Our journey began with a two hour drive to Chicago, 4.5 hour flight from O'Hare to Los Angeles and a 8.5 hour flight on Air Tahiti Nui to Papeete, Tahiti. Definitely did not enjoy the long flight on ATN. Very close quarters in the main cabin on an older plane and not much rest to be had. No way of getting comfortable.

Arrived in Papeete at 5:00 am. Breezed through customs and found a taxi very easily outside the airport ($20 to Intercontinental Hotel, no tip accepted) We arrived at the hotel in approx. 15 min. A beautifully tattooed man assisted with tagging luggage for our room (not yet ready) as we went to look over the resort. We had swimsuits in our carry-on so we changed and went to the pool and lagoon. The property is amazing- clean, quiet and plenty of space to roam. At 10:00 am our room was ready and it was gorgeous, beautiful view of Moorea from our third floor balcony. Spacious, whirlpool tub, dual sinks, shower stall room and toilet room, very comfortable queen or king bed, comfy white linens.

We went to the Friday evening Tahitian dance show and buffet. The buffet was good and had many choices. The show was good too, but we were so exhausted from all the travel, that we left a bit early. The only concern I had was that the cost of food/drink being so expensive. A tall glass of juice in the am was $16 USD, Breakfast buffet for 2 ($88), and drinks were typically around $20 USD. Lucky we were only staying there one night prior to our cruise. Read more