Paul Gauguin Review
Disappointing cruise and cruise ship on a very overrated cruise line!
Rating by category
Additional details
Let me start with the most positive and that is the staff especially waiting, bar and housekeeping. They are truly amazing and the best I have found on a cruise ship.
I'm not gonna bother going into detail about every nook and cranny on the ship, many other people have written reviews about the number of coat hooks on the back of the door et cetera.
Let's start with the ship! It's old and dated and poorly maintained. Even whilst waiting to board I was surprised at the amount of rust which has been painted over, on embarkation walking up the first flight of stairs there are dents in the wall, I was hoping that this would not be a sign of things to come as it is a lower deck but unfortunately the whole ship is showing far too many signs of wear and tear for cruise line who have such a glowing reputation. The swimming pool on deck eight is reminiscent of one found on old liners such as the Titanic! Huge great big varnished wooden sides protruding above the deck, the varnish is blistered and pealing, and you have to be careful not to snag your swimming costume or indeed get a splinter from the varnish. In general the furniture in communal areas are well past their use by dates, especially in the La Palette where the seating is stained and ripped. On the outside areas if you like rust and dripping paint you will love this ship!
Cabin Review
The cabins are a great size and in good condition but hideously dated, all brown gloss varnished wood, the wall units were obviously built for old-fashioned tube style TVs with a great big plinth protruding, obviously this is not needed anymore for the small flat screen mounted at the back, it just gives some sort of indication as to the date! If you're expecting a modern glitzy state-of-the-art cruise ship you will be sorely disappointed.
Port Reviews
Tahiti (Papeete)
we stayed here a few days before and after the cruise, not particularly inspiring but we did not venture inland.
Huahine
tiny little atoll island, we did not take the ships excursion that made our own way round the island by hiring bicycles, there's a bit of snorkelling and a few sandy beaches occupied by the locals and fish! Probably one of the better picture perfect type islands.
Bora Bora
yet another tropical paradise type island, getting bored now! Booked our own car and driver at the local tourist information by the pier where the tender drops you off.
Moorea
same as before, rented a car and drove around the whole island, beaches not nearly as nice as we had hoped for. Don't forget to take bug spray!