waterfalls. Te island’s coast is lined with white-sand beaches, and divers will be treated to rich marine life and numerous shipwrecks to explore. For history lovers, Guadalcanal is a treasure trove of war relics, monuments, battle sites and historical museums.
AT Sea Tis voyage is all about exploration and discovery. Le Grand Salon is host to myriad talks, presentations, and screenings. Or add to your mad kitchen skills with cooking demonstrations by the ship’s executive chef.
Samarai Island Hands- down the most historically intriguing stop on the itinerary, tiny Samarai Island was once a bustling trading port between Australia and East Asia. In 1942, fearing Japanese occupation, the British ordered the port destroyed. It was rebuilt after the war and, after years of reconstruction, was declared a National Historical Heritage Island by the government of Papua New Guinea in 2006.
A pleasant pathway encircles the island, providing picturesque views of the charming downtown area. Diving and snorkeling are rich with colorful marine life, and beaches are a great place to relax.
Port Moresby Port Moresby is the capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea. Highlights of the Port Moresby City Sights tour include views of Taurama Army Barracks and Boroko shopping center before visiting the National Parliament House and the National Museum & Art Gallery which houses a collection of unique artwork from around the country and a history of the different cultures and traditions of the country. Also see the magnificent gardens of Port Moresby Adventure Park.
AT Sea Your to-do list: Sleep in. Enjoy breakfast in your stateroom. Grab your sunscreen and that novel you brought. Enjoy
lunch on deck or by the pool. Nap liberally. Indulge in an intimate dinner at La Veranda, and try something you’ve never had before. Have dessert. Sip a nightcap. Dance under a dazzling canopy of stars. Sleep well. Have beautiful dreams.
THURSDAY ISLAND Roughly 2,000 years ago, Melanesian and Polynesian settlers arrived on the shores of the Torres Strait Islands, in the far north of the Australian state of Queensland. Today, the unofficial capital of this archipelago is Tursday Island, originally called “Waiben” (believed to mean “no water”) by the Melanesians but today known locally as
“TI.” Immerse yourself in the island’s cultural mix of Asian, European, and Pacific Island influences at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre. At Green Hill Fort, built as a defense against Russian invasion and later a World War II military base, admire military artifacts, splendid views, and exhibits that share the island’s history as a major pearling center.
AT Sea Aboard Te Gauguin, you may be as active or relaxed as you wish. If you’re in the mood for getting your cardio on, perfect. In addition to the ship’s fitness center, where you can break a sweat with Lifecycles, treadmills, stairclimbers, and weight machines, Les Gauguines are ready to get your pulse pounding with a morning mile-long walk around Decks 8 and 9, and sunrise Polynesian- inspired Zumba classes.
Be sure to reward yourself with a spa indulgence, a dip in the pool, and/ or(preferably and) a smoothie or your favorite beverage from the Pool Bar.
Dili After achieving independence from Indonesia in 2002, the relatively new country of Timor-Leste is coming into its own. Portuguese influence can still be felt and seen in the architecture and culture. On the northern coast of the former East Timor, the capital city of Dili is still a sleepy colonial
town—on the cusp of discovery by Westerners. Right now is the perfect time to visit.
Unquestionably, the pride of the Timorese is the 88-foot-tall statue of Cristo Rei (the world’s second-tallest statue of Jesus). In town, you’ll find an array of goods, including local handicrafts at the Dili Tais Market. Te city also boasts a number of fine beaches and excellent diving and snorkeling.
AT Sea Enjoy the newly-renovated ship: take in a lecture, visit the new digital museum, relax in the chic public spaces and enjoy a delicious cocktail from one of the lounges.
Komodo Island Tere are dragons here. Tey may not fly or belch fire, but they are dragons nonetheless. Te largest lizards on Earth take their name from this island, and they have their own national park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Te Komodo Trekking Tour offers the only opportunity to see Komodo Dragons. After a short briefing at the Tamarind Woods rangers’ station, keep an eye open for these dappled giants as you approach Banuggulung, a former Komodo feeding ground, in the company of an expert guide who will provide further insight into the life of these unique and fascinating creatures.
Benoa, Bali Just saying the word
“Bali” conjures images of magical journeys, ancient temples, and tales of gods and goddesses. Truly a world away, Bali is all this and so much more. From cities teeming with motorbikes to the serenity of terraced rice paddy fields, the island is steeped in tradition, culture, and art. Te bustling port of Benoa lifts the veil of this wonderland—and is the perfect place for your voyage of discovery to begin or end.
Fiji to Bali
Lautoka, Fiji to Benoa, Bali (or reverse)
16 NIGHTS from $5,750-$18,240* per person *Itinerary operates in reverse and does not stop in Tursday Island, Australia *See page 59 for Terms & Conditions Paul Gauguin Cruises |
www.pgcruises.com 49
2023 SAILING DATES: January 21; March 4*
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