Embarked at Papeete ran very smoothly . Especially loved our cabin and its position on the ship. It was a disabled cabin so had heaps of room to accommodate a wheelchair (which we did not have). The only downside to this cruise as opposed to the others we have traveled on is the staff were not as friendly and some were quite rude. We traveled with another couple who had room 9098 which was the mirror image of our cabin. Food was OK but would not rave about it. We chose this cruise especially for the Itinerary which had a few sea days in between islands as we think it gets a bit tiring having a stop everyday and then you get bored having a few sea days . We got to stay in Bora Bora for an extra day as one of the other Islands were cancelled. We thought this was was great as other cruise ships we have been on would just give you an extra sea day.
Would definitely pick this cabin again. Was close to everything but without the noise.
We absolutely loved this Island. We heard it was expensive but found it great. When you get off the tender there is heaps of locals selling you excursions that are way cheaper than the cruise ship offers. We went on a boat that had a thatched roof, chairs and toilet. We payed $50 AUD for 3 hrs which included a beer, fruit and best of all we got to swim with the sharks and string rays. I am not one to go in the water but I loved this. We were in shallow water so you could stand up (and stay near the boat if you were too scared)