We have very mixed reviews about this cruise.

First, the embarkation went smoothly and quickly. It's just a short $30 cab ride to and from the airport to the port. Cabs are all over the place in Papeete (the city is congested and dirty). Once on-board, we waited only 2 hours for our room to be ready. We like the decor of the ship (the library is very cozy). Gives you the feeling of old world travel with rich woods and warm furnishings. Our balcony mini-suite was clean, tastefully decorated and very spacious compared to other cruises we have been on. Beds are very comfortable and LOT'S of nice bed pillows (a nice touch). The balcony dividers had many large gaps between panels so balcony's were not very private. We had an 8th floor cabin (highly recommended). Note that there is only ONE laundry room on the 7th floor on this ship for 500 passengers, so the laundry room was always full and difficult to just spontaneously toss a load of laundry in. Also, the irons and boards were not convenient and an iron stained a new shirt (did not make us happy).

The crew and staff were very friendly and helpful, and our cabin steward Ramon was top notch. Now comes the bad part: the drinks and food were terrible. All of the guests we spoke with said the food was the worst they have ever had on a cruise and we concur. One elderly woman compared the food on this ship to what is served in an old folks home. The bartenders simply could not make a drink as requested. The culinary and beverage experience was dreadful. Whenever we could, we ate off-ship (and had some of the best meals we have ever had). In fact, we actually LOST weight on this cruise and that was without ever hitting the gym!!! Read more