Pearls of the Society Islands

Duration

7 Nights

Journey Type

Cruise only (Please call for flight options)

Ports

7 Ports

Ship

MS Paul Gauguin of Paul Gauguin Cruises

5 July

Setting sail from Papeete

If you are in search of paradise, don't expect it to be easy to get there! It's a long old haul to get to Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia. And once you are there, Papeete itself is by no means the most magical spot - you need to venture forth to see the other islands, and luxuriate in the turquoise lagoons, white sand beaches fringed with palm trees, rugged mountain peaks and coral reefs. Expensive and remote, these islands have maintained their uncommercial magic, with excellent hotels and a warm Polynesian welcome everywhere you go.

Our tip

Don’t bother with local currency – all the local shops and markets will take US dollars. And take aqua shoes, impossible to walk in the sea otherwise.

6 July

French Polynesia: Huahine

Huahine is perhaps the most beautiful of the Society Islands, and one of the least developed too. The laid back ambience means it’s impossible not to relax here, whether you’re on one of the gorgeous beaches or taking a stroll around the friendly village of Fare.

7 July

French Polynesia: Raiatea

Raiatea, the second largest of the Society Islands, played a vital role in the development of Polynesian culture; it was from this island that settlers departed for Hawaii and New Zealand over a millennium ago. The island feels wilder than Tahiti, with steep, jungle-covered mountains, cascading waterfalls and ancient Polynesian temples.

8 July

French Polynesia: Taha'a

Sleepy Taha’a is just a few minutes away from Raiatea by boat, and is known as the ‘vanilla island’ due to the many fragrant plantations secluded amongst its valleys. Although the island itself lacks beaches, the surrounding reef is dotted with beautiful little white sand islets known as ‘motu’.

9-10 July

French Polynesia: Bora Bora

Aerial view of Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora is the very definition of idyllic, a diminutive Polynesian island dominated by rainforest-clad volcanic peaks, overlooking an electric blue lagoon ringed by coral reefs. The beaches and over-water bungalows are particularly popular with honeymooners, and the clear waters of the lagoon are perfect for snorkelling.

11 July

French Polynesia: Mo'orea

Rotui Mountain on Mo'orea, French Polynesia

Mo’orea is one of the real highlights of the South Pacific, a picture perfect landscape of jagged green mountains and dazzling cobalt bays. The warm waters of the lagoon are perfect for a host of watersports, while the lush island interior can be easily explored by scooter or bicycle.

11-12 July

Arriving in Papeete

Don't miss

The island of Raiatea – extraordinary scenery, like being in Jurassic Park.

The Ship

Your home from home

Designed specifically to cruise the shallow waters of the South Pacific islands, the MS Paul Gauguin perfectly embodies the famous Polynesian warmth and flair.

What we love

This much awarded little ship carries 332 fortunate guests. A recent addition to the Ponant fleet what we love is the way in which, after 16 years cruising year round in this part of the South Pacific, she has absorbed everything that is special about the islands into her very DNA, making her the perfect choice to holiday in the area.

Capacity	332 Guests
Crew	217 International Staff
Style	The Polynesian paradise is permanent home to Paul Gauguin, allowing her to offer a better experience aboard and ashore than any other vessel visiting the area, in a laid back, warm and welcoming style.
Inclusions	All meals both indoors and al fresco in three restaurants Select wines and spirits, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages Shipboard gratuities for room stewards and dining staff 24 hour room service Watersports from the ship's marina Motu Mahana, an exclusive, private retreat off the coast of Taha'a Excellent on board entertainment, including the local Gauguines