Cook Islands & Society Islands
12 Days - Paul Gauguin
This 11-night odyssey showcases the region’s incredible diversity of scenery, from Aitutaki’s low-lying islands to the jagged peaks and deep valleys of fertile Rarotonga, which was simply called “Paradise” by the first European explorers. Continue to the Society Islands to delight in the South Pacific’s crown jewels—Bora Bora, Taha’a, Huahine, and Moorea.
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Itinerary 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.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Embark from Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands
- Day 2: Huahine
- Day 3: At Sea
- Day 4: Aitutaki
- Day 5: Rarotonga
- Day 6: At Sea
- Day 7 & 8: Bora Bora
- Day 9: Taha’a (Motu Mahana)
- Day 10: Moorea
- Day 11: Moorea - Papeete
- Day 12: Disembark in Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands
Day 1: Embark in Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands
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.
Day 2: Huahine, Society Islands
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.
Day 3: At Sea
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.
Day 4: Aitutaki, Cook Islands
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.
Day 5: Rarotonga, Cook Islands
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 Takitumi Conservation Area, or take a hike into the island’s dense interior with Pa, a local naturalist.
Day 6: At Sea
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.
Day 7 & 8: Bora Bora, Society Islands
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.
Day 9: Taha’a (Motu Mahana), Society Islands
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
Day 10: Moorea, Society Islands
Vibrant colors abound during the leisurely days in 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.
Day 11: Moorea, Society Islands / Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands
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.
Day 12: Disembark in Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands
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.
Cabin Details
F Porthole Stateroom
19m², located on deck 3, ocean view, temperature control, bathroom with full-size bathtub and shower, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, TV, CD/DVD player, personal safe & refrigerator stocked with soft drinks.
E Window Stateroom
19m², located on deck 4, ocean view, temperature control, bathroom with full-size bathtub and shower, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, TV, CD/DVD player, personal safe & refrigerator stocked with soft drinks.
Cabin 415 (21m²) is accessible to guests using wheelchairs.
D Balcony Stateroom
20m² cabin, 3m² balcony, located on deck 6, ocean view, temperature control, bathroom with full-size bathtub and shower, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, TV, CD/DVD player, personal safe & refrigerator stocked with soft drinks.
C Balcony Stateroom
17m² - 20m² cabins, 3m² - 7m² balcony, located on deck 7, ocean view, temperature control, bathroom with full-size bathtub and shower, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, TV, CD/DVD player, personal safe & refrigerator stocked with soft drinks.
B Veranda Stateroom
23m² cabin, 5m² veranda, located on deck 7 & 8, butler service, ocean view, temperature control, bathroom with full-size bathtub and shower, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, TV, CD/DVD player, personal safe & refrigerator stocked with soft drinks.
A Veranda Suite
28m² suite, 5m² veranda, located on deck 7, butler service, ocean view, temperature control, bathroom with full-size bathtub and shower, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, TV, CD/DVD player, personal safe & refrigerator stocked with soft drinks.
GS Grand Suite
30m² cabin, 18m² veranda and balcony, located on deck 8, free Wifi internet access, butler service, ocean view, temperature control, bathroom with full-size bathtub and shower, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, TV, CD/DVD player, personal safe & refrigerator stocked with soft drinks.
Owner's Suite 7002
42m² cabin, 7m² veranda, located on deck 7, free Wi-Fi internet access, dressing area and butler service, ocean view, temperature control, bathroom with full-size bathtub and shower, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, TV, CD/DVD player, personal safe & refrigerator stocked with soft drinks.
Owner's Suite 701
30m² cabin, 18m² balcony and veranda, located on deck 7, bath and separate shower, free Wi-fi internet access, dressing area and butler, ocean view, temperature control, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, TV, CD/DVD player, personal safe & refrigerator stocked with soft drinks.
Paul Gauguin Deckplan
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Specifications
- Length: 156 m
- Width: 22 m
- Draught: 5,15 m
- Tonnage: 19 200 tonnes
- Passenger capacity: 332
- Top speed: 18 knots
- Crew members: 217
- Propulsion: electric diesel
- Built in 1998 at the Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.
- Outside suites and cabins: 166, of which 70% have a private balcony
- Completely renovated in January 2012 in Brisbane, Australia
Whats included?
- On-board accommodation
- Complimentary 24-hour room service
- All shipboard meals in a choice of venues
- Complimentary beverages, including select wines and spirits, beers, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages served throughout the ship
- In-room refrigerator replenished daily with soft drinks, beer, and bottled water
- Watersports including complimentary kayaking and paddleboarding from our marina or destination beaches
- Day at our private islet, Motu Mahana
- Access to our private beach in Bora Bora
- Presentations by onboard experts
- Onboard gratuities for room stewards and dining staff
What’s not included?
- International & Internal airfares
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Transfers between airport and port
- Travel Insurance
- Shore excursions*
- Any other items not listed as included
*Please ask us for more information. Shore excursions will not be available for pre-booking until approximately 30 days prior to sailing.