Tahiti & Society Islands

Day-to-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Embark Paul Gauguin in Papeete, Tahiti

Begin your journey to a paradise in the capital of Tahiti, the largest and most populated of the French Polynesian islands. Here you'll embark Paul Gauguin . This luxurious yet casual, ultra-deluxe vessel will be your home for the next week. With an endless choice of things to do, from relaxing poolside with a book to playing the slots in the casino, you will never be bored.

Day 2 - Raiatea

You will have the day to explore the island that was once the cultural, religious, royal and political heart of Polynesia, and, according to legend, and lore, as well as Tahiti's most significant archeological sites. Ancient Polynesians built maraes, or temples, of stone in many sizes. The maraes provided a physical space for the spirit of the gods to occupy during ritual ceremonies, as did the carved wooden tikis for which the region is famous. Be sure to visit Taputapuatea, a national monument and the most important marae in the Society Islands. We will bid adieu to Raiatea just before dinner and set sail with the compass set for Motu Mahana.

Day 3 - Taha'a (Motu Mahana)

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, guests will spend a full day exploring this idyllic, isolated island, and relaxing with a delicious barbecue lunch and Polynesian entertainment featuring strolling musicians and singers.

Day 4 - Bora Bora

Immediately recognizable by the basalt tombstone of Mount Otemanu rising from the ocean, this half-atoll, half-mountain is surrounded by a spectacular lagoon and a series of smaller islands. Ancient Polynesians called it Parapora, or “firstborn,” because they thought it was the first island created after Raiatea.

Day 5 - Bora Bora

Explore more of this magical isle on your own or on a choice of optional shore excursions. Choose from several, like a jitney tour on “Le Truck,” or a 4-wheel-drive safari, or a glass-bottom boat ride. We will set sail before dinner, enjoying a relaxing evening on board.

Day 6 - Moorea

Covered in an abundance of fresh fruits and flowers, spectacular mountain peaks, peaceful multi-hued lagoons and palm-fringed beaches – Moorea's awesome beauty is unsurpassed. During your visit, you might wish to shop for local crafts, embark on a dolphin-watching expedition with a marine biologist and witness these fascinating animals in their amazing natural habitat, or try out some of the local pineapples – said to be the most delicious in all of French Polynesia. An overnight here affords us two full days on Bora Bora's gorgeous sister island.

Day 7 - Moorea/Papeete (Tahiti)

Explore more of this peaceful oasis. Perhaps you will choose to trek on the “Trails of the Ancients” or snorkel one of the world's most beautiful lagoons. At the end of the afternoon, we cruise to our home port in Papeete, docking for the night.

Day 8 Disembark in Papeete

Cap off your epic journey where it all began. You won't be the same as when you first set sail – these exotic isles are said to touch people in magical ways. If you want to explore more of this side of paradise, perhaps you will choose our pre- and post-cruise hotel programs in Huahine, Bora Bora, Moorea, Taha'a and Papeete.

Dates & Rates

Save 50% plus FREE Airfare from Los Angeles on all 2012 sailings of the m/s Paul Gauguin.

†Paul Gauguin Cruises President Diane Moore on this sailing
‡ Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program offered
§Transit of Venus sailing
||Parisian celebrity chef Jean-Pierre Vigato on this sailing

Map

Ships

Paul Gauguin

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. View ship details...

Cruise Reviews

Paul Gauguin - February 2012

Just returned from the South Pacific on Paul Gauguin. If ratings are 1-10, I rate this experience as a 14. I enjoy small ships and was hesitant to go on a ship with 332 people. There are many times I wondered where all the people were. The ship is laid out and there are so many different things to do and activities off the ship that I many times wondered where everyone had gone. Never was there a feeling of 332 passengers. I was a single and took the lowest category cabin that was available when I booked. # 763 in the front of the ship, 186 sq ft with balcony. It was lovely, well furnished, large and comfortable. The balcony was a joy. If one thing stood out above all the rest on this ship it was the service. From the housekeeper maids to the waiters without exception everyone went out their way to offer excellent service.

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Paul Gauguin - August 2010

I will start off by telling you a few things about myself. I am 15 years old, live in Seattle, and I recently took a 10-day cruise on the Paul Gauguin with my mom, dad, and younger sister. My sister and I participated in the Ambassadors of the Environment(AOTE) Program, which is a program for kids ages 9-17. In short, we Loved it. This program was a great way to meet the other kids onboard and to take part in fun activities and shore excursions just for us. Both of the AOTE leaders were amazing and I had a fun time hanging out with them. By the end of the cruise all the kids’ parents enjoyed meeting each other as well and were hanging out together too. Now, I will tell you about the cruise as a whole.

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