Return to Papeete and the end of our journey

Day 10 --  Papeete

We arrived  in Papeete after sailing overnight.  We had to be out of our cabins by 8 am.  Since we booked our airport transfer through the ship, we are able to store our baggage and hang out and eat on the ship, and use the facilities - pool, lounges, bars, spa, showers, etc.  Booking our airport transfer through the Princess was a great deal. $29 for everything.  Much cheaper than getting a day room.

We left our cabin right at 8 am, and headed up to the buffet breakfast.  It was packed today!  Lots of guests trying to grab a bite to eat before heading out to their next destination, catching flights or getting a room for a day or two at one of the beautiful hotels on the island.  And of course there are many guests doing the same thing as our group.

After breakfast we headed out for a bit of last minute shopping.  Ann, from our sail yesterday had
giving us a name of a jewelry designer that she uses, so we set out to find his shop.  Cathy ended up buying a beautiful green pearl there.  Then we headed over to the Municipal Market.
This market has vendors that sell everything from fish to clothing to pearls.  Andrea & I each purchased a pearl necklace at Hanatea Creations by Sylvana Deane.  After looking at tons of pearls all along our trip, I found this designer to have very unique designs that I really liked.  I fell in love with one and bought it.

You see pearls of all colors in French Polynesia.  At first you think you won't buy one, but you see so many beautiful pearls, that it is hard to resist.  The only advise I have for you here, is to not get overwhelmed.  Figure out in advance what you would like to spend.  You can find pearls in many different grades - 'A' being the top.  On the docks when you come in by tender, you can usually find locals selling less expensive pearls.  Or you can find many, many fancy shops selling perfect expensive pearls -- and moderately priced pearls too!  If nothing else, get yourself a small pearl from a local for $25 -30.  It will be a nice memory that will remind you of your visit to paradise.

After our shopping excursion we returned to the ship for lunch.  Then it was in to the most cool place on the ship (the Cabaret Lounge) to wait for our transfer.

A few notes about the Pacific Princess:  this is a smaller cruise ship than what you will typically book.  It was formerly part of the Renaissance fleet, but that cruise line did not survive the drop in tourism after 9/11 and Princess bought two of the ships.  It is nice to be on a smaller ship, it is very easy to find your way around the ship after your first day.  Since most of the ports are Tender ports, it's easier and faster to get off a small ship.

The service on the ship is very good, but not excellent. A few areas need improvement.  There are some excellent staff members on this ship, my favorite was a waiter from India, named Frances.  We saw him most mornings when we had breakfast in the Panorama Buffet.  He was pleasant, efficient and funny.  It made our breakfast more enjoyable to sit in his station each day and chat with him.  He always had a kind word, a nice smile and a great sense of humor.  We wish he was our assigned waiter for dinner, unfortunately, we were seated one table out of his dinner station in the main dinning room.  Since there were 8 of us, there was no changing tables.  Our waiter for dinner, while friendly and pleasant, was slow & not attentive to our needs.  Each night he took our order last of all the tables in his station, thus we were always one of the last tables to exit the restaurant each night.  After a while, that starts to get old.  I think it was a matter of our waiter being less experienced and not rotating his stations service.

hangin' with Cathy by Patricks boat

Overall I would give the Pacific Princess a 'Very Good' rating.  Since our goal was to see the French Polynesian/Society Islands, it was just fine.   If I ever have the opportunity to go back again, I would love to stay on Moorea in one of the over the water bungelows like Edward & Rhonda did on the front end of our trip.  They were celebrating their 25th Wedding anniversary, so they had added on to the front end of the trip with this stay in Moorea before meeting us at the Princess.

So - you might be thinking --
'what were Susan's top 5 events' on this 10 day cruise?
Well, I did mention that Patricks Bora Bora
all day trip was one of them.
The drift snorkel at the Coral Gardens was in there.

Ann what a great hostess!

I would also include sailing with Ann & Alex on the Tahiti Liberty -- what gracious hosts they were and I loved their beautiful Catamaran!
Sailing with Claude & Martine was particularly wonderful, especially the snorkel with Rhonda being surrounded by fish checking out her fingernails!
And finally, I would say meeting and becoming good friends with Dave & Kelly.  You can meet some wonderful people on Cruise Critic if you are open to it.  Over the years of traveling, I have met many people on CC some have
become long distance friends (see my posts of our 2012 cruise with Alvin & Sheila - two CC friends).  Dave & Kelly - this shout out is for you!

Kelly, Susan, Dave & Andrea

Be well, travel safe and Mauruuru (thank you in Tahitian) for reading my adventure in Tahiti 
Susan

Moorea

The Aroa waiting for us as we arrived

Day 9-- Moorea










We went sailing on the Aroa with Tahiti Liberty.  This was a beautiful catamaran owned by husband and wife sailing team Anne and Alex. The Aroa is well kept Catamaran which they sailed over from Tahiti to spend the day with us.  They are living their dream in French Polynesia, and their joy at what they do shows in every little touch.

Found on the table of the main cabin!

The Aroa had plenty of room and a few extras that we had not seen on our previous catamaran.  Such as big pillows on the trampoline to lay on!!  Luxury!!

I could spend some serious time on this vessel.  They do all kinds of charters, so if you are ever interested in a week of sailing in French Polynesia, let me know!  I'd love to charter this Catamaran!  I believe it sleeps 6!  What a week that would be, but I digress...

We sailed for a couple of hours then stopped in a lagoon for snorkeling and water sports. Cathy & snorkeled while Andrea and Edward used the onboard kayaks and paddle board. Dre loved paddle boarding so much she wants to get one back in San Diego! Once again I found myself in a large 'aquarium' of sea life.

Alex directing Ann to the mooring

lunch plates - love the little touches

After the lagoon we were presented with a lovely multi course lunch. First the lunch started with an avocado and tomato salad and cucumber and sour cream salad. It was then followed the main course of ahi tuna, chicken for me (special nice effort from Anne, who did all the cooking,  since I doesn't eat fish), thin sliced potatoes and French bread. After we were stuffed from the main course Anne brought out the biggest slice of Brie we had ever since and some blue cheese, very creamy and delicious on the bread provided.  The meal was ended with super sweet and refreshing pineapple slices.



After lunch we went to snorkel with the Stingrays & Black-tipped Sharks. Alex had told us we should be able to stand, as the water was only chest deep.  We would not need our fins.  However once we got in the water was deeper than normal and the current very strong.  We had to use the rope from the dingy to keep from drifting too far.  Alex had food for the Rays and the were all around us.  Michael had three surrounding him at one point looking like he was wearing stingray shoulder-pads & cape!  It was fun but very tiring due to the strong current.  When we got back aboard the cat, we were pooped!  Dre & I when up front to relax on one of the giant pillows that was on the trampoline.  I think we snoozed for a bit because before we knew it, we were pulling in to port.

We ended our day on shore by shopping for inexpensive pearls sold by the locals at the dock where the ships tenders come.  We all got a little something.

Then it was back on the Pacific Princess for lemonade as we sailed away from Moorea as the sunset.  A picture perfect way to finish up the cruise.

Then it was time fore the unpleasant task of packing!

Mentioned in this blog:  Tahiti Liberty Cruise.  Ann & Alexandre De Vos

contact@tahiti-liberty-cruise.com

Michael, Susan, Ann & Rhonda 

Photos used in this blog by Cathy & Andrea.  Thanks ladies!  

Moorea Sunset picture by Dave



Next, we return to Papette, then head home.  Stick with me Friends. only one more post to go in our Tahitian Travels,
Until next time,
Travel Safe
Susan

Finally, we arrive in Raiatea!

Day 8. -- Raiatea

Our Captain, Michael, Susan & Cathy

Today we sailed on a 46 foot Leopard Catamaran from 9 am to 6 pm.  It was wonderful.  We had a crew of 3, with Summer as our captain & two hostess, to serve us lunch.  

It was 'Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous!"

Summer & Susan 

We had booked this excursion through Sunsail.  I had been impressed with Sunsail when we took a trip using them in the British Virgin Islands.  So when my new found Cruise Critic Friend Dave, mentioned this excursion to me, I was all for it.  Funny thing happened on the way to paradise, Dave & Kelly found a Dive they wanted to do instead, so I ended up taking the lead on planning of this excursion.  Not that there was much to do - as Dave had already done all the research & planning!  Thanks again Dave!  All that remained for me to do was find enough people (14 total)  to make the price work and prompt everyone to send in their payment.

Here is what impressed me with Sunsail.  Our original Catamaran that we had reserved, was booked for our new date in Raiatea.  Sunsail made arrangements for us to get a different vessel through the Moorings.  I really respect & appreciate their efforts to accommodate our groups new date.

Plenty of room for all

What a view as we sailed along!

We had been very lucky with our Raiatea plans.

This is livin'!

What a incredible vessel.  It was luxurious. So much space on a CAT compared to a Sailboat.

We spent the morning sailing, sunning and enjoying good company.  Summer was an excellent skipper, who showed anyone who wished the navigation instruments on the boat and where we were headed to.  He worked hard to catch the wind and sail quickly along the water.  He was constantly chatting with us, explaining and pointing out things as we traveled.  Edward enjoyed taking a turn at the helm.

Our 2 Hostess for the sail making lunch

WOW the color of the water!

While we had been sailing our hostess had been busy

making us a fresh feast.

Lunch was traditional dish, Poisson Crew, which is fresh tuna marinaded in coconut & lime juice and they served it with rice with shaved carrots.  For dessert we had the most delicious fruit salad that had mangos, papaya, bananas, pineapple & fresh orange squeezed over the whole thing.

We sailed to an area they call the coral garden pass.  This is an area where the ocean meets the Lagoon and the current is strong.  You walk on land to the mouth of the channel where the ocean is coming in to the lagoon .  You then ease in to the water and swim to get in to the middle of the channel then you just let the current carry you down the channel.  It's like flying.  It is the most exhilarating feeling .

We had our masks and snorkels on an so your see all kind of fish as you fly through the pass, it is so amazing.  We stayed and snorkeled in this area for 2 hours.  I ran the channel 4 times and would have done it more if there was time.

Here are three pictures that Cathy took.  This will sort of give you an idea of what snorkeling this coral garden was like.

The water is crystal clear.  The dark spots you see in the water are the coral heads.  Fish of all sizes, shapes and colors can be glimpsed as you sail by on the fast current.

I wish I had Kelly's Go Pro on my head as the current carried me down in to the lagoon

.

This snorkel is also in my top 5 favorite things.

After we all re-boarded our Catamaran we sailed back to Raitia as the sun set.  What a perfect end to a beautiful day.

Captain Summer & the gang 

Mentioned in the blog :Sunsail Charters, you can find them at this address: 

http://www.sunsail.com/destinations/south-pacific/tahiti-french-polynesia

Pictures by Andrea & Cathy.  Thanks Ladies!

Until next time, travel safe!
Susan

Bora Bora - a day on dry land

Day 7--  Bora Bora Day 2.

Today Andrea  & I rented bikes to ride around the island.  We thought this would be a way to see the Island at our own pace and it was.  Some of the gang went on a Jeep Tour of the island, and of course Dave & Kelly went diving.  We wore our swimsuits with cover ups and plenty of sunscreen & bug spray.  We had our back packs with towels, water & snacks.  If you plan on being out and about on your own, please be prepared to dress lightly and carry the essentials with you.

Bora Bora has only one real paved road, and it goes all the way around the Island. It is 22 miles round trip. I had read that you could rent bikes on the island on Trip Advisor.  So we we got off the ship we went looking for bike rentals.  We were surprised to find them at AVIS!   Avis, yes the rental car company -- they rent Cars, Scooters and Bicycles.  Very smart of their part if you ask me.  When in French Polynesia - rent all types of transportation!  haha!  I wish they had ATV's!

 They rented us a couple of beach cruisers and we were off.

interior picture of Bora Bora as we biked around

As we road a long a smooth road, recently paved, we stopped from time to time to take a picture or two.










 

The Pacific Princess anchored off of Bora Bora 

The Island is so beautiful, around every bend in the road we found ourselves stopping to enjoy the scenery.  

Lots of little coves, beautiful stops for pictures or picnic

 

We peddled our bikes  to Bloody Mary's, the famous bar.  We stopped for a beverage, and posted a dollar with our names & the year.  Everyone stops at Bloody Mary's

It never to early for a beverage 

 Then it was back on the road.

                                                

 
Next we stopped at a beautiful white sand beach for a swim.  Cool, clear water has never felt so good!  We had worked up quite a sweat with our bike ride & a cool dip was perfect.


























After our cool dip in the sea it was off to ride & explore more. We biked along for another hour or so until we started to get hungry and then turned around and went back to Bloody Mary's.  We were so hot and hungry when we got there!  The burgers and fries we ordered tasted like heaven and we scarfed them down quickly

outside Bloody Marys

Make sure you make the trip to the restrooms  at Bloody Marys- they are unique!  









We took a leisurely pace back to town taking pictures along the way.  So much beauty, so little time.  Although we were out for 5 hours on our bikes, it really was an easy ride and the day went by all too fast

our transportation 

It as great to see the Island by land,as it is a whole different perspective

We road our bikes a bit further past the Avis rental car place to see what was on the other side of town.



We turned in our bikes then did a little shopping at the port side artisan market.  This was a large building that was set with many different islanders selling their wares.  Lots of pearls of course, and all types of local art.

Bora Bora is a lush beautiful island. I would have loved to have another day there to explore and snorkel, but we had to move on.  This day we had to be back on the ship by 4 :30.  We were tired from our ride and out door activities, but it was a good kind of tired.  The fresh Island air, warm breezes cool water at the beach all made for an outstanding day!

 Good Bye Bora Bora, we hope to return some day! 

 Pictures in todays blog by Andrea and a nice young asian man who took our photo in front of Bloody Mary's!

Until next time
Safe Travels
Susan