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Fridge Magnet for a Cruise of a Lifetime
Who remembers "The Price is Right's" Johnny Olson announcing as the doors opened displaying the contestant's thrilling potential prize, "You're Going to Tahiti!!!” (usually featuring a totem pole standing askew)? First watching this a ten year old, I knew I just had to go to see the show in person AND visit Tahiti someday.
Sabrina and Ellen - Hopeful contestants on TPIR - June 8, 2003
I watched TPIR every afternoon when the show first aired in 1972 with Bob Barker, hosting for what would become a 35 year run. When my attempt to get onstage at the show failed, I didn’t give up. Somehow, some way, I was going to visit the South Seas with or without a Showcase win.
Hoping I'd be "The next contestant to come on down!"
Almost miraculously, the Paul Gauguin cruise came together in January of 2019. When two fellow choir members, Dawn and Sally, expressed a big interest in literally "Going to Tahiti", I felt ecstatic. There was just one problem. Three couldn't travel without a prohibitive added expense. There seemed only one thing to do.
With a bit of coaxing, ok, a lot of coaxing, Pete agreed to come along as my roomie. Sally and Dawn, bunking together, made the cruise "affordable" for us all. Going directly through Paul Gauguin, we easily booked our trip including airfare, pre-cruise arrangements, and excursions.
The Arcen Ciel
Our ship's Polynesian Route
Instead of giving a blow by blow daily account, I will let this blog be expressed mostly by photos.
I’m including several Travelers Tips in case you too decide to indulge in an incredible Paul Gauguin cruise. With no more than 332 passengers and a staff to passenger ratio 1:2, you will be pampered beyond your wildest expectations.
Getting to Papeete, French Polynesia (Tahiti) requires long flights, especially if traveling from the east coast.
Resting up in LA with Travel Friends - Dawn and Sally
Travelers Tip: Counteract jet lag by breaking up the long journey into shorter legs. We stayed overnight at the LA International Airport Hilton before boarding the eight hour flight via Air Tahiti Nui.
When we arrived in Papeete at 10:30 pm Tahiti time on May 16, 2019. The Paul Gauguin welcoming committee handled our transfer to the Intercontinental Hotel for a pre-cruise two night stay. The resort features: water sports, a Lagoonarium,
Snorkeling in our personal aquarium at the Intercontinental
evening entertainment, a beach entry swim up bar, a huge freshwater pool, and delectable fresh meals. The Intercontinental Papeete IS the perfect prelude to sailing on what we quickly felt was our own private yacht, Paul Gauguin's Arcen Ciel.
Sally, Pete, Dawn and I were nicknamed "Charlie and his Three Angels" by the ship's staff
Recovering from jet lag under the palm trees
If you are reading this because you are booked on a Paul Gauguin cruise, the following ratings of some of the excursions we experienced may be helpful.
Skip the Garden of Eden tour. On a beastly hot day, we enjoyed the garden filled with native and lush tropical plants and fruits. Our enthusiasm waned when the path to the featured waterfall and swimming hole was deemed too muddy to navigate. The evidence? Ooze filled shoes.
Definitely Sign up for the Motu Picnic Excursion
The Motu picnic, including a gorgeous snorkeling spot and delicious lunch is a winner. We dined on beef stew, curried chicken and fresh fish cooked in lemon and lime juice while seated at tables set IN the water. Our lady captain, full of personality, delighted us with island history, dancing and lore.
Bloody Marys is worth a refrigerator magnet
Renting a car is easy on Bora Bora. While circumnavigating the island, stop and dine at Bloody Mary's restaurant, its ambiance inspired by James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific. (Note: Bloody Mary’s is soon undergoing major renovations for the building of a hotel. Please check in advance during your visit to see if the restaurant will be open).
Bloody Marys Notable Past Guests
While moored off the island of Moorea, Sally highly recommends signing up for the La Truck Tour, she describes as “thrilling”. Her amazing and beautiful photos left us wishing we had come along with her.
Beauty in Every Direction
Captain Bob's excursion entertainment provided by his First Mate
Our favorite and most recommended excursion is snorkeling with Polynesian Captain Bob out of Bora Bora on his private vessel. Swimming with the rays and sharks in their natural habitat is a once in a lifetime adventure.
Swimming with the sea creatures visible in the incredibly clear water
When the current started to take me away, big and strong Captain Bob nestled me between his legs and seemingly effortlessly helped me back to the ship’s ladder using his powerful arms. I have to admit it was kind of fun being the damsel in distress.
Post "rescue" with Captain Bob and first mate
Our ship seemed “ours”. We loved being onboard so much, we spent one whole day just hanging poolside before indulging in one more delicious French inspired meal.
The pool never felt crowded though the ship was fully booked
With all beverages complimentary, the four of us enjoyed top shelf wine, beer, and for me, champagne. All we were missing was Robin Leach hovering about because the rich and famous could not possibly live better than we did for our seven night cruise.
A typical sunset aboard our ship
I will always treasure memories of “going to Tahiti ''. On page after page of my diary, I wrote, “Stunning view”, “Another beautiful sunset”, ”Sat under the palm trees - glorious!”, "Dinner in L'Etoile - fabulous”, “Service is outstanding”, and lastly writing, “Everything I hoped it would be”.
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
Paul Gauguin Cruises - for me, definitely my big "Showcase" win. I can't recommend the cruise line enough.
Go ahead, treat yourself; you are definitely worth it.
Coincidentally coinciding with this week's magnet post, Bob Barker passed away during the writing of this blog post on August 26, 2023 at the age of 99. A staple of my television watching childhood, I wish to remember him as my conclusion for a fairy tale trip come true, completely inspired by The Price is Right. May my favorite day time game show host, Bob Barker, rest in peace.
Peace Be With You Bob
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