While the island of Aitutaki may be small, it’s big on beauty, thanks to its coral reef-enclosed lagoon. Witness its splendor up-close with a leisurely beach visit. Don’t forget to save time to venture into the village of Arutanga, where you’ll find the oldest church in the Cooks, which dates from 1829.
Over the course of 13 unhurried nights, The Gauguin allows you to discover the South Pacific’s most storied, beautiful, and culturally vibrant islands, towns, and cities. No matter what kind of experience you seek, from soaking in the sun on the Society Islands’ white-sand beaches to immersing yourself in the unique cultures of Fiji and Tonga, when you follow in the wake of the world’s most famous explorers in the South Pacific, there are treasures to discover at every port.
Highlights
- Two separate Fijian ports showcase an intriguing juxtaposition: the sophisticated capital city of Suva and the unspoiled beauty of Savusavu, called the “Hidden Paradise of Fiji.”
- Surrounded by one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, you can see an abundance of tropical fish and beautiful coral blooms while visiting tiny Beqa Island.
- Live the life idyllic with a memorable day on Motu Mahana, our own private slice of paradise. On this exclusive islet, treat yourself to sand between your toes, the shade of swaying palm trees, a sumptuous barbecue lunch, and, of course, drinks sipped from coconuts.
- Complete program of tours and excursions
- Private musical performances at exclusive venues and aboard ship
- Entertainment provided by Les Gauguines, the Gauguin’s own troupe of Polynesian entertainers
- All meals aboard ship including: early riser’s coffee & pastry, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner
- All beverages including beer, soft drinks, select wine and spirits
- Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying study leaders
- Watersports including complimentary kayaking, windsurfing and paddle boarding (selection may differ from port to port)
- Complete pre-departure materials
- Port and embarkation taxes
- Gratuities to guides and drivers
- All onboard gratuities included for room stewards and dining staff
- Airfare
- Transfers
- Travel insurance
- Meals, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages other than those specified above
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, gift shop.
- Day 1 Embark the m/s Paul Gauguin in Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands
- Day 2 Moorea, Society Islands
- Day 3 Taha’a (Motu Mahana), Society Islands
- Day 4 Bora Bora, Society Islands
- Day 5 At Sea
- Day 6 Aitutaki, Cook Islands
- Day 7 & 8 At Sea / Cross International Date Line
- Day 9 Vava'u, Tonga
- Day 10 At Sea
- Day 11 Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji
- Day 12 Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji
- Day 13 Beqa Island, Fiji / Lautoka, Viti Levu, Fiji
- Day 14 Disembark in Lautoka, Viti Levu, Fiji
Designed specifically to glide through the shallow seas of the South Pacific, the Gauguin is the flagship of Paul Gauguin Cruises and a small-ship cruiser’s dream. She delivers travelers to intimate ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships, all the while providing an onboard experience that is nothing short of luxurious. Guests aboard our luxury cruises enjoy spacious suites and staterooms (more than 70% with private balconies), an onboard watersports marina, three dining venues, an extensive spa, and five-star service. Life onboard also reflects the beauty and rich cultural heritage of the islands she calls upon, with a warm, friendly feel, informal setting, and even a beloved troupe of Gauguines and Gauguins—local Tahitians who serve as cruise staff, entertainers, and storytellers.
Fast Facts
- Weight: 19,200 tns
- Length: 504 ft
- Width: 59 ft
- Cruise Speed: 18 knots
- Total Staff: 217
- Total Passengers: 332
DINING
During every meal onboard the Gauguin, with every sumptuous bit you sample, and each time our attentive staff fill your glass, you’ll begin to realize that dining on the high seas with Paul Gauguin Cruises is truly something special. Embark upon a five-star culinary adventure, designed just for you by some of the world’s most talented and award-winning chefs, including Jean-Pierre Vigato. What’s more, every one of our onboard dining options is included in your cruise fare. Bon appétit!
La Veranda
Dine al fresco or enjoy wraparound ocean views from the dining room of La Veranda, where we offer an ever-changing selection of buffet breakfast and lunch items and a la carte options, many of which are inspired by the destinations we visit. In the evening, La Veranda is transformed to a reservation-only dining venue serving Jean-Pierre Vigato’s gourmet cuisine.
L’Etoile
Our exquisite main dining room is dressed to impress with perfectly appointed décor, fine table linens, and delicate china. Join us every evening for dinner and sample a tantalizing array of expertly prepared dishes, perfectly paired with complimentary wines.
Le Grill
When your day’s plans call for a more casual dining experience, join us at Le Grill, located by the pool and offering a buffet breakfast, grilled lunch favorites, salads, and fresh tropical fruit. In the afternoon, stop by for tea with finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, desserts, pastries, and petit fours. Return in the evening to sample Polynesian specialties in a relaxed atmosphere. Reservations required for dinner.
Public Areas
Le Grand Salon
When the sun goes down at sea, Le Grand Salon comes alive with spectacular performances. Every night brings something different, whether it’s Les Gauguins & Les Gauguines performing ote’a—a complex line dance accompanied by drums—live piano music, Broadway show tunes, or foot-tapping rock music. Return to our main lounge during the day for a game of table tennis or lecture from a roster of anthropologists, archeologists, and marine biologists, as well as visiting experts on other popular topics.
La Palette
This versatile lounge offers morning snacks, serves as the backdrop for special events, hosts Polynesian activities led by Les Gauguines, and is the perfect place to grab a nightcap and dance under the stars to live music.
Le Casino and Piano Bar
Try your luck in Le Casino, which features slot machines, blackjack, and roulette, and is open every evening, except where prohibited by port regulations. We also invite you to grab a drink at the Piano Bar and enjoy nightly piano entertainment.
Pool and Pool Bar
Soak in the South Pacific sunshine with a day spent lounging by our outdoor pool. Cool off in the refreshing water, grab a cocktail from the adjacent Pool Bar, or take in the scenery from a comfortable lounge chair.
La Boutique
Just steps from your stateroom, find the perfect memento of your South Pacific cruise, like genuine Tahitian black pearl jewelry exclusively designed for Paul Gauguin Cruises, Tahitian vanilla, local arts and handicrafts, souvenir apparel, and more. It’s also the perfect place to pick up any necessary sundries or toiletries, like swimwear, beach attire, sunscreen, and batteries.
Photo Shop
Ensure that your vacation memories last a lifetime with services from Paul Gauguin Cruises’ Photo Shop. A dedicated photographer accompanies us throughout our cruise, giving you the opportunity to take home professional photos of significant events, like embarkation, the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Tahitian Night. Family portraits and casual photo-ops are also available. The Photo Shop is also stocked with everything you need to take your own photos, including single-use cameras, digital cameras, photo accessories, and media cards.
Cabins
Nearly 70% of suites and staterooms have private balconies, and all feature an ocean view, temperature control, queen-size bed (a limited number can have twin-bed configuration), bathroom with full-size bathtub and shower, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, TV, CD/DVD player, personal safe, refrigerator stocked with soft drinks, and more. There is one wheelchair-accessible stateroom, and select staterooms can accommodate three guests.
OWNER’S SUITE 701
CATEGORY OS 701 | 534 sq. ft.
Stateroom: 457 sq. ft.
Veranda: 77 sq. ft.
- Owner’s Suite 701 can accommodate up to 3 guests.
- Bathroom includes a separate shower and a dressing area.
- Owner’s Suite includes Butler service and complimentary internet.
Note: Loveseat beds are slightly smaller than a standard twin bed.
OWNER’S SUITE 7002
CATEGORY OS 7002 | 588 sq. ft.
Stateroom: 531 sq. ft.
Veranda: 57 sq. ft.
- Owner’s Suite 7002 has a queen-size bed, and can accommodate up to 3 guests.
- Bathroom includes a full-size tub and dressing area.
- Owner’s Suite includes Butler service and complimentary internet.
Note: Loveseat beds are slightly smaller than a standard twin bed.
GS GRAND SUITE
CATEGORY GS | 529 sq. ft.
Stateroom: 332 sq. ft.
Veranda: 197 sq. ft.
- Two suites available: Paul Gauguin Suite (801), Flora Tristan Suite (802).
- Grand Suites can accommodate up to 3 guests.
- Grand Suites includes Butler service and complimentary internet.
Note: Loveseat beds are slightly smaller than a standard twin bed.
A VERANDA SUITE
CATEGORY A | 358 sq. ft.
Stateroom: 300 sq. ft.
Veranda: 58 sq. ft.
CATEGORY A 7004 | 349 sq. ft.
Stateroom: 296 sq. ft.
Veranda: 53 sq. ft.
- 4 Suites available: Tahiti Suite (709), Pont Avent Suite (710), Atuona Suite (711), Arles Suite (712).
- Veranda Suites can accommodate up to 3 guests.
- Veranda Suite 7004 has a queen-size bed.
- Includes complimentary Butler Service.
Note: Loveseat beds are slightly smaller than a standard twin bed.
B VERANDA STATEROOM
CATEGORY B | 305 SQ. FT.
Stateroom: 249 SQ. FT.
Veranda: 56 SQ. FT.
CATEGORY B 7003 | 303 SQ. FT.
Stateroom: 256 SQ. FT.
Veranda: 47 SQ. FT.
- Includes complimentary butler service.
- B veranda staterooms can accommodate a third guest by adding a sofa bed.
- Stateroom 7003 features a shower stall with no tub and also a queen-size bed.
Note: loveseat beds are slightly smaller than a standard twin bed.
C BALCONY STATEROOM
CATEGORY C | 239 SQ. FT.
Stateroom: 202 SQ. FT.
Veranda : 37 SQ. FT
- Balcony staterooms ending in 6 or 8 can accommodate a third guest in a loveseat convertible (except 7006 & 766).
- Stateroom 7006 (stateroom 206 sq. Ft. – Balcony 37 sq. Ft.) Features a very small bathroom with shower only
The following staterooms vary in size and feature shower stall with no tub:
- 763 (Stateroom 186 sq. ft. – Balcony 75 sq. ft.)
- 764 (Stateroom 188 sq. ft. – Balcony 75 sq. ft.)
- 765 (Stateroom 221 sq. ft. – Balcony 74 sq. ft.)
- 766 (Stateroom 216 sq. ft. – Balcony 70 sq. ft.)
- 767 (Stateroom 229 sq. ft. – Balcony 74 sq. ft.)
Note: loveseat beds are slightly smaller than a standard twin bed.
D BALCONY STATEROOM
CATEGORY D | 239 SQ. FT.
Stateroom: 202 sq. Ft.
Veranda : 37 sq. Ft.
- Balcony staterooms ending in 6 or 8 can accommodate a third guest in a loveseat convertible.
Note: loveseat beds are slightly smaller than a standard twin bed.
E WINDOW STATEROOM
CATEGORY E | 200 SQ. FT.
Stateroom: 200 sq. Ft. With picture window
- Wheelchair-accessible stateroom (415)
- Window staterooms ending in 5, 6, or 8 (except 415) can accommodate a third guest in a loveseat convertible.
Note: loveseat beds are slightly smaller than a standard twin bed.
F PORTHOLE STATEROOM
CATEGORY F | 200 SQ. FT.
Same as E but features two portholes instead of a window.