An Exceptional South Pacific Adventure!
Star Breeze Cruise Review to South Pacific - Tahiti
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 12
14 Night Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas (Papeete Roundtrip)
Sail date: July 04, 2024
Ship: Star Breeze
Cabin number: 438
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 2 months ago
Review summary
This ship and this itinerary offered a marvelous way to experience French Polynesia. The beauty of the islands, the warmth of the locals, the elegance and comfort of the vessel, and superb ship's staff are a combination for a perfect vacation.Embarkation
The level of organization and coordination from the minute we arrived on the pier was outstanding. We were immediately greeted, our luggage taken and we were directed to the covered waiting area were refreshments were waiting. All of the personnel we encountered were friendly, warm and enthusiastic. We were given clear directions and all questions promptly addressed.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
The dining areas elegant (but not overdone), clean, comfortable, and quiet enough to have table conversations. The staff were very attentive, friendly and professional. The menus were varied and the items very tasty! The servings were perfectly sized.
Onboard Activities
For a ship of this size, the demographics of the passengers, and the itinerary, the available activities were well designed. The pool and hot tubs were perfectly sized. There was plenty of space for sun-worshipping on very comfortable lounge chairs perfect for snoozing or reading. The pre-port lectures were ideally prepared and presented, and the academic lectures were presented by an enthusiastic and engaging marine expert. Games such as "Name that Tune" and the Trivia series were fun and brought passengers together in comfortable settings. The activities director was superb--very personable, outgoing and funny. She easily engaged the audience. The band, Dr. Flavor, was truly phenomenal and we made sure we never missed one of their sessions. The spa offered a variety of services by superb professional staff. The gym was well equipped for a small space.
Entertainment
The band, Dr. Flavor was a hit! They engaged all passengers, irrespective of demographics, with a wide array of music genres. We wish they would have played longer and had more sessions. The local cultural offering was limited onboard, but wonderfully presented music and dancing. Pearl was outgoing and funny, and worked well with Dr. Flavor and Megan, the Activities Director who really brought it all together.
Children's Programs
We didn't have children with us.
Service and Staff
The genuine enthusiasm and friendly of the ALL of the staff was absolutely outstanding. They were helpful, patient, humorous, warm, and attentive. When I asked several of the staff how they could remain so positive all of the time, their replies all translated to the same: they shared a passion for their various jobs, with the goal of connecting with the passengers and treating them as if they were special guests in their own homes.
Ship Quality
Well-conceived and engineered ship design. It was easily to navigate all of the spaces throughout the ship, and there were plenty of stairs and elevators available. The idea of having a central passageway with outboard cabins simplified getting around the ship. And all common areas were a pleasure to use.
Cabin / Stateroom
The cabin was indeed a suite, with plenty of space to relax (when we were not enjoying the common areas). The bathroom was quite spacious and the double sink was a real plus. Having the bed next to the window was a treat, as we could see sunrises and sunsets as well as land as we entered ports. The cabin--along with the large walk-in closet--and bathroom were impeccably maintained by our cabin steward.
Ship tip
Prepare yourself for a wonderful experience!
Thumbs up
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Ports of call
We spent a full day in Papeete, the day before embarkation. The Intercontinental Resort was so beautiful with gorgeous pools and gardens that we spent the entire day at this location. Had it been closer to shops or markets, we would have wondered outside, but it was so comfortable with many open air bars and lounge areas that we stayed at the hotel.
A series of atolls, the relatively flat islands were not very different from those experienced in the Bahamas and other areas. However, the locals were genuinely friendly and anxious to engage us. The cultural tour was very interesting as we learned the history of this archipelago and enjoyed their white sand and clear water of their beaches.
Fatu Hiva, Marquesesas
Gorgeous island! We went on a cultural tour with a local guide and with another couple in the SUV. We enjoyed a wonderful tour of this pristine island with unbelievable views from its mountain. We were treated very graciously by the locals and treated to local fruits.
Another beautiful island with friendly, warm locals who were delighted to share their island with visitors.
The cultural tour took us in an SUV throughout the island, visiting the areas of architectural, historical and cultural significance. The tour guide of the larger group was very informative and answered all questions knowledgeably. We went to the other villages, particularly to the one in the valley where Herman Melville spent time and was the inspiration for his book, TYPEE. The locals had a presentation of local cuisine which we were offered to try.
Our experience here was limited. We went on snorkeling expedition, but due to rough seas and strong currents, the event was limited. What we experienced was large quantity of fish of many varieties, but the area in which we could snorkel was restricted. We did not take a land tour of what seemed to be another beautiful island.
We spent the day on Motu Mahaea, the private island, where we relaxed on lounge chairs by the crystal clear water. We swam and snorkeled and encountered fish and rays near the reefs. We were catered to by the ship's staff which had been brought to the island to continue their wonderful hospitality, with a sumptuous bar-b-cue and refreshing drinks.
This is as close to paradise as can possibly be! The tour of the island was entertaining and informative. The tour personnel were friendly and engaging. The scenery was spectacular!
Just when you thought it could not get more amazing, Moorea is the island one thinks about when you imagine the South Pacific! The incredible waters offer clarity seen in a glass of water! And the varying shades of blue as you peer over the lagoon display every imaginable definition of blue! What a terrific island.
Disembarkation
I have been on many cruises on many different cruise lines over the last 40+ years, and the disembarkation process could not have been smoother or quicker. Very impressive!