Paul Gauguin cruises have been operating in this region since 1998, and they have developed connections with the local culture that are unmatched in the industry. The most obvious is their onboard group of hosts and entertainers, Les Gauguines. They are called Polynesian ambassadors, and we soaked up as much of their performances and interactive sessions as we could! There were daily opportunities to simply spend time with Les Gauguines and get to know them by name which for me was the cherry on top of an already spectacular cruise.
Learning about Polynesian life from Les Gauguines (Jenna Fedyschyn)
We attended their Q&A session about life in Polynesia and asked all of our burning questions. What island did you grow up on? Where do people go for college and medical treatment? How important is the family unit? How do most people make a living? What do you love about the lifestyle? This was just the beginning of a great week getting to know these fine folks!
Les Gauguines teach us about the many uses of the coconut (Jenna Fedyschyn)
They taught us about the many uses of the coconut and its importance to local culture.
Sister participates in a Polynesian dance lesson (Jenna Fedyschyn)
We tried to imitate their dance moves to varying levels of success. But they were excellent teachers!
Another pre-dinner show from Les Gauguines (Jenna Fedyschyn)
They serenaded us before dinner with local song and dance. It was mesmerizing!
Welcome to Tahiti Iti! (Jenna Fedyschyn)
They welcomed us to a new port each day with a smile.
First performance for Les Gauguines - mesmerizing! (Jenna Fedyschyn)
They performed every few nights and shared the dances that are so central to the Polynesian culture.
Scattered throughout the cruise, we also had the opportunity to see dance troupes from the local islands. A great way to support the local communities and see some adorable children. I mean really, it doesn't get much cuter than this!
Children of Huahine performance on board - hearts stolen! (Jenna Fedyschyn) Welcome to Tahiti Iti! (Jenna Fedyschyn)
All of these things of course were completely optional activities. No one was forcing us to attend dance lessons or shell jewelry making, but for us it was what elevated the cruise experience to a higher level. In all honesty - you ask me my favorite part of the entire cruise, and at first I'll think about the mountains and white sand beaches and gourmet food, but I'll tell you that Les Gauguines were my favorite. And that's what makes the Paul Gauguin experience so special. Until next time!
Creating a checklist was very beneficial and meeting objectives on certain dates helped as well (to keep my trip organized). The Adventure Travel personnel helped keep me on track which is why my trip was so successful. Communication from both travel agencies (AT/MT) was vital.
Iziah Carthens
2 days ago
This is an amazing company to work with. I generally do not use tour companies as I am more of an independent traveller so I was slightly reticent. They were fantastic from the start - 10/10 - from lining up a phone call to discuss requirements, then their ongoing communication in the lead up to the tour and during it (thank you, Franny and Phen). They also explored cost-effective options (eg group transfers). The tour was in Patagonia so Adventure Life organised a pickup from the El Calafate airport to the El Chalten accommodation, two day hikes with a private guide and then to the El Calafate accommodation. A tour coordinator came to the hotel to explain, using the maps, what was involved in each day tour and what should be expected, and patiently answered all questions. The tour guide Marcos was excellent - very professional, knowledgable, communicative and at all times felt very safe with his navigational skills (important in the Patagonian wilderness). On the second day I forgot to take hiking poles so Marcos kindly gave me his. I honestly wouldn't have changed a thing and would happily recommend and book through them again.
Petrina Sta
4 days ago
Adventure Life has been great throughout my planning process for our up and coming Galapagos cruise. Kevin Moore, in particular, was very helpful in assisting me in making choices and providing me with options. He was also very patient, as I worked through figuring out what I really wanted in this vacation.
Lucy Greenway
4 days ago
Adventure Life was a pleasure to work with. They helped us find different options for our charter and answered a lot of questions with patience and clarity.
Brooke Hopper
5 days ago
Excellent service, great hotels and well organized excursions with expert guides! Highly recommended!
