Clearance takes 6 - 8. Regent had flown the clearance offices to APIA to enable them to board the ship and then this lengthy clearance could happen on a sea day. However, we could not dock in Apia the seas were really bad. So we could not go ashore until the clearance has taken place. We arrived in Bora Bora late morning and the clearance was completed and at 5.00 pm you could go ashore.

A dance group came on the ship that evening at 9.30 pm by then the all the guests were back onboard.

We cruised 17 times on the Paul Gauguin so we know this area very well and have done probably 90% of the tours available. It was so nice to see the sun and beautiful Bora Bora. I was surprised that really nothing has changed.

Same tours, there were more shops rather than just items on a table and a large grocery / pharamcy store that was new and a good thing to have. Plus a big tent where they hold meetings often about politics which seems so strange on such a laid back island. This tent is right near where the tenders dock.

We took the circle island tour to see any changes. Only changes were some new hotels and some older hotels had closed. Bloody Mary's has closed. It is a stunning island and glad it has retained the relaxed atmosphere.

Pictures below.




Our vehicle for the circle island tour.




Not sure what this plant is but found it fascinating. Anyone know?