fbpx

Cook Islands & Society Islands – French Polynesia Luxury Cruise aboard Paul Gauguin

Cook Islands & Society Islands – French Polynesia Luxury Cruise aboard Paul Gauguin

From AUD $8,450

Description

PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises is offering an exceptional 12-day voyage leaving from Tahiti to discover the gems of the Society Islands, including extraordinary landscapes and enchanting historical and cultural treasures. You will be captivated by the resolutely Polynesian ambiance that prevails aboard the Paul Gauguin: a ship with a relaxed and international atmosphere, especially designed for sailing in these shallow turquoise waters. Between pearl farms and white sandy beaches, French Polynesia will reveal its many mysteries to you. Surrounded by superb lagoons of crystal-clear waters edged by exceptional coral reefs, the islands of Polynesia are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful in the world and are home to an astonishing and rich wildlife. You will be dazzled by the incomparable beauty of Huahine, by the turquoise waters of the motu Mahana, our private vanilla-scented little paradise, by the sumptuous lagoon of Bora Bora, with its distinctly recognisable volcanic silhouette, and by Moorea, with its hillside pineapple plantations and its verdant peaks overlooking the island. You will also sail further south towards the Cook Islands, to discover the incredibly clear waters of the Aitutaki lagoon and the magnificent silhouette of Rarotonga. You will be enchanted by the wild beauty and abundant nature of this island and its marine environment.

Trip Name
Cook Islands & Society Islands - French Polynesia Luxury Cruise aboard Paul Gauguin
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 504 feet / 153.6 meters Passenger Capacity: 330 Paul Gauguin operates as a dedicated South Pacific specialist, built around warm ambience, relaxed sophistication and immersion in Polynesian culture. Its shallow draft allows close access to lagoons, reefs and sheltered anchorages that larger ships cannot reach, anchoring the experience in the region’s landscapes and traditions. Interiors emphasise openness to the horizon, with lounges, promenades and a marina platform creating steady contact with the outdoors. Daily life centres on gastronomy influenced by both French culinary tradition and local flavours, unhurried social spaces, and a calm, international atmosphere that supports easy movement between relaxation and exploration. The ship carries a maximum of 330 guests across 165 staterooms and suites, balancing intimacy with facilities suited to tropical cruising. Accommodation ranges from porthole staterooms to large owner’s suites, all designed for comfort during long days in the islands. A marina at the stern supports water-based activities, and the Moana Explorer programme adds structured discovery for younger travellers. Combined with attentive crew and region-specific expertise, Paul Gauguin provides a focused, quietly refined platform for exploring the Pacific with consistent proximity to its lagoons, culture and natural rhythms.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 – Embark the m/s Paul Gauguin in Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands
The islands of Polynesia are a gorgeous collection of volcanic atolls strewn across the grand Pacific Ocean, and the island of Tahiti is the largest of all 118. Explore the dynamic dining, nightlife, and shopping in the capital city of Papeete before embarking on The Gauguin.
Day 2 - Day 2 – Huahine, Society Islands
Known as “The Garden Island,” Huahine’s lush rainforests and dramatic terrain surround sacred sites and legendary landmarks that are among the best-preserved archeological sites in French Polynesia. If Huahine’s expansive lagoon is calling your name, enjoy a SCUBA diving excursion or picnic on the beach.
Day 3 - Day 3 – At Sea
Spend the day enjoying The Gauguin’s Polynesian ambiance: casual, leisurely, and graceful. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests, and then reflect on your day over classic French cuisine at L’Etoile.
Day 4 - Day 4 – Aitutaki, Cook Islands
While the island of Aitutaki may be small, it’s big on beauty, thanks to its coral reef-enclosed lagoon. Witness its splendor up-close with a leisurely beach visit. Don’t forget to save time to venture into the village of Arutanga, where you’ll find the oldest church in the Cooks, which dates from 1829.
Day 5 - Day 5 – Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Rugged Rarotonga is the most mountainous of all the Cook Islands, and time here is best spent exploring its natural beauty. Snorkel in Muri Lagoon, wander the lush Takitumi Conservation Area, or take a hike into the island’s dense interior with Pa, a local naturalist.
Day 6 - Day 6 – At Sea
The time you spend onboard The Gauguin offers endless opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment, whether that means sampling gourmet cuisine, indulging in a spa treatment, watching the sunset from a chaise lounge on the sun deck, or simply making the most of your in-room amenities.
Day 7 - Day 7 & 8 – Bora Bora, Society Islands
A bucket list destination for many, stunning Bora Bora welcomes you for two full days of exploring lush peaks, white-sand beaches, colorful coral reefs, and romantic lagoons. Experience the natural beauty of the island with an optional snorkeling excursion, sunset jetboat ride, or a helicopter tour that flies you over Bora Bora’s iconic Mount Otemanu. You can also spend time at our private beach which offers volleyball, snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding.
Day 8 - Day 9 – Taha’a (Motu Mahana), Society Islands
Embark on your choice of exciting shore excursions today, or spend your whole day relaxing on Motu Mahana, our very own private islet. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, or simply lounge on the beach with a chilled beverage from our floating bar. Les Gauguines will also be on hand to provide musical entertainment and demonstrate traditional Polynesian crafts. A delicious barbecue lunch is provided.
Day 9 - Day 10 – Moorea, Society Islands
Vibrant colors abound during the leisurely days in Moorea, in everything from fresh fruits and flowers to multi-hued lagoons, and from spectacular mountain peaks to palm-fringed beaches. Shop for local handicrafts, embark on an optional dolphin-watching expedition with a marine biologist, and sample the local pineapples, said to be the most delicious in all of French Polynesia.
Day 10 - Day 11 – Moorea, Society Islands / Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands
Vibrant colors abound on Moorea, in everything from fresh fruits and flowers to multi-hued lagoons, and from spectacular mountain peaks to palm-fringed beaches. Shop for local handicrafts, embark on an optional dolphin-watching expedition with a marine biologist, and sample the local pineapples, said to be the most delicious in all of French Polynesia.
Day 11 - Day 12 – Disembark in Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands
Tahiti’s capital city of Papeete welcomes you back with emerald hillsides, sapphire waters, and warm breezes. If you’re not ready for your South Pacific vacation to end, spend a few days here experiencing resorts, spas, restaurants, nightlife, and shopping.
Day 12 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
28-03-202608-04-2026AUD $9,990Porthole Stateroom
28-03-202608-04-2026AUD $11,550Window Stateroom
28-03-202608-04-2026AUD $39,320Owner's Suite. From
28-03-202608-04-2026AUD $14,790BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 6
28-03-202608-04-2026AUD $14,790BALCONY STATEROOM DECK 6
28-03-202608-04-2026AUD $14,990BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 7
28-03-202608-04-2026AUD $14,990Balcony Stateroom S Deck 7
28-03-202608-04-2026AUD $17,040Balcony Stateroom. From
28-03-202608-04-2026AUD $18,550Veranda Stateroom
28-03-202608-04-2026AUD $25,530Veranda Suite
28-03-202608-04-2026AUD $31,270Grand Suite
21-11-202602-12-2026AUD $9,990Porthole Stateroom
21-11-202602-12-2026AUD $11,550Window Stateroom
21-11-202602-12-2026AUD $13,940BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 6
21-11-202602-12-2026AUD $14,790BALCONY STATEROOM DECK 6
21-11-202602-12-2026AUD $14,990BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 7
21-11-202602-12-2026AUD $14,990Balcony Stateroom S Deck 7
21-11-202602-12-2026AUD $17,040Balcony Stateroom. From
21-11-202602-12-2026AUD $18,550Veranda Stateroom
21-11-202602-12-2026AUD $25,530Veranda Suite
21-11-202602-12-2026AUD $31,270Grand Suite
21-11-202602-12-2026AUD $39,320Owner's Suite. From
02-01-202713-01-2027AUD $9,030PORTHOLE STATEROOM
02-01-202713-01-2027AUD $10,450WINDOW STATEROOM
02-01-202713-01-2027AUD $12,480BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 6
02-01-202713-01-2027AUD $13,350BALCONY STATEROOM DECK 6
02-01-202713-01-2027AUD $13,540Balcony Stateroom S Deck 7
02-01-202713-01-2027AUD $13,540BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 7
02-01-202713-01-2027AUD $16,730VERANDA STATEROOM
02-01-202713-01-2027AUD $23,020VERANDA SUITE
02-01-202713-01-2027AUD $28,180GRAND SUITE
02-01-202713-01-2027AUD $40,120OWNER'S SUITE
06-11-202717-11-2027AUD $9,030PORTHOLE STATEROOM
06-11-202717-11-2027AUD $10,450WINDOW STATEROOM
06-11-202717-11-2027AUD $12,480BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 6
06-11-202717-11-2027AUD $13,350BALCONY STATEROOM DECK 6
06-11-202717-11-2027AUD $13,540BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 7
06-11-202717-11-2027AUD $13,540Balcony Stateroom S Deck 7
06-11-202717-11-2027AUD $16,730VERANDA STATEROOM
06-11-202717-11-2027AUD $23,020VERANDA SUITE
06-11-202717-11-2027AUD $28,180GRAND SUITE
06-11-202717-11-2027AUD $40,120OWNER'S SUITE
18-12-202729-12-2027AUD $8,450PORTHOLE STATEROOM
18-12-202729-12-2027AUD $9,770WINDOW STATEROOM
18-12-202729-12-2027AUD $12,480BALCONY STATEROOM DECK 6
18-12-202729-12-2027AUD $12,480BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 6
18-12-202729-12-2027AUD $12,660Balcony Stateroom S Deck 7
18-12-202729-12-2027AUD $12,660BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 7
18-12-202729-12-2027AUD $15,640VERANDA STATEROOM
18-12-202729-12-2027AUD $21,510VERANDA SUITE
18-12-202729-12-2027AUD $26,320GRAND SUITE
18-12-202729-12-2027AUD $40,120OWNER'S SUITE

Inclusions

    • A cruise to discover the natural treasures, riches, and age-old traditions of the Society and Cook Islands.
    • A gentle escapade aboard the Paul Gauguin, an expert in the destination, with an international and friendly atmosphere.
    • An immersion in South Pacific culture and way of life: the sunny disposition of the Gauguines and the Gauguins, our Polynesian hosts, singing, weaving workshops, dancing lessons.
    • Stop in Aitutaki, considered one of most beautiful islands in South Pacific.
    • Discover Rarotonga, its luxuriant Takuvaine Valley and its capital, Avarua, home to half the Cook Islands population.
    • Enjoy an overnight in Bora Bora, which gives you ample time to explore this laid-back destination’s dramatic mountain peaks, romantic lagoon, and impossibly turquoise waters.
    • 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.
    • Explore Moorea, the ‘magic island’ that has inspired many artists with its eight valleys, 900-metre Mt Rotui, beautiful bays and perfect lagoon.
    • Fauna: lemon sharks, blacktip reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, Manta rays, superb coral, sea turtles, giant green morays, emperor angelfish, Napoleon fish, butterflyfish and more...
    • Possibility of diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board.

Map