I've done it both ways, flight and other times ferry. I like both for different reasons depending on logistics. I do not like the ferry at night, especially when someone didn't take a motion sick pill before departure and ends up vomiting right where you have to exit, and that was on the top floor with open air. Slippery footprints from others in front who didn't see where to step over caused problems. But, that can happen on a plane too. People who aren't used to traveling and don't know what to expect sometimes get nauseous. Seen honeymooners, who had never traveled, be sick the entire time on boating excursions, no matter what part of the world visited because they didn't think about motion sickness prevention (not their fault, they just didn't know). Motion sick medication or methods should always be packed and ready. It's better on a ferry during the day when you can see the horizon (at least in my experience). You also get used to boats the more you travel, yet I still find myself prone to sometimes taking a motion sick pill half and hour or more before a long ferry ride if I'm tired from a long trip, especially if going across deep water which gives way to large waves. For us, it's about logistics.

Still finding upgrade rates at Hilton Moorea beyond reason compared to other places. Not sure why unless they're truly at full capacity a lot. I booked travel for others and the pre-paid upgrade rates have been a turn off causing people to look at other places to stay, even other destinations.