November 14, 2024
Fiji, Bora Bora, Tahiti, Moorea & More: Exploring the Best with the Best
French Polynesia’s 118 islands and atolls captivate with crystal-clear lagoons and lush landscapes, including Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti—each honored as the very best in the South Pacific in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. Shown here: Bora Bora.
Set adrift in the azure embrace of the Pacific Ocean, where time slows and the horizon shimmers with a kaleidoscope of blues, French Polynesia beckons with the promise of pure enchantment. Imagine then, the dreamy idea of exploring this legendary paradise in the lap of blissful, carefree luxury—exploring the South Pacific’s best islands with the world’s best small cruise line.
Such is the opportunity that presents itself year-round with Paul Gauguin Cruises, voted Best Small Cruise in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers' Choice Awards. Not surprisingly, this perennially favorite cruise line also happens to explore the publication’s four Best South Pacific Islands: Fiji, Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti, respectively with hair-splitting scores.
Purpose built to navigate the pristine lagoons of French Polynesia, The Gauguin sails into the heart of Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti. Nearly every itinerary offers an overnight stay in these award-winning locales so you can wake each day to exceptional views enjoyed from the cocooned comfort of your overwater “bungalow” that sails.
It is here among these storied shores that the m/s Paul Gauguin—a floating sanctuary often likened to an overwater “bungalow” that sails—offers an unparalleled way to discover the wonders of this breathtaking region. Aboard this beloved ship, the voyage becomes a window into the soul of the South Pacific, inviting you to step into the beauty, culture, and spirit of these award-winning islands.
BORA BORA: A Vision of Paradise
Bora Bora’s shimmering turquoise lagoon and majestic emerald peaks frame an enchanting paradise, as if the artist Paul Gauguin painted them himself.
Crystalline waters, a Technicolor rim of coral reefs, and the imposing silhouette of Mount Otemanu—the “Pearl of the South Pacific” as Bora Bora is known, is the crown jewel among French Polynesia’s gem-like isles. The Gauguin glides into her serene lagoon, nearly always on an overnight stay, affording you incredible vistas of unparalleled beauty where nature performs daily symphonies of color and light.
Snorkelers and swimmers delight in vibrant underwater worlds teeming with tropical fish, while those seeking tranquility can find it on secluded beaches where the sand is soft and warm underfoot. The magic of Bora Bora extends from her waters to her sunsets, when the evening the sky transforms into a painting of fiery oranges, delicate pinks, and deep purples.
MOOREA: The Island of Inspiration
High in Moorea’s emerald mountains, an ATV adventure opens up panoramic views of the turquoise lagoon below—a paradise alive with vibrant hues and breathtaking beauty at every turn.
Just a whisper away from Tahiti, Moorea rises from the sea with jagged peaks cloaked in emerald green, a landscape that has inspired legends (the island is said to be named for a yellow lizard born here: in Tahitian mo’o means lizard, and rea means yellow!). So breathtaking is the beauty of this “Magical Isle” as Moorea is known, it is said to be the inspiration for James Michener’s mythical Bali Hai–a perfect island, visible on the horizon but unreachable. Fear not, The Gauguin enjoys intimate harbor in this captivating lagoon.
Here, you might start your day with an off-road safari offering panoramic views of Moorea’s verdant valleys and turquoise bays, or choose a more leisurely exploration of its pineapple plantations and vibrant villages. The waters surrounding Moorea invite adventurers for a paddleboarding session or a quiet swim, with the island’s lush mountains as a magnificent backdrop.
Explore More: Excursions in Moorea
TAHITI: The Gateway to Wonder
Tahiti’s majestic inland peaks invite exploration beyond the sea, offering the perfect beginning or finale to your journey with curated pre- and post-cruise resort packages that allow you to linger in paradise just a little bit longer. (Photo Credit: Stephanie Mailion Photography)
Tahiti is more than the starting point for your voyage; it’s the soul of French Polynesia. The largest island in the region, Tahiti pulses with life, from its bustling markets to the rhythmic beat of traditional drums. As The Gauguin sails away from the island’s emerald cliffs and into the vast expanse of the Pacific, you’ll find that the heart of Tahiti beats throughout all the islands, a constant reminder of the region’s welcoming spirit.
FIJI: The Soft Coral Capital
Dive into Fiji’s vibrant underwater world on a snorkeling adventure to discover a kaleidoscope of colorful fish and pristine coral reefs—an unforgettable window into the island’s aquatic paradise. (Photo Credit: TourismFiji)
Celebrated for its vibrant coral reefs and warm hospitality, Fiji offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. On a 14-night itinerary exploring Fiji, Tonga, the Cook and Society Islands (or reverse), The Gauguin sails to or from Lautoka and visits Fiji’s Suva, Savusavu, and Beqa Island. With myriad options to enjoy Fiji’s pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, you’ll have opportunities to explore vibrant coral reefs and encounter diverse marine life in the Soft Coral Capital of the World.
Explore More: Excursions in Fiji - Beqa Island | Savu Savu | Suva
The Gauguin Experience: An Invitation to Dream
As much a part of French Polynesia as the islands themselves, The Gauguin is your blissfully carefree home-away-from-home on authentic journeys through paradise.
Welcoming just 330 guests in all-inclusive luxury, The Gauguin was purpose-built for the idyllic lagoons and turquoise atolls of French Polynesia, allowing you to experience each destination with intimate access and insight. Butler-serviced suites and spacious staterooms—70 percent with private balconies—offer the perfect vantage point to savor morning sunrises and star-lit nights.
A journey with Paul Gauguin Cruises is an immersion into the essence of Polynesian life. Les Gauguines, the line’s troupe of local Tahitian hosts who live aboard ship, infuse every moment with the rich traditions and cultures of their homeland. Their stories, songs, and dances weave a tapestry of heritage that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.
Add to that The Gauguin’s exceptional culinary experiences that blend French sophistication with Polynesian flavors and the water sport adventures enjoyed directly from the ships retractable marina platform–paddleboarding, kayaking and PADI-certified SCUBA diving–and you’re assured the kind of intimate discovery expected of the world’s number one small cruise.
The Best Experiences = The Best Memories
We look forward to welcoming you and your loved ones to Tahiti and Her Islands as you sail with the Best Small Cruise aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin.
For those dreaming of sunlit days, turquoise waters, and nights where the only sound is the ocean’s lullaby, the m/s Paul Gauguin awaits your arrival. Discover the beauty, the culture, and the spirit of the South Pacific in artful authenticity with French Polynesia’s destination expert. Book your voyage now and start exploring this little piece of paradise we call home.
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