The largest of French Polynesia's 118 islands, Tahiti and it's capital city of Papeete are the perfect place to begin (and/or end) your South Pacific sojourn. The Gauguin waits patiently in the harbor, a vibrant and bustling market across the street and in the evenings roulottes (food trucks) line the nearby square offering tasty local fare.

While in port this morning, take some time to freshen up and settle into your cabin as we prepare to depart. Alternatively, choose to walk around downtown Papeete and visit the central market where vendors sell fresh fruit, pareos, artwork, and coveted black pearls. Join for a sail-a-way beverage and be on deck as we set sail from Tahiti. This afternoon meet the expedition team and your fellow travelers and settle into island time.

Embarkation 1/4/2025 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Departure 1/4/2025 at 9:00 PM 

Step into a vibrant, colorful world in bright and beautiful Moorea, which welcomes you with azure lagoons, impossibly fresh tropical fruits, stunning mountain peaks and palm-fringed beaches. Commune with nature on an optional dolphin-watching excursion with an expert marine biologist. Afterwards, spend some time getting to know the local residents while shopping for handmade crafts.

Arrival 1/5/2025 at 7:00 AM

Departure 1/5/2025 at 5:00 PM

As the day unfolds in front of you, where will you go? Exciting shore excursions await, but so does Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ own private islet. Choose from swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or simply lounging on the beach with a cold drink from our floating bar. Les Gauguines are also on hand to share musical entertainment and Polynesian crafts.

Arrival 1/6/2025 at 8:00 AM

Departure 1/6/2025 at 6:00 PM 

Explore lush peaks, wander white-sand beaches, and marvel at the iconic views of Mount Otemanu. Take the plunge with a SCUBA excursion to see the island’s colorful coral reefs, enjoy a sunset jetboat ride, or spend a lazy afternoon on our private beach. Like a priceless Paul Gauguin painting come to life, storied Bora Bora is colorful and unforgettable. The landscape alone will have you searching for adequate adjectives, especially once you see the lagoon—“turquoise” just doesn’t do it justice.

 Arrival 1/7/2025 at 12:01 AM

Departure 1/8/2025 at 6:00 PM 

Have you met Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines yet? Our onboard hosts are at the ready to share their Polynesian culture, with Tahitian dance lessons, hands-on traditional craft demonstrations, and an array of activities for all ages. The day is yours to make what you will of it. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests or take part in cooking lessons with the executive chef. Or maybe you’ll unwind poolside or treat yourself to a visit to the Algotherm Spa… or why not both? A day at sea offers ample time to relax and plan your next adventure.

 Arrival 1/9/2025
Departure 1/9/2025

A wealth of cultural tradition, Aitutaki's inhabitants keep their history alive through song, dance, legends and crafts. If you're looking to spend time on land, consider taking the easy hike to the highest peak on the island, Maunga Pu, where you'll be rewarded with 360-degree views. But if you're interested in an excursion, a trip out to One Foot Island in Aitutaki's stunning blue lagoon will take your breath away.

Arrival 1/10/2025 at 8:00 AM
Departure 1/10/2025 at 5:00 PM

Sleep in. Have breakfast in bed. Sit by the pool. Read a book. Take in a lecture. Play shuffleboard or a board game.  

Fun in the Sun

You’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy the South Pacific sunshine on our pool deck. Take a refreshing dip in the water or perhaps grab the drink of the day from the Pool Bar, a good book, and a deck chair, and settle in for a leisurely afternoon.

Relax on your balcony or one of many idyllic locations on the ship. The possibilities are endless to make this day your own!

Indulge in two tranquil days at sea. It may be worth setting down that tropical cocktail, putting a bookmark in whatever you’re reading, and taking notice for one key reason—you’ll be crossing the International Date Line, something most travelers can’t say they’ve done. 

Arrival 1/12/2025

Departure 1/12/2025

Leisurely days at sea offer the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a little “me time,” whether that’s an indulgent treatment at our award-winning onboard spa, or a workout in our fitness center.

Algotherm Spa

With its unrivaled approach to beauty and rejuvenation, the spa onboard The Gauguin combines the art of gentle pampering with services that are uniquely tailored to the needs and wishes of each individual.

Our spa offers an extensive range of services, enveloped in an atmosphere that is both tranquil and luxurious. Shipboard treatments include skin care therapies, skin exfoliation, massage, reflexology, body wraps, facials, beauty treatments, nail services, and hair styling. We are also happy to offer relaxing overwater massages during the day you’ll spend on Motu Mahana, our private South Pacific paradise.

Enjoy a Polynesian cultural show, sample traditional Tongan food, or climb to the top of Mt. Talau, the highest point on Vava’u. You’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views of the surrounding islands. And, while the activities on land are sure to impress, you won’t want to miss the underwater show, either. The island’s crystal-clear lagoon is home to more than 100 species of tropical fish, plus dolphins, rays, and more.

Arrival 1/14/2025 at 8:00 AM

Departure 1/14/2025 at 5:00 PM 

Fitness Center 

Our convenient fitness center is outfitted with the latest fitness equipment, including Lifecycles, treadmills, stair climbers, and weight machines. Other onboard fitness opportunities include a morning mile-long walk around decks 8 and 9 and a sunrise Polynesian-inspired Zumba class, both hosted by Les Gauguines.

Tucked away on the largely undeveloped northern Fijian island of Vanua Levu, Savusavu lets you experience the South Seas of centuries gone by before the area was colonized by Europeans. Visit a black pearl farm, immerse yourself in a Fijian village, or spot colorful native birds in the pristine Waisale Reserve.

 Arrival 1/16/2025 at 8:00 AM

Departure 1/16/2025 at 5:00 PM

Suva is the largest urban area in the South Pacific, outside of Australia and New Zealand. It’s been the capital of Fiji since 1883 and offers a unique mix of modern and colonial ambiance, making it a great place for history and architecture buffs to explore on foot. More interested in the views? Suva is perched on a hilly peninsula between two postcard-perfect harbors.

Arrival 1/17/2025 at 8:00 AM
Departure 1/17/2025 at 6:00 PM

While it may only be six square miles, Beqa Island packs every inch with natural beauty. Spend your day snorkeling among the coral blooms, strolling golden-sand beaches, or discovering a hidden waterfall.

Arrival 1/18/2025 at 12:01 AM
Departure 1/18/2025 at 6:00 PM

Sadly we must disembark The Gauguin today. 

Once you arrive in Lautoka (known as “Sugar City” for the green-gold sugarcane that surrounds the city), there’s much to explore. Stroll its palm-lined streets, experience everyday life in a traditional village, or hike in Koroyanitu National Heritage Park.

 Just a short drive inland from Lautoka is one of Viti Levu’s best culture and nature experiences. Take a tour or drive independently to the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park, home to Abaca Village where the friendly villagers can organise a map or a guide to take you to a stunning waterfall or one of the more demanding mountain hikes.

Arrival 1/19/2025 at 6:00 AM

Disembarkation 1/19/2025 at 6:00 AM