Paul Gauguin Cruises

Daily Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Papeete

   Depart 18:30

   French Polynesia

   

   Papeete is the spirited, slightly ragged capital of French Polynesia — not the languorous paradise of travel-poster imagination, but a working harbour city of fresh produce markets, baguette bakeries, and Tahitian outrigger canoe clubs that provides an authentic counterpoint to the pearl-still lagoons of Bora Bora and Moorea nearby. The daily Marché de Papeete is the city's essential experience, its stalls piling high with vanilla pods, monoi-scented oils, black pearls, and the most exuberant floral arrangements in the Pacific. Moorea, visible across the Sea of the Moon and just 30 minutes by fast ferry, offers a dramatically quieter alternative. The dry season, May through October, brings the finest weather.

2. Day 2

   Moorea

   Arrive 07:00Depart 17:00

   French Polynesia

   

   Moorea is a volcanic island in French Polynesia, separated from Tahiti by a narrow channel known as the Sea of the Moon, celebrated for its twin cathedral-like bays, jagged emerald peaks, and lagoons of almost surreal turquoise clarity. Visitors should not miss savouring authentic *poisson cru* at a beachside roulotte and exploring Ōpūnohu Bay by outrigger canoe or guided hiking trail. The ideal season to visit is May through October — the dry, austral winter — when skies are reliably clear, humidity is gentle, and humpback whales pass through the surrounding waters on their annual migration.

3. Day 3

   Taha’a (Motu Mahana)

   Arrive 07:00Depart 18:00

   French Polynesia

   

   Taha'a, accessible only by boat within its shared lagoon with Raiatea, is French Polynesia's vanilla island — a roadless, airportless sanctuary where family plantations produce eighty percent of the territory's prized vanilla. Visitors should explore a working vanilla farm to witness hand-pollination and sun-curing techniques, then taste *poisson cru* dressed in fresh coconut milk at a waterside pension. The dry season from May through October offers the clearest skies and calmest lagoon conditions, ideal for small-ship circumnavigation of the island aboard Paul Gauguin Cruises, Windstar, or Silversea.

4. Day 4

   Bora Bora

   Arrive 07:00

   French Polynesia

   

   Bora Bora rises from the South Pacific like the platonic ideal of a tropical island — a volcanic peak ringed by a lagoon of impossible turquoise clarity whose beauty has made it the benchmark against which all other island destinations are measured. The overwater bungalow was effectively invented here, and the island's luxury resorts remain the definitive expression of that sublime form of hospitality. Snorkel or dive the outer reef's extraordinary coral gardens, or simply watch the shifting light transform Mount Otemanu's basalt silhouette through the long Pacific afternoon. Visit April through October for the calmest, driest conditions. Tahiti's Faa'a International Airport is a forty-five-minute flight away.

5. Day 5

   Bora Bora

   Depart 18:00

   French Polynesia

   

   Bora Bora rises from the South Pacific like the platonic ideal of a tropical island — a volcanic peak ringed by a lagoon of impossible turquoise clarity whose beauty has made it the benchmark against which all other island destinations are measured. The overwater bungalow was effectively invented here, and the island's luxury resorts remain the definitive expression of that sublime form of hospitality. Snorkel or dive the outer reef's extraordinary coral gardens, or simply watch the shifting light transform Mount Otemanu's basalt silhouette through the long Pacific afternoon. Visit April through October for the calmest, driest conditions. Tahiti's Faa'a International Airport is a forty-five-minute flight away.

6. Day 6

   At sea

   

7. Day 7

   Aitutaki

   Arrive 08:00Depart 17:00

   Cook Islands

   

   Aitutaki is the Cook Islands atoll whose lagoon — arguably the world's most beautiful — shimmers in impossible blues around palm-fringed motus including One Foot Island's legendary beach and remote post office. Visit May through October via Paul Gauguin or Silversea for crystal-clear snorkeling, traditional Polynesian umukai feasts, and the rare Pacific island experience that silences even the most jaded traveler.

8. Day 8

   At sea

   

9. Day 9

   Crossing the International Date Line

   

10. Day 10

    Neiafu

    Tonga

    

    Neiafu is the charming capital of Tonga's Vava'u island group, gateway to one of the South Pacific's finest natural harbors and one of the few places on Earth where swimming with humpback whales is permitted. Must-dos include an in-water whale encounter, tasting ota ika (Polynesian ceviche), and sailing to pristine outer islands. The whale season runs July–November, with September–October offering peak conditions.

11. Day 11

    Vava'u, Tonga Islands

    Arrive 08:00Depart 17:00

    

    The waters off of remote and unspoiled Vava’u are home to 100 species of colorful tropical fish, giant clams, manta rays, sea turtles, spinner dolphins, humpback whales. Swim, snorkel, scuba dive, or simply relax on the island’s pristine coral-sand beaches.

12. Day 12

    Savusavu

    Fiji

    

    Savusavu is Fiji's "hidden paradise" on Vanua Levu, a volcanic harbor town with hot springs, world-class diving at the Namena Marine Reserve, and the laid-back warmth of authentic Fijian culture. Must-dos include tasting kokoda (Fijian ceviche), diving the Namena Reserve's spectacular soft coral gardens, and participating in a traditional kava ceremony. The dry season (May–October) offers the best diving visibility and most comfortable weather.

13. Day 13

    Suva

    Arrive 08:00Depart 17:00

    Fiji

    

    Suva is the South Pacific's largest and most cosmopolitan capital, where the restored Edwardian Grand Pacific Hotel, a world-class Pacific artifacts museum, and a riotous municipal market reveal a Fiji far deeper than its resort-island image suggests. Visit May through October via Cunard or Oceania Cruises for Indo-Fijian fusion cuisine, traditional kava ceremonies, and a multicultural city experience unique in the Pacific.

14. Day 14

    Beqa Island, Fiji

    Arrive 08:00Depart 18:00

    Fiji

    

    Beqa Island in Fiji combines the legendary firewalking ceremony of the Sawau tribe with world-class shark diving in the Beqa Lagoon Marine Reserve, where up to eight shark species including bull sharks and hammerheads can be encountered on a single dive. Must-dos include witnessing the firewalking ceremony, diving with sharks at the conservation-focused Shark Reef, and snorkeling the pristine lagoon. May through October offers the driest weather and best underwater visibility.

15. Day 15

    Lautoka

    Arrive 07:00Depart 18:00

    Fiji

    

    Lautoka, Fiji's "Sugar City," is a characterful western Viti Levu port where a century-old sugar mill, a vibrant municipal market, and lush botanical gardens reveal an unhurried South Pacific authenticity. Visitors should taste kokoda and lovo-smoked pork at the waterfront market and explore the nearby Yasawa Islands or Taveuni's rainforest waterfalls. The dry season from May through October offers the most comfortable cruising conditions, with warm days, low humidity, and calm seas ideal for shore excursions.

16. Day 16

    Lautoka

    Arrive 07:00

    Fiji

    

    Lautoka, Fiji's "Sugar City," is a characterful western Viti Levu port where a century-old sugar mill, a vibrant municipal market, and lush botanical gardens reveal an unhurried South Pacific authenticity. Visitors should taste kokoda and lovo-smoked pork at the waterfront market and explore the nearby Yasawa Islands or Taveuni's rainforest waterfalls. The dry season from May through October offers the most comfortable cruising conditions, with warm days, low humidity, and calm seas ideal for shore excursions.

Cabin Categories

Balcony Stateroom

Balcony

239 sq ftMax 3C

Balcony Staterooms ending in 6 or 8 can accommodate a third guest in a loveseat convertible. Stateroom 7006 (stateroom 206 sq. ft. – balcony 37 sq. ft.) features a very small bathroom with shower only

Queen or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedLounge AreaBathToiletries ProvidedFree Mini Bar+7

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Balcony Stateroom

Balcony

239 sq ftMax 3D

Balcony Staterooms ending in 6 or 8 can accommodate a third guest in a loveseat convertible.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedLounge AreaBathToiletries ProvidedFree Mini Bar+7

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Veranda Stateroom

Balcony

303–305 sq ftMax 3B

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.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedLounge AreaBathToiletries ProvidedFree Mini Bar+8

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Porthole Stateroom

Outside

200 sq ftMax 3F

200 sq. ft. with two portholes.

BathQueen or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedToiletries ProvidedFree Mini BarTV+6

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Window Stateroom

Outside

200 sq ftMax 3E

Wheelchair-accessible stateroom (415) Window Staterooms ending in 5, 6, or 8 (except 415) can accommodate a third guest in a loveseat convertible.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedBathToiletries ProvidedFree Mini BarTV+6

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Grand Suite

Suite

529 sq ftMax 3GS

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.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedLounge AreaShowerBathToiletries Provided+10

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Owner's Suite

Suite

534–588 sq ftMax 3OS

Owner's Suite can accommodate up to 3 guests. Bathroom includes a full-size tub, separate shower and a dressing area. Owner's Suite includes Butler service and complimentary internet.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedLounge AreaShowerBathToiletries Provided+11

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Veranda Suite

Suite

349–358 sq ftMax 3A

Veranda Suites can accommodate up to 3 guests. Includes complimentary Butler Service.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedLounge AreaShowerBathToiletries Provided+11

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