| Cruise Line |
Paul Gauguin Cruises |
| Ship |
Paul Gauguin |
| Destination |
South Pacific & New Zealand |
| Nights |
12 |
| Departure Date |
05 Jun 2021 |
| Description |
12 Night Cruise sailing from Lautoka to Papeete aboard Paul Gauguin.
Calling upon ports in four very different South Seas archipelagos, this exciting 12-night journey offers a window into the cultures and natural beauty of this diverse and verdant corner of the world. From Fiji’s colonial charms to the white-sand beaches of Bora Bora, to the coral reef-enclosed lagoon of Aitutaki, this is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Embark the m/s Paul Gauguin in Lautoka, Fiji
Begin your South Pacific adventure in the heart of Fiji’s sugarcane-growing region. Here, you’ll embark your luxurious floating home for the next 11 nights: the m/s Paul Gauguin.
Day 2 Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji
In Fiji, virtually everyone you’ll meet will be smiling—and when you view the high mountains, lush vegetation, shimmering waters, and pristine white-sand beaches of this island nation, you’ll understand why. The capital of Fiji since 1883, Suva is located on rugged Viti Levu, the largest of the island chain and home to 75% of the country’s population. Suva itself is the largest urban area in the South Pacific outside of Australia and New Zealand. Perched on a hilly peninsula between two harbors, it boasts a fascinating mix of modern and colonial architectural, as well as a sophisticated ambiance. On your own, perhaps you’ll visit the Fiji Museum or Handicraft Centre, or stroll the Victoria Parade, the city’s main street. Or join a shore excursion for a walk through the rain forest, a round a golf, a diving expedition, and more.
Day 3 Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji
The island of Vanua Levu in northern Fiji remains largely undeveloped, making it a charming, unspoiled haven. It is the second-largest of Fiji’s 300 islands, and, because of its remoteness, it is reminiscent of the South Seas before its European discovery. Largely unchanged over the past 30 years, the village of Savusavu is sometimes called the “Hidden Paradise of Fiji,†with its single, half-mile-long main street facing a fantastically beautiful bay. In the afternoon, you can see pots on top of steaming fissures as women prepare the evening meal on the hot springs that bubble up throughout the town. Explore at your leisure, or join one of many available shore excursions, such as a visit to a black-pearl farm, a Fijian village, or a plantation.
Day 4 At Sea
Spend the day enjoying The Gauguin’s Polynesian ambiance: casual, leisurely, and elegant. Perhaps you’ll work out in the fitness center and later enjoy specialties inspired by one of the top chefs of Paris over dinner in La Veranda.
Day 5 Vava’u, Tonga
One of the easternmost countries in the world, nudging the International Date Line, the Kingdom of Tonga was never colonized by Europeans, a distinction it shares with no other South Pacific nation. As a result, today it is the oldest and last remaining Polynesian monarchy, and its culture remains strong, even in the face of modernization. One of the Kingdom of Tonga’s three main island groups, the islands of Vava’u are renowned for their colorful coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and lagoon so clear, you can see to a depth of 130 feet. Perhaps you’ll join a shore excursion to Swallows Cave, a famous bird sanctuary. Or discover the calm waterways by sea kayak.
Day 6-7 At Sea / Cross International Date Line
Spend two days enjoying shipboard life: take a dip in the pool, watch the South Pacific pass by, play some table tennis, or read up on our next port at the Reading Gallery. And enjoy live entertainment in Le Grand Salon after a sumptuous gourmet dinner at L’Etoile.
Day 8 Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Only eight square miles in area, the Cook Island of Aitutaki is so flat, you can spot the ocean from nearly any point. Coconut, pineapple, banana, and tapioca plantations are sprinkled throughout the island, which is surrounded by coral reefs that enclose an especially large and exquisite turquoise lagoon. Bask in the sun and enjoy breathtaking views of the shimmering lagoon during an optional boat cruise and beach visit. Or venture to a nearby marine reserve for some snorkeling.
Day 9 At Sea
Today, take advantage all The Gauguin has to offer. Perhaps you'll enjoy a massage at our luxurious spa or relax on the Pool Deck with a drink at Le Grill.
Day 10 Bora Bora, Society Islands
Pulitzer Prize-winning author James A. Michener called Bora Bora “the most beautiful island in the world.†Dominated by towering Mount Otemanu and surrounded by a lagoon protected by low-lying coral reefs, this is indeed a spectacular destination. The ship arrives here in the morning and remains until late in the evening, giving you a full day in this quintessential Pacific paradise. Perhaps you’ll take advantage of complimentary swimming and snorkeling on our private beach on a motu off the main island. Or explore the island by land or sea on a range of shore excursions.
Day 11 Taha'a (Motu Mahana), Society Islands
Motu Mahana, an islet adjacent to Taha’a, is our very own South Seas paradise featuring white-sand beaches with swaying palms, crystal-clear waters, and gentle breezes. As an exclusive Paul Gauguin event, you will have a full day to relax on this idyllic, isolated island, enjoying swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, or simply relaxing on the beach with a beverage from the floating bar. Les Gauguines will also be on hand to provide musical entertainment and demonstrate traditional Polynesian crafts. And savor a delicious barbecue lunch of fresh Polynesian specialties and popular Western fare.
Day 12 Moorea, Society Islands / Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands
Moorea’s lush scenery is like something out of a dream: spectacular mountain peaks cloaked in lush vegetation, an abundance of fresh fruits and flowers, and peaceful multi-hued lagoons framed by palm-fringed beaches. Spend the day reveling in the island’s unsurpassed beauty and wealth of activities. Perhaps you’ll take an optional air-conditioned coach ride around the island to admire the stunning views. In the evening, The Gauguin cruises to Tahiti.
Day 13 Disembark in Papeete, Tahiti
In the morning, you’ll have brunch aboard ship in Tahiti’s bustling capital before disembarking for your return home. |
|
| Itinerary |
Cruise Itinerary
| Day | Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|
| 1 |
05/06 |
Lautoka, Fiji |
|
05:00 PM |
| 2 |
06/06 |
Suva Fiji |
08:00 AM |
05:00 PM |
| 3 |
07/06 |
Savusavu Fiji |
08:00 AM |
05:00 PM |
| 4 |
08/06 |
At sea |
|
|
| 5 |
09/06 |
Vavau, Tonga |
08:00 AM |
05:00 PM |
| 6 |
10/06 |
Date Line Crossing |
|
|
| 7 |
11/06 |
Aitutaki, Cook Islands |
08:00 AM |
05:00 PM |
| 8 |
12/06 |
At sea |
|
|
| 9 |
13/06 |
Bora Bora, French Polynesia |
08:00 AM |
10:00 PM |
| 10 |
14/06 |
Tahaa, French Polynesia |
09:00 AM |
05:00 PM |
| 11 |
15/06 |
Moorea, French Polynesia |
08:00 AM |
05:00 PM |
| 11 |
15/06 |
Papeete, Tahiti |
07:30PM |
|
| 12 |
16/06 |
Papeete, Tahiti |
08:00 AM |
|
|
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
|