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.
Highlights
TRAVEL DATE | PRICE | TYPE |
---|---|---|
November 15, 2025 | from $5,350 USD | Per Person |
DAY | DATE | PLACE |
---|---|---|
1 | Sat Nov 15 | Tahiti, Society Islands |
2 | Sun Nov 16 | Huahine, Society Islands |
3 | Mon Nov 17 | At Sea |
4 | Tue Nov 18 | Aitutaki, Cook Islands |
5 | Wed Nov 19 | Rarotonga |
6 | Thu Nov 20 | At Sea |
7 | Fri Nov 21 | Bora Bora, Society Islands |
8 | Sat Nov 22 | Bora Bora, Society Islands |
9 | Sun Nov 23 | (Motu Mahana) Taha'a Island, Society Islands |
10 | Mon Nov 24 | Moorea, Society Islands |
11 | Tue Nov 25 | Moorea, Society Islands |
12 | Wed Nov 26 | Tahiti, Society Islands |
Day 1 – Tahiti, Society Islands
Embarkation 11/15/2025 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 11/15/2025 at 6:00 PM
The largest of French Polynesia’s 118 islands, Tahiti and it’s capital city of Papeete are the perfect place to begin (and/or end) your South Pacific sojourn. The Gauguin waits patiently in the harbor, a vibrant and bustling market across the street and in the evenings roulottes (food trucks) line the nearby square offering tasty local fare.
Day 2 – Huahine, Society Islands
Arrival 11/16/2025 at 8:00 AM
Departure 11/16/2025 at 4:00 PM
Don’t be fooled by the vibe of this laid-back, secluded island. Many treasures are hidden among the lush rainforest and dramatic terrain. With a bit of exploration, you’ll uncover some of the best-preserved archeological sites in French Polynesia. Underwater treasures await as well, with a snorkel excursion in the lagoon.
Day 3 – 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. 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 Deep Nature Spa… or why not both? A day at sea offers ample time to relax and plan your next adventure.
Day 4 – Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Arrival 11/18/2025 at 8:00 AM
Departure 11/18/2025 at 6:00 PM
A wealth of cultural tradition, Aitutaki’s inhabitants keep their history alive through song, dance, legends and crafts. If you’re looking to spend time on land, consider taking the easy hike to the highest peak on the island, Maunga Pu, where you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views. But if you’re interested in an excursion, a trip out to One Foot Island in Aitutaki’s stunning blue lagoon will take your breath away.
Day 5 – Rarotonga
Arrival 11/19/2025 at 7:00 AM
Departure 11/19/2025 at 5:00 PM
Rarotonga is the hub of the Cook Islands yet remains totally unspoiled. You won’t find any building taller than the highest coconut tree! So the question is what to do first? Enjoy a guided tour with the famous Pa, visit the cultural village, or rent a scooter and take a drive around the whole island. Decisions… decisions
Day 6 – 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. 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 Deep Nature Spa… or why not both? A day at sea offers ample time to relax and plan your next adventure.
Days 7 & 8 – Bora Bora, Society Islands
Arrival 11/21/2025 at 8:00 AM
Departure 11/22/2025 at 11:00 PM
Explore lush peaks, wander white-sand beaches, and marvel at the iconic views of Mount Otemanu. Take the plunge with a SCUBA excursion to see the island’s colorful coral reefs, enjoy a sunset jetboat ride, or spend a lazy afternoon on our private beach. Like a priceless Paul Gauguin painting come to life, storied Bora Bora is colorful and unforgettable. The landscape alone will have you searching for adequate adjectives, especially once you see the lagoon—“turquoise” just doesn’t do it justice.
Day 9 – (Motu Mahana) Taha’a Island, Society Islands
Arrival 11/23/2025 at 8:00 AM
Departure 11/23/2025 at 5:00 PM
As the day unfolds in front of you, where will you go? Exciting shore excursions await, but so does Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ own private islet. Choose from swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or simply lounging on the beach with a cold drink from our floating bar. Les Gauguines are also on hand to share musical entertainment and Polynesian crafts.
Days 10 & 11 – Moorea, Society Islands
Arrival 11/24/2025 at 8:00 AM
Departure 11/25/2025 at 5:00 PM
Step into a vibrant, colorful world in bright and beautiful Moorea, which welcomes you with azure lagoons, impossibly fresh tropical fruits, stunning mountain peaks and palm-fringed beaches. Commune with nature on an optional dolphin-watching excursion with an expert marine biologist. Afterwards, spend some time getting to know the local residents while shopping for handmade crafts.
Days 11 & 12 – Tahiti, Society Islands
Arrival 11/25/2025 at 7:30 PM
Disembarkation 11/26/2025 at 8:00 AM
The largest of French Polynesia’s 118 islands, Tahiti and it’s capital city of Papeete are the perfect place to begin (and/or end) your South Pacific sojourn. The Gauguin waits patiently in the harbor, a vibrant and bustling market across the street and in the evenings roulottes (food trucks) line the nearby square offering tasty local fare.
Designed specifically to glide in luxury through the shallow seas of the South Pacific, The Gauguin is a small-ship cruiser’s dream. She delivers travelers to intimate ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships, all the while providing a travel experience that is nothing short of luxurious. Once on board, guests enjoy newly-decorated spacious suites and staterooms (more than 70% with private balconies), an onboard watersports marina, three dining venues, an extensive spa, and five-star service. Life on The Gauguin also reflects the beauty and rich cultural heritage of the islands she calls upon, with a warm, friendly feel, informal setting, and even a beloved troupe of Les Gauguin and Les Gauguines—local Tahitians who serve as onboard hosts and hostesses, entertainers, and storytellers.
We would love to help you plan and book your next travel escape! We appreciate you taking the time to reach out and will be in touch as soon as possible.