Follow in the wake of explorers on this comprehensive South Pacific cruise. Begin in legendary Fiji, where you'll visit the country’s cultural centers along with more remote destinations. From the “Sugar City”—Lautoka, the heart of Fiji’s sugarcane-growing region — cruise to lovely Suva, the Fijian capital, where you’ll discover a blend of Polynesian flair and European sophistication. Contrast this bustling metropolis with Savsavu, sometimes called the “Hidden Paradise of Fiji.” Next, be among the first in the world to greet the new day in the islands of Vava’u, Tonga, with their spectacularly clear waters brimming with colorful marine life. Your two-week voyage then takes you to the Cook Island of Aitutaki, with its unique culture and exquisite lagoon, and on to the spectacularly beautiful Society Islands, home waters of The Gauguin.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Begin your South Pacific voyage through paradise in the heart of Fiji's sugarcane-growing region. Here you'll meet your luxurious floating home for the next 12 nights: the Paul Gauguin.
In Fiji, virtually everyone you’ll meet will be smiling — and when you view the high mountains, lush vegetation, shimmering waters, and pristine white-sand beaches of this island nation, you’ll understand why. The capital of Fiji since 1883, Suva is located on rugged Viti Levu, the largest of the island chain and home to 75% of the country’s population. Suva itself is the largest urban area in the South Pacific outside of Australia and New Zealand. Perched on a hilly peninsula between two harbors, it boasts a fascinating mix of modern and colonial architectural, as well as a sophisticated ambience. On your own, perhaps visit the Fiji Museum or Handicraft Centre, or stroll the Victoria Parade, the city’s main street. Or join a shore excursion for a walk through the rain forest, a round of golf, a diving expedition, and more.
The island of Vanua Levu in northern Fiji remains largely undeveloped, making it a charming, unspoiled haven. It is the second-largest of Fiji's 300 islands, and, because of its remoteness, it is reminiscent of the South Seas before its European discovery. Explore this pristine paradise at leisure, or join one of many available shore excursions, such as a visit to a black-pearl farm, a Fijian village, or a plantation.
One of the Kingdom of Tonga’s three main island groups, the islands of Vava’u are renowned for their colorful coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and lagoons so clear, you can see to a depth of 130 feet. Perhaps join a shore excursion to Swallows Cave, a famous bird sanctuary. Or discover the calm waterways by sea kayak.
Spend two days enjoying shipboard life: take a dip in the pool, watch the South Pacific pass by, play some table tennis, or read up on your next port at the Reading Gallery. Enjoy live entertainment in Le Grand Salon after a sumptuous gourmet dinner at L’Etoile.
Only eight square miles in area, the Cook Island of Aitutaki is so flat, you can spot the ocean from nearly any point. Coconut, pineapple, banana, and tapioca plantations are sprinkled throughout the island, which is surrounded by coral reefs that enclose an especially large and exquisite turquoise lagoon. Bask in the sun and enjoy breathtaking views of the shimmering lagoon during an optional boat cruise and beach visit. Or venture to a nearby marine reserve for some snorkeling.
Pulitzer Prize-winning author James A. Michener called Bora Bora “the most beautiful island in the world.” Dominated by two towering volcanic mountains and surrounded by a lagoon protected by low-lying coral reefs, this is indeed a spectacular destination. The ship arrives here in the morning and remains until later afternoon, giving you a full day in this quintessential Pacific paradise.
Motu Mahana, an islet adjacent to Taha’a, is your very own South Seas paradise featuring white-sand beaches with swaying palms, crystal-clear waters, and gentle breezes. As an exclusive Paul Gauguin event, have a full day to relax on this idyllic, isolated island, enjoying swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, or simply relaxing on the beach with a beverage from the floating bar. Les Gauguines will also be on hand to provide musical entertainment and demonstrate traditional Polynesian crafts. Savor a delicious barbecue lunch of fresh Polynesian specialties and popular Western fare.
Moorea’s lush scenery is like something out of a dream: spectacular mountain peaks cloaked in lush vegetation, an abundance of fresh fruits and flowers, and peaceful multi-hued lagoons framed by palm-fringed beaches. Spend the day reveling in the island’s unsurpassed beauty and wealth of activities. Perhaps take an optional air-conditioned coach ride around the island to admire the stunning views. In the evening, The Gauguin cruises to Tahiti.
Day 13: Disembark in Papeete, Tahiti
1 Breakfast
End your epic South Pacific journey today in Tahiti's capital. Disembark this morning for your continued journey home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Porthole Stateroom (F)
14 staterooms, 200 sq feet, two portholes
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Window Stateroom (E)
37 staterooms, 200 sq feet, picture window. Some have a loveseat convertible for third guest accommodations.
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Balcony Stateroom (D)
26 staterooms, 202 sq feet with 37 sq feet veranda. Some have a loveseat convertible for third guest accommodations.
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Balcony Stateroom (C)
63 staterooms, 202 sq feet with 37 sq feet veranda. Some have a loveseat convertible for third guest accommodations.
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Veranda Stateroom (B)
17 staterooms, 249 sq feet with 56 sq feet veranda. Butler service. Can accommodate a third guest with a rollaway.
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Veranda Suite (A)
5 suites, 300 sq feet with 58 sq feet veranda. Butler service, can accommodate 4 guests by adding two rollaways.
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Grand Suite
2 suites, 332 sq feet with 197 sq feet veranda. Butler service, can accommodate 4 guests by adding two rollaways.
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Owners Suite
2 suites with 437-531 sq feet and a 57-77 sq feet veranda. Butler service, separate dressing area, can accommodate 4 guests by adding two rollaways.
Notes
- Port, security, and handling fees of $140 to $320 are included.
- Cruise fare does not include optional shore excursions, available to purchase, and additional fees.
- Cruise fuel surcharges may apply.
- Rates are posted as double occupancy. Subject to availability, may not be combinable with other offers, are capacity controlled, and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.
- PGC reserves the right to limit the number of single-occupancy cabins on any sailing. Single supplements are available at 100% for categories OG, OS, A, and B. Categories C, D, E, and F have a much smaller or different single supplement. Single supplements are in addition to listed cruise fare and vary by voyage. Contact us for exact rates.
- Optional hotel stays, Land programs, and Air programs are available, please contact us for details.
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.