Cruising French Polynesia: Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the Tuamotus – with Smithsonian Journeys

Description

Set sail to discover French Polynesia, considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. From Papeete, we invite you to embark the Paul Gauguin on an 11-day cruise to the heart of idyllic islands and atolls hemmed by stunning clear-water lagoons and surrounded by an exceptional coral reef.

Discover the wonderful Society Islands, with lush rainforests, impossibly clear lagoons, and endless palm trees swaying in the warm breeze.

On Huahine, delight in the incomparable beauty of the island and in an included performance of Polynesian dance in front of the marae (traditional temples). Spend two days along the sumptuous lagoon of Bora Bora, with its distinctly recognisable volcanic silhouette. On Moorea, with its hillsides covered with pineapple plantations and luxurious peaks, join a local anthropologist for an included nature walk through the island’s lush interior.

In the Tuamotus, Rangiroa, a gigantic atoll with breathtaking underwater scenery, is renowned for the cultivation of its famous black pearls. Be sure to try snorkelling in these natural aquariums where colourful fish, rays, and friendly sharks can be found swimming amid the reefs. Explore the marvellous depths of the atoll of Fakarava, a UNESCO-classified nature reserve.

Motu Mahana, our private vanilla-scented paradise with turquoise waters, will undoubtedly be the highlight of your cruise. Treat yourself to sand between your toes, the shade of swaying palm trees, a sumptuous barbecue lunch, and, of course, drinks sipped from coconuts.

Trip Name

Cruising French Polynesia: Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the Tuamotus – with Smithsonian Journeys

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 504 feet, 153.6 meters Passenger Capacity: 332 Designed specifically to glide through the shallow seas of the South Pacific, The Gauguin is a small-ship cruiser’s dream. She delivers travelers to intimate ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships, all the while providing an onboard experience that is nothing short of luxurious. Guests aboard 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 Gauguines and Gauguins—local Tahitians who serve as cruise staff, entertainers, and storytellers. Ship Features All oceanview accommodations, nearly 70% with balconies, measuring from 200 to 500 sq. ft., including balcony Butler service, in-suite bar setup, and iPod® music system in suite/stateroom category B and above A choice of three dining venues Complimentary 24-hour room service, including selections from L’Etoile restaurant during regular dining hours Complimentary beverages, including select wines and spirits, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages Onboard gratuities for room stewards, dining and bar staff Full entertainment program including Polynesian artists, musical entertainment, a pianist, and a professionally operated casino with slot machines Spa and beauty services, including hand and foot treatments, body treatments, facials, and spa programs Optional PADI SCUBA diving program and certification Watersports marina for complimentary kayaking and paddleboarding, and Zodiacs® for optional dive excursions Fully-equipped fitness center Presentations by local naturalists and a variety of special guests Spacious outdoor decks and pool La Boutique duty-free shop Book library (open 24 hours a day) Wi-Fi hot spots throughout the ship to cover most suites/staterooms and common areas, as well as guest-accessible computers, available 24 hours a day for a nominal fee Laundry services available Certified medical services 166 suites/staterooms on Decks 3-8, including one wheelchair-accessible stateroom and select staterooms that can accommodate three guests

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 PAPEETE, TAHITI ISLAND

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.

Day 2 - Day 2 HUAHINE, SOCIETY ISLANDS

Located less than 200 kilometres north-west of Tahiti, Huahine Island is a secret gem in French Polynesia. You’ll love the mysterious atmosphere emanating from its voluptuous contours, its wild vegetation and stunning remote creeks. If you explore both parts of the island, la Grande Huahine to the north, and la Petite Huahine to the south, will reveal some of its hidden treasures, as well as some archaeological remains from the Polynesian past. You can meet the local population in the main town of Fare, or in the string of villages along the coast.

Day 3 - Days 3 - 4 BORA BORA, SOCIETY ISLANDS

Paradisiacal atoll of the archipelago of the Leeward Islands, west of French Polynesia, mythical Bora Bora offers a natural spectacle of captivating beauty. You’ll be won over as much by the white sandy beaches as by its famous lagoon, one of the most beautiful in the world, where colourful fish frolic in waters of incomparable turquoise. The island is covered with tropical vegetation, and dominated by the majestic outline of Mount Otemanu. A promenade through this volcanic landscape will enable you to discover a number of villages and meet local communities.

Day 4 - Day 5 RANGIROA, TUAMOTU ISLANDS

A secluded atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Rangiroa, meaning “vast sky” in Polynesian, is very aptly named. The lagoon of the largest atoll in Polynesia is reminiscent of the heavens, imprisoned by hundreds of islets formed by sand that veers from immaculate white to pink. But the beauty of Rangiroa, classed by Captain Cousteau as one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world, is most evident in its underwater life: you will have the occasion of admiring all the richness of the site on a snorkeling tour or on a glass-bottom boat tour. Rangiroa is also the high seat of Polynesian pearl culture.

Day 5 - Day 6 FAKARAVA, TUAMOTU ISLANDS

Listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Fakarava’s coral ellipsis is a narrow stretch of land sitting on a crystal-clear sea. Travellers here are surprised by the immensity of the lagoon, whose colours evoke an infinite palette. The atoll, renowned for its immaculate beaches and preserved nature, is home to rare bird species, plants and crustaceans. You’ll disembark in a Zodiac® and berth in front of the Veke Veke guesthouse, where you will be welcomed with garlands of flowers and traditional music. You will then be able to go for a walk along the beach or put on flippers, mask and snorkel to make the most of the warm waters of Fakarava and observe its brightly coloured coral.

Day 6 - Day 7 AT SEA

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Day 7 - Day 8 MOTU MAHANA, TAHA'A ISLAND, SOCIETY ISLANDS

Feet in the sand, on the islet of Motu Mahana, our sumptuous little private paradise, you will share a very special experience around an authentic traditional Polynesian barbecue. A veritable jewel in the Taha’a lagoon, pristine atoll of the Society Islands, Motu Mahana offers an infinite palette of shades of turquoise, an idyllic backdrop for observing the majestic ballet of the tropical fish. The volcanic island of Taha’a, dominated by Mount Ohiri and Mount Puurauti, will reveal its fertile and luxuriant nature, ideal for cultivating the magnificent black pearls of French Polynesia, as well as vanilla. This rare spice, greatly in demand by gourmets, is the main economic resource of what is also known as Vanilla Island.

Day 8 - Days 9 - 10 MOOREA ISLAND

A part of the Windward Island archipelago just to the west of Tahiti, famous Mo'orea will leave you with a series of unforgettable images and memories. Bask on its heavenly beaches, enjoy a dip in the turquoise waters of its lagoon, and soak up its luscious vegetation and the heady flowers that carpet the inland areas. Get the most out of this natural gem with a trip to the Mo'orea Belvedere. Exceptional views of Mount Rotui unfurl before your eyes, with the Opunohu Bay and its valley to the left, and the famous Cook's Bay, surrounded by notched, cathedral-style peaks, to the right.

Day 9 - Days 11 - 12 PAPEETE, TAHITI ISLAND

Day 10 - Please Note:

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for this voyage includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and select excursions and activities in certain ports of call that encourage guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and select excursions and activities in certain ports of call.
Engaging discussions onboard with Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including anthropologist Charles Urbanowicz and linguist Lindsay Whaley.
Spend an included day relaxing on Motu Mahana, our very own private islet, complete with white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, a barbecue lunch, drinks served in coconuts, and a floating lagoon bar.
Enjoy an included nature walk with a local anthropologist on Moorea and an included Polynesian dance presentation at the marae on Huahine.
Indulge in two days in the Pacific paradise of Bora Bora. In addition to vistas of towering Mount Otemanu, the romantic lagoon, and an unhurried pace of life, our exclusive white-sand beach offers ample places to relax.
Discover the “infinite lagoon” on Rangiroa, the largest atoll in Polynesia, which is famous for its “wall of sharks”.
Enjoy two days in Moorea, giving you plenty of time to marvel at mountain peaks and lounge near blue lagoons.
Visit Fakarava, a UNESCO-classified Nature Reserve and the world’s second-largest lagoon, home to unique flora and fauna, gray sharks, and untouched coral reefs.
Choose from a complete program of optional excursions in each port of call to further customise your experience (at an additional cost).
Possibility of diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board (at an additional cost).