Took the cruise since already new the cruise line and wished to visit French Polynesia (especially Bora Bora and Moorea)in top notch fashion. As with past Regent cruises, our expectations were surpassed even though we have come to expect much from them. Hence our conviction that Regent is indeed the best cruise line and difficult for my wife and I to consider a few might dare disagree. None of the other cruise lines we know personally or from research can compare with Regent in quality (nor the price paid for the quality received). For one, their cabins are the largest (easily verifiable from the respective websites) and most comfortable we have experienced. Service is unmatched in excellence and efficiency--in cabins, restaurants, bars and reception. And as if this is not enough, gratuities and drinks are included in the price (including prime spirits and wines). The islands visited also exceeded our expectations (unsurpassed beauty and splendour of their peoples, foods, flora and mountains). We bathed in clear warm waters, although too often without beaches or requiring the use of shoes to avoid injury, proving to ourselves that the best beaches are indeed in the Caribbean (although not necessarily the best waters and sights). Having cruised with the Navigator and Voyager, we found the Paul Gaugin their equal (superior in terms of size--smaller). A second Paul Gaugin would do wonders in the Caribbean, both in terms of money for the company (now Apollo Investments) and pleasure for the passengers.

Two critical observations on two mistakes to avoid. The first is not to travel economy class on Air Tahiti, which provides excellent service and food, but terrible accommodations (the seats are cramped, do not recline and minimize leg room). The second is not to expect a compensating welcoming from Regent, after an exhausting and sleepless overnight 8hour flight from LA and arriving on a hot and humid morning, by providing refreshments and shelter. We were wrong and instead had to suffer a hot and humid morning wandering the streets of Papeete, with many stores closed because of the early hour, including those that could have provided refreshments and cooling. Regent should be more considerate and provide shelter and refreshments, which would minimally impact their costs while maximally impacting their guests. An unacceptable omission from a luxury cruise line acting instead as if it were a budget cruise line with economy class passengers. Even airlines provide lounges with abundance of services to their preferred guests.