11 Nights Cook Islands & Society Islands

Type of Vessel

The m/s Paul Gauguin was designed specifically to sail the shallow seas of Tahiti and French Polynesia, visiting small ports that larger ships can't reach and effortlessly blending into the stunning natural beauty of the South Seas. She offers an extension of the informal, relaxing environment of the islands, coupled with five star service, comfort and luxury. Spacious suites and staterooms, offer more than 70% with private balconies, an onboard watersports marina, a choice of three open seating dining venues and an extensive spa are among her luxurious attributes. The atmosphere aboard ship radiates warmth, informality, and Polynesian flair. And the beloved troupe of Gauguines, a local Tahitian group who serve as cruise staff, entertainers and storytellers, add the unique personality of Tahiti to every cruise.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands - Embark the m/s Paul Gauguin: The islands of Polynesia are a gorgeous collection of volcanic atolls strewn across the grand Pacific Ocean, and the island of Tahiti is the largest of all 118. Explore the dynamic dining, nightlife, and shopping in the capital city of Papeete before embarking on The Gauguin.

Day 2 | Huahine, Society Islands: Known as "The Garden Island," Huahine's lush rainforests and dramatic terrain surround sacred sites and legendary landmarks that are among the best-preserved archeological sites in French Polynesia. If Huahine's expansive lagoon is calling your name, enjoy a SCUBA diving excursion or picnic on the beach.

Day 3 | At Sea: Spend the day enjoying The Gauguin's Polynesian ambiance which is casual, leisurely, and graceful. Perhaps you'll take in a lecture by one of the special guests, and then reflect on your day over classic French cuisine at L'Etoile.

Day 4 | Aitutaki, Cook Islands: While the island of Aitutaki may be small, it's big on beauty, thanks to its coral reef-enclosed lagoon. Witness its splendor up-close with a leisurely beach visit. Don't forget to save time to venture into the village of Arutanga, where you'll find the oldest church in the Cooks, which dates from 1829.

Day 5 | Rarotonga, Cook Islands: Rugged Rarotonga is the most mountainous of all the Cook Islands, and time here is best spent exploring its natural beauty. Snorkel in Muri Lagoon, wander the lush Takitumi Conservation Area, or take a hike into the island's dense interior with Pa, a local naturalist.

Day 6 | At Sea: The time you spend onboard The Gauguin offers endless opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment, whether that means sampling gourmet cuisine, indulging in a spa treatment, watching the sunset from a chaise lounge on the sun deck, or simply making the most of your in-room amenities.

Day 7 and 8 | Bora Bora, Society Islands: A bucket list destination for many, stunning Bora Bora welcomes you for two full days of exploring lush peaks, white sand beaches, colorful coral reefs, and romantic lagoons. Experience the natural beauty of the island with an optional snorkeling excursion, sunset jet boat ride, or a helicopter tour that flies you over Bora Bora's iconic Mount Otemanu. You can also spend time at the private beach which offers volleyball, snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Day 9 | Taha'a (Motu Mahana), Society Islands: Embark on your choice of exciting shore excursions today, or spend your whole day relaxing on Motu Mahana, a private islet. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, or simply lounge on the beach with a chilled beverage from the floating bar. Les Gauguines will also be on hand to provide musical entertainment and demonstrate traditional Polynesian crafts. A delicious barbecue lunch is provided.

Day 10 | Moorea, Society Islands: Vibrant colors abound during two leisurely days in Moorea, in everything from fresh fruits and flowers to multi-hued lagoons, and from spectacular mountain peaks to palm fringed beaches. Shop for local handicrafts, embark on an optional dolphin watching expedition with a marine biologist, and sample the local pineapples, said to be the most delicious in all of French Polynesia.

Day 11 | Moorea, Society Islands/Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands: Vibrant colors abound on Moorea, in everything from fresh fruits and flowers to multi-hued lagoons, and from spectacular mountain peaks to palm fringed beaches. Shop for local handicrafts, embark on an optional dolphin watching expedition with a marine biologist, and sample the local pineapples, said to be the most delicious in all of French Polynesia.

Day 12 | Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands -Disembark: Tahiti's capital city of Papeete welcomes you back with emerald hillsides, sapphire waters, and warm breezes. If you're not ready for your South Pacific vacation to end, spend a few days here experiencing resorts, spas, restaurants, nightlife, and shopping.

Guest Services

Butler service, complimentary 24 hour room service, complimentary beverages, Wi Fi hot spots throughout the ship, laundry and dry cleaning services and certified medical services are offered to guests upon arrival.

Food and Dining

La Veranda allows you to dine al fresco or enjoy wraparound ocean views from the dining room where there is an ever-changing selection of buffet breakfast and lunch items and a la carte options. L'Etoile features an exquisite main dining room that is dressed to impress with with perfectly appointed decor, fine table linens, and delicate china. Every evening stop by for dinner and sample a tantalizing array of expertly prepared dishes, perfectly paired with complimentary wines. Le Grill located by the pool and offers a buffet breakfast, grilled lunch favorites, salads, and fresh tropical fruit.

Onboard Activities/Events

Guests can enjoy Le Grand Salon, swimming pool, the State-of-the-art retractable Watersports Marina provides windsurfers, kayaks, water-skiing, Zodiac for optional diving adventures, onboard dive program, onboard lecture program, casino.

Shore Excursions

Explore some of the most beautiful sites that nature has to offer throughout your journey on a plethora of the highlighted excursions offered. Just a few of them include:

Lagoon Cruise with Beak Break
Circle Island by Waverunner
Romantic Escapade at Thalasso Bora Bora
Sunset Sail by Catamaran
Motu Picnic
Botanical & Agricultural Walk
Island Drive & Belvedere
Trails of the Ancients Trek
Exploration of Taha'a

Staterooms or Cabins

Nearly 70% of suites and staterooms have private balconies, and all feature an ocean view, temperature control, queen-size bed, bathroom with full size bathtub and shower, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, TV, CD/DVD player, personal safe, refrigerator stocked with soft drinks, and more. There is one wheelchair accessible stateroom, and select staterooms can accommodate three guests.

Spa

Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm combines the art of gentle pampering with services that are uniquely tailored to the needs and wishes of each individual. This spa offers an extensive range of services including skin care therapies, skin exfoliation, massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, body wraps, facials, beauty treatments, nail services, and hair styling.

Fitness

This convenient fitness center is outfitted with the latest fitness equipment, including Lifecycles, treadmills, stair climbers, and weight machines. Other onboard fitness opportunities include a morning mile-long walk around decks 8 and 9 and a sunrise Polynesian-inspired Zumba class, both hosted by Les Gauguines.

Family Info

Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering a new way for families to explore this breathtaking part of the world together through a joint program with the Wildlife Conservation Society. Once aboard the ship, the WCS naturalists will gather with families and provide a program introduction and itinerary for the duration of the voyage. Every day, there will be a combination of island and/or beach excursions, science activities, crafts, games, and other adventures. While all of the items on the itinerary are included for kids through the nominal fee paid at booking, family members are invited and encouraged to participate in most activities for the additional cost of the shore excursions.