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    South of France

    Epic Highs & Deep Lows I Had Cruising French Polynesia



    It took me 26 hours, three flights, and a time change of 12 hours to get to my French Polynesian cruise in one of the remotest parts of the world. It was brutal, and so how did it go once there – and do I recommend putting yourself though all that? I explore all of this in this video

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    00:00 Start
    00:35 Best: Sights
    02:36 Best: Activities
    04:39 Best: Private Spots
    06:01 Best: Small Sizes
    07:27 Best: Paul Gauguin
    11:26 Worst: So Far
    12:38 Worst: Bank Balance
    14:19 Worst: Weather

    21 Comments

    1. R Goonewardene on

      You complain about the cost of hand made items, so can you tell me, a) how much do you think they should cost? b) how long do you think it takes to make the item? c) how much do you think a skilled craftsman should make an hour?

    2. Kevin G. Morris on

      I have to agree with you on all your points. It is far, very expensive but if you can go, it’s worth it. I was on a segment of a Princess world cruise, so the cruise was. 11 days from Papeete to Hawaï on a small ship. We did a pre cruise stay in Papeete and then cruise to Moorea, Bora Bora (it rained) then 4 sea days and Hawaï, Maui, Kauai then Oahu with a post cruise stay in Honolulu. The flights and the stays were more expensive than the cruise, so was an expensive trip. Would I go again? Probably not, it’s too far and too much money to re-do something I did. I would spend the same on another trip instead.

    8. dchenkin02 on

      Gary, I have seen the cost of a French Polynesia cruise is significantly higher than a Hawaii cruise. Have you taken a Hawaii cruise?

    9. Ricardo Schack on

      We have done Paul Gauguin 4 times in the last 10 years. The prices spiked when it was acquired by Ponant. Most of the original crew are still there. But it seems to have become much more "French." The good news, food is impeccable. Service has always been amazing, but what was most endearing was the warmth and playfulness of the staff. Seems Ponant wants a more "dignified" atmosphere. Every excursion now has everything repeated in French, which becomes tedious. Another option might be Air New Zealand, Air France, and we had a wonderful experience with United. I would avoid Air Tahiti Nui at all cost. It has been unpleasant from end to end for us.

    12. Fabrisse ter Brugghe on

      A life vest to snorkel? That's weird.

      I'm glad to hear that there is a wide vegetarian option. I've stayed away from Polynesia because so much meat is part of the culture.

    15. Living Life on

      French Polynesia (especially Bora Bora) is my all-time number one trip I've ever taken. Videos and pictures do not do it justice. We did a Windstar cruise out of Tahiti. And you are right; their safety policy for activities is very laissez faire. That took me time to get used to. My only issue was there was only one French Polynesian staff member on our cruise. Would have loved to see more, which is a comment I made on my survey.

      I hesitate to tell people about it because it's such a hidden paradise. But I know most people won't go there because of the costs and time to get there.

    17. Angela Horton on

      Great video Gary! We enjoyed our cruise to the Tumultuous, Society and Marquesas Islands on Oceania Regatta. Like you we hired bikes on a few islands and really enjoyed cycling around Bora Bora. As your videography shows it is a stunning destination.

    20. TassieEV1 on

      Only a long flight from the UK/EU though Gary, not from Australia/NZ and can fly Air New Zealand for a few hours with hardly any time difference. 🙂

    21. But Seriously on

      Excellent review, I'll never be able to afford it though.
      Interestingly some friends are currently relaxing in Raroia atoll, just North of the area you were in, having sailed all the way from the Galapagos. Your posting gave me a good idea of the amazing scenery they are enjoying. And congrats on your anniversary.

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