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Join us April 9-23, 2022 on the award winning m/s Paul Gauguin. Beauty surrounds you on this 14-day luxurious Tahitian voyage.
With two full weeks in the Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands, there is ample time to soak up everything that makes this corner of the world so spectacular. Whether you’re inclined to wander white-sand beaches and read a book in the shade of a palm tree or would rather dive right in to the active pursuits available both above and below water, in the South Pacific, it’s all here waiting for you. Book now.
Highlights
The nature lover’s paradise of Fakarava offers front-row seats to rare birds, plants, and crustaceans you won’t see anywhere else in the world. And, you won’t need to take an excursion deep into the jungle to see them—many of these exotic species can be spotted from the island’s pink-sand beaches. Go deep, visit the UNESCO-classified Nature Reserve where experienced divers can descend up to 130 feet to visit a world inhabited by grey sharks, schools of colourful fish, and untouched coral.
History and culture are in the forefront on the island of Hiva Oa, which is the home of the largest stone sculptures in the Marquesas, which are said to be linked to the famous tikis of Easter Island.
Live the life idyllic with a memorable day on Motu Mahana, our own private slice of paradise. On this exclusive islet, treat yourself to sand between your toes, the shade of swaying palm trees, a sumptuous barbecue lunch, and, of course, drinks sipped from coconuts.
Hosted by your Travel Curator, Dean Nelson
What's Included:
Accommodations for 14 nights aboard the 5+-star m/s Paul Gauguin
All onboard meals—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and complimentary 24-hour room service • Onboard gratuities for room stewards and dining/bar staff
Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and select wine, beer and spirits
Onboard entertainment, including our own troupe of Polynesian host/entertainers and presentations by local naturalists and a variety of special guests
A state-of-the-art, retractable watersports marina featuring complimentary kayaking and paddleboarding, and the use of snorkel equipment throughout your cruise.
14-Day French Polynesia, Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands Itinerary
A gorgeous collection of volcanic islands strewn across the blue Pacific, Polynesia paints a stunning picture. And, as the capital city on the largest of all 118 islands, Papeete offers endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Dynamic dining, nightlife, and shopping can be found around every corner, and Papeete serves as a departure and arrival port for this exciting 14-day voyage. Click here to learn more about the port.
Sun., April 10, 2022 - Sea Day
Rangiroa is the largest atoll of the Tuamotu Archipelago, which comprises of 78 coral atolls scattered over several hundred miles of the eastern Pacific Ocean. Life on these remote islands is simple, quiet, and peaceful. In small villages, visitors can discover the true flavor of the Tuamotu, often participating in the daily activities of the Paumotu people. And, the interior lagoons are a haven for black pearl farms, fish breeding farms, snorkeling and SCUBA diving.
Click here to learn more about the port.
An atoll in the west of the Tuamotu group, the unspoiled paradise of Fakarava has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for many rare species that call this island home, both above and under the water. In addition to nature lovers, those in search of historical and cultural significance can explore charming villages, ancient temples, and coral churches.
Click here to learn more about the port.
Tue., April 12, 2022 - Sea Day
Wed., April 13, 2022 - Omoa, Futu Hiva, Marquesas Islands
The southernmost island in the Marquesas, Fatu Hiva may also be the most beautiful. This remote paradise has no airstrip, only one road, and just 500 residents. A century ago, the island was known as a haven for sailors looking to avoid the attention of the authorities. Today, it's known for the production and sale of tapa, beaten bark cloth decorated in ink with traditional Polynesian artwork.
Click here to learn more about the port.
Thur., April 14, 2022 - Atuona, Hiva Oa, Marquesas Islands
Above the steady rumble of the Pacific surge, the sharply sculpted mountains of Hiva Oa hide their summits in the mists of rain-filled clouds. The largest and most fertile island in the southern group of the Marquesas, Hiva Oa has deep valleys, lush plateaus and thickly wooded forests. The main town of Atuona is a favorite port of call for yachters, who dock within Traitors Bay. And, Paul Gauguin himself called the town home and is buried on the island.
Click here to learn more about the port.
Fri., April 15, 2022 - Hapatoni, Tahuata, Marquesas Islands
Its name means “sunrise” in Marquesan, and this tiny, 19-square-mile island in the Marquesas archipelago is just as beautiful as the name suggests. Visitors arrive via the charming seafront village of Hapatoni, with tamanu trees shading an ancient paved royal walkway and the air smelling of tiare and frangipani. The island’s beauty extends to its architecture too, especially its huge Catholic church, which was built by the Vatican and decorated with stunning stained-glass windows and beautiful local carvings.
Click here to learn more about the port.
Sat., April 16, 2022 - Taiohae, Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands
A charming seafront village, Taiohae is the administrative, economic, educational, and health center of the Marquesas Islands and the gateway to the island of Nuku Hiva’s natural beauty. Visitors are enchanted by lush valleys, impossibly blue bays, sky-high waterfalls, and ancient ruins—it’s no wonder Nuku Hiva is called “Mystic Island.”
Click here to learn more about the port.
Sun., April 17, 2022 - Sea Day
Mon., April 18, 2022 - Sea Day
Huahine is known as “The Garden Island” for its beautiful rainforests, dramatic terrain, and enchanting lagoon. Travelers will find something new to explore around every bend, from sacred sites and archeological landmarks that are among the best preserved in French Polynesia to the colorful sea life that can be experienced on a SCUBA or snorkeling expedition.
Click here to learn more about the port.
You will enjoy a full day in the dream destination of Bora Bora. This magical island just begs to have its picture taken, with lush peaks, white sand beaches, and romantic lagoons. But perhaps Bora Bora’s most iconic image that of Mount Otemanu, with its jagged, emerald-hued peaks rising high above the shoreline. With only 4,225 inhabitants and a laid-back, island vibe, visitors to this beautiful corner of the world can’t help but just relax and take it all in.
Click here to learn more about the port.
Enclosed in a common lagoon with Raiatea and accessible only by boat, Taha’a is an ideal island for a relaxing getaway. A sleepy island that boasts only a handful of guesthouses and small hotels, Taha’a maintains an authentic Polynesian flavor. And speaking of flavors, it produces about 80% of French Polynesia’s world-renowned vanilla, a must-buy during a visit to the island.
Taha’a is also home to Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private island. Guests are welcomed with traditional music performed by Les Gauguines & Les Gauguins, a beachside barbecue, and ample opportunities for watersports, swimming, and relaxation.
Click here to learn more about the port.
Moorea, often likened to James Michener's mythical island of Bali Hai, is worth a visit just to experience its spectacular vistas. Volcanic peaks, reflected in the waters of Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, rise like a shark's jaw above palm tree-lined beaches. The underwater world is just as enchanting, with sharks, tuna, dolphins, and tropical fish—no wonder it’s a popular destination for divers. Click here to learn more about the port.
Fri., April 22 - 23, 2022 - Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands
We arrive back to Papeete at 7:30PM where you will overnight aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin. Take in some of the exciting nightlife including the food truck round up. The next morning you we can arrange a day room for your flight home later that day or extend your stay for a couple extra nights. Click here to learn more about the port.
m/s Paul Gauguin
Designed specifically to glide through the shallow seas of the South Pacific, The Gauguin is the flagship of Paul Gauguin Cruises and a small-ship cruiser’s dream. She delivers travellers to intimate ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships, all the while providing an onboard experience that is nothing short of luxurious. Guests aboard our luxury cruises enjoy spacious suites and staterooms (more than 70% with private balconies), an onboard watersports marina, three dining venues, an extensive spa, and five-star service. Life onboard also reflects the beauty and rich cultural heritage of the islands she calls upon, with a warm, friendly feel, informal setting, and even a beloved troupe of Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins—local Tahitians who serve as cruise staff, entertainers, and storytellers. Click here to learn more.
What is Included on the m/s Paul Gauguin
Paul Gauguin Cruises is proud to offer an extraordinary value in luxury cruising, thanks to their all-inclusive pricing. Spend more time enjoying your cruise vacation and less time worrying about every little detail when it’s all been taken care of—from gourmet dining to onboard gratuities, and so much more.
When you travel on board The Gauguin, you’ll enjoy:
All shipboard meals, in your choice of venues
Complimentary 24-hour room service
Complimentary beverages, including select wines and spirits, beers, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages served throughout the ship
In-room refrigerator replenished daily with soft drinks, beer, and bottled water
All shipboard entertainment, including our troupe of Polynesian performers and live music in the evenings
Presentations by onboard experts, and select sailings feature guest hosts
Onboard gratuities for room stewards, dining and bar staff
Watersports, including complimentary kayaking and paddleboarding from our marina or destination beaches
Use of Paul Gauguin's secluded, white-sand beach in Bora Bora where you can enjoy volleyball, and snorkeling (on select voyages)
A day on our private islet, Motu Mahana, off the coast of Taha’a, featuring snorkeling, watersports, a barbecue, full bar service, and Polynesian hospitality
Dress Code:
Country Club Casual, or elegant resort wear, is appropriate dress for all evenings aboard The Gauguin. Country Club Casual consists of a dress, or skirt or slacks with a blouse or sweater for ladies, and slacks and collared shirts for gentleman. No ties are required at any time, although gentlemen may opt to wear a jacket to the Captain’s Welcome Reception. Please note that casual wear such as shorts, t-shirts, casual jeans (frayed and/or with holes), baseball caps, flip-flops, and Crocs are not considered appropriate after 6:00 p.m. in all restaurants and lounges. Bathrobes and bathing suits are not appropriate in the ship’s restaurants and lounges, and shirts and shoes are required in all public areas at all times.
Sail with Confidence
In these unprecedented times, you need the flexibility to adapt your travel plans as conditions change. Now, for a limited time only, Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering STRESS-FREE booking and cancellation on your next voyage aboard the deluxe m/s Paul Gauguin.
Simply make a new booking between December 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021 on sailings through April 30, 2022, and you’ll enjoy: Delayed final payment: Your final payment is not due until 30 days before the departure date of your cruise. Penalty-free cancellation: Postpone or cancel your voyage up to 30 days before the departure date of your cruise and receive a credit voucher* toward a future cruise—no questions asked! Hurry! Space is limited aboard our small ship, and offer is good only while space lasts.
Offer is for reservations made after December 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021 for sailings through April 30, 2022. Cancellation policy is cruise only and does not include airfare or pre/post-cruise hotel stays. Airfare and pre/post hotel stays subject to fees depending on cancellation date. * Credit voucher is for the total amount paid (excluding airfare and hotel penalties) and is redeemable against any new booking made within 24 months of the initial departure date.
In order to keep French Polynesia Covid-19 free, the Government has established strict entry requirements. Entry and stay conditions in the Islands of Tahiti as of June 16th, 2021.
The entry and stay conditions in The Islands of Tahiti have been updated with the integration of Canada and the United States in the green zone, which implies the following changes in the definition of the two traveler profiles:
VACCINATED TRAVELERS:
Travelers having stayed at least 15 days in a French territory (except Guyana) or in the United Kingdom or in a country of the green-zone (including USA and Canada), prior to departure to French Polynesia.
No more compelling reason to be justified to travel to Tahiti,
Deadlines to be respected between full anti-COVID 19 vaccination and departure:
14 days for Pfizer, Moderna and Astrazeneca vaccines
28 days for the Janssen vaccine
OTHER TRAVELERS:
Are included in this category :
Unvaccinated travelers
Travelers immune by previous COVID-19 infection
Travelers having stayed less than 15 days in a French territory (except Guyana), or in the United Kingdom or in a country of the green-zone (including USA and Canada), prior to departure to French Polynesia.
Compelling reason for travel still applicable (Health, Family, Work)
Tourism is not a compelling reason for travel
A 10-day quarantine is still applicable
Find the updated Entry and Stay conditions les conditions hereafter and on the Government of Tahiti website: www.TahitiTourisme.com/coronavirus. Please note that they are subject to modifications.
Prior to boarding your flight:
Proof of a negative Covid-19 test (PCR) carried out within three days prior to their international air departure. The results of this test must be negative and the medical document confirming this, issued by a Doctor, Hospital or Medical Clinic must be presented to airline staff upon check-in prior to boarding the flight to French Polynesia.
Complete the online Heath Document Etis.pf and obtain a receipt and authorization to travel. Present the receipt of the health registration from the Etis.pf platform (Electronic Travel Information System). A printout of this authorization receipt must be presented upon check-in together with the test results in order to be able to board the flight to French Polynesia and these documents will need to be presented upon arrival at Tahiti’s Faa’a international airport and carried with them while in Polynesia.
Required travel insurance or sign a declaration assuming all associated medical, confinement, or repatriation costs, should they fall ill during their stay.
During the stay:
Self-test 4 days after arrival in The Islands of Tahiti. Click here to view instructional video.
Full details of entry are posted on the Tahiti Tourisme website found here:
Tests at the travelers’ expenses:
The health protocol process on arrival including the Tests will be at travelers’ expense as soon as the payment plan will be implemented by the Government.
The package costs will be:
5 000XPF for each vaccinated traveler
12 000XPF for all other travelers
Sailing on m/s Paul Gauguin
On a ship designed for a maximum of 332 passengers, you are assured to have plenty of social distancing opportunities. If you need a getaway, Tahiti would be a great solution!
Paul Gauguin Cruises will commence sailings in July, with two initial sailings for French Polynesian residents only and then they will welcome international travellers onboard. As part of welcoming travellers onboard you will see the following procedures taking place:
Luggage will pass through a disinfecting zone before being taken to your stateroom
Masks, disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer will be provided to all travellers
A la Carte dining will be provided in all restaurants
Occupancy in public spaces such as fitness rooms and theater will be capped at 50%
All high touch surfaces will be disinfected hourly
You can be assured of a healthy and safe environment onboard the m/s Paul Gauguin.
COVID-19 TESTING INFORMATION FOR TRAVELLERS RETURNING FROM THE ISLANDS OF TAHITI
Antigenic tests at departure from Tahiti
For passengers departing to the United States requiring a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding, the test center at the Faa’a international airport is reopened. At this stage, the center is open on days when flights to the US are scheduled from 3 PM until 8 PM.
In order to expediate your boarding process for your return flight to the United States, you may also pre-register for your antigen test and avoid a potential wait prior to departure.
Two days prior to your return to the United States, you can contact departure@ilm.pf, with your last name, first name, date of birth and your file number obtained upon your arrival in French Polynesia (found on the label affixed to the back of your passport).
Full details can be found here
The Islands of Tahiti Testing Locations
With the list of nations requiring negative COVID-19 tests to be taken prior to departure continuing to expand, government agencies within French Polynesia including The Louis Malardé Institute, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Tourism, are currently working together to find solutions to meet this growing demand.
Please review the list of current options for travelers that are required to take a test prior to departure.
Locations in Tahiti
Louis Malardé Institute (ILM) in Papeete
Address: COVID FARE at the crossroad between rue des Poilus Tahitiens and of rue du 5 mars 1797, Papeete Hours: Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The traveler must present himself at the Institute 72 hours before departure with his Airline ticket. The traveler will be provided with an ID and access code to download their results from the institute website.
The cost for an RT-PCR test is 17,100 xpf per person. (Approx. US$175) The cost for an antigenic test is 5,700 xpf per person.* (Approx. US$59)
Nahoata's Laboratory in Pirae
Address: Crossroad between avenue Pomare and rue Tuterai tane, Pirae Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Closed on Sundays
It is recommended to make an appointment as early as possible by phone at 40 54 33 33. For samples taken before 2pm, the results are available the same afternoon and accessible remotely via a secure server. Each patient will be given an identifier to download their results.
The cost for an RT-PCR test is 16 074 xpf per person. (Approx. US$164) Antigenic tests are not available.
Tamanu's Laboratory, Tamanu Shopping Center in Punaauia
Address: Centre commercial Tamanu, 1st floor Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Closed on Sundays.
It is recommended to make an appointment as early as possible by phone at 40 42 94 00. For samples taken before 2pm, the results are available the same afternoon and accessible remotely via a secure server. Each patient will be given an identifier to download their results.
The cost for an RT-PCR test is 16 074 xpf per person. (Approx. US$164) Antigenic tests are not available.
Locations in Moorea
The Moorea Laboratory,
Address: PK 3.5 Mountain-side in Tiaia, Maherepa Hours: Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Closed on Sundays
It is recommended to make an appointment as early as possible by phone at 40 55 05 85. The results are available the same afternoon and accessible remotely via a secure server. Each patient will be given an identifier to download their results.
The cost for an RT-PCR test is 16 074 xpf per person. (Approx. US$164) Antigenic tests are not available.
Other Islands
Government agencies are working to organize a collection network for additional islands (sampling, transmission to the Lab Institute, obtaining the results and payment) and will provide details as soon as available.
For now, travellers should therefore be advised to go to the island of Tahiti before their departure and choose one of the options above.
For the latest updates please visit our regularly updated COVID-19 Traveller Insights Dashboard
* The traveller should check with the health authorities of the country of destination what type of test is required but an RT-PCR test will cover all requirements.
Award Winning
Paul Gauguin Cruises has been honoured by notable names in the travel and lifestyle industry for their award-winning luxury voyages which some deem the world’s best cruises. Paul Gauguin Cruises is fortunate to be recognized for their top cruises including being voted “World’s Best Small-Ship Cruise Line” and “World’s Best Small-Ship Cruise Line for Families” by the readers of Travel + Leisure. Paul Gauguin Cruises has also received exceptional cruise reviews and accolades from their guests who thank them for providing the best cruises in the world. Join us on The Gauguin and experience their award winning warm hospitality for yourself.
Book your Tahiti escape today. Click here to set up a consultation or to book today.
Interested in other dates? Click here to view all of the future m/s Paul Gauguin sailings.
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