Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands

Day 1: Embark from 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: 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 3: Fakarava, Tuamotus

Before modern navigation, this region was known as the “Dangerous Archipelago” for its shallow passages. Today, that same characteristic makes Fakarava a diver’s paradise. Those who prefer to stay on dry land can explore charming villages, ancient temples, and a 19th century coral church.

Day 4: At Sea

Take a day to enjoy shipboard life: relax poolside, watch the South Pacific pass by, play some table tennis, or learn about our next port in the Reading Gallery.

Day 5: Omoa, Fatu Hiva, Marquesas

The island of Fatu Hiva is best described as wild and spectacularly beautiful. The jungle greenery begins at the water’s edge, with narrow ravines, deep gorges, and sheer cliffs that plunge straight down into the splashing surf.

Day 6: Atuona, Hiva Oa, Marquesas

Hiva Oa is the second-largest island in the Marquesas, and location of significant historical and cultural sites. Painter Paul Gauguin is buried in the island’s main town of Atuona, while the village of Pumau is where you’ll find the largest stone sculptures in the Marquesas. In fact, they’re considered relatives of the famous tikis of Necker Island, north of Hawaii, and Easter Island.

Day 7: Hapatoni, Tahuata, Marquesas

The smallest of the Marquesas archipelago at only 19 square miles, Tahuata is a leaf-shaped volcanic island that welcomes visitors with sheer cliffs, white-sand beaches, a charming seafront village with an ancient royal walkway, and a huge, Vatican-built Catholic church.

Day 8: Tiaohae, Nuku Hiva, Marquesas

The island of Nuku Hiva is the governmental and economic center of the Marquesas. It’s also stunningly beautiful, with three major bays on the south coast and similarly gorgeous inlets on the north coast. Witness Mother Nature at her best with an optional 4x4 excursion through the Taipivai Valley.

Day 9 & 10: At Sea

The next two days will be at sea, which affords you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the amenities and entertainment onboard The Gauguin, like the award-winning spa, casino, and lectures by onboard experts.

Day 11: 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 12: 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 13: Bora Bora, Society Islands

Immediately recognizable by Mount Otemanu rising from the ocean, this half-atoll, half-mountain is surrounded by a spectacular lagoon and a series of smaller islands. Ancient Polynesians called it Parapora, or “firstborn,” because they thought it was the first island created after Raiatea.

Day 14: 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 15: 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.

• 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

• 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.