This 11-night odyssey through Cook Islands & Society Islands whisks you away for the definitive South Pacific escape aboard our luxury small ship—and oh, the tales you’ll tell upon your return! Adventures above and below the sea. Pristine beaches with silken white sands. Tranquil lagoons. Soaring mountains. Whispering palm trees. Highlights of this cruise are the Cook Islands—the quintessential tropical getaway and an authentic repository of the culture of the South Seas. The largest of the 15 fabled Cook Islands, Rarotonga is lush and rugged and embraced by sugar-white sands. And, triangular-shaped Aitutaki is known for having one of the world’s most beautiful lagoons.
Highlights
- While in the Cook Islands, call upon Aitutaki, a tiny island that’s home to one of the world’s most spectacular lagoons.
- Spend a relaxing day on Motu Mahana, our very own private islet, complete with white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, a barbecue lunch, drinks served in coconuts, and a floating lagoon bar.
- The waters around Moorea are home to an amazing array of sea creatures. Take an optional SCUBA excursion to swim among the sea turtles and vibrant schools of fish.
- In Bora Bora, spend time at our exclusive white-sand beach on a motu enjoying snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, volleyball, and stunning views of Mount Otemanu.
What’s Included
Owned by Pacific Beachcomber S.C., French Polynesia’s leading luxury hotel and cruise operator, Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the 5+-star cruise ship, the 332-guest m/s Paul Gauguin, providing a deluxe cruise experience tailored to the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji, and the South Pacific. Paul Gauguin Cruises accolades include being voted #2 in the category of “Top Small Cruise Lines” in the Condé Nast Traveler 2016 Readers’ Choice Awards and recognition on the publication’s 2016 “Gold List.”
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PORT
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ARRIVE | DEPART |
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| DAY 1 | Papeete, French Polynesia | — | 11:55 PM | |
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The islands of Polynesia are a gorgeous collection of volcanic atolls strewn across the grand Pacific Ocean, and the island of Tahiti is the largest of all 118. Explore the dynamic dining, nightlife, and shopping in the capital city of Papeete before embarking on The Gauguin.
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| DAY 2 | Huahine, French Polynesia | 8:00 AM | 5:00 PM | |
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Known as “The Garden Island”, Huahine’s lush rainforests and dramatic terrain surround sacred sites and legendary landmarks that are among the best-preserved archeological sites in French Polynesia. If Huahine’s expansive lagoon is calling your name, enjoy a SCUBA diving excursion or picnic on the beach.
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| DAY 3 | Day-at-Sea | — | — | |
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Spend the day enjoying The Gauguin’s Polynesian ambiance: casual, leisurely, and graceful. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests, and then reflect on your day over classic French cuisine at L’Etoile.
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| DAY 4 | Aitutaki, Cook Islands | 8:00 AM | 6:00 PM | |
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While the island of Aitutaki may be small, it’s big on beauty, thanks to its coral reef-enclosed lagoon. Witness its splendor up-close with a leisurely beach visit. Don’t forget to save time to venture into the village of Arutanga, where you’ll find the oldest church in the Cooks, which dates from 1829.
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| DAY 5 | Rarotonga, Cook Islands | 9:00 AM | 5:00 PM | |
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Rugged Rarotonga is the most mountainous of all the Cook Islands, and time here is best spent exploring its natural beauty. Snorkel in Muri Lagoon, wander the lush Takitumu Conservation Area, or take a hike into the island’s dense interior with Pa, a local naturalist.
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| DAY 6 | Day-at-Sea | — | — | |
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The time you spend onboard The Gauguin offers endless opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment, whether that means sampling gourmet cuisine, indulging in a spa treatment, watching the sunset from a chaise lounge on the sun deck, or simply making the most of your in-room amenities.
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| DAY 7 | Bora Bora, French Polynesia | 8:00 AM | — | |
| DAY 8 | Bora Bora, French Polynesia | — | 11:00 PM | |
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A bucket list destination for many, stunning Bora Bora welcomes you for two full days of exploring lush peaks, white-sand beaches, colorful coral reefs, and romantic lagoons. Experience the natural beauty of the island with an optional snorkeling excursion, sunset jetboat ride, or a helicopter tour that flies you over Bora Bora’s iconic Mount Otemanu. You can also spend time at our private beach which offers volleyball, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
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| DAY 9 | Tahaa, French Polynesia | 9:00 AM | 5:00 PM | |
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Embark on your choice of exciting shore excursions today, or spend your whole day relaxing on Motu Mahana, our very own private islet. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, or simply lounge on the beach with a chilled beverage from our floating bar. Les Gauguines will also be on hand to provide musical entertainment and demonstrate traditional Polynesian crafts. A delicious barbecue lunch is provided.
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| DAY 10 | Moorea, French Polynesia | 8:00 AM | ||
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Vibrant colors abound during two leisurely days in Moorea, everything from fresh fruits and flowers to multi-hued lagoons, and from spectacular mountain peaks to palm-fringed beaches. Shop for local handicrafts, embark on an optional dolphin-watching expedition with a marine biologist, and sample the local pineapples, said to be the most delicious in all of French Polynesia.
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| DAY 11 | Moorea, French Polynesia | — | 5:00 PM | |
| Papeete, French Polynesia | 7:30 PM | — | ||
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Vibrant colors abound on Moorea in everything from fresh fruits and flowers to multi-hued lagoons, and from spectacular mountain peaks to palm-fringed beaches. Shop for local handicrafts, embark on an optional dolphin-watching expedition with a marine biologist, and sample the local pineapples, said to be the most delicious in all of French Polynesia.
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| DAY 12 | Papeete, French Polynesia | — | ||
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Tahiti’s capital city of Papeete welcomes you back with emerald hillsides, sapphire waters, and warm breezes. If you’re not ready for your South Pacific vacation to end, spend a few days here experiencing resorts, spas, restaurants, nightlife, and shopping.
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Click here for full Supplier Terms and Conditions.
Cruise fares are per person, based on double occupancy in US dollars, unless otherwise noted. Pricing and itinerary are subject to change without notice. Restrictions may apply.
Payment Terms: 20% deposit within 3 days to confirm reservation. Balance due via wire transfer, agency check, guest credit card (visa, Mastercard or American Express) 90 days prior to departure.
Cancellation Terms: Administrative fee of $100 per person for cancellation of deposited booking. This fee can be applied toward a Future Cruise Credit. The future cruise must be booked within 6 months of the initial booking cancellation date.
- Cancel 120-91 days prior to departure: 10% cancellation charge of fare per person
- Cancel 90-61 days prior to departure: 20% cancellation charge of fare per person
- Cancel 60-31 days prior to departure: 50% cancellation charge of fare per person
- Cancel 30-0 days prior to departure (or no-show): 100% cancellation charge of fare per person
Ship’s Registry: Bahamas
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