tahiti & society islands – TAHITI, BORA BORA, moorea, raiatea, taha'a
aboard the deluxe 332 passenger m/s paul gauguin

2011:
50% OFF STANDARD CRUISE FARES (Past guests of select elite cruise lines save an additional 5%)
FREE AIRFARE FROM LOS ANGELES
SHIPBOARD CREDIT OF $350PP ON JAN- JUNE CRUISES
7-NIGHT VOYAGES FROM $3,997PP

2011 Departures: 20 departures available in 2011.

T R I P  B A C K G R O U N D

In 1891, when Paul Gauguin arrived in Tahiti, he captured the charm, culture and languid grace of the natives in oils. You won't find his paintings here, but the original models still call this piece of French Polynesia home. This 7-night itinerary is perfect for those who want a core Polynesian experience. Call on Raiatea and its reef-bound lagoon and Taha'a, it's companion island, where you'll enjoy a full day of exploration. Then sail to Bora Bora, and her siren sister, Moorea.
There's a reason these islands are world-renowned - their beauty is unmatched.

ITINERARY - TAHITI & SOCIETY ISLANDS

Begin your journey to a paradise in the capital of Tahiti, the largest and most populated of the French Polynesian islands. Here you'll embark Paul Gauguin . This luxurious yet casual, ultra-deluxe vessel will be your home for the next week. With an endless choice of things to do, from relaxing poolside with a book to playing the slots in the casino, you will never be bored.

You will have the day to explore the island that was once the cultural, religious, royal and political heart of Polynesia, and, according to legend, and lore, as well as Tahiti's most significant archeological sites. Ancient Polynesians built maraes, or temples, of stone in many sizes. The maraes provided a physical space for the spirit of the gods to occupy during ritual ceremonies, as did the carved wooden tikis for which the region is famous. Be sure to visit Taputapuatea, a national monument and the most important marae in the Society Islands. We will bid adieu to Raiatea just before dinner and set sail with the compass set for 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.

Immediately recognizable by the basalt tombstone of 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.

Explore more of this magical isle on your own or on a choice of optional shore excursions. Choose from several, like a jitney tour on “Le Truck,” or a 4-wheel-drive safari, or a glass-bottom boat ride. We will set sail before dinner, enjoying a relaxing evening on board.

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. During your visit, you might wish to shop for local crafts, embark on a dolphin-watching expedition with a marine biologist and witness these fascinating animals in their amazing natural habitat, or try out some of the local pineapples – said to be the most delicious in all of French Polynesia. An overnight here affords us two full days on Bora Bora's gorgeous sister island.

Explore more of this peaceful oasis. Perhaps you will choose to trek on the “Trails of the Ancients” or snorkel one of the world's most beautiful lagoons. At the end of the afternoon, we cruise to our home port in Papeete, docking for the night.

Cap off your epic journey where it all began. You won't be the same as when you first set sail – these exotic isles are said to touch people in magical ways. If you want to explore more of this side of paradise, perhaps you will choose our pre- and post-cruise hotel programs in Huahine, Bora Bora, Moorea, Taha'a and Papeete..

PRICING

2010:
45% OFF STANDARD CRUISE FARES (Past guests of select elite cruise lines save an additional 5%)
2 FOR 1 AIRFARE FROM LOS ANGELES
SHIPBOARD CREDIT OF $100PP ON ALL CRUISES
7-NIGHT VOYAGES FROM $3,145PP

2011:
50% OFF STANDARD CRUISE FARES (Past guests of select elite cruise lines save an additional 5%)
FREE AIRFARE FROM LOS ANGELES
SHIPBOARD CREDIT OF $350PP ON JAN- JUNE CRUISES
7-NIGHT VOYAGES FROM $3,997PP

2010 Departures: 9 Departures between June 12 and October 30.  
2011 Departures: 20 departures available in 2011.

Fares are per person, double occupancy. Government fees and taxes $63 per person.  Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply.  Single supplement 100% (OS-D, except staterooms 763 and 764), $1,295 (E-F, and staterooms 763 and 764).  Offers are capacity controlled, for a limited time, and 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