Overall Score

BERLITZ'S RATING
	Possible	Achieved
Ship	500	426
Accommodation	200	169
Food	400	326
Service	400	320
Entertainment	100	77
Cruise	400	328

How this score is created

Built by a French company, owned by Grand Circle Travel but managed, staffed and operated by the US-based Regent Seven Seas Cruises, this is a spacious ship in French Polynesia (until the end of 2008). While it could carry many more passengers, it is forbidden to do so by French law. The ship, which underwent a $6 million refurbishment in 2006, has a well-­balanced look, all in gleaming white, and is topped by a single funnel.

This smart ship also has a retractable aft marina platform, and carries two water skiing boats and two inflatable craft for water sports. Windsurfers, kayaks, plus scuba and snorkeling gear are available for your use (all except scuba gear, are included in the cruise fare).

Inside, there is a pleasant array of public rooms, and both the artwork and the decor have a real French Polynesia look and feel. The interior colors are quite restful, although a trifle bland.

Expert lecturers on Tahiti and Gauguin accompany each cruise, and a Fare (pronounced foray) Tahiti Gallery offers books, videos, and other materials on the unique art, history, and culture of the islands. Three original Gauguin sketches are displayed under glass.

Le Casino is where the casino action runs high, the major attraction being the roulette and blackjack gaming tables. The library is pleasant enough, although it really could be larger. This ship presents Seven Seas Cruises with the opportunity to score very high marks with its passengers, as the company is known for its attention to detail and passenger care.

A no-tie policy means that the dress code is very relaxed – every day. The standard itinerary means that the ship docks only in Papeete and shore tenders are used in all other ports. There is little entertainment, as the ship stays overnight in several ports (so little is needed). The ship’s high crew-to-passenger ratio translates to highly personalized service.

The ship has become a favorite of travelers to these climes, and the quiet, refined atmosphere on board makes it sort of clubby, with passengers getting to know each other easily.

Where the ship really shines is in the provision of a lot of water sports equipment, and its shallow draft allows it to navigate and anchor in lovely little places that larger ships couldn’t possibly get to. All in all, it’s a delightful cruise and product, and all gratuities to staff are included. The euro is now the currency in Tahiti and its islands, as Tahiti is a French territory.

Islands, beaches and watersports are what this ship is good at. Perhaps the best island experience is in Bora Bora. Paul Gauguin’s shallow draft means there could be some movement, as the ship is a little high-sided for its size A minimum purchase rule in the ship’s boutique is irritating (however, this is due to local government rules); the same is true of the casino (you must pay $10 to play – again, local government rules). The spa is very small, and the fitness room is windowless.

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008