This was a smaller ship, 680 passengers, mostly older, but we enjoyed this thoroughly. When we considered this I settled on Air France from LAX to PAP. However, at the end the itinerary showed return to Papete at 8pm day 9 and disembark at 7 am day 10. We wanted to make an 8:30 am flight on day 10. They do allow you to leave before ( we left at 5:30 am) but you have to carry all luggage off yourself and you have to pre-arrange a few days before disembark. There were many taxis waiting at the end of the pier so no problem getting to airport.

I really liked all of the ports except Hauhine, not much to see there. At rangiora we had to walk inland and to the left to find a beach for swimming. We cut through some yards near the end and found a great spot.

At Bora Bora we made a deal on shore for 4 hours, $80 PP and it was the highlight of the trip. Try to find Rosto, tall Polyneisian to the right of the tender docking area. Has a board with pics and a table. If you have 6 or more you can negotiate. Took us on small about (max about 10 or 12 - we had 8) to swim with sharks outside of reef, swim with sting rays, snorkel and then trip around whole island with stop for fruit snack (coconut, etc) on a island. Includes snorkel eqpt and bottled water. Read more