Exceeded Expectations
Tahitian Princess Cruise Review to South Pacific - Tahiti
Contributor Level:
Deck Hand
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 31
10 Night Cook Islands (Tahiti Roundtrip)
Sail date: May 09, 2006
Ship: Tahitian Princess
Cabin type: Balcony
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 14 years ago
Review summary
The ship was spotless, small and yet still had all the amenities of the larger Princess Ships.Ports of call
Too bad that Princess anchors here the last day and only from 8 to 4. Moorea is the most beautiful and laid back of the islands. The water is incredible. We took a covered boat for $30 at 9 am and snorkeled and enjoyed the water and fish, sting rays, sharks and coral until noon and then they took us to a motu, and said they'd return every hour to pick people up. Unfortunately, we were concerned about getting back on time and also had to pack. We got back to the ship at 1pm.
Thumbs Up
0
Don't Miss: Water activities.
The public beach, which costs $5 each way with local le trucks) is not a good beach, we walked away from it and found a peaceful place that was cleaner. The second day we signed up with a local boat company around 8:30 and left at 9. We asked for a covered boat. It was $60 (We had signed up for a shore excursion on a Princess tour/boat, but it was cancelled) We had a wonderful time, snorkeled with sting rays, black tipped (and well fed) sharks and enjoyed the fish and coral.
Don't Miss: A chance to snorkel and go around the island by boat.
The public beach, which costs $5 each way with local le trucks) is not a good beach, we walked away from it and found a peaceful place that was cleaner. The second day we signed up with a local boat company around 8:30 and left at 9. We asked for a covered boat. It was $60 (We had signed up for a shore excursion on a Princess tour/boat, but it was cancelled) We had a wonderful time, snorkeled with sting rays, black tipped (and well fed) sharks and enjoyed the fish and coral.
Don't Miss: A chance to snorkel and go around the island by boat.
When we left the tender there was basically nothing there! So we paid Princess $10 each round trip to ride "le Truck" to town, where there was basically nothing there! It was early morning so we turned right from the bus and walked the beach while there was still shade. I suggest wearing a swimsuit and enjoying the water there. Some people bought beer at the small market for a decent price. There was one small handicraft shop with more original items than we saw the rest of the trip.
Don't Miss: The beach to the right of the bus exit.
Papeete is a busy city. The port was at the city. Best thing to do is to walk two blocks to the Market. At the market the first morning after we arrived, we bought two bunches of tropical flowers for $10..We had brought a large empty plastic peanut butter container with us to use as a vase for this purpose. There were also ready made floral displays available there for about $20 and more. Our flowers lasted the entire 10 day cruise!
Don't Miss: The market...which had colorful displays of pareos, fruit, vegetables, flowers, and local color.
Too bad that Princess anchors here the last day and only from 8 to 4. Moorea is the most beautiful and laid back of the islands. The water is incredible. We took a covered boat for $30 at 9 am and snorkeled and enjoyed the water and fish, sting rays, sharks and coral until noon and then they took us to a motu, and said they'd return every hour to pick people up. Unfortunately, we were concerned about getting back on time and also had to pack. We got back to the ship at 1pm.
Don't Miss: Water activities.
Papeete is a busy city. The port was at the city. Best thing to do is to walk two blocks to the Market. At the market the first morning after we arrived, we bought two bunches of tropical flowers for $10..We had brought a large empty plastic peanut butter container with us to use as a vase for this purpose. There were also ready made floral displays available there for about $20 and more. Our flowers lasted the entire 10 day cruise!
Don't Miss: The market...which had colorful displays of pareos, fruit, vegetables, flowers, and local color.
Best part of Rarotonga was the $3 local bus ride around the tropical island. After the bus ride we went to the open air market. We found some booths with imperfect black pearls for as low as $20. (A black pearl if a good grade is over $200.) So $20 is souvenir quality!
Don't Miss: If the sea looks a little rough, don't bother to get off. The tender ride back at noon was frightening.
We just walked along the wharf area (this was not a tendered port) and worked our way over to the second street, where there were locals. We heard beautiful singing and stood at the back of the catholic church and enjoyed the local music. Found a couple of art shops and intersting spots. Some friends went out on boats and enjoyed the water and motu.
Don't Miss: Just a relaxed, beautiful place to visit.
When we left the tender there was basically nothing there! So we paid Princess $10 each round trip to ride "le Truck" to town, where there was basically nothing there! It was early morning so we turned right from the bus and walked the beach while there was still shade. I suggest wearing a swimsuit and enjoying the water there. Some people bought beer at the small market for a decent price. There was one small handicraft shop with more original items than we saw the rest of the trip.
Don't Miss: The beach to the right of the bus exit.
Best part of Rarotonga was the $3 local bus ride around the tropical island. After the bus ride we went to the open air market. We found some booths with imperfect black pearls for as low as $20. (A black pearl if a good grade is over $200.) So $20 is souvenir quality!
Don't Miss: If the sea looks a little rough, don't bother to get off. The tender ride back at noon was frightening.
We just walked along the wharf area (this was not a tendered port) and worked our way over to the second street, where there were locals. We heard beautiful singing and stood at the back of the catholic church and enjoyed the local music. Found a couple of art shops and intersting spots. Some friends went out on boats and enjoyed the water and motu.
Don't Miss: Just a relaxed, beautiful place to visit.
Pros: The five local Tahitian Shows performed on board the ship.
Cons: The rough water near the Cook Islands
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