Originally we were only booked on the September 21 Rurutu "Whale Watching" cruise (that review coming soon) but with a $2000 credit in hand due to problems with our last PG cruise (see my review last year) I decided what could be better than a pre-cruise cruise! Heck, two cruises in French Polynesia back to back; can't beat that. Luckily the cruise before was a 7 day so it all worked out exceedingly well.

I spent a couple of nights in LA and a couple of nights at the Intercontinental Tahiti before the cruise so I was ready to go day one of the cruise unlike 100 people who flew in the night the cruise started. The FIFA beach soccer world cup was going on so anyone who did not book early could not get a room anywhere on the island to do a pre-cruise stay. I booked my own air which gave us a nice credit from PG. Had Air Tahiti Nui miles. Their program stinks compared to years ago by the way. Service and quality has gone downhill since I first started flying with them in 2006 but that is a story for another day and forum.

Embarkation as usual (this was my 3rd PG cruise) but be forewarned - you will not be allowed to get on the ship until after 3pm. Check in efficient and I was shown my cabin by one of the housekeepers and along the way many who remembered us made us feel very welcome with welcome back shouts. Even people who I did not recognize. The people who work on the ship will do everything they can for you. It is also like seeing family after a long absence. I cannot say enough about the crew. Read more