We are a couple in our 50's who have been on 5 cruises-3 on HAL, 1 on Premier and one on a Columbia River Cruise. We have cruised to Alaska twice, Caribbean twice and the Northwest cruise. We have both traveled all over the world. We had planned this trips for years and finally decided that our 40th anniversary was the time to do it. We took Air Tahiti Nui purchased through Princess, because they had the best price for our Portland to Papeete trip. We did have a 5 hour layover in LA, and had lunch with some relatives there before our flight. The flight is over 8& 1/2 hours long, the seats our very cramped and if I had it to do over again, I would have bought our own air to get better seats or flown business class. We were in the center row of 4 seats together.They do have 2 meals and free drinks (alcohol,soda etc.)

We arrived in Papeete around 10:30 PM and we were exhausted. We got a cab to the ship for around $25 including tip. The Princess rep offered to get our bags to the ship, even though we had not paid for transfers, so that was nice. We walked right on the ship. We thought the ship was beautiful and tastefully decorated. We were very happy with our room and balcony. This was our first balcony, so I can't compare it to other ships, but it was just right for us and had plenty of storage areas. The bathroom and shower were very small, but the spa shampoo/conditioner/lotion was a nice touch. Warning- bring your own hairdryer-the one on the ship is unusable-it is like a hose and gets so hot that you can't use it. We had cards in our cabin for free gifts from our TA and from our children. It was nice to just call and order the gifts on the days that we wanted them. We got champagne, canapes, chocolate covered strawberries and the balcony breakfast. We enjoyed all of them, the balcony breakfast was enough for 6 people.

Our trip included the islands of Papeete, Huahine, Roratonga, Bora Bora, Raiatea and Moorea. Unfortunately, because of rough seas we did not make it into Roratonga. This did disappoint us, but since we had heard that the ship only makes it into this port 50% of the time we were prepared. We had 3 sea days of rough seas. I don't usually get seasick, but had taken some generic Bonnie and still felt queasy for one whole day. Green apples and crackers helped alot. Our room steward, waiters and all of the crew did a wonderful job. We had planned a wedding vow renewal through Princess and the planer, Leni went our of her way to make it a very special day. The vow renewals are done on "at sea" days and it was also formal night. My husband wore a rented tux from the ship and I had gone all out and had a beautiful long white chiffon wedding gown. The captain does the vows and for the $205. package you get flowers for the wife and husband, an 8/10 framed picture of your choice, champagne at the ceremony and a bottle of champagne and glasses in your room on a day of your choice. We also got a frameable certificate and a copy of the vows. It was well worth the money and will be remembered as a very special day. It was a private ceremony even though on the web site, it states it is a group ceremony. Read more