Cruise Advice
Duration
10 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
9 Ports
25 February
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.
26-27 February
French Polynesia: Fakarava (Tuamotu Islands)
The Fakarava atoll surrounds a deep lagoon in the west of the Tuamotu island group, scarcely populated and home to a host of rare wildlife. The entire atoll has been declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and the shallow coastal waters make for excellent snorkelling.
28 February
French Polynesia: Rangiroa
The Rangiroa atoll is one of the biggest in the world, a ring of over 400 motu (islets) surrounding a vast lagoon. This stunning area is a popular destination for divers and snorkellers, and the waters are home to marine life including sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, hammerhead sharks and manta rays.
1 March
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.
2-3 March
French Polynesia: Bora Bora
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.
4 March
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.
5 March
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’.
6 March
French Polynesia: Mo'orea
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.
6-7 March
Arriving in Papeete
Don't miss
The island of Raiatea – extraordinary scenery, like being in Jurassic Park.
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 |
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Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Extend your stay in French Polynesia
For the ultimate eco-hotel experience, go for the Brando! Eye wateringly expensive, but a bit special.
Explore the islands
If you are visiting Bora Bora tour the island by open bus - Le Truck.
