Radisson Surprise

Our family, grandmother, grandfather (me), daughter, son-in-law, grand son (age 20) and grand daughter (age 18) were all booked in minimum guarantee cabins, category F, but we were all moved (three cabins) to category C which is outside with a balcony. Beautiful facilities but even the category F with portholes are much better than most lines. They all have full baths with tub and shower, VCR's, fully stocked refrigerators, queen-sized beds, etc. Everything you would expect in a six star ship. My wife and I flew from Boston to Los Angeles on United using senior coupons plus mileage plus coupons to up-grade to first class. We spent the night in Los Angeles and then took the ship line's package on Air Tahiti for the eight hour coach flight to Tahiti. Our kids and grandchildren flew from Cleveland to Los Angeles, spent the night there and joined us on the Air Tahiti flight. The ship is as deluxe as they come but really understated. Most everyone would be comfortable with the surroundings and the service was outstanding. The food was a little too gourmet for our plebian taste but we could always rough it with nightly choices of filet mignon, pasta, chicken, etc. Wine is served with lunch and dinner without charge and there were enough free cocktail parties, open bars, etc. to keep most of the passengers in a fine mood. Gratuities are included and we didn't have trouble using up the $200 on-board credit that we had received.The ship provides snorkel equipment, water skiing, kayaking, wind surfing, all without charge. Our kids and grandchildren took advantage of several tours including night scuba, petting sharks, etc. We were content to rent a car in Moorea and enjoy the island parties provided by the ship. All arrangements on the ship were handled with professional skill and we were always treated as honored guests by a highly skilled staff. We Hope to take further cruises with Radisson (this was our second) but we felt that we had seen the islands, which are beautiful, but would like to explore other areas before returning to Tahiti.

a travel blog by GoGoTraveler

French all the way

Papeete, French Polynesia