Cruising French Polynesia on a Small Ship
 

We are thinking of taking the 13 day Cruise West voyage of French Polynesia (Tahiti, Bora Bora, Marquesas). The ship is The Spirit of Oceanus. Has anyone taken this cruise, and could you give me some assessment of it? Also, how rough are the seas in this area during February?

We have not found the seas rough. I am not familiar with The Spirit of Oceanus. Have you looked at Regent's Paul Gauguin? I think this would be the BEST experience possible. All gratuities and liquor are included. Also has lots of complimentary water sports and a fabulous motu day on an island.

Hi!

Cruise West is a more soft-adventure, destination-focused cruise line and are more casual than cruise lines such as Regent. Regent also has small ships, but a more traditional, luxury cruise experience. Cruise West's Spirit of Oceanus is far from "roughing it" and has all of the modern amenities, but it will be more casual than Regent. Cruise West's focus is on history, culture with naturalists and lecturers on board, as well as local cultural entertainment.

Star Clippers also does a small ships into French Polynesia. They are luxurious ships with a strong feel of sailing with masted sailing ships. They are not as traditional or luxurious as Regent, but not as soft-adventure as Cruise West. Many clients who own sailboats or yachts really enjoy the Star Clippers experience.

Best Regards,
Julia

Although Tahiti has not had a major cyclone since 1982, November through April is the season. I am only mentioning this as you asked how the seas might be in February.

Thank you all for your helpful replies. I'm going to continue researching this ship and its itineraries. It seems to meet my needs and interests. Any other comments will be appreciated.

I sailed across the North Sea in a gale aboard a ship exactly like the Spirit of Oceanus. It was the Renaissance VII. What a fabulous little ship! The most comfortable cabin I have ever had at sea.

I have also sailed in Tahiti aboard the Paul Gauguin. The cabins are not nearly so spacious as those on the Spirit of Oceanus, but the rest of the ship is fantastic. Wonderful food, great service, I would go back in a heartbeat!

I have cruised aboard the Star Clippers in the Caribbean. Loved it. They really sail those ships! It's a very different sort of cruise experience, but one which I think would be perfect for French Polynesia.

One thing, though. Do not plan to go to there during our winter. It is the rainy season there. and it is very hot and muggy. May to September are the best months.

Hi virgo....thanks for the helpful comments. Our cruise is early February,2009. The Spirit of Oceanus is only in French Polynesia for Jan/Feb each year. The itinerary is exactly what we want. We have already spent a week in Moorea and Papeete during the better weather of late September. Is it really a mistake to go in February?

We just got off the diamond princess southbound from whititer to vancouver. We had a great trip. Although this is a large ship, it could turn and get close to the glaciers....it was amazing to watch it turn. I would definatley do a one way trip, as more of the glaciers are north. We did the Marine tour out of Whittier and you get to come close to alot of glaciers....I would definately recommend it. We ended up in vancouver, but flew in a sea plane to victoria....spent the night and did the ferry to seattle where we flew home. That was great fun! We enjoyed the princess and felt like there weren't really that many people on the ship. You never felt like there were several thousand on the ship. We had a great time.......Enjoy!

I've been to FP in late January and it was just fine, no problem with weather except Tahiti was hot and muggy. IMO the Paul Gauguin is the best ship for this part of the world. It was a great experience.

I can't speak for Feb. seas however we did cruise FP last summer and we did feel the motion on the Tahitian Princess which BTW is about double the wt. displacement of the PG. We were not able to tender into Raratonga due to rough seas. In fact a crewman fell overboard while trying to get on the tender. I understand conditions around Raratonga prevent tendering about half the time. We most fortunately were able to switch cabins to one amidships which greatly reduced the motion though we still felt some of it. In addition the PG was "stuck" in Raiatea because the seas were too choppy to exit the rather narrow channel there. Feb. is their summer and I heard from another person who went there then about the humidity, heat and rain, not to put a damper on your plans I hope. Good luck, Larry :-)

Thanks for the info jacketwatch...then I guess September to end of November 2008 is better even though the Tahiti Princess is no longer sailing there after April 2008.

Percy

I think its time to give up on the TP and the FP route. I just looked on their web site and lo and behold she back on that route starting in 10/08 through 11/08 then returning in 12/09. Oct. is a decent month I think. My wife knows a couple who honeymooned there then and had no problems with the weather. I wonder if another Princess ship will fill that 13 mo. void? Cheers, Larry :-)

Oops! I meant give up predicting. :D

Had friends there last year in early February and it rained everyday for ten days. The big questions was light rain or downpour. Certain amount of random chance with regard to the weather.

I guess it will
have to be about October 2008...just to be safe.
;;)

No use going and having this kind of weather :'(

Percy

Absolutely. Their summer is wet and hot. The So. Pac. is best during our summer, their winter.