Overall this was a great experience. I don't know if I will go again because of what a wrote about the onboard activities. I might have changed my mind otherwise; but we still have a lot to visit and experience before we do so.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
The hour long drive from Denarau Island South Fiji was comfortable and the embarkation went quite smoothly
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
There was nothing on the menu I didn't want to eat. The staff were there for our any need. The bar staff and bar waiters were the best. The food choices were plentiful and every dish was seasoned properly. The local food was terrific.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
I don't know what the on board activities were like before COVID, but there were lacking in just about every area. There was a pool, no hot tub and a fitness center. There were no fitness classes such as water aerobics or yoga or Zumba. There were dance classes of Polynesian dances and salsa but not much else. There was a 30 minute bingo most of the days but because it was so short there were a few times that there was no winner.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The final show and the first show were a complete contrast. There was a magician for the first show that was not entertaining at all. He called up guests to participate but it was not well coordinated and didn't appear to make a point. The shows in between were a lot better and the final show was Hollywood worthy. There was a local Polynesian group that joined the Les Gaugines for an outstanding performance. The ship band was very talented. The piano bar entertainment was also show worthy because Jerry could play any song request and if he didn't know the lyrics or the tune he would look it up and surprise you the next day with your song. The Duo from the UK were also Hollywood Material each night they performed. Sarah has a terrific voice and accompanying her on many of the songs with his great talent as well had a voice that proved outstanding.
Children's Programs
There were no children on board that I was aware of.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
From our room steward, Mary Hazel, to our servers in the bars and the restaurants we were treated like we were royal and had to be pleased even though we were just ordinary people on a fantastic cruise, with fantastic staff that were ready to attend to our needs.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
absolutely nothing here to complain about. Staff were continuously disinfecting and cleaning hallways, tables, windows and anything that was used by a human being including the fitness center.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The room was very comfortable. There were only 2 of us and the room is designed for 3, so we had lots of shelf space as well as cabinets so that everything was easily put in a space that was accessible and easy to find. I especially like the glasses and wine cups that were available for us to use and a fully stocked refrigerator that was filled with the types of beverages we requested and an ice bucket that was full day and night.
Ship tip
Don't expect the Television to have a music channel (s) or a movie channel to keep you busy on the sea days.
The bus drove us to the other side of the island to get on the ship. We saw a lot of amazing scenery, banana and coconut trees as well as the local flowers that most of the islanders wear on their head.
Yes, we visited a coconut processing plant and then a local family and entertainment provided by the village community hall. It was called the Fiji Culture and Heritage tour
We went on the sightseeing Nakanaga Waterfall and rainforest village tour where we visited a village, tasted local fruit and participated in local welcoming program.
We were surprised to see how shallow the water was for many meters, so that it looked like people were walking on water when they proceeded out to the edge of the deep parts. The number of different stingrays and sharks was incredible.
We took the tour called Exploration of Taha'a and it was again quite interesting because we stopped at a vanilla farm and a "Pearl Farm". Our guide Maui, was great because he took a picture of us and a selfie with us. He was very attentive to all our needs. The ship had a outside BBQ on a private island that was also a great treat as well!
The locals believe this island resembles a heart. I have to agree with them; it is because of all the love these people have for each other and their God. Oh, by the way, it has spectacular mountains and wonderful people and beautiful shore lines.
This was the last tour we took to visit. Our first stop was to visit the former home (now a museum) of James Norman Hall. This man did a lot more than just write a book called Mutiny on the bounty. It was a very informative tour that showed all the splendor, waterfalls shoreline that only Papeete, Tahiti can display.
The cruise included a stay at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts in Arue, French Polynesia. It was truly a beautiful resort and the meal they provided was outstanding. Like clockwork they cam to get our bags and take us to the airport for our flight home.
Fantastic itinerary. Appreciate all the details. Happy you had this opportunity and shared with those of who may never do so. Glad you mostly enjoyed your adventure!
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