Discover Paradise with French Polynesia's Destination Expert
There is no better way to enjoy French Polynesia than aboard Paul Gauguin Cruises! These itineraries delve deep into the treasures of the Cook Islands featuring stays in Aitutaki and Rarotonga. The former was settled by legendary Polynesian explorer Ru in 900 A.D.; its inhabitants keep history alive with song, dance, legends, and crafts, specifically tivaevae, intricate, handmade patchwork quilts unique to the Cook Islands, and featuring designs inspired by nature. Rarotonga is the largest of the Cook Islands, and embraced by a sparkling lagoon, sugar-white sands, and the friendly wave of palm trees, as the unmistakable sound of ukuleles floats in the air.
This serene Pacific archipelago offers frangipani-scented air, vibrant coral reefs in Aitutaki, and lush rainforests in Rarotonga. Paired with stunning Society Islands like Bora Bora and Huahine, it's pure paradise.
This 11-night odyssey whisks you away for the definitive South Pacific experience—and oh, the tales you’ll tell upon your return! Adventures above and below the sea. Pristine beaches with silken white sands. Ancient legends. Soaring mountains. And plenty of relaxation, discovery, and romance. Your journey begins in Tahiti, and the beauty escalates from there as you explore French Polynesia’s most captivating isles: Bora Bora, Taha’a, Huahine, and Moorea in the Society Islands, followed by Aitutaki and Rarotonga—called “Paradise” by the first European explorers—in the Cook Islands. During this voyage, you’ll see more colors than you thought possible. (Surely French Polynesia has come up with some entirely new ones the rest of the world isn’t even aware of yet.) In addition to these islands, you’ll enjoy a day on your very own islet, Motu Mahana, the exclusive domain of guests of the m/s Paul Gauguin.
Exploring the Society Islands and the Cook Islands, with ports of call at iconic locations: Bora Bora, Moorea, Aitutaki, and many other paradisical sites.
Breathtaking Polynesian scenery (including Rarotonga Valley), an intimate barbecue on the Mahana motu, an exclusive islet, and discovering Polynesian way of life.
Possibility of diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor to admire Polynesian marine species.
Roundtrip Papeete, Tahiti
2027: Jan 2, Nov 6, Dec 18
2028: Jan 8, Nov 11, Dec 16
Day 1 Tahiti, Society Islands
Day 2 Huahine, Society Islands
Day 3 At Sea
Day 4 Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Day 5 Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Day 6 At Sea
Days 7-8 Bora Bora, Society Islands
Day 9 Taha'a, Society Islands (Motu Mahana)
Days 10-11 Moorea, Society Islands
Day 12 Tahiti, Society Islands
French Polynesia's destination expert journeys beyond its home waters in the Society Islands to host you on an extraordinary 14-night journey into legendary South Pacific isles, from tiny Tonga to fascinating Fiji. Pristine shores weave a tapestry of culture and beauty, and every port has its own unique story to share. Follow the paths carved by history's greatest mariners and discover why these islands have captivated explorers for centuries.
Experience the fascinating duality of Fiji through its contrasting ports: embrace the cosmopolitan energy of Suva, the nation's capital, before finding yourself in Savusavu—a sanctuary so breathtaking it has earned the name "Fiji's Best Kept Secret."
Dive into an underwater wonderland at Beqa Island, where one of the planet's most impressive barrier reefs creates a natural aquarium teeming with vibrant coral gardens and an incredible array of tropical marine life.
Create unforgettable memories on our exclusive retreat, Motu Mahana. This private paradise invites you to embrace island living at its—on a gourmet barbecue lunch, sip fresh coconut drinks, and let the gentle breeze beneath the palm trees transport you to a state of pure bliss.
Roundtrip Papeete, Tahiti
2027: Jan 13, Apr 15
Day 1 Tahiti, Society Islands
Day 2 Moorea, Society Islands
Day 3 Taha'a, Society Islands (Motu Mahana)
Day 4-5 Bora Bora, Society Islands
Day 6 At Sea
Day 7 Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Day 8 At Sea
Day 9 Crossing the International Dateline
Day 10 Vava'u, Tonga
Day 11 At Sea
Day 12 Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji
Day 13 Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji
Day 14 Beqa Island, Fiji
Day 15 Lautoka, Viti Levu Island
Designed specifically to glide through the shallow seas of the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin is a small-ship cruiser’s dream. The Gauguin delivers travelers to intimate ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships. Once on board, guests enjoy spacious suites and staterooms (nearly 70% with private balconies), a watersports marina, three dining venues, an extensive spa, and exceptional service.
If you are new to Paul Gauguin Cruises, I hope you find this introduction valuable. If you are already familiar, perhaps this will ignite Polynesian memories. In any case, please do reach out if you'd like information about Paul Gauguin Cruises. I highly recommend it!
Part of what makes a voyage with Paul Gauguin Cruises so special is to be able to access some of the world’s most idyllic, unspoiled beaches which larger ships cannot reach.
Motu Mahana | Off the coast of Taha’a, there is Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private South Seas island, where you’ll spend a day (or maybe two, depending on your itinerary) doing exactly as you please.
Bora Bora | You can spend as much time as you'd like during the day on our private beach in Bora Bora (subject to availability as conditions allow).
The Gauguin sails accompanied by her own troupe of Tahitian hosts and entertainers, Les Gauguins & Les Gauguines, that bring the spirit of Polynesia to life. Enjoy a retelling of ancestral legends through dance, delight in traditional songs onboard and on Paul Gauguin Cruises' private motu, and learn local crafts during hands-on demonstrations. In addition to Les Gauguins & Les Gauguines, on every voyage we invite local performers onboard to entertain you. Couples celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary can even attend a Polynesian blessing ceremony.
The islands of French Polynesia have been Paul Gauguin Cruises' home for almost 30 years and their expertise in revealing them with artful authenticity is unmatched. Spend more time enjoying your cruise vacation with the destination expert, and less time worrying about every little detail when it’s all been taken care of—from gourmet dining in three different restaurants, to beverages, including select wines and spirits, beer, soft drinks, and hot beverages, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship, onboard gratuities, 24-hour room service, butler service for categories B and higher, watersports marina for kayaking and paddleboarding, and so much more.
Paul Gauguin Cruises welcomes all solo travelers with a Zero Single Supplement on a rich selection of all-inclusive voyages. Treat yourself to the genuine hospitality and authentic experiences unique to The Gauguin and indulge in the serenity of this overwater “bungalow” that sails.
Offered in partnership with Te mana o te moana, a South Pacific marine education and conservation foundation, the Moana Explorer Program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for children and teens, ages 6-15, to discover and value the natural wonders of this breathtaking part of the world through hands-on, interactive learning.
Published fares are inclusive of up to 30% bonus savings. Kids sail free as a third guest in the stateroom. Pricing for the third guest in the same stateroom is as follows: 17 years old and under, sail FREE; 18 years of age or older, 30% of adult cruise fare + taxes and fees will apply. Triples are available in select staterooms, are capacity controlled and subject to change at anytime without notice.
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