Have you always dreamed of sailing around the the islands of French Polynesia? Scattered like emeralds across the turquoise waters of the South Pacific, the islands and atolls of French Polynesia are unmatched in their allure. Here await sun-kissed beaches, lush rain forests, and barrier reefs teeming with Technicolor sea life, as well as intriguing cultures immortalized by novelist James Michener, songwriters Rodgers and Hammerstein, and artist Paul Gauguin. The m/s Paul Gauguin takes its name from the French painter who spent the last years of his life in Tahiti. The intimate 332-guest vessel was specifically designed to cruise the South Pacific and sails these storied isles year-round, navigating shallow waters as nimbly as a yacht.
The ship's informal ambience reflects the relaxed nature of the region. A much-loved troop known as the Gauguines - Tahitians who serve as staff, entertainers and storytellers - add a uniquely South Pacific touch to life on board. Best of all, The Gauguin offers an all-inclusive experience, with airfare from Los Angeles, gratuities, 24-hour room service, bottled water, soft drinks, and select wines and spirits all included in the cruise fare.
All suites and staterooms feature ocean views, and nearly 70 percent have private balconies. Guests who book category B suites or higher receive in-suite bar service, an iPod® music system, and the service of a butler who can unpack your bags, make appointments for you at the spa, or arrange a private car or lunch reservation in port.
A crew-to-guest ratio of 1 to 1.5 ensures the highest level of personal attention. The maitre d' will remember your favorite table, and your stateroom stewardess will fill your fruit basket with the ripe fruits you prefer.
The exclusive treatment continues ashore. Guests enjoy a day on the cruise line's private isle, Motu Mahana, complete with snorkeling, full bar service, and a barbecue with Polynesian entertainment. The ship also features a retractable watersports marina from which you can kayak or windsurf. Or set out in the Zodiac� for an optional diving excursion; The Gauguin is the only luxury ship in French Polynesia to offer PADI certification onboard.
In 2012, Paris Chef Jean-Pierre Vigato, Chef Propriétaire of the world-renowned, two-star Michelin-rated Restaurant Apicius will continue to create signature dishes and menus to be featured aboard ship. The three dining venues range from elegant traditional to casual al fresco, and all offer open seating.
Nightly entertainment in Le Grand Salon draws upon the traditions of the South Pacific. Listen to acappella harmonies of himene,formal Tahitian choral songs,or watch a performance of the otea, a complex line dance accompanied by drums. Singers croon as couples take a spin on the dance floor in La Palette,while a casino and piano bar round out the options for the evening.
Voyages of seven to 14 nights are available aboard The Gauguin in 2012 and encompass the Society Islands of Tahiti, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, and the private island of Motu Mahana, as well as select islands in the Tuamotus, Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga, and Marquesas archipelagos.
Contact one of our South Pacific Specialists for more information and let us assist you in planning your dream vacation!
