Compare Last Discovered Continent by Poseidon Expeditions vs Society Islands, Cook Islands, Tonga & Fiji by Paul Gauguin Cruises
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
0 | Poor
|
| Duration | 13 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 6,295 | $ 6,695 |
| Price Per Day | $ 484 | $ 478 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Small ship cruise |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Luxury |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Averaging 23 square metres/250 square feet, these staterooms have two twins and a comfortable sofa bed. The twins also convert to a King, if desired. Located on Oceanus Deck, these suites have a picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities. Amenities include: in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control, and hair dryer. |
Follow in the wake of the world’s most famous explorers in the South Pacific. Over the course of 13 unhurried nights, you’ll discover the region’s most storied, beautiful, and culturally vibrant islands, towns, and cities. Begin in the Society Islands—the waters that The Gauguin calls home. From there, continue on to the stunning Cook Islands before crossing the International Date Line en route to Tonga, which pairs raw natural beauty with a unique culture. Then, make a stop in friendly Lautoka, the heart of Fiji’s sugar industry. |
Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina.
Despite its small size, the city of Ushuaia is the world’s southernmost city, the capital of Tierra del Fuego and the main starting point for voyages to Antarctica.
Admire the surrounded views of Beagle Channel and the Andes Mountains. If you arrived early, you may want to visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, the southernmost on the planet. Stroll along the main street of Avenue San Martin, and pause at one of the many cafes, shops or restaurants.
Day 2: Ushuaia, embarkation.
This afternoon, embark the Sea Spirit and set sail down the picturesque Beagle Channel as the sun sets and dinner is served.
The Сaptain and our Expedition Team will welcome you and raise a toast to success of our expedition.
Day 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage.
The Drake Passage spans 600 miles from the top of South America to the South Shetland Islands. The Sea Spirit’s stabilizer fins will help to make the crossing comfortable.
Lectures and presentations by our friendly team of Antarctic experts prepare us for what lies ahead. At the Antarctic Convergence, watch for sea mammals, albatrosses and petrels in these krill-rich waters. If the Drake has behaved, we will approach the sub-Antarctic South Shetlands during the afternoon of Day 4.
Day 5-6: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
The Antarctic Peninsula and nearby islands provide exceptional opportunities to discover the unique wildlife and awesome landscapes. Depending on weather and ice conditions, the captain and expedition team will direct the Sea Spirit to a variety of secluded bays and harbors to optimize Zodiac landings and wildlife viewing. While we have a plan, flexibility is the key to successful expedition cruising. With the help of our expedition team, look for the four penguins, six seal and several whale species on your Antarctic checklist. We’ll also find a time for our most adventurous travelers to take a polar plunge, perhaps in Neko Harbor or the relatively warm waters of volcanic Deception Island.
Day 7-10: Antarctic Continent.
As we head south along the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ill understand why the imposing, snow-covered Lemaire Channel is called “Kodak Alley.” We’ll also try to visit a research station during the voyage, although the work schedules of the scientists may not always permit this. At the Ukrainian base of Academician Vernadskiy, you might want to sample the throat-burning gorilka, or Ukrainian pepper vodka, distilled on location. A Zodiac cruise of Paradise Bay, with its many glaciers, offers an experience like no other on the globe. Cruise by massive icebergs, with cracks and crevices reflecting an amazing spectrum of blue colors. Conditions permitting, we’ll set foot on the actual Antarctic Continent at Hope Bay or perhaps another site.
Day 11-12: Drake Passage.
As the Sea Spirit heads back to Ushuaia, there are some final opportunities to ask questions of our Antarctic experts, to share photos and experiences with newfound friends, and to enjoy our festive farewell dinner. Wave goodbye to the birds and whales, until you meet again on your next voyage to the White Continent!
Day 13: Ushuaia, disembarkation.
Disembark following breakfast, and transfer to the airport or the city centre.
Day 1: Embark the m/s Paul Gauguin in Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands
The islands of Polynesia are a gorgeous collection of volcanic atolls strewn across the grand Pacific Ocean, and the island of Tahiti is the largest of all 118. Explore the dynamic dining, nightlife, and shopping in the capital city of Papeete before embarking on The Gauguin.
Day 2: Moorea, Society Islands
Vibrant colors abound on Moorea, in everything from fresh fruits and flowers to multi-hued lagoons, and from spectacular mountain peaks to palm-fringed beaches. Shop for local handicrafts, embark on an optional dolphin-watching expedition with a marine biologist, and sample the local pineapples, said to be the most delicious in all of French Polynesia.
Day 3: Taha’a (Motu Mahana), Society Islands
Embark on your choice of exciting shore excursions today, or spend your whole day relaxing on Motu Mahana, our very own private islet. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, or simply lounge on the beach with a chilled beverage from our floating bar. Les Gauguines will also be on hand to provide musical entertainment and demonstrate traditional Polynesian crafts. A delicious barbecue lunch is provided.
Day 4: Bora Bora, Society Islands
A bucket list destination for many, stunning Bora Bora welcomes you for two full days of exploring lush peaks, white-sand beaches, colorful coral reefs, and romantic lagoons. Experience the natural beauty of the island with an optional snorkeling excursion, sunset jetboat ride, or a helicopter tour that flies you over Bora Bora’s iconic Mount Otemanu.
Day 5: At Sea
Spend the day enjoying The Gauguin’s Polynesian ambiance: casual, leisurely, and graceful. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests, and then reflect on your day over classic French cuisine at L’Etoile.
Day 6: Aitutaki, Cook Islands
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.
Day 7 & 8: At Sea / Cross International Date Line
The next two days will be at sea, which affords you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the amenities and entertainment onboard The Gauguin, like the award-winning spa, casino, and lectures by onboard experts.
Day 9: Vava'u, Tonga
Tongan culture takes center stage here, undoubtedly because of the country’s status as the only South Pacific nation that was never colonized by the Europeans. Enjoy a Polynesian cultural show, sample traditional Tongan food, and marvel at a lagoon so clear, you can see to a depth of 130 feet.
Day 10: At Sea
Take a day to enjoy shipboard life: relax poolside, watch the South Pacific pass by, play some table tennis, or learn about our next port in the Reading Gallery.
Day 11: Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji
A day spent in Savusavu is a trip to a charming, unspoiled paradise. Known as the “Hidden Paradise of Fiji,” this beautiful town is tucked away on the largely undeveloped northern Fijian island of Vanua Levu. Explore at your leisure, or join one of many available shore excursions, including a visit to a black pearl farm, a Fijian village, or a plantation.
Day 12: Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji
The capital of Fiji since 1883, Suva is the largest urban area in the South Pacific, outside of Australia and New Zealand. Spend your day exploring the fascinating mix of modern and colonial ambience in this sophisticated city, which is perched on a hilly peninsula between two picturesque harbors.
Day 13: Beqa Island, Fiji / Lautoka, Viti Levu, Fiji
Located about six miles off the coast of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, Beqa Island measures less than six square miles in territory—yet it looms large among those seeking a paradise by the sea. Surrounded by one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, the island offers exceptional snorkeling at high tide, with an abundance of colorful tropical fish teeming among the coral blooms. Or bask on a golden-sand beach shaded from an azure sky by swaying palms.
Day 14: Disembark in Lautoka, Viti Levu, Fiji
From the port in Lautoka, venture to Koroyanitu National Heritage Park, where you can wander through beautiful native forests, enjoy lush views of the lowlands, and experience traditional villages firsthand.
