Tahiti on the Renaissance R4
By:  Greig Smith
gsmith@c12.ci.la.ca.us 

The R4 Renaissance cruise is one of the best values for your dollar, but it is not for some cruisers. The R4 is a beautiful ship, but small. It has only 680 passengers. If you like the big glitzy ships with lots of reasons to stay on board, this is not for you.

The ships are very clean and efficient. I have never seen a better check in and out program. You are on the ship and in your cabin within minutes. We had our luggage in less than half an hour. Getting off was also leisurely and efficient.

If you want to take a cruise where the emphasis is on the places you go, Tahiti is probably the most beautiful and unspoiled place on earth. I have been to the Caribbean and Hawaii, but Bora Bora and the Tahitian islands put them to shame.  Unlike other destinations tourists have not ruined it. There is no homelessness or beggars and no crime.  R4 is all about seeing the beauty, not nighttime entertainment or bingo. If you aren't into water, snorkeling, or boats, DON'T go. Half of the excursions are water related. The other half are bus tours. 

R4 has good, but not great food. The rooms are very nice and roomy compared to some I have been on, but the beds are the worst. Ask for a bed pad. The excursions are very good, but a little pricey. Some of them you can get on shore for a few bucks less, but know this - Tahiti is not cheap, and it is not really for tourists. There is very little shopping to do and few gifts to take home. But you will love the people who really do like us, it's just not spoiled by us like Hawaii has become. The main city of Papeete is nothing to talk about, but once on the other islands you will say WOW.

Make sure you pay a few bucks extra for a balcony cabin. I met one couple who didn't and they really regretted it. Renaissance makes sure that every morning that you have sailed, you will pull into port at 7 AM so that you get the full beauty of the islands as you come into the bays and over the reefs. The colors are all postcard stuff. (by the way the level c and d cabins are exactly the same, just different locations. Go for the D if you can get it first and save a few bucks.) At first the new tipping policy may seem a bit high, but I found that the staff worked hard to earn it. The Stewards are superb and I found the entire staff to be very friendly and helpful. They want you not to change their tips so they work at it.  

All in all if you want beauty and relaxation this is the best cruise we have taken. (our 5th). 

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