We sailed into Papeete (pa-pe-et-ay) late in the afternoon.  We were scheduled to arrive the following morning, but, since the Easter Island landing was aborted, we had a little extra time—and perhaps they wanted to make up to us for missing Easter Island.  Apparently several people were bitterly disappointed and complained vociferously—some saying it was the main reason they had chosen the cruise.  I admit, when people asked us before we left what we were looking forward to most, we mentioned Easter Island ourselves.  I think Viking could have prevented some of the complaints had they been forthcoming in the cruise description about Easter Island (and actually the other tender ports) being potentially unsuccessful.

At any rate, the overnight in Tahiti allowed the ship to bring aboard ‘O Tahiti E’ for a performance of Tahitian music and dance that was well-received—even we enjoyed it immensely and, indeed, arrived in the theater an hour plus early in order to assure seats.  The theater seats about 400 I think and I believe we have about 830 passengers (somewhat fewer during this leg than the capacity 930), and, although they simulcast it on the pool deck and made it available for a day or two afterwards through our tvs, the theater seemed preferable. 

French Polynesia is part of France and the languages are French and Polynesian but English is widely spoken.  The population of Tahiti, the largest of the French Polynesian islands, is about 200,000, most of whom live in Papeete, the capital of both Tahiti and all of French Polynesia.

Many passengers went ashore when we docked, but we waited until morning when we walked down the quay to a smaller boat and went snorkeling.  It was lovely being in the water!  Snorkeling made me miss diving, and I kept forgetting I had to keep my snorkel out of the water so got a snorkelful of water many times.  There wasn’t a lot to see– a variety of tropical fish (whose names I used to know and have forgotten) and I did see a Christmas tree worm.  But I was delighted with the experience and ready to go again tomorrow…

In the afternoon I did the walking tour around Papeete.  We saw various buildings including the parliament house and the cathedral plus the 19^th century Queen’s bathing pool and the Market, which was like a large farmers’ market with produce grown at people’s homes, crafts, and flowers.

The sail out in the early evening produced a beautiful sunset and many photos, and we’re on our way to Bora Bora!