I will be on the paul gaugin this summer & it will be overnighting in Bora Bora & Moorea. Is there anything to do within walking distance in the evenings,say, after dinner? Also, should I book excursions ahead of time or wait until I come ashore? How accessible are car/cart/scooter rentals from pier? Any suggestions? Mahalo!

Actually BB and M are pretty isolated so walking around is not what you would do unless you like to do nocturnal bird watching or something like that. Kids in M take a R/T boat daily to Papeete just for school. In M when we went ashore we saw some tents and stands set up for souvenirs and I asked the ships rep where the town was. She said "this is it." In M we did a nrally neay tour w/ Dr. M. Poole who is a well know expert on dolphins and whales, esp. dolphins. See the link;
http://www.drmichaelpoole.com/bio.htm
The attractions in FP are the natural splendour. Cheers, Larry .

In answer to your last question, car rentals are available immediately after you step on shore at both Bora Bora and Moorea. I would especially recommend consdering this in Moorea to drive around this small island.
You do not need to book shore excursions early. It's certainly ok to do so if you know exactly what you want to do. The trip to see the WWII installations on Bora Bora we thought was worthwhile. Great views.
As far as night activities, there is a famous restaurant on Bora Bora (I forget the name) where many passengers went for dinner. I don't recall anything on Moorea. Your best bet might well be to enjoy the ship.

I have seldom heard of anyone who went ashore after dinner unless they were having dinner at Bloody Mary's on Bora Bora (which personally I think is mostly a tourist trap). If Siglo is on your cruise, you are in for a treat, as they are a fantastic band. We would spend our time listening and dancing to them after our wonderful dinners. There are few places on shore that compare with the service and food that you will experience on the PG.

City, you should book excursions on each island. The ship provides a good selection and we found it was easier than booking our own. We did the helicopter tour over Bora Bora (stunning views) and the guided seadoo tour around the island (the guide will stop at a motu for a little tahitian picnic). On Moorea, we did the 4x4 excursion with stops at the belvedere, the agricultural centre (good local jams!) and the juice factory (the factory also sells very nice selection of liquor to take home as souvenir). There a small "casino" on the ship, and they usually have a few cultural shows with dancers - nice. It's a nice cruise. Enjoy!

I hope you post a review of your trip. It's on my Wish List and I'd live to hear what you thought. Enjoy!

You will have a wonderful time, this was my favorite cruise itinerary in 25 years of cruising..
We were on the Pacifc Princess during the Havaiki Nui which was incredible to observe!

While I can't give you restaurant recommendations...

I would like to say..don't miss out on the chance to head out to a Motu in Moorea!

If you would like to view a few of my pictures of Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea.

Here's a link...just go into Karen's Cruise Corner!

Bon Voyage!

http://when.do.we.leave.googlepages.com/

Thanks for all your feedback & suggestions! I am very excited & will post a review upon return. Mahalo

BTW,

is your screen name based on PUUHONUA O HONAUNAU?

I've traveld all of the world..visited churches, mosques, and synagogues and I tell you whenever I am there. I have such an feeling of being one with land or spirit...

you can't put your finger on it, or articulate it...it just is!