Society Islands, Cook Islands, Tonga & Fiji

14 days
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Small Ship Cruise
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 ...
From$6,695
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Overview

Trip type
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • View manta rays gliding effortlessly through the underwater world when you take a diving excursion during your cruise—it’s the best time of year to see them.
    • Explore Tonga, the last remaining Polynesian monarchy and only South Pacific nation never colonized by Europeans.
    • Call upon two beautiful Fijian ports—the bustling capital city of Suva, which effortlessly combines Polynesian flair with European sophistication, and Savusavu, called the “Hidden Paradise of Fiji.”

What's this trip about?

    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.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityPapeete
End CityLautoka

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Fiji

Activities

  • Culture
  • Dolphin Swim
  • Kayaking
  • Nature
  • Snorkeling

Trip includes

    • Roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles
    • Airport/pier transfers
    • All shipboard meals, in a choice of venues
    • Complimentary room service
    • All beverages, including select wines and spirits
    • Onboard gratuities for room stewards and dining staff
    • Complimentary watersports
    • Day at our private islet, Motu Mahana
    • Access to our private beach in Bora Bora

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Itinerary

Travel Map

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 ...

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 o...

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.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,695
Price per day$478
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Paul Gauguin Cruises.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

Paul Gauguin Cruises

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Owned by Pacific Beachcomber S.C., the leader in French Polynesia luxury destination resorts, Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the award-winning luxury cruise ship, the m/s Paul Gauguin, providing a luxury cruise experience tailored to the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, the South Pacific, and Fiji. A second small luxury ship, the m/vTere Moana, began sailing under the Paul Gauguin Cruises banner in December 2012.

The renowned, 5+-star m/s Paul Gauguin was built specifically to sail the waters of Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific. Launched in 1998, The Gauguin is the longest continually operating year-round luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific. No other luxury ship in history has offered this level of single-destination focus and expertise on a year-round basis for such an extended period of time.

Like The Gauguin, The Moana specializes in warm-weather destinations, with an emphasis on delivering unique itineraries that larger ships cannot offer and exploring hidden ports throughout these regions. The ship sails during the summer months in Europe and winter in the Caribbean and Latin America.

With over 25 years of experience in the French Polynesian tourism market, Pacific Beachcomber is the country's largest luxury hotel and cruise operator in the region. In addition to The Moana and The Gauguin, Pacific Beachcomber operates five award-winning hotels. Sustainable development is the keynote of Pacific Beachcomber's projects, whose resorts are all Green Globe certified. Pacific Beachcomber’s next resort project is The Brando, a luxury eco-resort which opened July 1, 2014.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Passport and Visa Charges
    • Personal Expenses
Ship & cabin information
m/s Paul Gauguin
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 Gaugines and Gauguins—local Tahitians who serve as cruise staff, entertainers, and storytellers.
Capacity: 332 guests Crew: 217/International Crew-to-Guest Ratio: 1:1.5, one of the highest of any luxury cruise ship Officers: European and International Registry: Bahamas Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique (Saint Nazaire, France) Length: 504 feet Width: 72 feet Draft: 17.1 feet Tonnage: 19,200 tons Maximum speed: 18 knots Passenger decks: 7 Call letters: C6TH9 Propulsion System: Diesel electric
  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 4 guests by adding 2 berths with cribs or roll-aways. 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 but can comfortably accomodate an average-size adult. Owner's Suite 7002 CATEGORY OS 7002 | 588 sq. ft. Stateroom: 531 sq. ft. Veranda: 57 sq. ft. Owner's Suite 7002 can accommodate up to 4 guests by adding 2 berths with a queen-sized sofa bed. 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 but can comfortably accomodate an average-size adult. 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 4 guests by adding 2 berths with cribs or roll-aways. Grand Suites includes Butler service and complimentary internet. Note: Loveseat beds are slightly smaller than a standard twin bed but can comfortably accomodate an average-size adult. 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 4 guests by adding 2 berths with cribs or a sofa bed. Includes complimentary Butler Service. Note: Loveseat beds are slightly smaller than a standard twin bed but can comfortably accomodate an average-size adult. 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. Note: Loveseat beds are slightly smaller than a standard twin bed but can comfortably accomodate an average-size adult. 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 but can comfortably accomodate an average-size adult. 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 but can comfortably accomodate an average-size adult. 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 but can comfortably accomodate an average-size adult. F Porthole Stateroom CATEGORY F | 200 sq. ft. same as E but features two portholes instead of a window
Cancellation policy

The following cancellation charges will apply to any cancellation by guests:

DATE OF CANCELLATION CHARGE

121 days or more prior to Departure Date:. . . . Administrative Fee of $100 per person

120 – 91 Days Prior to Departure Date:. . . . . . .10% of Full Fare per person

90 – 61 Days Prior to Departure Date:. . . . . . . .20% of Full Fare per person

60 – 31 Days Prior to Departure Date:. . . . . . . .50% of Full Fare per person

30 – 0 Days Prior to Departure Date:. . . . . . . . .100% of Full Fare per person

For this purpose, “Departure Date” means the date the sea, air/sea or air/sea/land program first departs and “Full Fare” means the full cost of any cruise, hotel or air component purchased from PGS. Some components may have different refund and/or cancellation policies and penalties and, if so, these will explained at time of booking.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities

 

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Bora Bora

Author James Michener referred to Bora Bora as "the most beautiful Island in the world," and once wrote, "Anyone who has ever been there wants to go back."

Paul Gauguin Cruises offers you two options for prolonging your experience of this idyllic island's exquisite beauty and unique culture. Discover the eco-friendly jewel that is the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, located between the "two hearts" of Motu Piti Aau, a coral island on the barrier reef. The Deep Ocean Spa offers treatments using deep sea water to replenish the body's minerals and restore equilibrium, and the resort also offers many other cultural and recreational activities to fill your days, including canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, stargazing, and handicraft demonstrations.

Or spend your time at the InterContinental Le Moana Resort, which occupies what most people say is the most beautiful site in French Polynesia. Two white-sand beaches, a wide array of watersports, intriguing cultural activities, and unique bungalows poised over the water are the ingredients for the ultimate island escape.

The InterContinental Bora Bora hotels are Green Globe certified, ensuring a commitment to preserving this pristine environment.

Fiji

Subtle sophistication and laidback luxury await you at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa. Infusing Sofitel's French influences with exotic Fijian customs, the resort boasts the Pacific's largest lagoon-style pool, world-class dining, a sublime International Day Spa, and an unsurpassed range of adrenalin-pumping activities that make for an unforgettable experience.

Nestled among 35 acres of lush tropical grounds, the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is set on one of the world's best beaches. Its five restaurants and bars, serene spa, 18-hole championship golf course, four pools, and Kids Club ensure a welcoming environment for guests of all ages.

Or choose the five-star Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort, one of the world's top-ranked environmentally friendly accommodations. Overlooking the calm waters of Savusavu Bay and surrounded by world-famous, pristine coral reefs, it offers an array of cultural and recreational activities. Your stay at the resort includes most resort activities, gourmet meals, soft drinks, and bottled water.

Moorea

Velvety mountain peaks ... white-sand beaches with swaying palms ... sheltered azure bays ... gentle breezes ... Moorea is the very picture of the ideal island getaway. And you can immerse yourself in its splendor with a hotel stay at a luxury hotel that offers world-class service in a spectacular setting.

The InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa is nestled between mountains and a lagoon on this stunning French Polynesian island. Right on the resort grounds is Moorea's widest range of activities, including the Moorea Dolphin Center, Bathys Diving Club, tennis, kayaking, canoeing, skiing, and 4-wheel drive tours. The Arahurahu Marae temple is also worth a visit.

The hotel is Green Globe certified, ensuring a commitment to preserving this pristine environment.

Tahiti

Tarry a while in Tahiti, where rugged headlands tumble down to soft sand beaches and tropical gardens scent the air. Here, on Polynesia's most cosmopolitan island, you'll experience a welcoming ambiance with a touch of French flair.

Long the island's top resort, the Tahiti InterContinental Resort & Spa is the perfect place to let the dream of paradise linger on. Let the azure waters of the lagoon draw you in at the Aquatica Dive Center, Lagoonarium, private beach, or two pools. Breathe in the fragrance of the profusion of flowers in the hotel gardens. Indulge in the Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm. Or venture to the island's bustling capital, Papeete—just a short drive away.

The hotel is Green Globe certified, ensuring a commitment to preserving this pristine environment.

Tetiaroa

A life-changing experience awaits you at The Brando, an exquisite, all-inclusive luxury resort on the private, South Pacific island of Tetiaroa. Lying just 30 miles north of Tahiti, this breathtakingly beautiful atoll is comprised of a dozen idyllic islands surrounding a spectacular lagoon. As a guest of a qualifying cruise aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, you can enhance your cruise by booking a pre- or post-cruise stay on this private paradise. Each of The Brando’s 35 deluxe villas has its own private beach area and plunge pool, and guests can also enjoy the resort’s restaurants showcasing Polynesian and French cuisine, a luxurious Polynesian spa, lagoon-view bar, beach bar, pool, organic garden, library, boutique, water sports, and environmental research station with guest programs. It’s the ultimate way for you to make the most of your  time in French Polynesia.

Additional Information
Trip ID
paulga-SocCooPau

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