Tahiti & the Society Islands Cruise

Few places carry the weight of their own mythology quite as gracefully as French Polynesia. The islands of the Society archipelago, Huahine, Bora Bora, Moorea, have drawn painters, writers and wanderers for generations, each arriving in search of the same translucent lagoons, volcanic peaks and unhurried pace of life that the islands continue to offer. Sailing aboard m/s Paul Gauguin, a ship sized for these shallow turquoise waters and designed to feel like a natural extension of the place, is among the more intimate ways to encounter them.

This eight-day voyage departs from Papeete and calls at four of the archipelago’s most celebrated islands, including a morning on Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin’s private vanilla-scented islet, where a barbecue on the beach unfolds in a setting few other ships can access.

The voyage

The m/s Paul Gauguin sails year-round from Papeete, the only large cruise ship to do so, making her perhaps the most practised guide to these waters available. Her size allows access to anchorages in shallow lagoons where larger vessels cannot follow, and her all-inclusive approach means the focus stays firmly on the destination rather than onboard accounting.

The atmosphere is relaxed and international, with a Polynesian character that runs through the ship’s design, dining and entertainment programme. The Moana Explorer Program offers diving and initiation dives at additional cost for guests wishing to explore the coral gardens below the surface, Level 1 or CMAS 1-star certification (or equivalent) is required for independent diving.

Journey highlights

• Papeete, Tahiti, embarkation in French Polynesia’s vibrant capital
• Huahine, pearl farms, ancient marae temples and an island that remains largely untouched by mass tourism
• Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin’s private islet, with a beach barbecue in a setting of remarkable calm
• Bora Bora, the lagoon-fringed volcanic silhouette of Mount Otemanu, as recognisable as any island anywhere
• Moorea, hillside pineapple plantations, emerald peaks and heart-shaped bays
• Coral gardens and Polynesian marine life, accessible through the Moana Explorer Program

Staterooms and suite pricing

Category	Size	From (pp, dbl occ)
Window or Porthole Stateroom	19 m²	AUD $7,050
Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom	20 m²	AUD $10,220
Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom	20 m²	AUD $10,350
Veranda Suite and Stateroom	23 m²	AUD $12,690
Grand Suite	30 m²	AUD $21,090
Owner Suite	42 m²	AUD $29,850

All prices are per person based on double occupancy and include the PONANT Bonus 25% early booking discount. Prices are subject to availability and change. Single supplement prices on application.