kc1

For an upcoming cruise to Tahiti, I've been looking at both the Paul Guaguin and Wind Star ships. The Paul Guaguin is alot more expensive, and I'm wondering if the extra cost is worth it. We have sailed on the Wind Surf once in Europe, and enjoyed it, especially the food. Any comments from people who have cruised Tahiti with either of these ships (or both!) would be appreciated.

sweetsue

We did Tahiti on the Windsong. I loved sailing, but on our trip the food was pretty average. If I were to go again, I would try the Paul Guaguin. They do have some good prices. Good luck. It is really lovely there.

andy

If you did the Windsurf, you went on the larger of the 3 Windstar ships...

Windstar is only 120 passengers with 1 restaurant compared to the 2 restaurnants on Windsurf....
While Windstar is upscale casual, I think I would do the Paul Gaugin in Tahiti....You may need a jacket and tie for dinner on that ship though...

Tango

I've not done Tahiti but I've sailed both with Windstar and with Radisson. Windstar would probably be very nice, but Radisson is definitely a cut above. The food, as the other poster stated, on Windstar is nothing great. Radisson's food is excellent! I actually compared the quality of one meal I had on board to the Inn at Little Washington (one of the best restaurants in the USA).

You should check out the Radisson Board on cruisecritic.com. You can read lots about the Paul Gaugin.

DE

I have been on the Windstar cruise in FP a number of years back and did enjoy the experience however I too would choose the Paul Gaugain if doing another cruise in that region. I think that the PG would be a little nicer with more spacious accommodations etc. and possibly better cuisine.

The Windstar cruise will have only about 150 passengers so a little more intimate and the PG will be more on par with the passenger count on the Wind Surf. Both will still offer that casual experience in terms of dresscode.

I guess it all depends on personal preference but I would try the Paul Gaugain.

kc1

Thanks to all who replied to my query...I was leaning towards Paul Gauguin (just realized I spelled in wrong in my original post!), but just wanted to make sure. I will watch for upcoming specials for Oct. Thanks again!

annk

I've taken the Paul Gaugin cruise to French Polynesia. It's a great cruise and a lot of fun. Food is excellent plus they serve beer & wine at lunch and dinner all inclusive. You do not have to dress up for dinner. Most men were wearing dockers and golf shirts, ladies, sun dresses or nice slacks. The excursions were wonderful my favorite being the shark & ray feeding. If you'd like more info feel free to e-mail me at [email protected].

wpcx2

We did the Windsong ex Papeete several years ago before it pulled out to make way for the bigger ships. Now it's back. I really liked it. We ate several of our meals ashore and even stumbled upon a harvest celebration on one of the islands. We rented a car at every port which we shared with another couple - they took in AM, we took in PM. I don't like the big ships and will only cruise on those with less than 150 passengers - another reason the Radisson ship wouldn't appeal to me. Have fun - it is drop-dead gorgeous there!

thulewx

The Windstar ships look nice, but they are mainly motor ships and the sails do little but add ambience. The Gaugin is nearly all-inclusive and only has 300 pax, IF full. It's a much classier ship and still does not require suits/ties/dressy clothes - country-club-casual is all. They also use Air Tahiti Nui which is a nicer airline.

Bootman4U

And whichever one you decide on check out the discounter sites...if you end up paying the brochure price you may very well have paid too much.