the 4x4 trip on Bora Bora and the jet ski in Moorea. Additionally, we did the discover scuba and 2 dives. On Moorea, the second day we rented a car and went up to Belvedere then drove around the island, hoping to find some beach bars but surprizingly we were not very successful. Either they were invisible or we weren't looking in the right places (resort bars don't count). If we do the jetskis on Bora Bora this time we will get separate skis..Heather was not excited about my driving. We also might be interested in the more "historical" type excursions especially on Raiatea.

Michael, hi. Interesting idea about the bars. I bought a guidebook, that might help if you did this again. We intend to rent a car on Moorea one afternoon for sure, never have done that yet, and finding the "local colour" is always a good idea.

The ancient temple site on Raitaea is very interesting, if you are into history or anthropology. We did the outrigger canoe/4x4 combination, which stops at Taputapuatea in the middle, but there is a bus tour that includes it as well.

Wendy, I have been meaning to get some sort of a book about Tahiti that would give history as well as guide type information. I have recently been reading a diary of Captain Cooks sailing to Tahiti, although a very interesting story I doubt it will help me in my quest of the Tahitian beach bar. I was fascinated by the lecturer on PG and his talk about the 'real story of mutiny on the Bounty'. I hope he is still aboard.
The outrigger/4x4 trip sounds like it should be on my list for sure.

Cyndi..I just noticed that you are now in San Diego. It is interesting that while you were in Colorado Springs I lived in San Diego from 1975-1993 and now things are reversed.

Michael, that is so funny that you were in San Diego while we were in Colorado and vice versa. We'll have to compare notes while on PIP.

Wendy, the motu is going to be so much fun!! What do the guys do while we relax, shop, sip on our drinks and learn how to tie pareos :D

Well, it depends. My "guy" sits around drinking out of coconuts and people-watching, especially the Gauguines. I'm the active one--I'll be in and out of the water, snorkelling and swimming. But then there are the kayaks. I want to try that this time. There's also stuff for sale, vanilla beans, pareos, jewellery, pearls even (not very good ones, as I remember.)

Oh, and there's volleyball--that's what the guys can do! And massages can be had as well, I believe.

Can't wait. Have to wait.

Sounds like lots of fun for all!!! It's getting closer :) <img border="0" alt="[hula]" title="" src="graemlins/hula.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[hula]" title="" src="graemlins/hula.gif" />

Yes, my bathing suits came this week. I have to try them on. I bet I can even start some packing too or start making a corner of the closet for a PIP Pile. I don't see wearing any reef shoes between now and then!

I just ordered a bathing suit last night. Won't come for a while, since it's back-ordered. Ordered a pair of aqua "land and water" shoes at the same time.

I have started my "Pip pile" too, mostly just T-shirts. I also need to buy some new shorts. Maybe I'll look at Lands End for that too.

Maybe one new sundress, we will see, not the time of year to find things like that here in the frozen north. I may just go with what I've got in that regard.

I have a PIP box started too!! I've even put some things in it that I could be wearing, but don't want to get any more wear and tear on them. (I'm known to spill things on me - LOL!)

I bought a big straw hat (Penney's) that I really like. It seems like it will pack pretty well without much wrinkles, if any. I am still debating on the Tilley hat. Since we are cutting back on the number of excursions we think we'll be doing, I may just try to get by with a ball cap. (For rides on boat to Shark & Ray feeding and the Dolphin excursion.) Still haven't decided.

We are starting to get the spring/summer things in our stores. Perfect timing for shopping for PIP! I need some new shorts, too. And T-shirts. The list goes on and on.

I was telling Kathy that I did get a couple of bathing suits at Penney's that fit pretty well. One is so pretty and the other is a little more plain - good for snorkeling. Also got a beach bag (matches my bathing suits :) ).

I wish I could skip work and just go shopping all day!!! This is fun.

Cnydi - Since we're not going on PIP, this is my first time to read this thread. Yes, I can answer a couple of your earlier questions.

The Captain's Welcome Reception is Sunday night for you PIPsters. That is the night you would want to wear your nicest outfit (although you don't need to be dressy - it is a choice) because the photographer will be taking your picture with the Captain. They also take portraits outside the main dining room that evening.

We used the storage facility at the Papeete airport for our post-cruise stay on Manihi. The Tahiti Nui driver who picked us up as we disembarked the PG drove us right to the storage room. It cost us about $27 US dollars for 1 large suitcase (of dirty clothes & PG menus etc.) left very early Saturday morning and picked up about 6:30 pm Tuesday. After leaving our bag, the driver took us to the Air Tahiti counter in the airport. When we flew back from Manihi we remembered where the storage room was located and just walked over there - it is not far.

I had an odd LL Bean/Tahitian look coming back from some of our snorkeling trips. I had a pareo on over my swimsuit, but was cold and also needed to wear my long-sleeved t-shirt. I didn't include any of those photos in my album!

Kathy Z,

Thanks so much for your input here. I hadn't even thought about ship pictures. That makes sense that it would be the night of the Captain's Welcome Reception on Sunday. I doubt that we will get very dressed up, but I would like to wear something nice. This helps - thanks.

Did you feel like the storage facility was well protected from any kind of theft? That is one of my concerns. It sure sounds more convenient than I realized. I'm still hoping to pack as light as possible. We want to bring our own snorkle gear, so we couldn't store that as we'd need it on Bora Bora. That will add to the weight. Did you take your own snorkle gear and if so, did you take fins?

I would love to see that picture of you with your LL Bean/Tahitain look :D Sometimes our creature comforts gotta come first!!!

I just went to the original roll call post for PIP and there were 25 people on the cruise. Anyone want to post an update?

Cyndi - I did put a luggage lock on our suitcase that we placed in storage. They weren't busy when we dropped it off and the lady let me back with her where it got placed up on a shelf. When we went to pick it up it was in exactly the same spot. I wasn't really too worried about it, but I did have a complete inventory of the clothes that were in it just in case.

We took all our own snorkel stuff including fins on to Manihi with us. They did weigh all the checked baggage we took to Manihi. We were under our allowance after storing the one bag. On our flight to Manihi we noticed that they were pretty flexible about the one 6.6# carry-on. Several people - mostly locals - had several small items. So, on our way back, I had an extra small bag (had waited too long to do the final packing and had some leftovers) and we had no problem with it. At the Papeete airport we did some repacking and change of clothes (back into slacks) for our flight home. BTW, I had shopped a lot to find the perfect travel purse for the flight portions of the trip and ended up with a navy & tan diaper bag by "Totes"! It even has a convenient space for a water bottle.

I just discovered when I double checked my Yahoo photo album that I DID include that LL Bean/Tahitian look. It is #57 of 92. We are on a boat coming back from "Lagoon Discovery with Snorkeling" on Moorea and have spotted whales. I'm the one with the grey t-shirt and blue pareo. My husband is in the fish t-shirt closer to the camera. Here is the link: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/kathy051845/album?.dir=/2fda&.src=ph&.tok=phs5jfCB16dFGJVZ

Kathy (ChatKat),

You can edit your rollcall to move Sheri and me into cabin #413 with a two day precruise at the Beachcomber.

Has anyone heard anything from Lynette from VOF? She emailed me eons ago to say she had booked PIP #1, but I've heard nothing from her recently.

Michael and Heather (Mailman055) also need to be added to the rollcall.

Yes, Lynette is booked and is coming Suzanne.

Oh goody!

She is a lot of fun! :banana:

Here is the latest Roll Call for revisions:
Post your names and room and which PIP you are on and I will edit this post as much as needed

Suzanne #413 PIP #1 Pre-Beachcomer
Sheri #413 PIP #1 pre at the Tahiti Beachcomber
Marc & Arlene # 621 PIP #1 pre at the Tahiti Beachcomber
Wendy & David #421 PIP B2B
Bob & Frances PIP #1
The Kimmi's #715 PIP #1-2 Nights Pre Tahiti Beachcomber
Ngaire & Ken #TBA PIP #1
Peter & Mark #725 PIP #1
Lynette # PIP #1
Anne & Gary #719 PIP #1
The Seagurls #817 PIP #1 (Suzanne's parents, Mason and Maggie!)Precruise - Tahiti Beachcomber
Cyndi & Tom #706 PIP #1 (precruise at Hotel Bora Bora)
Kathy & Frank #623 PIP #1 (Pre Beachcomber Tahiti)
Fred & Pat #723 PIP B2B
Michael and Heather #414 -Precruise-Beachcomber

Kathy, 621.

We will be in 414 and one night precruise at the Tahiti Beachcomber.

The Seagurls are also one night precruise at the Beachcomber.

Okay - so edited! Only 10 weeks to the Party!

Oh my, ten weeks, you're right! This time in 10 weeks, we'll be at the Hilton in L.A., most certainly awake, probably eating breakfast before going to the airport for the flight to paradise!

I don't know about the rest of you, but I have started feeling like I have alot of work to do before I go. It always happens like that, oh well, it also always works out okay.

Wendy, I feel just like you do. When I think how fast time goes and we only have 10 weeks to go, I'm starting to feel the pressure. It always seems like you have tons of time when you first book. Then, bam!. . . and it's almost here. But you are right. It always works out.

Kathy, it is exciting to see the PIP list again!! We are all going to have SO MUCH FUN!!!!

Kathy Z, thanks for the added info about the storage facility and the carry-on weight details. You always give such good info. I'm learning a lot from you. I'll also have to look into that Totes diaper bag. LOL, not having any kids I never would have thought I'd carry one of those :D I've heard other people say what great carry-on/totes they make.

Thanks for the link to your photos. I enjoyed them so much the first time you posted and it was a joy to go thru them again. Great photos!!! I thought your LL Bean/Tahitian look fit right in on that boat with the spotted whales by the boat. You looked like a person having a great time!!!

Yea! Lynette is going! She is fun to watch at the tables.
Suzanne, I hope the presence of M & D will not make Suzette run and hide :D :D
Kathy, we are 2 nights pre at the Beachcomber.

It looks like Kathy & Frank and Tom & I are going to have to party on the plane by ourselves Tuesday night 5/17. Most everyone else have a two night or one night pre-cruise. We'll just have to warm the plane up for all of you. Maybe the good vibes will linger for a day or two when the rest of you board the flight!!

Cyndi, last year when we went and did just one night pre-cruise we found that the most relaxed passengers on board Saturday afternoon were the group of women that did a four night pre-cruise on Moorea. You are sure to have a wonderfully romantic time enjoying Bora Bora.

Ah yes, I remember feeling really smug on deck the first time, after our Manihi pre-cruise. There were lots of bleary-eyed passengers staggering around the deck. I was already wearing a pareo, and had a flower firmly behind my ear!

Lucky Cyndi!

Agree, it does so much to get you out of the jet lag thing, chill out, and have a chance to enjoy what you can't get enough of on a 7 day cruise. On the other hand, for those to whom time and money is an issue, 7 days is sure better than none!

I cant' wait to have that relaxed feeling!!!!! Sounds like paradise. A romantic paradise <img border="0" alt="[hula]" title="" src="graemlins/hula.gif" />

I do feel lucky about the 4 night pre-cruise. But Wendy, you are so lucky, too, to be going B2B. On Sat 28th when we are leaving the ship we'll be saying to you - "YOU ARE SO LUCKY TO HAVE ANOTHER WEEK!!!!"

Olivia, you are so right. 7 days of paradise is much, much better than none at all!!!! So I guess you can say we are ALL lucky.

I spent the entire day shopping yesterday. I haven't done that in a long time and I'm out of condition :D . I got several things on my PIP list. Got the cutest pair of pants with a tropical theme pattern. Can't wait to wear them. Got 2 pairs of shorts, a couple of tops and t-shirt. I think I'm now set for all my clothes - yippee!!! Now I'm going to do a trial packing to see how it all fits and what it weighs. Then, I'll start working on the carry-on bag.

Well, all this talk of the blow up air mattresses for the pool was interesting. Went to Costco today and they had some that are mesh and have spring like things (like the car sun shades do) but have a ring of air around the mesh. The fold up into a little bag and hang over your shoulder with room to put your towel and sunscreen. One of them has a canopy to keep the sun off your face. How cool is that? They were $34.00 in a package of two. I will share them on the Motu day. :D
[img]http://store1.yimg.com/I/store3-store_1835_1063636[/img]

Also did all Frank's shopping. Bunch of Polo Shirts and Tommy Bahama type Silks. A few pair of shorts too. He's all set now. We went to Hawaii last year so he didn't need much at all. I don't need much, but, well, you know how it is looking a full closet with "nothing" to wear in it.

Wow, sounds like you guys are ready to start packing! I have to wait--living in the frozen north, spring apparel is in the stores, no summer stuff yet. I need shorts, some more t-shirts, possibly a sundress, and my new bathing suit to arrive. Oh, and all kinds of various medicaments, like sunscreen and bonine, and travel-sized cosmetics to organize. I haven't even started looking at David's wardrobe yet, but since we were in Greece last summer, he won't need much.

Just another 8 days until we can book excursions on-line. I am ready to print out a list for David so that he can peruse. Since we've done this twice before, we will probably go our separate ways a little more this time--I'm going to try to persuade him to do the sailing trip on Raiatea, for example, since he used to be a serious sailor, and loves it.

Kathy,

That air mattress looks so comfy!!! Hard to resist. Looks like a Costco run is in order! Oh, by the way, does the "body" come with it? :D Sounds like Frank is going to look pretty sharp!! And, yes, I have one of those full closets with nothing to wear :D

Wendy,

I imagine being in "sunny" California (it's raining again today!!) we probably do get our spring/summer items in sooner that colder climates like Toronto. Usually it seems like they put them out right in the dead of winter. However, when I went shopping this weekend I was so surprised that there were so few spring/summer items. Still lots of sweaters, etc. There weren't very many shorts, either. I guess I'm jumping the gun a bit, but I'm afraid of waiting and then running out of time to shop. That is great that David has most of his clothes. That is sure going to help.

8 days???!!!! Wow, it seemed like we had forever to book on-line. Now it is right around the corner. It will feel good to get that done.

Cyndi, as someone posted earlier about that type of air mattress. It's great in the water, but not much good on land. And of course, it looks like you couldn't float face down either. Wouldn't do me much good, I have to keep out of the sun whenever I can, so floating around the lagoon's out for me.

This is flat, so you can float either side up and the two connect so you can float together. Not good for using on the sand.

The alternative of blowing up two of the other ones was daunting even if you brought a thing to do it with. I could have a whole suitcase full of toys, between masks and snorkel stuff and camera stuff and these will pack well and are light.

I don't recall, we aren't limited to one suitcase each, are we?