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Name: Robert C. Davis, Jr
Email: rcd2@jetlink.net
Age: 58
Occupation: citrus farmer
NumberOfCruises: 12
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Radisson-PaulGaugin
SailingDate: May2-May9
Itinerary: Tahiti-Tahiti
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 98
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 80
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities:
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 70
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 28 May 1998
Time: 19:45:38
Remote Name: 208.19.49.187
Remote User:
Comments
Most of the comments made by other reviewers are right on target.
When we booked (through Golden Bear Travel) we requested the lower package airfare and
were placed on a waiting list which cleared approximately six weeks
before sailing. We received a faxed confirmation assigning us to an AOM flight going and
coming. When we received out tickets, less than 10 days prior to
sailing, they were on Air New Zealand, going and coming. As ground transportation had
already been arrainged, we insisted on the AOM flights. AOM is a fine
outfit, but their seating of 3-4-3 on a venerable DC-10 is very tight. Food and service
were fine, but we understand Air New Zealand is far more comfortable. We
opted for AOM, so that did not bother us. What did bother us was the extreme delay we had
in receiving ANY printed information from Radisson about the ship,
the itinerary, and shore packages.Les than 10 days prior to sailing is scant time to
prepare. Even the literature thay sent said that if you want special food to let
them know 1 month in advance.
As everyone has noted, there wer NO Radisson personel at LAX to accomodate travellers. So
by the time we took off for Papeete, we were ready to hate the
whole trip. Everything was up hill from there. From the moment we arrived at the airport
until we left to come home uniformly everyone we dealt with was
delightful. The ship was a dream. No tipping seemed to be a very positive thing for all
the staff as they all worked hard with a definite can-do attitude.
Just prior to our sailing a horrific storm did unspeakable damage to several of the
islands. As a result we did not even venture to Rangiroa, the atol furthest from
every other port-of-call. We spent two days at each of the other stops. Riatea and Ta'haa
had also suffered sifgnificant damage from a onemeter rain storm
followed by winds in excess of 220 kilometers/hr,. In fact many islanders had been killed
in the storm, so amny of the normal shore activities were cancelled. I
was VERY impressed with the dedication and professionalism of the tour director and his
staff. They made every effort to accomodate everyone to the best of
their ability. Naturaly everything diod not go smoothly but the effort was exceptional.
Everyone has commented on what a wonderful part of the world this cruise passes through.
We were not as impressed as others have been. Perhaps it was
because of the storm, but these islands are small to tiny.If one isnt a snorkler or a
scuba person, or if bad weather precludes you fronm doing those two items
there isnt much else to do. Bora Bora especially is being over built to such an extent as
to make it loose it's charm.
We enjoyed the shore escursions that we took. Specifically, the jeep and boat ride on
Riatea (be prepared to be SOAKED in the canoe if the wind is up)and the
jeep safari on Bora Bora(terrific views). However, listen to the tour director. If you
have a bad back do NOT go on these trips. Suspension is just not there on
these vehicles and off road driving is bumpy. The circle island tour on Moorea is fun, and
yes, William is the guide to have (his is the bigger bus)
Do try the French and Italian nights. Comments of others do apply. Also have dinner one
night at 'Le grill' on the top deck. Make reservations for all 3 of those
nights early on as they do tend to fil up. and you might like to try 'le grill' early on
as threy tended to run out of sopme entres by the end of the cruise.
What did I like most about the trip? Copious amounts of wine at lunch and dinner, as well
as the welcoming bottles of liquor in cabin! <gg> Well, not really, but it
was a nice touch.
While we would not take that particular trip again, we enjoyed it very much and felt is
was good value for money. We are looking atother Radisson-Seven Seas
itineraries. But only if they straighten out their pre trip operation.
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