This swoon-worthy new itinerary delves deep into the treasures of the Tuamotu Archipelago featuring our first-ever overnight stay in UNESCO-listed Fakarava and discovery of Rangiroa, renowned for its black pearl farms. Wonders of the Society Islands are on full display too, from Bora Bora’s jaw-dropping turquoise lagoon and Moorea’s picturesque palm-fringed beaches to explorations in Huahine, a veritable “Garden of Eden,” Raiatea, the sacred heart of French Polynesia, and Motu Mahana, our very own private islet near Taha’a.
Highlights
TRAVEL DATE | PRICE | TYPE |
---|---|---|
May 14, 2025 | from $5,080 USD | Per Person |
DAY | DATE | PLACE |
---|---|---|
1 | Wed May 14 | Tahiti, Society Islands |
2 | Thu May 15 | At Sea |
3 | Fri May 16 | Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands |
4 | Sat May 17 | Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands |
5 | Sun May 18 | Huahine, Society Islands |
6 | Mon May 19 | Bora Bora, Society Islands |
7 | Tue May 20 | Bora Bora, Society Islands |
8 | Wed May 21 | Raiatea, Society Islands |
9 | Thu May 22 | Taha’a, Society Islands (Motu Mahana) |
10 | Fri May 23 | Moorea, Society Islands |
11 | Sat May 24 | Tahiti, Society Islands |
MAY 14, 2025 Tahiti, Society Islands
Embarkation 5/14/2025 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 5/14/2025 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.
MAY 15, 2025 At Sea
Arrival 5/15/2025
Departure 5/15/2025
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 Algotherm Spa… or why not both? A day at sea offers ample time to relax and plan your next adventure.
MAY 15, 2025 MAY 16, 2025 Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands
Arrival 5/15/2025 at 2:30 PM
Departure 5/16/2025 at 5:00 PM
Fakarava is an unspoiled paradise in every sense of the word. In addition to the many rare species of plants and animals, you’ll find in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it’s also a place of cultural and historical significance, with charming villages, ancient temples, and spectacular coral churches.
MAY 17, 2025 Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands
Arrival 5/17/2025 at 7:30 AM
Departure 5/17/2025 at 4:00 PM
Life is beautifully simple in Rangiroa, the largest atoll of the Tuamotu Archipelago in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture. Tour a local black pearl farm, wander the village of Avatoru, or visit Dominique Auroy Winery, which produces French Polynesia’s only wine label.
MAY 18, 2025 Huahine, Society Islands
Arrival 5/18/2025 at 12:00 PM
Departure 5/18/2025 at 5:00 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.
MAY 19, 2025 MAY 20, 2025 Bora Bora, Society Islands
Arrival 5/19/2025
Departure 5/20/2025 at 5:30 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.
MAY 21, 2025 Raiatea, Society Islands
Arrival 5/21/2025
Departure 5/21/2025 at 5:00 PM
Blanketed in a lush landscape dotted with waterfalls, fertile valleys, and the cloud-capped Mt. Temehani, Raiatea is Polynesia’s most sacred island; it was from here that the earliest migrations set forth to settle in Hawaii, New Zealand, and beyond. The island boasts a rich Maohi history–it is home to the UNESCO-listed Marae Taputapuatea archaeological site–verdant mountains ideal for hiking, and a stunning lagoon perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and soaking up the heavenly tranquility.
MAY 22, 2025 Taha’a, Society Islands (Motu Mahana)
Arrival 5/22/2025
Departure 5/22/2025 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.
MAY 23, 2025 Moorea, Society Islands
Arrival 5/23/2025 at 6:00 AM
Departure 5/23/2025 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.
MAY 23, 2025 MAY 24, 2025 Tahiti, Society Islands
Arrival 5/23/2025 at 7:30 PM
Disembarkation 5/24/2025 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.