Paul Gauguin Cruises in South Pacific
If you read this blog frequently - even occasionally - you will see that I have posted much about my trip to French Polynesia (Tahiti) earlier this year and have several videos on EZTravelPad's YouTube Channel. Why? - simple - it was amazing. The beauty, the people, the food, the other travelers, it is simply one of the most romantic destinations on the planet. It interested me, and I needed to learn more - and sell it more, so recently I completed a specialist course pertaining to Paul Gauguin Cruises. Now I know what I need to know to more fully represent all of the amazing choices that are available on a vacation to French Polynesia.
Why Paul Gauguin Cruises? Here are a few of the reasons
Best Dining– 1st Place Small Ship"
Cruise Critic - Cruisers' Choice Award (2011)
That's right - of all the small ships cruising the planet, this ship was named best in dining, and to me that is so important!
Paul Gauguin cruises is owned by a parent company that offers a wide range of options throughout French Polynesia (without going into detail, their land based resorts were among my favorites) and their newest project is building The Brando
The Brando, a luxury eco-resort featuring 47 deluxe bungalow villas on the late actor's remote private island, 100% fully self-sustaining by renewable energy.
When it opens, this place won't just be on my Bucket List - it will be on top of my Bucket List....but back to Paul Gauguin
Paul Gauguin Cruises French Polynesia and The Cook Islands
French Polynesia
Comprised of 118 islands and atolls scattered over 1.5 million square miles in the South Pacific, the islands are divided into five island groups or archipelagos: the Marquesas Islands (North-East), the Tuamotu Islands (East), the Society Islands(West), the Austral Islands(South-West) and the Gambier Islands (South-East).
Of these, the Paul Gauguin visits the Society Islands, the Tuamotu, the Marquesas as well as the Cook Islands which are owned by New Zealand and in 2012 we will be visiting the Australs.
Each of the islands has its own particular charms and character, and warm, friendly people who have adapted the ancient rhythms of the ocean and the sun to the modern day. Consisting of either "high" volcanic islands or low lying coral atolls, aside from Tahiti itself and Bora Bora, the islands are still sparsely populated and remain mysterious and intriguing even in this modern day.
You will discover ports as varied and spectacular as a South Pacific sunset. Plus, thanks to the ship’s small size, you’ll visit spots that larger cruise ships just can’t reach - all in style and luxury aboard the award-winning m/s Paul Gauguin.
Tahiti is a year-round destination! It enjoys pleasant tropical weather that averages 80 degrees Fahrenheit, year-round. Situated south of the equator, the seasons in Tahiti are reversed:
-November to March is summer in Tahiti…warm, humid and often sunny.
-April to October is winter in Tahiti…typically warm and sunny.
The French Polynesian Islands enjoy a tropical climate with one of the highest numbers of hours of sunshine per year in the world at nearly 3000! Average air temperature is 79°F; average water temperature in the lagoons is a fairly constant 80°F.
What About Beyond Tahiti?
Moorea- (moh-oh-ray-ah), is only 11 miles from Tahiti and many visitors say it is worth the visit just to see the islands spectacular bays. The volcanic peaks, reflected in the waters of Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, rise like a shark's jaw from the island's base. The bustle of Papeete is behind you as we spot the sharp volcanic peaks on the horizon, crowned by a few pearly clouds. Shark sighting on nearly every dive makes this island a popular diving destination. At times a tuna will come by or dolphins will be heard clicking just out of sight.
A wide, shallow lagoon surrounds the island's vertical mountains where poetic threads of waterfalls tumble down fern-softened cliffs. Peaceful meadows flanked by pinnacles of green will fill your senses and renew your belief in the majesty of nature. Pastel-painted houses surrounded by gardens of hibiscus and birds of paradise, circle the island in a fantasy of happy, yet simple villages.
Polynesian legend describes the panorama of volcanic ridges as the second dorsal fin of the fish that became the island of Tahiti. These pinnacles later inspired the mythical "Bali Hai" that was based on James Michener's book, Tales of the South Pacific.
What's Included?
Depending on the category of your suite, you can select up to 2 bottles of spirits from m/s Paul Gauguin's extensive standard list; selections are available from the premium list at an additional charge. Soft drinks, bottled water and mixers are all available complimentary.
Additionally, guests can select blankets or duvets and the number and type of bed pillows, and even the types of fruits to be included in their basket!
This, of course, is in addition to excellent Polynesian entertainers on-board
Ship Features
- Most luxurious ship to sail in Tahiti on a year-round basis
- Only 332 guests
- Crew to guest ratio of 1 to 1.5
- All oceanview accommodations, nearly 70% with balconies
- Space to guest ratio of nearly 58 to 1, one of the highest of any ship serving the North American market
- All onboard gratuities included
- Complimentary beverages including fine wines and premium spirits, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee and tea served throughout the ship
- Butler service in categories B and above, including in-suite bar setup and SoundDock® for iPod®
- In-suite mini-bar replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and bottled water
- State-of-the-art retractable Watersports Marina
- Onboard optional dive program
- Onboard lecture program
- Two elegant restaurants and one pool-side, all with single open-seating dining
- Well-being and vegetarian selections and special dietetic menus upon request
- WiFi hotspots throughout the ship
- Complimentary 24-hour room service
- Complimentary in-room dining
- Complimentary in-room movie channels and movies available
Accessing the tranquil waters of the South Pacific couldn't be easier due to the convenient watersports marina at the rear of the ship
More Regarding On-Board Lecture Program & Demonstrations
+ Jean-Michel Cousteau Oceanography Sailings-World-famous oceanographer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau joins us at some of the world’s premier diving locations. In addition to lectures with videos of his work, he will accompany several dives from the ship.
+Parisian Celebrity Chef Jean-Pierre Vigato Culinary Sailing -The Chef Proprietaire of the two-star Michelin-rated Restaurant Apicius in Paris, Chef Vigato will personally prepare gourmet dishes and also offer demonstrations of his culinary techniques.
+ Photography Workshop Sailings Jesse Kalisher & Roger Paperno - accomplished professional artists share their expertise during onboard lectures and hands-on photo-expeditions.
Thinking of Taking Young Ones?
Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society -
Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program
Explorer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau is committed to the belief that the survival of the world’s oceans depends on capturing the imagination at a young age. In order to ensure that conservation remains a priority among future generations, he created the Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program under the auspices of the Ocean Futures Society.
This unique, groundbreaking program introduces young travelers (ages 9 to 17) to the extraordinary natural wonders of French Polynesia through direct, hands-on, interactive experiences with marine and island ecosystems. Young Ambassadors explore coral reefs, hike rainforest trails, and visit marae (ancient Polynesian temples). They also learn how black pearls and vanilla are cultivated, how volcanic islands become coral atolls, and how to paddle an outrigger canoe. Parents are encouraged to join children on some of the eco-excursions and other activities aboard and ashore. The Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program is available on cruises during the summer months, as well as select holiday sailings for a nominal fee. Mr. Cousteau is also occasionally a guest on board.
Tip of the Iceberg
While there are no icebergs in French Polynesia, what I have just describes is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what you can expect cruising French Polynesia with m/s Paul Gauguin. Here is an example for 10 mights-
The possibilities are endless, but you might
Snorkel with whales, swim with sharks, dive the "wall of sharks", hike, picnic on a private island, learn, experience and fall in love with a place so beautiful it will make you want to cry.
Hey, it's a short life and you better experience all that you can - while you can - and this is one experience that you would never regret splurging on.
For more info, and some unbelievable deals that are currently available, contact "Your friends....in the travel business" EZTravelPad
Dr. Bruce Mate
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