Windstar cruise to Tahiti- is it worth it?
 

My husband and I are thinking of going on cruise to Tahiti in August, 2004...considering the Windstar, or Radisson, (which is alot more money). We sure would love some feedback from someone who has been on either of these cruises.
Thanks much

Although I haven't been on either, I posted a similar question here and on a couple of other message boards. I've also asked 4 travel agents. So far, every answer I've received says to go with Radisson. I guess everything is better including the food plus it includes things like liquor, other freebies and gratuities so the difference in cost is not what it appears. I was also told that if you go between something like October 1 and June 1 (I think those are the dates) Radisson includes free air transportation from most anywhere in the USA. I've been doing quite a bit of research and the island temperatures are quite close year around (hot and humid) so the free air is very inticing. I'm looking to go in May '04 I hope.

proudfam--

I have been on the WINDSURF ( part of the Windstar line) and between Radisson and Windstar, they are as different as nite and day...

Windsurf /Windstar is a more laid back casual 4 masted sailing yacht...Rooms are super nice -NO balconies.Not a lot of nite life--just a lounge with a band that can play ANYTHING plus a small Casino..We LOVED the WINDSURF for the casualness-NO coat and Tie needed at all..It is country club casual..People on it are yuppies and the age ranges from late 30's to 60...My hubs ( after he went on the Windsurf) was a convert to the casual dress..he will go back on the ship in a heartbeat, as will I.
Drinks are not included in the price of the cruise. Had 2 restaurants ( main dining room with OPEN dining at ANY time) and a grill room which was smaller. BOTH were good...Breakfast was served outside in the upper dining area..so it was very neat to have breakfast over looking the water..
The back of the ship opens up for water sports ( which are free)--windsurfing,kayaking etc..
Best thing about it is that because it is small, it can get into more unusual ports.
We took the ship in the MED...

Radisson is a unusual hull type normal cruise with wonderful food and service..rooms have balconies..
That is all I know of Radisson, other than friends of mine went on it and loved it.

You can't go wrong in either ship...

Proudfam, I may not be much help because I haven't been on Windstar so can't compare. I can only say that on the Paul Gaughan there are no formal nights and dining is open.... you'll eat when you want. It too is very casual and laid back (other Radisson cruises do have a formal night). Paul Gaughan is a small ship carrying around 300 passengers.

As Andy said, you probably can't go wrong with either. If you want a balcony, then opt for Paul Gaughan. If you want more of a Sailing experience, opt for Windstar.

Thanks to all for responding. Windstar is less expensive, so it looks like that will be the one. I really appreciate the feedback.

proudfam, now I'm kind of picking your brain. Based on your research, did you find that Windstar was cheaper than the Radisson Paul Gaughan even after factoring in perks, no tips, free liquor, free air fare?? I'm surprised to hear this. I'm faced with making similar decisions as you. I was already to chose the Paul Gaughan before reading your post. Please help me as I'm really a newbie. Thank you.
(maybe we're the blind leading the blind)

pattymattie,
I think you are right about blind leading blind...we are now rethinking the whole plan and looking at Nevis, four seasons, simply because of length of trip and distance away. We live in Ohio. Also ff milage availabilty.
I believe that i would pick Radisson for the Tahiti trip if money was not an object, and honestly i haven't added up cost including gratuities and liquor...that would definitely be a factor. Radisson is #1 cruise ship, and everyone raves....! Originally we had booked a Windspirit/Windstar trip to Spain area...and last week decided against that, for obvious reasons. We are going to lose the deposit, and were therefore trying to use it on Windstar for Tahiti trip.

What a shame to lose your deposit sounds like you're within the penalty phase. Ideally I'd love to do a back to back on the Radisson Paul Gaughan since it is such a long distance to go. If not, I think we're going to do a 3 night pre-cruise on Moorea. I've read that food etc. is very expensive in the islands and some say you can do the back to back for almost the same as a pre-cruise stay. $$ is certainly a big consideration for us but I'd rather do it right, even if it means waiting a year. Using the Radisson free air for us is a must...too good to pass up! Good Luck to you!

We did a Windstar cruise in the Med, and loved it -- small ship, good service, friendly - and v. romantic with the sails!

We hoped our next Windstar trip would be in Tahiti, because I can't imagine a more perfect way to do that cruise. But I'm sad to see Windstar line will not be in Tahiti at all next year, which is when we wanted to go... Not that the Gauguin is a bad choice, but just rather different.

Proudfam, did you happen to see Windstar has 2 Tahiti cruises for anytime between July and October up for auction at Luxurylink.com? May be worth looking into.

Thanks for the tip on Luxurylink.com. What a neat site! I found out today that the Windstar cruise in August includes airfare...this was my main obstacle...trying to work out ff miles, which would not work for Tahiti. So now we are definitely going...wonder if Radisson air is also free in August.
Question: What is a good stop-over site before the cruise?
Thanks again for all the feedback.

I received an email that Radisson Paul Gaughan is extending their free air to Tahiti through August '04. There is an excellent website which gives pricing for Radisson and Silversea at http://www.brownandkeenetravel.com/MENU.html

Tahiti is also on my must see list someday list.