11 Night Cruise sailing from Papeete roundtrip aboard Paul Gauguin.

The South Pacific puts on quite a show, and the region’s incredible diversity of scenery is front and center on this 11-night journey through the Cook and Society Islands. From the rugged terrain of Rarotonga and coral reef-lined lagoon of Aitutaki to the jaw-dropping beauty of bucket-list mainstays Bora Bora and Moorea, you’ll be hard pressed to pick your favorite port.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Papeete/Embark Paul Gauguin
Embark the m/s Paul Gauguin in the afternoon and have time to settle into your cabin before dinner onboard later in the evening. The ship will set sail later that night.

Day 2 Huahine
Huahine is actually two islands, Huahine Iti and Huahine Nui, and the ship anchors between the two in Maroe Bay. This strikingly beautiful pair of islands boasts a crystalline lagoon, colorful villages, and a wealth of Polynesian archeological sites. Rising 2,200 feet above the sea, Mount Turi is the islands' high point and provides a dramatic backdrop. While you're here, you can cruise the lagoon, explore the island's culture, or picnic on the beach. More vigorous pursuits including a hill trek and scuba diving are also available.

Day 3 At Sea
Take a day to enjoy shipboard life: relax poolside, watch the South Pacific pass by, play some table tennis, or read up on our next port at the Reading Gallery.

Day 4 Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Aitutaki's coral reefs enclose a particularly large and beautiful lagoon. Uninhabited, palm-clad islets (motus) dot the reef, and even the main island is only eight square miles in area. Bask in the sun and enjoy breath-taking views of the shimmering lagoon during a lagoon cruise and beach visit. Or venture to a nearby marine reserve for some snorkeling. Arutanga village is the island's town, home to the oldest church in the Cooks, which dates from 1829.

Day 5 Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Call today at Rarotonga, capital of the Cook Islands and the most mountainous of the group. Although this is one of the most beautiful places in the world to do nothing, you have a plethora of options for getting as active as you want. Snorkel in the crystalline waters of Muri Lagoon, or encounter the lushness of tropical nature in the Takitumu Conservation Area. Take an easy ride all the way around the island, or make a rugged hike into its lush interior with “Pa,” a local naturalist.

Day 6 At Sea
Spend another day experiencing Paul Gauguin's Polynesian ambience: casual, leisurely, and graceful. Take in a lecture on local wildlife or history, and relax this evening over classic French cuisine.

Day 7 Bora Bora
Pulitzer Prize-winning author James Michener described Bora Bora as “The most beautiful island in the world.” You might wish to explore the island with a number of activities, such as a tour of the island paradise that affords breathtaking island views. Or, glide over crystalline waters on a glass bottom boat to see the island's famous marine life without getting wet, take a thrilling helicopter ride over the ship and island, or simply spend a few hours lolling on the island's beautiful beach.

Day 8 Bora Bora
Bora Bora's lagoon is constantly replenished with ocean water from the swells that crash between sandy motus and over the lagoon's fringing reef. Perhaps today you will discover its charms while swimming, snorkeling, or via an outrigger canoe.

Day 9 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 10 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. White sand beaches lapped by the translucent shimmering lagoon water and shaded by palm, coconut, and ironwood groves stretch for miles. During your visit, you might wish to take an optional air-conditioned coach ride around the island to admire the stunning views.

Day 11 Moorea/ Papeete, Tahiti
Perhaps today you will try an optional scuba diving excursion among the sea turtles and staggering amount of fish species that call Moorea's waters home. Or simply relax and revel in Moorea's natural splendor.

Day 12 Disembark in Papeete
In the morning you'll have brunch aboard ship, then disembark in the spot where you began your trip of a lifetime.

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 (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 the ship radiates warmth, informality, and Polynesian flair. If you book your cruise now, you'll be sailing aboard The Gauguin at her finest, having recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation. And our beloved troupe of Gauguines—local Tahitians who serve as cruise staff, entertainers, and storytellers—add the unique personality of Tahiti to every sailing.

Owned by Pacific Beachcomber S.C., the leader in French Polynesia luxury destination resorts, Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the award-winning luxury cruise ship m/s Paul Gauguin, providing a luxury cruise experience tailored to the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific. A second small luxury ship, the m/vTere Moana, joined the fleet in late 2012.

The renowned, 5+-star m/s Paul Gauguin was built specifically to sail the waters of Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific. Launched in 1998, The Gauguin is the longest continually operating year-round luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific. No other luxury ship in history has offered this level of single-destination focus and expertise on a year-round basis for such an extended period of time.

Like The Gauguin, The Moana will specialize in warm-weather destinations, with an emphasis on delivering unique itineraries that larger ships cannot offer and exploring hidden ports throughout these regions. The ship will sail during the summer months in Europe and winter in the Caribbean and Latin America.


Inclusive Benefits
•All onboard gratuities included
•Complimentary beverages including fine wines and premium spirits, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee and tea served throughout the ship
•Butler service in categories B and above, including in-suite bar setup and SoundDock® for iPod®
•In-suite mini-bar replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and bottled water
•State-of-the-art retractable Watersports Marina
•Onboard dive program
•Onboard lecture program
•Two elegant restaurants and one pool-side grill, all with open-seating dining
•Well-being and vegetarian selections and special dietetic menus upon request
•WiFi hotspots throughout the ship
•Complimentary 24-hour room service
•Complimentary in-room dining
•Complimentary in-room movie channels and movies available