Deb

The Paul Gauguin is the name of the ship. For $2494 including air for 1 you get an ocean view stateroom, 7 day cruise. What do you think? We're trying to decide between the Celebrity to Caribbean with 1 group of friends and this cruise with another group. I know this one costs a lot more, but which is the best value? Thanks for all your input.

Paul Therault

<BR>Hi Deb, <BR> <BR>You are talking apples and oranges. The Celebrity Caribbean itinerary is run-of-the mill. The ships are like country clubs and the food and service is terrific. <BR> <BR>I have sailed the Paul Gauguin to Tahiti and you can not compare the exceptional itinerary with any Caribbean cruise. Also the ship is extremely elegant with great food and service. The ship also has a drop-down dock that is used for water sports and swimming. If you can afford to stay a night in an over-water bungalow, do it. This is a cruise of a lifetime. Choose Moorea or Bora Bora over Tahiti. The islands are spectacular. <BR> <BR>I certainly would choose Radisson over Celebrity. You also received a wonderful price. Go. <BR> <BR>Paul

arlene

Hi Paul, we need to stay for 2 nights in Tahiti, before we get on the Gauguin. Where to stay with an over the water bungalow? We got a great price at Le Meridien so we booked it, but we can change it. We want to stay in Tahitit to chill. [email protected]

rita

Arlene, I sailed on the Gaugin two years ago and it was a treat. I also stayed at the Meridian for three nights before the cruise and it is a wonderful hotel. Two years ago it was brand new so things were looking pretty spank; great service and wonderful food. My room was in the main building facing the sea (all rooms are) and was huge with a wonderful bathroom. I kayaked around the over water bungalows and they looked very nice. The hotel does not have a great beach (adequate but not spectacular) but they do have a marvelous sand bottom pool. <BR> <BR>As nice as Le Meridian was I wish (after seeing the islands on the Gaugin cruise) that I had stayed in either Bora Bora or Morea only because the setting of those islands is much more spectacular. Paul is right, if you can swing it I would try for a pre-cruise stay on either those two islands. <BR> <BR>Any further questions, post again.

joanne

Deb, <BR>We sailed on her maiden voyage from S.F. to Tahiti for 18 glorious days. You absolutely cannot compare this experience to Celebrity, Princess, RCL, etc. <BR>The cabins are wonderful(except for the small closet), and the bathroom was super. I can't even begin to explain how much we enjoyed this cruise. So much that we have since been on their Diamond, Navigator and in March the shake down cruise of the Mariner. I would go again tomorrow if I could. If you want any other info., please write me directly. I can't sing Radisson's praises enough.(no I don't work for them)

joanne

Deb, P.S. I would recommend you stay on Moorea instead of in Papeete. We stayed 5 nights on Morrea after the cruise and it was much more enjoyable than the night in Papeete. You can get to Moorea on the ferry several times a day, very reasonable and then take the local bus(le truck) to your hotel. Enjoy and let me know what you decide, please. Joanne

Dick

Deb: Can you let us in on how you got that price? Sounds like a very good deal.