14 Nights Marquesas, Tuamotus and 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 | 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 3 | Fakarava, Tuamotus: Before modern navigation, this region was known as the "Dangerous Archipelago" for its shallow passages. Today, that same characteristic makes Fakarava a diver's paradise. Those who prefer to stay on dry land can explore charming villages, ancient temples, and a 19th century coral church.

Day 4 | At Sea: Take a day to enjoy shipboard life by relaxing poolside, watching the South Pacific pass by, playing some table tennis, or learning about the next port in the Reading Gallery.

Day 5 | Omoa, Fatu Hiva, Marquesas: The island of Fatu Hiva is best described as wild and spectacularly beautiful. The jungle greenery begins at the water's edge, with narrow ravines, deep gorges, and sheer cliffs that plunge straight down into the splashing surf.

Day 6 | Atuona, Hiva Oa, Marquesas: Hiva Oa is the second largest island in the Marquesas, and location of significant historical and cultural sites. Painter Paul Gauguin is buried in the island's main town of Atuona, while the village of Pumau is where you'll find the largest stone sculptures in the Marquesas. In fact, they're considered relatives of the famous tikis of Necker Island, north of Hawaii, and Easter Island.

Day 7 | Hapatoni, Tahuata, Marquesas: The smallest of the Marquesas archipelago at only 19 square miles, Tahuata is a leaf-shaped volcanic island that welcomes visitors with sheer cliffs, white sand beaches, a charming seafront village with an ancient royal walkway, and a huge, Vatican built Catholic church.

Day 8 | Tiaohae, Nuka Hiva, Marquesas: The island of Nuku Hiva is the governmental and economic center of the Marquesas. It's also stunningly beautiful, with three major bays on the south coast and similarly gorgeous inlets on the north coast. You can titness Mother Nature at her best with an optional 4x4 excursion through the Taipivai Valley.

Day 9 and 10 | At Sea: The next two days will be at sea, which affords you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the amenities and entertainment onboard The Gauguin, like the award winning spa, casino, and lectures by onboard experts.

Day 11 | 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 12 | Bora Bora, Society Islands: A bucket list destination for many, stunning Bora Bora welcomes you to explore 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 13 | 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 14 | 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 15 | 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

There is a full entertainment program including Polynesian artists, musical entertainment, a pianist, and a professionally operated casino with slot machines.
Start an adventure in the watersports marina for complimentary kayaking, windsurfing, and paddle boarding, and Zodiacs' for optional dive excursions. There are also spacious outdoor decks and a pool for guests who would like to relax in the sun while traveling.

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:

Blue Lagoon Escapade
Eco Snorkeling Tour
Half Day to Teahatea Beach
Hapatoni Discovery
Island Tour by Waverunner
ATV Guided Tour
Botanical & Agricultural Walk
Island Drive & Belvedere
Sunset Sail
SCUBA Adventures
Visit of Taipivai Valley

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.