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new zealand, tonga, cook islands & society islands (incl. BORA bora)
aboard the deluxe 332 passenger m/s paul gauguin

14-night voyages from only $6,195 per person


SAVE UP TO 45% OFF STANDARD CRUISE FARES PLUS FREE AIRFARE FROM LOS ANGELES! (Past guests of select elite cruise lines save an additional 5%)

$100 PER PERSON SHIPBOARD CREDIT!

November 6, 2010 – Papeete, Tahiti to Auckland, New Zealand
November 21, 2010 – Auckland, New Zealand to Papeete, Tahiti

T R I P  B A C K G R O U N D

New for 2010—discover that paradise has many faces. Immerse yourself in the lively harborside melting pot of Auckland, the French sophistication of Tahiti, the tribal rhythms of Tonga, and the rugged terrain of Aitutaki on a two week cruise showcasing all the South Pacific has to offer. 

Amazing sights await you as the m/s Paul Gauguin sails the azure waters of the Society Islands, with their verdant green peaks and sparkling, sheltered bays. Then voyage south to Aitutaki where inhabitants preserve their traditional culture through song and dance. Welcome the dawn of each new day in Nuku’Alofa, where crystal clear waters showcase the ocean floor, and end your journey with the otherworldly beauty and vibrant culture of New Zealand.

The M/S Paul Gauguin is considered the most luxurious ship to sail in Tahiti on a year-round basis, offering all ocean view accommodations (nearly 70% with balconies) and a state-of-the-art retractable Watersports Marina. Complimentary beverages including fine wines and premium spirits, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee and tea are served throughout the ship. The ship has two elegant restaurants, one poolside grill, complimentary 24-hour room service and complimentary in-room dining. The ship can hold up to 332 guests, and boasts a crew to guest ratio of 1 to 1.5. There is also an onboard lecture program, dive program and WiFi hotspots throughout the ship. Onboard gratuities are included.

ITINERARY - NEW ZEALAND, TONGA, COOK ISLANDS & SOCIETY ISLANDS

(The Nov. 6th westbound itinerary is shown below. The Nov. 21st departure is the revserse eastbound itinerary.)

Day 1 Embark Paul Gauguin in Papeete, Tahiti

Begin your journey through the South Seas in the capital of Tahiti. Here, you'll meet your home for the next 14 nights: the luxurious yet casual m/s Paul Gauguin .

Day 2 Moorea

Moorea's lush scenery is like something out of a dream - cloaked in verdant green vegetation and surrounded by vibrant blue waters. Covered in an abundance of fresh fruits and flowers, spectacular mountain peaks, peaceful multi-hued lagoons and palm-fringed beaches, Moorea's awesome beauty is unsurpassed.

Day 3 Taha'a (Motu Mahana)

Motu Mahana, an islet adjacent to Taha'a, is our very own 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 featuring strolling musicians and singers.

Day 4 Bora Bora

Pulitzer Prize-winning author James Michener described Bora Bora as “The most beautiful island in the world.” You might wish to explore the island with a number of activities, such as a tour of the island paradise that affords breathtaking island views. Or, glide over crystalline waters on a glass bottom boat to see the island's famous marine life without getting wet, take a thrilling helicopter ride over the ship and island, or simply spend a few hours lolling on the island's beautiful beach.

Day 5 At Sea

Today, take advantage all the the m/s Paul Gauguin has to offer. Perhaps you'll enjoy a massage at our luxurious spa or relax with a drink at Le Grille.

Day 6 Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Aitutaki's coral reefs enclose a particularly large and beautiful lagoon. Uninhabited, palm-clad islets (motus) dot the reef, and even the main island is only eight square miles in area. Bask in the sun and enjoy breath-taking views of the shimmering lagoon during a lagoon cruise and beach visit. Or venture to a nearby marine reserve for some snorkeling. Arutanga village is the island's town, home to the oldest church in the Cooks, which dates from 1829.

Day 7 Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Call today at Rarotonga, capital of the Cook Islands and the most mountainous of the group. Although this is one of the most beautiful places in the world to do nothing, you have a plethora of options for getting as active as you want. Snorkel in the crystalline waters of Muri Lagoon, or encounter the lushness of tropical nature in the Takitumu Conservation Area. Take an easy ride all the way around the island, or make a rugged hike into its lush interior with “Pa,” a local naturalist.

Days 8-9 At Sea

Enjoy shipboard life: relax poolside, watch the South Pacific pass by, play some table tennis, or read up on our next port at the Reading Gallery.

Day 10 Nuku'Alofa, Tonga

Spend your day exploring the quiet beauty of Tonga’s capital, Nuku’alofa, with its vibrant Polynesian culture and Victorian-style Royal Palace. Perhaps you’ll shop at the local marketplace.

Days 11-12 At Sea

Spend the days 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.

Day 13 Bay of Islands, New Zealand

The Bay of Islands lives up to its name, with 144 small isles dotted throughout the turquoise waters. It boasts an abundance of marine life, including big marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, and more. The Bay's pristine environment attracts visitors from around the world, from international sport fisherman to diving enthusiasts.

Day 14 Tauranga, New Zealand

The city of Tauranga is located at the head of a large harbor and is protected by Matakana Island. It is famous for its beautiful beaches. Take the day to explore the area's kiwifruit industry or climb Mt. Mauao, a small mountain with spectacular views of the coastline.

Day 15 Auckland, New Zealand

Cap off your South Pacific journey in the “City of Sails.” Disembark today and enjoy time to explore this vibrant modern city.

PRICING

14-night voyages from only $6,195 per person


SAVE UP TO 45% OFF STANDARD CRUISE FARES PLUS FREE AIRFARE FROM LOS ANGELES! (Past guests of select elite cruise lines save an additional 5%)

$100 PER PERSON SHIPBOARD CREDIT!

November 6, 2010 – Papeete, Tahiti to Auckland, New Zealand
November 21, 2010 – Auckland, New Zealand to Papeete, Tahiti

Cruise Dates

Owner's Suite

Grand Suite

A
Veranda Suite

B
Veranda Stateroom

C
Balcony Stateroom

D
Balcony Stateroom

E
Window Stateroom

F
Porthole Stateroom

Nov 6 & Nov 21, 2010
DISCOUNT FARE

Brochure

$38,895
$21,345

$29,895
$16,395

$24,095
$13,245

$18,895
$10,395

$15,095
$8,295

$14,895
$8,195

$11,895
$6,545

$11,295
$6,195

Prices are per person, double-occupancy, U.S. dollars. Optional pre- and post-cruise extensions are also available. Fares are per person, double occupancy. Government fees and taxes $126 per person.  Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply.  Single supplement 100% (OS-D, except staterooms 763 and 764), $2,395 (E-F, and staterooms 763 and 764).  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.

m/s paul gauguin DECK PLAN

 


SHIP INFORMATION

 

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

 

© Nature Expeditions International