10 Night Polynesia & Cook Islands (Tahiti Roundtrip)
Sail date: February 15, 2007
Ship:
Tahitian Princess
Cabin type: Balcony
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 17 years ago
Review summary
This is a trip of a life time and should be done at least once. The movies and brochures do not do justice to the magnificent colors of the South Pacific. The island trips were interesting and informative.
I would go to Bora Bora and the Cook Islands again in a heart beat. Of all the French Polynesia islands I truely feel that Bora Bora was the most receptive to the tourists. They offered far more to see and do than the the other islands. The Cook Island people were just a joy to be around and historically very informative. I just loved them.
The Intercontinental Beach Resort was absolutely beautiful (though it was a bit pricey) but we plan on staying there again on our way to Australia in 2008. Shopping was a bit of a let down in the local markets. Not at all like Mexico or Caribbean, not much choice except for jewelery and pareux's. No nice dresses or caftans which was a disappointment. T-shirts for grand-children were also not a general commodity, and those that were available were over priced.
The ship (Tahitian Princess) was so much fun, the staff was always willing to help and make sure you were enjoying yourself. The meals as per usual on Princess were top quality and presented very well. The only complaint here is the hours of the Buffet and their service in the evenings. If you didn't want to go to the traditional dining the only other options were the specialty resturants. Our dinning room staff was fun, full of laughter and by the second night knew everyone's name.
After being on board for 20 days B2B, we were in tears to leave some of the staff behind (and they had tears also). We met wonderful friends on board and some of them will remain friends for a long time.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Always a pleasure to share the bountiful feasts on board the Princess fleet. The Tahitian Princess was not an exception to the rule - Kudo's. Joel and "Zhivago" (table 15 and 37)(close enough) were our dining waiter and assistant dinning waiter so enjoyable that we requested to be in their section for the second part of our voyage.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
the dancers were over all very good on both journies ( different dancers). The piano player in the Casino lounge was way too loud and way to interested in his beverage consuption to actually listen to the customers when requested to turn it down. We could not even talk with out raising our voices. Joseph has got to go.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Rommell, Kristof, and JoJo (bar stewards Casino Lounge)were the most talented fun loving individuals who made our trip the most memorable one we have out of the 6 cruises. The minute we sat down they were always smiling never grouchy, knew what we probably would have for before dinner or after dinner beverage. Calling us by Miss M and Mr D showed the personal side in an other wise busy schedule. Kristof deserves a promotion for his dedication and service.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
A small but elegant ship, made you realize how wonderful it was to see the same people and be recognized each day. It felt like a home away from home. The public areas were well tended and clean. There could be a few improvements in the restroom in the cabins. (an experience I would rather not share) had a tendency to promote infectious germs to be transmitted from day to day in the cleaning of one's "Loo"
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
cleaning was not up to par in the cabins for the cruiseline. The vacum for our stateroom, was either in poor condition, or needed maintenance. The brush in the bathroom for cleaning was a discusting germ carrying disgrace to say the least - not up to the non germ carrying promotion on the rest of the ship - needs some attention here
Circle Island with lunch was absolutely enjoyable. Our tour guide was well informed, spoke English well and help me when I tried to speak the small amount of French that I do know.
Polynesian Feast was cancelled on both of our journeys - not a happy camper. First one it was a "family emergency" second was a "mechanical problem". Get your act together on this one or take it off the list
This Aqua Safari (helmet dive) was so exceptional, it is difficult to describe the exhileration of doing this. Swiming with the Ray's was beautiful, but the snorkel area was way to deep to stand in, you were either in the boat or afloat. This is a beautiful island - very friendly.
beautiful tour on the outrigger around the island and to the beach where there was ample time to snorkel and swim. The Tiki hut beverage and resturant were quint and enjoyable during the 10 minute rain storm. :)
We took a tour to the Cultural Village, where we visited 5 different huts. Each with it's own piece to the journey of the islanders years ago. The dancing and light lunch following the visit was extremely good. The people of this island just embrace you to their hearts. They are shy to start unless you talk to them, but very warm and happy if you initiate the conversation. Fish and Chips at the little blue resturant 1/2 block from the tender station was the only time I have ever had deep fried Tuna Steak - it is to die for.
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
