DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS CRUISE UNLESS YOU CAN SWIM TO TAHITI INSTEAD OF FLYING!!!!

This is a small ship with an intimate atmosphere and friendly staff, however beware of the following! Food was margainal at best. Service was good. Smoking is a free for all to include the cabin halls, areas around the pool, the balconies, and any outdoor deck area. If you do not want to be exposed to second hand smoke, and smell overflowing stinking ashtrays, this is NOT the ship for you. One man enjoyed a cigar each day while in the pool and spa, while passengers exited the pool in disgust. None of the crew made any attempts to resolve passenger complaints regarding the free for all for the smokers.

Additionally, getting to and from Tahiti is a nightmare. We had heard the horror stories about the Princess charter called "Omni" and opted for air on Tahiti Nui, which was $200 less than the Princess charter. Tahiti Nui lost our luggage and we had nothing to wear for the first four days. They were very rude when we tried to follow up regarding our luggage and even now, it remains unresolved. On the return to the US, Princess allowed us to remain on the ship. On the last day, Princess took us to the airport at 1930, where we were told to claim our luggage and get into a line. We stood in line for nearly two hours waiting for the Tahiti Nui desk to open so we could screen all of our checked luggage, then told to get into another line for boarding passes, and check the bags. Then we were sent to another line to await immigration screening, which took until 0030. The next line was security screening for carry on bags, and we finally got on the plane at 0100........having started the check in process at 1930. The plane left Papette at 0200, 2 hrs. late. Throughout the check in process at the airport, Princess staff were no where to be found. They literally just dumped us off. All of this took place in a crowded, hot airport, where there was no airconditioning or water available. We had to beg for water from the flight crew upon boarding the plane. About 6.5 hrs. into the flight, the crew announced that breakfast would be served, then suddenly there was a lot of commotion among the crew.......carts were closed, and returned to the galley without serving breakfast. They were so irresponsible that suddenly someone realized that we were arriving in 17 minutes to LAX. When passengers asked about breakfast, they were met with a blank stare. The priority for most of us was water but even water or juice was not provided. Since we left Papette 2 hrs. late, many of us missed our connection in LA. Like other passengers, we contacted Princess customer service. They were not interested in any personal interaction. The man just kept saying, put it in writing and fax it to us. We have gladly put our concerns in writing, but given the "customer service" mentality on the phone, we doubt that they really care. After 30 cruises, we feel we are qualified to accurately critique our experiences. Sorry, Princess, you just are not up to par!!! Please trust us that the beauty of Hawaii (especially the north shore of Kaui), is every bit as fantastic as Tahiti for half the money. We won't be going back to Tahiti.........it just isn't worth the hassle for the flight and for a cruise that is really just minimally acceptable!!!