Discover the South Pacific’s most storied, beautiful, and culturally vibrant islands, towns, and cities over the course of 14* unhurried nights. No matter what kind of experience you seek, from soaking in the sun on the Society Islands’ white-sand beaches to immersing yourself in the unique cultures of Fiji and Tonga, when you follow in the wake of the world’s most famous explorers in the South Pacific, there are treasures to discover at every port.
Highlights
Two separate Fijian ports showcase an intriguing juxtaposition: the sophisticated capital city of Suva and the unspoiled beauty of Savusavu, called the “Hidden Paradise of Fiji.”
You’ll want to pack your snorkeling gear for your visit to tiny Beqa Island. It’s surrounded by one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, where at high tide, you’ll see an abundance of tropical fish and beautiful coral blooms.
Live the life idyllic with a memorable day on Motu Mahana, our own private slice of paradise. On this exclusive islet, treat yourself to sand between your toes, the shade of swaying palm trees, a sumptuous barbecue lunch, and, of course, drinks sipped from coconuts.
*A traveler crossing the International Date Line eastbound subtracts one day, or 24 hours, so that the calendar date to the west of the line is repeated after the following midnight. Crossing the International Date Line westbound results in 24 hours being added, advancing the calendar date by one day.
TRAVEL DATE | PRICE | TYPE |
---|---|---|
January 4, 2025 | from $6,820 USD | Per Person |
DAY | DATE | PLACE |
---|---|---|
1 | Sat Jan 4 | Tahiti, Society Islands |
2 | Sun Jan 5 | Moorea, Society Islands |
3 | Mon Jan 6 | (Motu Mahana) Taha’a Island, Society Islands |
4 | Tue Jan 7 | Bora Bora, Society Islands |
5 | Wed Jan 8 | Bora Bora, Society Islands |
6 | Thu Jan 9 | At Sea |
7 | Fri Jan 10 | Aitutaki, Cook Islands |
8 | Sat Jan 11 | At Sea |
9 | Sun Jan 12 | Crossing the International Date Line |
10 | Mon Jan 13 | At Sea |
11 | Tue Jan 14 | Vava’u, Tonga |
12 | Wed Jan 15 | At Sea |
13 | Thu Jan 16 | Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji |
14 | Fri Jan 17 | Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji |
15 | Sat Jan 18 | Beqa Island, Fiji |
16 | Sun Jan 19 | Lautoka, Viti Levu Island |
JANUARY 4, 2025 Tahiti, Society Islands
Embarkation 1/4/2025 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 1/4/2025 at 9:00 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.
JANUARY 5, 2025 Moorea, Society Islands
Arrival 1/5/2025 at 7:00 AM
Departure 1/5/2025 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.
JANUARY 6, 2025 (Motu Mahana) Taha’a Island, Society Islands
Arrival 1/6/2025 at 8:00 AM
Departure 1/6/2025 at 6:00 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.
JANUARY 7, 2025 JANUARY 8, 2025 Bora Bora, Society Islands
Arrival 1/7/2025 at 12:01 AM
Departure 1/8/2025 at 6:00 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.
JANUARY 9, 2025 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.
JANUARY 10, 2025 Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Arrival 1/10/2025 at 8:00 AM
Departure 1/10/2025 at 5:00 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.
JANUARY 11, 2025 At Sea
JANUARY 12, 2025 Crossing the International Date Line
Indulge in two tranquil days at sea. It may be worth setting down that tropical cocktail, putting a bookmark in whatever you’re reading, and taking notice for one key reason—you’ll be crossing the International Date Line, something most travelers can’t say they’ve done.
JANUARY 13, 2025 At Sea
JANUARY 14, 2025 Vava’u, Tonga
Arrival 1/14/2025 at 8:00 AM
Departure 1/14/2025 at 5:00 PM
Enjoy a Polynesian cultural show, sample traditional Tongan food, or climb to the top of Mt. Talau, the highest point on Vava’u. You’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views of the surrounding islands. And, while the activities on land are sure to impress, you won’t want to miss the underwater show, either. The island’s crystal-clear lagoon is home to more than 100 species of tropical fish, plus dolphins, rays, and more.
JANUARY 15, 2025 At Sea
JANUARY 16, 2025 Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji
Arrival 1/16/2025 at 8:00 AM
Departure 1/16/2025 at 5:00 PM
Tucked away on the largely undeveloped northern Fijian island of Vanua Levu, Savusavu lets you experience the South Seas of centuries gone by before the area was colonized by Europeans. Visit a black pearl farm, immerse yourself in a Fijian village, or spot colorful native birds in the pristine Waisale Reserve.
JANUARY 17, 2025 Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji
Arrival 1/17/2025 at 8:00 AM
Departure 1/17/2025 at 6:00 PM
Suva is the largest urban area in the South Pacific, outside of Australia and New Zealand. It’s been the capital of Fiji since 1883 and offers a unique mix of modern and colonial ambiance, making it a great place for history and architecture buffs to explore on foot. More interested in the views? Suva is perched on a hilly peninsula between two postcard-perfect harbors.
JANUARY 18, 2025 Beqa Island, Fiji
Arrival 1/18/2025 at 12:01 AM
Departure 1/18/2025 at 6:00 PM
While it may only be six square miles, Beqa Island packs every inch with natural beauty. Spend your day snorkeling among the coral blooms, strolling golden-sand beaches, or discovering a hidden waterfall.
JANUARY 19, 2025 Lautoka, Viti Levu Island
Arrival 1/19/2025 at 6:00 AM
Disembarkation 1/19/2025 at 6:00 AM
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.
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.