We flew from Brisbane to Papeete via Auckland with Qantas/Air Tahiti Nui to join Marina's 18 day Pacific Stars Cruise. Frankly, Air TN could teach Qantas a thing or two re "in flight" service. We flew home ex LA with Qantas and that was ordinary also.

About the cruise! From the beginning we have now totalled nine cruises, all on Marina since she was launched in 2011.Reason? Because you got 41/2 star treatment. That is until our eighth cruise two years ago or so. Things seemed not the same. Mainly in the areas of catering, entertainment and shipboard activities. However, we made no comment thinking that maybe we had come to expect too much, but enough to decide to find another shipping line. After two years having in mind the good times on Marina we booked again on this Cruise. Without exaggeration we were disappointed.

1) Firstly, the staff generally, as always, were first class. Our Penthouse Suite was again exceptionally presented and serviced. The ship, generally, is clean and maintained as good as new. Read more