Journey In the South Seas
The Cook Islands & the Society Islands
with Paul Gauguin Cruises
October 12 - 23, 2010
11 Night Cruise - Friends and Family Invited to Join!
James Michener's favorite islands in the whole world are visited by the popular, deluxe ship, M.S. Paul Gauguin. On this South Pacific Odyssey, you'll discover the isle of Huahine, renowned for its spectacular rain forests. Then experience the unique majesty of the Cook Islands, arid Aitutaki and Rarotonga's fertile slopes of red earth and sparkling aquamarine lagoon. Return to the Society Islands for days in alluring Bora Bora, Taha'a, Moorea, and Papeete. Indulgent pre or post cruise packages can be arranged for an experience of a lifetime!
Click here for a printable brochure
The Paul Gauguin Experience
The m/s Paul Gauguin was designed specifically to sail the shallow seas of Tahiti and French Polynesia, visiting small ports that larger ships can’t reach and effortlessly blending into the stunning natural beauty of the South Seas. She offers an extension of the informal, relaxing environment of the islands, coupled with five-star service, comfort and luxury. Spacious suites and staterooms (more than 70% with private balconies), an onboard watersports marina, a choice of three open-seating dining venues and an extensive spa are among her luxurious attributes. The atmosphere aboard ship radiates warmth, informality, and Polynesian flair. And our beloved troupe of Gauguines—a local Tahitian group who serve as cruise staff, entertainers and storytellers—add the unique personality of Tahiti to every cruise.
On this Journey in the South Seas, you'll discover the isle of Huahine, renowned for its spectacular rain forests. Then experience the unique majesty of the Cook Islands. Arid Aitutaki is virtually flat-so much so that you can spot the ocean from nearly any point on the island, sitting in sharp contrast to sister island Rarotonga's jagged peaks and deep valleys. Rarotonga's fertile slopes of red earth and sparkling aquamarine lagoon call to mind the classic Victorian ideal of paradise, which the island was called by its first European explorers. Return to the Society Islands for days in alluring Bora Bora, Taha'a, Moorea, and Papeete.
Inclusive Highlights and Points of Distinction:
- FREE Air from Los Angeles
- $200 shipboard credit per suite
- Professional Education Society private cocktail parties
- Most luxurious ship to sail in Tahiti on a year-round basis, only 332 guests
- Crew to guest ratio of 1 crew member to every 1.5 passengers
- All onboard gratuities included
- Complimentary beverages including fine wines and premium spirits, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee and tea throughout the ship. Plus in-suite mini bar
- Complimentary 24 hour room service menu
- Butler service in category B and higher
- 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
| Date | Port | Arrive | Depart |
| Tuesday, October 12, 2010 | Papeete, Tahiti | 10pm | |
| Wednesday, October 13, 2010 | Huahine, Society Islands | 12pm | 5pm |
| Thursday, October 14, 2010 | Cruise the Pacific Ocean | ||
| Friday, October 15, 2010 | Aitutaki, Cook Islands | 8am | 6pm |
| Saturday October 16, 2010 | Rarotonga, Cook Islands | 9am | 5pm |
| Sunday, October 17, 2010 | Cruise the Pacific Ocean | ||
| Monday, October 18, 2010 | Bora Bora, Society Islands | 8am | Overnight |
| Tuesday, October 19, 2010 | Bora Bora, Society Islands | 11pm | |
| Wednesday, October 20, 2010 | Taha'a, Society Islands | 8am | 5pm |
| Thursday, October 21, 2010 | Moorea, Society Islands | 8am | Overnight |
| Friday, October 22, 2010 | Moorea, Society Islands | 5pm | |
| Papeete, Society Islands | 7:30pm | Overnight | |
| Saturday, October 23, 2010 | Papeete, Society Islands | Debark am | |
Society Islands
Paul Gauguin was inspired by them, Rogers & Hammerstein immortalized them in song, and James Mitchener wrote, "Anyone who has ever been there wants to go back." Discover the "Garden Island" of Huahine, with its lush rain forests and dramatic terrain. Explore the verdant peaks, crystalline waters, and pristine beaches of these magnificent volcanic islands, from dolphin-watching at Moorea to snorkeling off Bora Bora. Enjoy an unforgettable day on our own private motu (islet) off Taha'a.
Cook Islands
The Cook Islands are a study in contrasts, with Aitutaki so flat you can see the ocean from virtually any point on the island and Rarotonga made up of jagged peaks and deep valleys. The islands' natives maintain a strong traditional culture through song, dance, legends, and crafts like intricate quilts inspired by nature known as tivaevae.
Port Highlights:
October 12: Embark Paul Gauguin in Papeete, Tahiti
October 13: Huahine, Society Islands
This unspoiled island is renowned for the white sand beaches and important archaeological sites.
October 14: At Sea
October 15: Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Aitutaki is a historically interesting island with a number of impressive marae (pre-European religious
meeting grounds).
October 16: Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Rarotonga provides some of the most spectacular scenery in all of the fifteen major Cook Islands.
October 17: At Sea
October 18 and 19: Bora Bora, Society Islands
This most beautiful lagoon is constantly replenished with ocean water from the swells that crash between
sandy motus (small islets) and over the fringing reef. In the center of the island, half of an extinct
volcano – Mt. Otemanu – stands.
October 20: Taha'a, Society Islands
Enjoy an inclusive beach day on our own private island, Motu Mahana, with a white sandy beach, swaying palms,
and crystal-clear water.
October 21 and 22: Moorea, Society Islands
Moorea’s jagged peaks, encircled by blue waters, are everyone's dream of Polynesia.
October 23: Disembark in Papeete
Oceanview Stateroom and Suite Details
All oceanview staterooms and suites – nearly 70% with private verandas – feature queen-size bed (a limited number can have a twin-bed configuration), bathroom with full size bathtub and shower, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, flat screen TV, CD/DVD player, safe, and a refrigerator replenished daily with soft drinks, beer, and bottled water. Categories B and above include a butler.
Cabin Category Pricing:
| Owners Suite – OS | $15,670 per person based on double occupancy |
| Grand Suite – GS | $12,203 per person based on double occupancy |
| Veranda Suite – A | $9,780 per person based on double occupancy |
| Veranda Stateroom – B | $7,548 per person based on double occupancy |
| Balcony Stateroom – C | $5,933 per person based on double occupancy |
| Balcony Stateroom – D | $5,838 per person based on double occupancy |
| Window Stateroom – E | $4,650 per person based on double occupancy |
| Porthole Stateroom – F | $4,460 per person based on double occupancy |
** Special group rate for Professional Education Society **
Fares are per person, based on double occupancy and included roundtrip Economy Class airfare from Los Angeles to Tahiti. Air credit of $1,200 for cruise only. Government fees, Port, Handling, and Security Charges are $99 per person. Third person in stateroom is FREE (applies to cruise fee only, free air not included). Single rates available with limited capacity.
