Crossing Oceania: Fiji to Bali

Here is a voyage made for lovers of ocean cruising; perfect for those seeking to disconnect from the everyday with an indulgent balance of days at sea and seven intriguing South Pacific islands bookended by the tropical icons of Fiji and Bali.

A robust program of guest speakers invites personal enrichment on board to renew mind, body and spirit, while a maiden call at Alotau, Papua New Guinea highlights an itinerary also featuring Vanuatu, Guadalcanal and Komodo National Park.

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Highlights

• Delve into the archipelago of Vanuatu with a call to Port Vila, Efate, revered for its beautiful harbor, bustling markets, cultural museums and attractions such as the Mele Cascades waterfall.

• Discover Alotau in Papua New Guinea, a maiden port known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and lush rainforests; cultural traditions in dance, music, and art thrive, while WWII history is commemorated at museums and memorials.

• Explore Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous not only for its namesake “dragon” – the world’s largest lizard – but also for its gorgeous landscape of rugged hills, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters rich with marine life.

• Enjoy an overnight in Bali, home to extraordinary temples and often called “Island of the Gods” owing to its strong Hindu and Buddhist heritage; take time to explore its vibrant culture and stunning natural scenery.

Itinerary

January 28 - Lautoka, Viti Levu Island

Once you arrive in Lautoka (known as “Sugar City” for the green-gold sugarcane that surrounds the city), there’s much to explore. Stroll its palm-lined streets, experience everyday life in a traditional village, or hike in Koroyanitu National Heritage Park.

January 29-30 - At sea

Have you met Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines yet? Our onboard hosts are at the ready to share their Polynesian culture, with Tahitian dance lessons, hands-on traditional craft demonstrations, and an array of activities for all ages.

January 31 - Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

A stunning island of palm-lined beaches, spring-fed swimming holes, lush rainforests, and lofty mountains, Espiritu Santo also played an important role in World War II. Perhaps you’ll explore this heritage or experience the island’s traditional village life. You can also enjoy exceptional swimming and snorkeling here. Or simply relax on the beach.

February 1 - Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu

Vanuatu’s enchanting capital is a tropical paradise of pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush landscapes. Explore the Erakor Rainforest, a verdant sanctuary of winding trails with wooden bridges and towering trees home to abundant birdlife including colorful parrots and elusive kingfishers as well as tree-dwelling geckos and dazzling butterflies.

February 2-3 - At sea

The day is yours to make what you will of it. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests or take part in cooking lessons with the executive chef. Or maybe you’ll unwind poolside or treat yourself to a visit to the Algotherm Spa… or why not both? A day at sea offers ample time to relax and plan your next adventure.

February 4 - Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands

The largest of the Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal is best known for the six-month battle between Allied and Japanese forces that marked a turning point in the Pacific theater during World War II. The island still brims with World War II relics, monuments, and memorials, as you may discover.

February 5 - At sea

As the journey unfolds, the seamless blend of French culinary traditions and Polynesian flair emerges in every dish, revealing a gourmet adventure unlike any other. Whether it’s poolside casual fare or elegant fine dining, each meal offers the region’s local bounty—freshly caught seafood, island fruits, and the finest international delicacies. From the simplicity of grilled fish to the allure of Tahitian vanilla crème brûlée, dining aboard The Gauguin is a story of place and tradition.

February 6 - Alotau, Papua New Guinea

Discover this tropical paradise home to pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Warm and welcoming locals are proud to share their rich cultural heritage, notably their traditions of dance and music. Local cuisine tantalizes with a fusion of seafood, exotic fruits, root vegetables, and the ubiquitous coconut. Here you can journey inland to see cascading waterfalls crowning untouched wilderness and dive in to crystal-clear waters in search of majestic sea turtles.

February 7 - Samarai Island

Once an important trading center, Samarai Island was evacuated, and its buildings were destroyed to prevent it from falling into Japanese control during World War II. It has since been rebuilt — though not to the same scale as its glory days. Take a stroll along the pleasant pathway that encircles its pretty town, view spectacular marine life on a SCUBA diving expedition, or simply relax on the beach.

February 8-11 - At sea

Start the day with a gourmet breakfast served on your private balcony—a feature on 70% of the ship’s staterooms and suites—or enjoyed alfresco at Le Grill. In either location, the surrounding beauty of the ocean ignites excitement for the day’s activities.

February 12 - Dili, Timor Leste

The capital of Timor-Leste (formerly East Timor) — one of the youngest countries in the world — Dili is still a sleepy colonial town … but also one that is modernizing rapidly. If you’re feeling energetic, you might climb the 580 steps to the Cristo Rei, the world second-largest statue Christ the King. Stroll the waterfront in the colonial heart of town. Find a wide assortment of goods at the Dili Tais Market. And enjoy the city’s many fine white-sand beaches with excellent diving and snorkeling.

February 13 - At sea

With its water blending into the surrounding waters and landscapes, the pool on deck 8 is perfect for relaxing in the sun coupled with refreshing umbrella drinks from the on deck bar. When you are done resting, join one of the daily activities, including a class on the many ways to wear a pareo, how to play the ukulele or make your own jewelry.

February 14 - Komodo Island, Indonesia

Between the islands of Sumbawa and Florès, Komodo National Park welcomes you to discover its natural wonders. At the very heart of the Indonesian archipelago, the three islands that form it – Komodo, Rinca and Padar - owe their renown to the famous eponymous dragons, enormous lizards over two metres long, which live in its grassy savannah. This jagged and hilly volcanic territory belonging to the Sunda Islands is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its incredible terrestrial and marine biodiversity. Admire its palette of colours, intermingling the sparkling whites of the beaches and the deep blues of the coral-filled water.

February 15 - At sea

The Gauguin is a lively ship, endlessly enchanting with singing, dancing, drums, and ukeleles… Les Gauguines share their cultured talents with special performances, specially at night. But nothing quite rivals the blanket of stars as seen on deck.

February 16-17, 27 - Benoa, Bali

Visit Ubud, renowned for its temples, shrines, artists' workshops and galleries, and the Sacred Monkey Forest. Or maybe you'll want to indulge in watersports activities like jetskiing, banana boating, parasailing, snorkeling diving and reef fishing. With its beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, exotic culture, beautiful handicrafts and fascinating dance traditions, Bali has drawn travelers from around the world for decades.

What Makes Paul Gauguin Cruises Special

Designed specifically to glide in luxury 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, all while providing a travel experience that is nothing short of luxurious. Once on board, guests enjoy spacious suites and staterooms (nearly 70% with private balconies), a watersports marina, three dining venues, an extensive spa, and excellent service. I highly recommend it!