I just got back from a 14 day Paul Guaguin cruise through the south pacific. We stopped at Tahiti, Moorea, Taha'a, Bora Bora, Aitutaki, Tonga, Savusavu Fiji, Suva Fiji, Beqa Island Fiji and Lautoka Fiji.

The Paul Gauguin is an incredible small ship delivering 100% on the promise to bring you in to small islands bigger ships can't get to. This ship is the best value in a cruise ship I have ever done.

The south pacific islanders are the kindest, most generous people I have ever met. If you ever get a chance to do this trip do it just to met the most incredible people you will ever meet.

All said and done, Anguilla and Turks and Caicos are the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. Bonaire and Turks and Caicos are the most beautiful snorkeling I have ever done.

I'm now satisfied that for flying 3 or 4 hours to the Carribean, versus 14 hours to the south pacific and for 25% the cost, the carribean is my paradise.

You may be able to answer my question. We'd love to get to French Polynesia and number one on the list is Bora Bora. We have looked at Paul G and the wind star wind spirit which is half price. Hate to be cheap but always a factor for us.

Aside from Papeete and bora bora which both visit, how would you rank the other islands in order of preference.

Also, did you spend anytime in Papeete before and after and do you have any recommendations as to what area and what hotels for a beautiful beach.

Here is the first section of our trip report on the Tahitian Princess. This is from 2003, so some of the info is dated, but the islands themselves I don't think have changed that much. We actually really enjoyed Raratonga, which actually is in the Cook Islands. This is a bit away from Papeete, but it was different, and also we got a day at sea each way out of it.

Thank you, how do I get to part 3. As usual, you guys have the info. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Here is part 3

and part 4

(Merci Beaucoup! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />

Moorea!
Cheers
irina

Actually we liked Moorea better than Bora Bora also.