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If you are looking for warmth of the Caribbean but without the crowds, there’s another destination you might want to consider. This particular paradise lies in the middle of the South Pacific – and best of all, you can cruise there year-round.
Paul Gauguin was designed to cruise the beautiful islands of the South Pacific. Photo courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises
The subject of today’s Cool Cruise is of course Paul Gauguin Cruises and their attractive, intimate ship of the same name. The m/s Paul Gauguin has been plying the warm waters of the South Pacific since she was launched in 1997, and up until 2009 she was operated by Regent Seven Seas. Today, she is operated by Bellevue-based Paul Gauguin Cruises, and their itineraries – like the ship herself – are something to write home about.
Ranging in duration from six to 17 nights, the Paul Gauguin sails to the exotic islands of the South Pacific like Fiji, Tahiti, the Australs, Cook Islands, the Marquesas, Society Islands and Tuamotus. You might not be familiar with all of them, but all you truly need to know about these islands is that they are every bit as spectacular and other-worldly as their names suggest. Forget Hawaii; true adventure is found in the South Pacific.
Departing on September 1, 2012 the 11-night Australs & Society Islands cruise instantly caught our eye. After embarking the Paul Gauguin in Papeete, Tahiti (easily accessible via direct flights from Los Angeles, Paris, Auckland, Tokyo and Honolulu), guests get to know this comfortable, midsize ship as they sail off into the sunset.
Get up-close-and-personal with Paul Gauguin’s retractable watersports platform. Photo courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises
The next day finds Paul Gauguin and her passengers exploring picturesque Huahine. Relatively untouched by modern development, Huahine looks essentially as it has for hundreds of years. In fact, you can explore some of the ancient homes and marae worship platforms that have been excavated and preserved throughout the island. If archaeology isn’t your thing, maybe a dip in the crystal-clear waters is in order, though you might want to bring a waterproof camera: the Huahine lagoon is home to over 450 species of fish!
The opportunities for relaxation and discovery continue as Paul Gauguin spends two days in Bora Bora. The ancient Polynesians called this island the “firstborn”, as they figured that Bora Bora was the first island to be created here after Raiatea. With two days to spend here, there’s plenty of opportunities to do as much – or as little – as you’d like in this idyllic paradise.
Could it get any better than this? A feast on a private beach in the South Pacific. Photo courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises
Day 5, though, holds a special, one-of-a-kind treat: an entire day spent relaxing on the isolated island of Motu Mahana, located adjacent to Taha’a. This call is exclusive to Paul Gauguin guests, and there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time here. Local Polynesian entertainment features strolling musicians and singers, and guests are treated to an incredible barbecue lunch served up right on the island itself. So whether you swim, snorkel or just relax, there’s no question about it: the day spent on Motu Mahana sounds like the perfect antidote to our hectic, technology-strapped lives.
A day is spent in Raiatea, where guests can take in some of Tahiti’s most historically-significant archaeological sites, including Taputapuatea: the largest marae found in the Society Islands.
The fun certainly doesn’t end when the Paul Gauguin sails for Rurutu: a relaxing day at sea is in store, allowing guests to properly take advantage of all this attractive, modern ship has to offer.
The soothing ambiance of the onboard Bar is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration. Photo courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises
With only 332 guests aboard and a passenger-space ratio of 58 to 1, Paul Gauguin is never crowded. Almost seventy percent of the ship boasts private balconies, and cruise fares include all gratuities and beverages like wine and premium spirits, soft drinks, bottled water and coffee. Dining is open-seating at the ship’s two restaurants and casual poolside grill, and the Paul Gauguin even includes a retractable watersports marina.
In Rurutu, you might be fortunate to catch sight of numerous Humpback whales, which travel to these pristine waters between July and October to bear their young. Afterwards, another relaxing day at sea is the perfect way to wind this itinerary down before arriving in Moorea. With two days to explore this particular paradise, guests are once again able to decide how much – or how little – they’d like to do. Maybe a day of lounging around the Paul Gauguin is in order, or taking part in one of the many shore excursions offered here.
Take meals on the open decks to fully enjoy the beauty of the Society Islands. Photo courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises
Late in the evening on your second day in Moorea, the m/s Paul Gauguin sets sail one final time, arriving in Papeete that evening and bringing your South Pacific adventure to a close the next morning.
It all sounds very dream-like, and that’s exactly what Paul Gauguin Cruises aspires to create for its guests: the quintessential South Pacific experience, coupled with all the comforts of modern cruising.
Now that’s a Cool Cruise!
For more information on Paul Gauguin Cruises and their itineraries, be sure to have a peek at their website, and their enticing YouTube channel (be warned: it’ll make you want to get out your credit card!)
