Just Back from Tahiti with Renaissance
 

My wife and I returned home today from an exceptionally pleasing cruise with Renaissance, visiting Tahiti and four other islands in French Polynesia. I will draft a brief report of our cruise and be happy to share it with you if you send me your e-mail address. We have no affiliation, connections, or other ties to that company and call the shots as we see them. Neither my wife nor I have any connections with the travel industry. We are just retired people with no apples to polish and no axe to grind.

Greetings Al, <BR>My wife and I enjoyed the same experience last December. We cruised R4, which was thoroughly enjoyable. I wonder if the embarkation and debarkation are still as smooth as our experience? We thought Ren's excursions were very over priced. What are your thoughts? <BR>Cheers - Greg <BR>

The shore excursion prices did seem high (R3 December). Two interesting things about this, though. First, on our cruise the prices were actually lower by $5 to $10 per excursion than the prices that I had printed out from the Renaissance web site a few months earlier. Second, when Ken Stutt posted Princess Tahiti cruise excursion prices recently, they were similar or even higher.

Al, if you wouldn't mind - could you please send me your trip report? One of my friends is considering this cruise and I would like to pass it on. I'm glad you liked it - we went to FP last year, not on a cruise - and we fell in love with Moorea and Bora Bora. Just looking at our photos still calms me down.....

Hi Al - <BR>I must agree with you. We returned a few weeks ago and have to say this was the most incredible trip of our lives! We're not "seasoned" cruisers - this was only our second, but in my honest opinion it couldn't have been much better. I must thank Renaissance for helping me to achieve my life-long goal of visiting the South Pacific. In fact, since they did such a great job with my dream trip now we're going to trust them to fulfill my husband's life-long fantasy of seeing Africa. Renaissance offers a 17-day itinerary which includes a four-day safari in Kenya followed by eight days cruising the Seychelles Islands followed by three days in Luxor, Egypt. I'm not sure I've ever come across such a unique itinerary! Looks too good to pass up. If Tahiti was any indication, we'll have a fantastic journey! <BR>

Al- We are considering that cruise also and would appreciate a copy of your report when you complete it. Thanks a lot.

Ditto Al please share your report with me. Thanks !!!

We are thinking of taking the Ren 10 day to Tahiti in November. Is there a bad time for that area such as in the Caribbean in the hurricane season? Is any time better than others? My impression is that it will be perfect anytime.

We were told that their rainy season extends from November to March -- but we had little showers almost each day we were there, and they did not spoil anybody's fun.

Al, My family and I are considering a Tahiti or Med. cruise with Ren. and would appreciate a copy of your report. Any info would be helpful, many thanks, Frank

Al, I would appreciate a copy of your report as well. <BR> <BR>Thanks

Al, We aren't sure if we want to cruise or just stay at an island. I would appreciate your comments from your trip. Thanks!

Msg. for Kathie, <BR>My wife and I have been lucky enough to do both. The Societies are incredibly beautiful. The problem, while wading through the brochures and web sites, is to pick and choose; unless of course, you have the time and $'s to stay on all the islands! <BR>I believe a minimum of three nights on each island is required to get to see the sights and enjoy the differences each has to offer. That approach to seeing as much as possible, means a "bag drag" from one island to another with little time for real relaxation. <BR>You might want to start with Ren's 10 cruise. You'll visit the major islands, only pack and unpack once, and can kick back on the ship if you want a 'down day." The best part is, you can narrow down your choices for your next vacation! And you will want to go back! <BR>Cheers <BR>

Sorry, friends -- my computer crashed, destroying my summary. If you have specific questions, e-mail me directly.

Al, When you get your report of your trip completed I'd appreciate a copy. Sounds like a great trip. Thanks