marquesas, tuamotus & society islands (incl. BORA BORA)
aboard the deluxe 332 passenger m/s paul gauguin

2011 CRUISES:
50% OFF STANDARD CRUISE FARES (Past guests of select elite cruise lines save an additional 5%)
FREE AIRFARE FROM LOS ANGELES
SHIPBOARD CREDIT OF $500PP ON JAN- JUNE CRUISES
REBATE OF $100PP
14 NIGHTS FROM $5,797PP

2011 Departures: January 15; April 16; August 27; November 19.

T R I P  B A C K G R O U N D

On this two-week cruise, you'll first call at the breathtaking isle of Bora Bora. Then it's on to the Tuamotus, specifically Fakarava, an atoll known for its pristine beaches, rare wildlife, and exceptional diving. Next, explore the mist-covered Marquesas, where you'll discover the islands of Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Ua Huka, and Nuku Hiva. On these wild islands you'll find waterfalls, wild stallions, tiki sculptures, and an arboretum, among other delights. More enjoyment awaits on Taha'a (Motu Mahana), our own private motu, and a day at spectacular Moorea.

ITINERARY - MARQUESAS, TUAMOTUS & SOCIETY ISLANDS

Begin your journey through paradise in the capital of Tahiti, the largest and most populated of the French Polynesian islands.

Spend the day enjoying the m/s Paul Gauguin's Polynesian ambience: casual, leisurely, and graceful. Perhaps you'll take in a lecture on local wildlife or history, then dine in the evening over classic French cuisine at L'Etoile.

Explore the clear waters of Fakarava in the remote and pristine Tuamotus. The island is a sanctuary for rare birds, plants and crustaceans – stroll the pink-sand beaches and you will view many of them. You may also want to visit the island’s black pearl farm, or the ruins of the first church in French Polynesia built entirely of coral.

Take another day to enjoy shipboard life: relax poolside, watch the South Pacific slip by, play some table tennis, or take advantage of our Reading Library.

Fatu Hiva is wild and spectacularly beautiful. The jungle greenery begins at the water’s edge, with narrow ravines, deep gorges and luxuriant valleys briefly open to view as the boat glides past, close to the sheer cliffs that plunge straight down into the splashing surf.

Hiva Oa is an island marked by wild beauty and a somber bearing. The main town is Atuona, where Paul Gauguin is buried. You might visit the village of Puamau to see the largest stone sculptures of Marquesas. The are considered links to the tikis of Easter Island and Necker Island, north of Hawaii.

Home to the only arboretum in French Polynesian, the people of Ua Huka have a commitment to the conservation and the preservation of their culture that is palpable. The oldest ruins in the Marquesas are located in the Hane Valley and date back to AD 254-300.

As the governmental and economic center, Nuku Hiva is the most important island in the Marquesas. It’s also stunningly beautiful, with three major bays on the south coast and similarly gorgeous inlets on the north coast as well.

Take more time to enjoy shipboard life on the m/s Paul Gauguin , your own personal South Seas isle.

Known as the “wild” Society for its untamed, verdant forests, Huahine remains relatively untouched by modern development. Explore some of the abundant archaeological treasures – ancient homes, buildings, and marae (stone platforms that served as places of worship) – excavated and preserved throughout the island. Or dive in Huahine’s crystalline lagoon, which teems with over 450 species of fish.

Bora Bora’s lagoon is a must-see: this is your chance for a swim, snorkel or outrigger cruise. The lagoon is constantly replenished with ocean water from the swells that crash between sandy motus (small islets) and over the fringing reef.

Arrive at our South Seas paradise - featuring white sand beaches with swaying palms, crystal-clear waters and gentle breezes. As an exclusive Paul Gauguin event, guests will spend a full day exploring this idyllic, isolated island, and relaxing with a delicious barbecue lunch and Polynesian entertainment which features strolling musicians and singers.

The island of Moorea’s scenery is like a dream. Try out some exciting optional watersports like scuba diving among a host of interesting sea creatures – including sea turtles, a staggering number of fish species such as barracuda, tuna, jackfish, red snapper, moray eels, trigger fish, various sizes and shapes of rays and more. At the end of the afternoon, we cruise to our home port in Papeete, docking there for the night.

In the morning you'll disembark the m/s Paul Gauguin , capping off your epic journey through the South Pacific.

PRICING

2010 CRUISES:
45% OFF STD CRUISE FARES (Past guests of select elite cruise lines save an additional 5%)
2 FOR 1 AIRFARE FROM LOS ANGELES
SHIPBOARD CREDIT OF $100PP
14 NIGHTS FROM $5,495PP

2011 CRUISES:
50% OFF STANDARD CRUISE FARES (Past guests of select elite cruise lines save an additional 5%)
FREE AIRFARE FROM LOS ANGELES
SHIPBOARD CREDIT OF $500PP ON JAN- JUNE CRUISES
REBATE OF $100PP
14 NIGHTS FROM $5,797PP

2010 Departures: September 4; December 4.  
2011 Departures: January 15; April 16; August 27; November 19.

1. Fares are per person, double occupancy. Government fees and taxes $126 per person.
2. Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply.
3. Single supplement 100% (OS-D, except staterooms 763 and 764), $2,395 (E-F, and staterooms 763 and 764).
4. Offers are capacity controlled, for a limited time, and subject to change.

Cruise fares, airfares, and fuel surcharges are subject to change.

Child Discounts
Available on just a select few summer sailings, their Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program is a popular choice with children and parents alike. Kids will discover how black pearls and vanilla are cultivated, how volcanic islands become coral atolls, how to paddle an outrigger canoe, and the importance of maintaining the ocean's marine and island ecosystems. Children ages nine to 17 are eligible for a nominal fee of $269 per child. (Ambassadors of the Environment fee is in addition to cruise fare.) Parents can even join their children on eco-excursions aboard and ashore. Remember, the Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program is available only on select sailings, and space is extremely limited. So call us at 800-869-0639 today!

Additional Savings
Additional 5% Savings: Ask us about the M/S Paul Gauguin Society, which awards an additional 5% savings to past guests of select luxury cruise lines, including Paul Gauguin Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, The Yachts of Seabourn, Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club, and Windstar Cruises. Subject to availability and capacity controlled.

Ship Information:

Overall Length: 513 ft - Beam (width): 71 ft - Draft: 16.9 ft - Guest: 332
Crew: 215 international - Guest Decks: 7 - Gross Tonnage: 19,200
Cruising Speed: 18 knots - Ship’s Registry: Bahamas

Most luxurious ship to sail in Tahiti on a year-round basis
Only 332 guests
Crew to guest ratio of 1 to 1.5
All oceanview accommodations, nearly 70% with balconies
Space to guest ratio of nearly 58 to 1, one of the highest of any ship serving the North American market
All onboard gratuities included
Complimentary beverages including fine wines and premium spirits, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee and tea served throughout the ship
Butler service in categories B and above, including in-suite bar setup and SoundDock® for iPod®
In-suite mini-bar replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and bottled water
State-of-the-art retractable Watersports Marina
Onboard dive program
Onboard lecture program
Two elegant restaurants and one pool-side grill, all with open-seating dining
Well-being and vegetarian selections and special dietetic menus upon request
WiFi hotspots throughout the ship
Complimentary 24-hour room service
Complimentary in-room dining
Complimentary in-room movie channels and movies available