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Radisson Seven Seas Cruises

MS Paul Gauguin

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Elizabeth Henry
# previous cruises: 1
Date of Trip: July 4, 2002
Itinerary: South Pacific

Tahiti itself is picturesque. If you go to Tahiti, take a cruise. It's the best way to see the islands plus who wants to pay $75 per person for breakfast. We actually met a couple who resorted to eating one meal a day. This cruise includes air, gratuities, most alcohol, one night at the Hilton in L.A and one night at Le Meridien or Inter-Continental resort in Tahiti. I will take this cruise again or recommend to anyone looking for romance or relaxation.

The retractable sports marina was awesome. You could kayak, windsurf, or water ski free of charge. The public areas were always clean and nicely furnished. I wish I could have taken one of those lounge chairs home with me to sleep on. The pool was small and filled with sea water. Who needs it anyway. Tahiti's water is crystal clear. No jacuzzi. The spa is very modern.

Food and service were of the highest quality. Breakfast can be brought to your room. Just sign up the night before and hang it on your door. Even though I am not a caviar and pate kind of person. There was a French restaurant that served lengthy meals for those with expensive tastes. All three restaurants served extremely good wines with dinner. Service was outstanding and I am particular about that. Your complimentary minifridge would be restocked with twice as many of the missing item.

My favorite part was having control of the lighting system from your bedside. Rooms were better than I hoped. The lowest room type would be a suite on most other cruise lines. Over 200 square feet. A queen size bed with living area and television. Vanity. Two closets with plenty of drawer space. Large marble bathroom with tub and shower. Fresh flowers. Complimentary two liters of alcohol and stocked minifridge.

The entertainment could use improvement. The piano bar was the best place after dinner. The other shows/events could be missed except you need to see the dancers at least once. Although, I did enjoy the table side entertainment at dinner. The disco was not very populated on most nights, but was fun when it was.

If you want to see Papeete, you must go early morning because the market closes by noon on Saturdays. Also, do not take the transfer from the resort to the ship. Le Truck is about $1 and very convenient. Do sign up for shore excursions after you sign in, but be aware that most can be less expensive if you pay for them on the island. Do not get caught in the traps of the island tours by bus. Most of the ride consists of pearl shop hopping. There is no need to ride the bus because pearl shops provide free transportation to and from their shop. Renting a car or moped is cheap. Definitely get out to the motus "little island" asap to get your choice of lounge chairs.

Most passengers were couples and over 40. There were a few older teenagers on board. DO NOT bring kids. There are less than 300 passengers, so you get to know everybody. We found a group that we spent most of our time with. This boat is international with approximately 25% being French or Hispanic and 75%English speaking. The crew speaks fluent French and English.