I'm currently booked on the PG for a 7-dayer in Nov. However, I just noticed an 18-day Mariner crossing, Auckland to LA, that visits FP along the way. The price works out to about the same daily rate for either one, but w/ the longer one I wouldn't do a pre- or post-cruise, so I'd be spending about the same $$. Here's the link to the Mariner itinerary:

http://www.rssc.com/voyage/details.jsp?code=MAR061130

So, we're seriously considering switching. Any thoughts, opinions, comments? I don't know much about the Mariner -- I suppose I should go read a bunch of reviews now to learn more about her.

The idea of spending 18 whole days on an RSSC cruise sounds pretty luxurious to me! It would certainly be an easier vacation than my last one, the Med on the Voyager, with so many amazing ports, private excursions, pre- and post-cruise stays -- it was a lot of research and planning, and a very complex trip overall. This one sounds more like it would just be total relaxation and hedonism! As well as giving us the opportunity to experience Tahiti and some of the islands.

But I've heard SO many wonderful things about the PG, I'm reluctant to walk away from that experience.

I would love to hear any comments about how the two experiences might be different.