A SIGNATURE CRUISE ITINERARY:
Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands
TAHITI Your two-week journey aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin begins in one of the world’s most celebrated destinations. Tey call this island the “Queen of the Pacific.” And Tahiti is indeed regal. Beyond the opulence that greets your senses, Tahiti offers something intangible. Some say it’s a sense of serenity and well-being. Whatever you call it, it has lured many for thousands of years.
At Sea There’s something very special about the first day at sea on board The Gauguin. This is Page 1, with many unimaginable chapters ahead. Will your story be a romance? A fantasy? An adventure? Maybe all of these. Probably much more.
Fakarava Lovely, serene, and virtually untouched by modern distractions, the second-largest atoll (or coral island) in the South Pacific offers a rustic backdrop for your fantasy of being a castaway in paradise. Pristine beaches surround one of the clearest lagoons in French Polynesia—a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Te view below the water is as cinematic as it is above—and that’s saying something. Whether you snorkel or dive, you’re in for a great show. Against the backdrop of the dazzling coral reef, you’ll spy barracudas, turtles, dolphins, and manta rays. Tis is also one of the few spots in the South Pacific where you can see hundreds of gray reef sharks in the same area. Tat should get the adrenaline pumping. (Te sharks are not dangerous when approached correctly; diving with a guide will ensure your safety.)
“This isolated
paradise really is ‘off the radar.’”
Spend quality time on land, as well. A paved road encircling the island is perfect for exploring by foot or by bike.
At Sea Te Gauguin’s heated, mahogany- framed saltwater pool is calling. Please report to Deck 8. Te sensation of being in the water while traveling on the water should not be missed. Take a dip. Grab a chaise and your favorite cocktail. Chat up your fellow poolies—one meets the most interesting people while at sea.
Fatu Hiva Te Marquesas: Wild. Dramatic. Bold. Te Pacific Ocean pounds against jagged cliffs. In contrast to the aquamarine and turquoise waters of French Polynesia, the water here is a deep indigo. Sharply sculpted mountains reach so high, the fine mist of clouds come down to meet them.
Te southernmost island in the Marquesas, Fatu Hiva may also be the most beautiful. Tis isolated paradise really is “off the radar.” No airstrip, only one road, and just 500 residents. Explorer and archaeologist Tor Heyerdahl immortalized Fatu Hiva in a book of the same name published in 1974, detailing his one-and-a half-year quest to escape civilization in the 1930s. Little has changed since then.
Hiva Oa Te second-largest of the southeastern Marquesas, Hiva Oa beckons with deep valleys, rugged peaks, and dense velvet rainforests. Te city of Atuona is a favorite of the yacht set, with just enough of a small island/cosmopolitan vibe to make things interesting. It’s easy to understand how artist Paul Gauguin and Belgian- born singer/songwriter Jacques Brel fell madly in love with this isle and called it home. (Tey’re still here; you can visit both at the Calvaire Cemetery.)
Paul Gauguin Cruises |
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DAY PORT 1
2 3 4 5 6 7
8
12 13
14
Papeete, Tahiti SOCIETY ISLANDS
AT SEA
FAKARAVA, Tuamotus AT SEA
FATU HIVA, Marquesas HIVA OA, Marquesas Tahuata, Marquesas Nuku Hiva, Marquesas
9/10 AT SEA 11
Huahine, SOCIETIES Bora Bora, SOCIETIES
Taha’a (MOTU MAHANA) SOCIETIES
MOOREA, SOCIETIES 14/15 Papeete, Tahiti
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