My husband and I have booked a week's cruise on the PG in French Polynesia after years of reading rave reviews of it in Conde Nast. Has anyone recently taken this cruise, and can you share your experiences with their excursions, shopping on the island stops, food, entertainment, etc.? Has anything really changed since Regent's acquisition from Radisson of this ship? Would love to learn more. Also, we're contemplating doing an overnight on Moorea after the cruise ends, and spending the last day (probably taking a 10 pm flight out) seeing Tahiti.

Would welcome any insights. Am an avid poster and follower of Fodors.com and indebted to the many Fodorites who have helped with with our other travels in the world! Claire

Dear Claire: We are book for the same cruise in May...we were on the PG about 5 years ago, and it was superb in every way. I am hoping that it will not be much changed. Perhaps if that is the time you are going, we may meet.

Clarasong - No, unfortunately it's not until October. We just returned from 2+ weeks in Thailand and Cambodia, so am planning the next sojourn... But keep us updated on your upcoming cruise in May! Claire

I think you are a little confused. Regent is just Radisson renamed. Regent/Radisson have always leased the PG. Several years ago, the ownership of the ship changed and that caused some problems, which seem to have been rectified. We were on it for 2 weeks in 2003 and 10 days last February. It is still a great experience, and recently the terrific band, Siglo, returned after a long absence. I have an extensive review of our 10-day cruise that I would be happy to send you, if you contact me: [email protected].

A friend and I are spending a couple of days in Tahiti and then going on this cruise in April/May. I will be happy to let you know about our experience after we return.

Regent Seven Seas manages the Paul Gauguin for the owner, Grand Circle. But I can't speak about the quality of the experience.

Hi Claire -
Just wanted to touch base with you and let you know that the cruise was awesome! We did get three days of rain, so many of the excursions did get cancelled, but we did manage to do our lagoon snorkeling with the stingrays and sharks and saw some wonderful coral and fish. The shopping was nothing very special. Mostly black pearl shops and I highly recommend that you take one of the classes onboard the ship to learn how to buy them - or else buy them on the ship. Other than that, it was mostly vendors with their own wares. I actually realized as I was unpacking yesterday that I left my jewelry in my closets in my staterooms (!) Luckily, it wasn't expensive as I don't expect to ever see it again. The food was something to celebrate, except for the beef. It comes from "Down Under" which means that it's tougher than what we as Americans are used to. Or at least I found it that way. Le Veranda has the most wonderful banana pancakes, however, and the fruit, especially the pineapple, is oh so, good. The entertainment was a very nice mix. Some showed the rich culture and history of the people throughout generations. This was a very unique opportunity to experience the authenticity of the "heart and soul" through the shows. They also had hands-on workshops in ackee braclets and shell making braclets as well as pareao tying and placemat making arts and genuine one-on-one interactions with an anthropologist. We made the almost mandatory trip to Bloody Mary's on Bora Bora for a Bloody Mary and a Mahi Mahi sandwich and fries and bought t-shirts. In hindsight, we would have chosen to stay on Moorea rather than Tahiti, so I think you are on the right track. I'm a little worried you may get some rain in October, but now that this cruise is A/I, a Fu Manchu or cocktail of your choice should help you through the rough weather if you do encounter any.

Hi Claire,
My husband and I took this cruise in May 2006. It wa absolutely wonderful. Although the ship is not as luxurious as some of the bigger ship out there, the exceptional service makes up for it. We had never been so well treated! The ship organizes shows on board and they are fantastic. The food is excellent as well. We had gone to Tahiti one week before the cruise and spent 2 days in Papeete, then 4 days in Moorea. Both are a must! Many people brush off the capital (Papeete), but I think it's worth taking it in a couple of days, at least one. The market has LOTS of things to buy, so you can purchase the last minute items if you plan to spend your last day there. We stayed in an overwater bungalow at the Sheraton Moorea. Despite many confusing reviews, I have nothing bad to say about this hotel. The service was excellent and the experience of an o/w bungalow is worth the price..Yes, it is overpriced, but once in your lifetime at least! On the ship, we had this absolutely marvelous picnic on a motu off the island of Taha'a. I think it was one of the higlight of the trip. However, I don't know if this activity is organized for all cruises (we were with a group). We took the helicopter tour over Bora Bora, and the seedoo guided tour as well. That was nice; our guide took us to a small motu and we had a bit of a picnic with local nibblies (small banana, coconut). We also took a 4 x 4 tour on Moorea, taking you inland, belvederes and to the Fruit Juice Company. Loved this place, lots to buy i.e. locally produced juice and alcohol, that would make nice gifts. I bought my pearls at the Tahiti Pearl Market on Bora Bora. All shops will take you from the port. There are lots and they're all pretty much the same. You can choose your pearl according to your budget and they can mount it in front on you, while you wait. I was very satisfied with them. There are so many shops, you'd go nuts trying to pick the "best one".
In a nut shell, we would do it again (and we will!!) Hope this helps. You'll have a wonderful time.

Nana! (goodbye in Tahitian)
Andree

Now I am getting nervous...Our prior trip on the PG was spectacular, but then it was Raddison/Regent...now you say that Grand Circle owns the ship. I am hoping that the care and service are still what one might expect from Regent, not Grand Circle. We have had a couple of very disapointing experiences with Grand Circle, and one that was particularly devasting...treatment was so irregular that several lawsuits ensued...Anyway, I will report back. It's too late change and will hope for the best.

I could be wrong but I don't think Regent (formerlly Radisson) has ever owned the Paul Gauguin, the ship itself has always been leased. I think you're in for a fantastic cruise, mine several years ago sure was. Going to FP on an all inclusive is the only way to go.

Clara, Info on Cruisecritic Reviews about this ship states it is owned by GCT. Regent never owned the ship. If you book trough RSSC you are getting the RSSC experience..so it states.
I'm sure it will be lovely and you will have a great time. Sounds like a great cruise!

Clara,
As the others have said, Regent has NEVER owned the Paul Gaugin. Everything about my trip last week was exceptional. It was the best Regent cruise I have taken. I was sorry we had opted for only a 7 night cruise. There is an opportunity to sail beyond French Polynesia to Fiji happening this month on new voyages. You will love the visit Regent's own private Motu.

Regent has now carried more than 100,000 guests through the South Pacific on the Paul Gauguin. They are in their 10th year of sailing in the region. I heard only positive comments onboard. The Paul Gauguin underwent a $6 million refurbishment in 2006, including the addition of a new piano bar, five additional staterooms with aft-facing private balconies, remodeled casino and new fabrics and carpeting throughout public areas. The dining venues are wonderful, as is the complimentary water sports from the retractable marina and the Spa.