At a glance
- Duration:
- 16 Days
- Start/End:
- Tahiti, Society Islands to Lautoka, Viti Levu Island
- From:
- $8,070
- Time of Year:
- January, October
On this 16-day Society Islands, Cook Islands, Tonga & Fiji cruise aboard the 330-guest Paul Gauguin, navigate four unique archipelagos for a truly immersive South Seas experience – from Fiji’s pristine shores, shallow lagoons, and crystal-clear waters rich marine life – dubbed by Jacques Cousteau as the Soft Coral Capital of the World – to the legendary beauty of Bora Bora and Moorea in the Society Islands. Visit the tiny Kingdom of Tonga and explore Aitutaki’s famous reefs and One Foot Island in the Cook Islands.
Discover the South Pacific’s most storied, beautiful, and culturally vibrant islands, towns, and cities over the course of 14* unhurried nights. No matter what kind of experience you seek, from soaking in the sun on the Society Islands’ white-sand beaches to immersing yourself in the unique cultures of Fiji and Tonga, when you follow in the wake of the world’s most famous explorers in the South Pacific, there are treasures to discover at every port.
Society Islands, Cook Islands, Tonga & Fiji Highlights
- Two separate Fijian ports showcase an intriguing juxtaposition: the sophisticated capital city of Suva and the unspoiled beauty of Savusavu, called the “Hidden Paradise of Fiji.”
- Surrounded by one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, you can see an abundance of tropical fish and beautiful coral blooms while visiting tiny Beqa 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.
*A traveler crossing the International Date Line eastbound subtracts one day, or 24 hours, so that the calendar date to the west of the line is repeated after the following midnight. Crossing the International Date Line westbound results in 24 hours being added, advancing the calendar date by one day. back to source
Society Islands, Cook Islands, Tonga & Fiji Details
Day 1: Tahiti, Society Islands
The largest of French Polynesia’s 118 islands, Tahiti and it’s capital city of Papeete are the perfect place to begin (and/or end) your South Pacific sojourn. The Paul Gauguin waits patiently in the harbor, a vibrant and bustling market across the street and in the evenings roulottes (food trucks) line the nearby square offering tasty local fare.
Day 2: Moorea, Society Islands
Step into a vibrant, colorful world in bright and beautiful Moorea, which welcomes you with azure lagoons, impossibly fresh tropical fruits, stunning mountain peaks and palm-fringed beaches. Commune with nature on an optional dolphin-watching excursion with an expert marine biologist. Afterwards, spend some time getting to know the local residents while shopping for handmade crafts.
Day 3: Taha'a, Society Islands (Motu Mahana)
As the day unfolds in front of you, where will you go? Exciting shore excursions await, but so does Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ own private islet. Choose from swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or simply lounging on the beach with a cold drink from our floating bar. Les Gauguines are also on hand to share musical entertainment and Polynesian crafts.
Day 4: Bora Bora, Society Islands
Explore lush peaks, wander white-sand beaches, and marvel at the iconic views of Mount Otemanu. Take the plunge with a SCUBA excursion to see the island’s colorful coral reefs, enjoy a sunset jetboat ride, or spend a lazy afternoon on our private beach*. Like a priceless Paul Gauguin painting come to life, storied Bora Bora is colorful and unforgettable. The landscape alone will have you searching for adequate adjectives, especially once you see the lagoon—“turquoise” just doesn’t do it justice.
Day 5: At Sea
Have you met Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines yet? Our onboard hosts are at the ready to share their Polynesian culture, with Tahitian dance lessons, hands-on traditional craft demonstrations, and an array of activities for all ages. The day is yours to make what you will of it. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests or take part in cooking lessons with the executive chef. Or maybe you’ll unwind poolside or treat yourself to a visit to the Algotherm Spa… or why not both? A day at sea offers ample time to relax and plan your next adventure.
Day 6: Aitutaki, Cook Islands
A wealth of cultural tradition, Aitutaki’s inhabitants keep their history alive through song, dance, legends and crafts. If you’re looking to spend time on land, consider taking the easy hike to the highest peak on the island, Maunga Pu, where you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views. But if you’re interested in an excursion, a trip out to One Foot Island in Aitutaki’s stunning blue lagoon will take your breath away.
Day 7-9: At Sea - Crossing the International Date Line
Have you met Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines yet? Our onboard hosts are at the ready to share their Polynesian culture, with Tahitian dance lessons, hands-on traditional craft demonstrations, and an array of activities for all ages. The day is yours to make what you will of it. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests or take part in cooking lessons with the executive chef. Or maybe you’ll unwind poolside or treat yourself to a visit to the Algotherm Spa… or why not both? A day at sea offers ample time to relax and plan your next adventure.
Indulge in three tranquil days at sea. It may be worth setting down that tropical cocktail, putting a bookmark in whatever you’re reading, and taking notice for one key reason—you’ll be crossing the International Date Line, something most travelers can’t say they’ve done.
Day 10: Vava’u, Tonga
Enjoy a Polynesian cultural show, sample traditional Tongan food, or climb to the top of Mt. Talau, the highest point on Vava’u. You’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views of the surrounding islands. And, while the activities on land are sure to impress, you won’t want to miss the underwater show, either. The island’s crystal-clear lagoon is home to more than 100 species of tropical fish, plus dolphins, rays, and more.
Day 11: At Sea
Have you met Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines yet? Our onboard hosts are at the ready to share their Polynesian culture, with Tahitian dance lessons, hands-on traditional craft demonstrations, and an array of activities for all ages. The day is yours to make what you will of it. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests or take part in cooking lessons with the executive chef. Or maybe you’ll unwind poolside or treat yourself to a visit to the Algotherm Spa… or why not both? A day at sea offers ample time to relax and plan your next adventure.
Day 12: Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji
Tucked away on the largely undeveloped northern Fijian island of Vanua Levu, Savusavu lets you experience the South Seas of centuries gone by before the area was colonized by Europeans. Visit a black pearl farm, immerse yourself in a Fijian village, or spot colorful native birds in the pristine Waisale Reserve.
Day 13: Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji
Suva is the largest urban area in the South Pacific, outside of Australia and New Zealand. It’s been the capital of Fiji since 1883 and offers a unique mix of modern and colonial ambiance, making it a great place for history and architecture buffs to explore on foot. More interested in the views? Suva is perched on a hilly peninsula between two postcard-perfect harbors.
Day 14: Beqa Island, Fiji
While it may only be six square miles, Beqa Island packs every inch with natural beauty. Spend your day snorkeling among the coral blooms, strolling golden-sand beaches, or discovering a hidden waterfall.
Day 15: Lautoka, Viti Levu Island
Once you arrive in Lautoka (known as “Sugar City” for the green-gold sugarcane that surrounds the city), there’s much to explore. Stroll its palm-lined streets, experience everyday life in a traditional village, or hike in Koroyanitu National Heritage Park.
| Dates | F | E | D | C | B | A | Grand Suite | Owner's Suite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, October 26, 2024 | $9,420 | $9,910 | $13,570 | $14,150 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Saturday, January 4, 2025 | $8,070 | $9,320 | $11,590 | $12,100 | $15,380 | N/A | $25,210 | N/A |
Dates and rates are effective the date the information was updated on this site. Dates and rates may have changed by the cruise line prior to an update here. Contact Sunstone Tours & Cruises for the latest dates & rates.
Prices are per person, double occupancy, and include 50% off standard cruise fares. Prices subject to change. Single supplement pricing is available upon request. *Included airfare from Los Angeles is subject to availability and applies to the first and second guest in the stateroom only. Air add-ons from home city are available on request. Air credit for non-use of this promotion is $2,200. Port, security, and handling fees of $265 per person are additional. Pricing for the third guest in the same stateroom is as follows: 17 years old and under, FREE; 18 years of age and older, $125 per night. Third guest is cruise-only; air and taxes are additional.
Included
- *Included roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles.
- Airport/pier transfers
- All shipboard meals, in a choice of venues
- Complimentary room service
- All beverages, including select wines and spirits
- Onboard gratuities for room stewards and dining staff
- Complimentary watersports
- Day at our private islet, Motu Mahana
- Access to our private beach in Bora Bora
Not Included
Paul Gauguin
The 332-passenger Paul Gauguin, designed specifically to glide through the shallow seas of the South Pacific, is the flagship of Paul Gauguin Cruises and 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.
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