A SIGNATURE CRUISE ITINERARY:
Cook Islands & Society Islands
TAHITI Your ship awaits. How many people can say that?
Your voyage begins in Tahiti. And that, as they say, is a very good place to start. There’s an energy and buzz to the capital city of Papeete that is unmistakably Polynesian. Vibrant, friendly, and unpretentious, the city is the flip side of the island’s majestic peaks, lush jungles, tumbling waterfalls, and stellar blue lagoon. Before you sail, pick up any last-minute necessities, grab some authentic local cuisine in a café, and gear up for the unforgettable days to come. Or wander about and soak up some history, culture, island lore, and art. Museums, galleries, and historical points of interest abound.
If, by chance, you’ve been considering your first (or next) tattoo, Tahiti is where the art form began. From the Tahitian word tatau,
“to strike,” tattoos in this part of the world are very distinctive and symbolic. If you’re in the market for some ink, do some research, visit prospective artists, and consider taking the plunge on your final day of the cruise, which returns you to Papeete.
HUAHINE Midway between Tahiti and Bora Bora lies this sleepy isle. Seen from the air, the “Garden Island” is actually two— Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti, connected by a man-made bridge and cradled by a coral reef. Not as developed or populous as its neighbors, Huahine is like a wish list for everything you’d want in a romantic fantasy destination. Swaying palm trees, fragrant flowers, aquamarine waters, and beaches with sand as soft as talc.
At Sea As Te Gauguin carries you to your next port, the Cook Islands, why not start the day in a truly decadent way? Enjoy breakfast in your newly-renovated stateroom, which will have you feeling like royalty. An appointment in the ship’s award-winning Deep Nature Spa is another indulgence. Whether you choose a volcanic hot stone massage, relaxing facial, body treatment, or all of the above, you’re in very good hands. During this day at sea, you can be as active or idle as you wish.
Aitutaki Te Cook Islands, called the “15 best kept secrets in the South Pacific” by travel guide Ordinary Traveler, were settled in the 6th century by Polynesians who migrated from Tahiti. Fast forward to 1820, when they were named for British navigator James Cook. Today, the islands are much as they were when the first settlers reached their shores— unspoiled, peaceful, lovely, and quiet.
Te first recorded European to have reached this paradise was Captain William Bligh, shortly after the famous mutiny on his ship, Te Bounty, in 1789.
Te second-most visited of the Cook Islands, triangular-shaped Aitutaki is nearly flat, meaning your ocean view from virtually any point is limitless—and flawless. As waves lazily caress the reef, you are a world away. While here, don’t miss the local fare, especially the ika mata—fish marinated in coconut cream and lemon juice.
“The law of the islands is to relax, immerse yourself
in music, culture, history, and of course, unmatched beauty.”
Travel back in time with a fascinating look at ancient life in the South Pacific on the Aitutaki Discovery Safari. Hear the legends and explore the sites of rituals, sacrifices, battles, celebrations, and courtships. Your guided 4x4 trek will include the ancient temple grounds
DAY PORT 1
2 3 4 5
6
7/8 9
Papeete, Tahiti, SOCIETY ISLANDS
Huahine, SOCIETIES AT SEA
AITUTAKI, COOK ISLANDS
RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS
AT SEA BORA BORA, SOCIETIES
TAHA’A (MOTU MAHANA), SOCIETIES
10/11 MOOREA, SOCIETIES 11/12 Papeete, Tahiti
Paul Gauguin Cruises |
pgcruises.com
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