Best cruise EVER
Paul Gauguin Cruise Review to South Pacific
11 Night Cook Islands & Society Islands (Papeete Roundtrip)
Sail date: June 15, 2013
Ship: Paul Gauguin
Cabin type: Oceanview
Cabin number: 322
Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Reviewed: 11 years ago
Review summary
This all inclusive cruise line was far above our expectations. It was great to not be nickeled and dimed constantly. Everything was handled with extreme efficiency i.e. boarding and disembarkation. We purchased the least expensive cabin which had two portholes. It was exactly the same size as the balcony units. The storage was the most generous of any ship. The bathroom was very large with a bathtub. You could actually put two people in it at the same time. The food was consistently well prepared and tasteful. Our only disappointment was the two specialty restaurants. While the service and ambience were above board, the food portions were extremely limited and small. For dinner , the Main diningroom was wonderful. For breakfast and lunch, the outside buffet could not have been any better. The menu changed daily If you choose not to do the buffet, you could order off the menu. Included in the cruise cost was free alcohol, beer, wine, sodas, In the room refrigerator, was water, sodas, and beer replenished daily. I would consider the Alcohol and wine to be mid level which was quite a good surprise. Gratuities were included. This being said the service was exceptional. From the room stewards, alll the way up to the maître d', you were treated like gold. We never saw one sourpuss. Entertainment: Michael Schapiro, the cruise director, put on two musical shows in the evening. Fabulous job ,very entertaining. There was a magician, who we did not see. Three evenings while in port, they brought on local dance troops who were wonderful. The ship had local young females and one male as hostesses (called the Gauguines) who entertained and were the most delightful. They had various Jobs throughout the ship, like greeting you at the tenders, hosting games, and singing and dancing throughout the ship. What a treasure they are to the cruise line. This was an 11 night cruise beginning in Tahiti. These tropical islands can only be described as heavenly. Our itinerary included Bora-Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Aututaki, Rarotonga, and their private island on Tahaa, where we spent the day with an island barbecue. I would give this cruise line and A+.Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Don't be afraid to book a lower category room . Size is all the same Unless you want a suite.
Ports of call
Aitutaki, Cook Islands Did not visit port
Rarotonga, Cook Islands Did not visit port
Moorea, French Polynesia Did not visit port
Papeete, Tahiti Did not visit port