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M/S Paul Gauguin
| The M/S Paul Gauguin is the most luxurious ship
ever to sail the waters of French Polynesia on a year round basis. This magnificent vessel
welcomes you with an exceptionally high standard of service and offers its maximum of 320
guests spacious cabins equipped with marble-appointed baths, full-sized tubs and showers,
terry robes, hairdryers, television/VCR, stocked mini-bar, and direct-dial phones. Combine
this with fine French and Continental cuisine, a full spa/ fitness center, casino, and
outstanding watersports programs for a truly remarkable cruise experience. |
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Rate includes round trip
airfare from Los Angeles (LAX) on Air New Zealand, 1 day and 1 night accommodation in
Tahiti, 7 nights accommodation aboard the M/S Paul Gauguin based on a porthole room on
Deck 3, all meals served onboard ship, and transfers throughout. Not included are
applicable U.S. taxes and fees, port taxes, handling charges, and shore excursions. Rates
shown are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change. Other
restrictions may apply. Upgrades to other cabin categories are available. Single rates
available upon request.
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| Ten Day Itinerary - $2999
ppdoDAY 1 - LOS ANGELES TO TAHITI
Relax as you fly south across the Pacific Ocean to the enchanting island of Tahiti.
DAY 2 - ARRIVE IN TAHITI
Arrive at Tahiti's Faa'a international airport. You will be greeted with a fragrant
flower lei and a warm Tahitian welcome. Transfer to the Sofitel Maeva Beach Hotel to relax
in your garden view room. This afternoon, board the M/S Paul Gauguin to set sail in
the evening for Rangiroa.
DAY 3 - CRUISING RANGIROA
As the emerald green atoll of Rangiroa floats atop clear blue sea you may want to get
an early start to enjoy your time here. It is located in the remote Tuamotu Archipelago,
with truly grand scenery.
DAY 4 - CRUISING RANGIROA & RAIATEA
At mid-day you set sail for the lush, green, mountainous island of Raiatea.
DAY 5 - CRUISING RAIATEA
Enjoy a cruise across the stunning blue waters of the Tahaa lagoon early in the
morning. Arrive mid-morning at Raiatea, the reputed birthplace of the gods and the
religious and royal heart of Polynesia.
DAY 6 - CRUISING RAIATEA & BORA BORA
After an early morning departure from Raiatea, head for the exquisite island of Bora
Bora. It is widely thought of as one of the most romantic islands in the world. If you're
feeling adventurous, you may want to take the shark-feeding excursion.
DAY 7 - CRUISING BORA BORA & MOOREA
After a relaxed day in Bora Bora, cruise south to Moorea.
DAY 8 - CRUISING MOOREA & TAHITI
Arise early as you cruise into beautiful Moorea. Spend the day there and depart later
for Tahiti.
DAY 9 - TAHITI AT LEISURE
Disembark this morning. Transfer to your hotel to relax or for last minute shopping.
DAY 10 - TAHITI TO LOS ANGELES
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Aranui Freighter Cruise
| The lifeline for the remote Marquesas Islands, the Aranui
is a working freighter. It accommodates about 100 passengers of all ages, backgrounds,
and nationality while it delivers cargo to some of the most remote islands on earth. Most
of its passengers are islanders returning home by deck passage. It consists of 30
comfortable cabins, robust meals, and attractive public areas. |
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| It is a very livable vessel, but this
experience is for one who is not looking for glamour or glitz. Travelers go along on the
ride to watch the tattooed crew sling sacks of copra (dried coconuts) by day and strum
ukuleles by night. The Aranui offers an authentic taste of Polynesian life at sea
and the rare opportunity of visiting islands, which remain largely cut off from the
twentieth century. With no advertising budget, the Aranui is often booked up long
in advance due to the glowing write ups it has received in international press
publications. |
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Departing at night from Papeete,
the Aranui lands at Takapoto the next morning. Two days later, Ua Pou in the
Marquesas comes into view. Islanders wait eagerly on the village dock at Hakahau for the
arrival of the cargo ship's much needed goods. |
Passengers
are greeted with flower leis and gather at a local home for a feast of Polynesian
delicacies. Onward to Nuka Hiva and the waterfront town of Taiohai, the island's
administrative center and the nearest thing to a bustling town in the Marquesas. An
excursion to nearby Taipivai reveals ruined maraes (temples) and paepaes (stone
foundations) which call back to the islands' ancient pagan religion. |
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| The Aranui calls at the village of Hiva Oa,
the place where the artist Paul Gauguin spent his last days and home to his simple hilltop
grave. The resting place of Belgian singer Jacques Brel is nearby. After a brief stop at
nearby Tahuata, which consists of the remains of a huge sunken volcano, the Aranui moves
on to Fatu Hiva, the wettest and reputed most beautiful of the Marquesas. An 11-mile hike
from Omoa leads to the raw coast at Hanavave, with heart-stopping views of the Bay of
Virgins and miles of misty shoreline. Then to Ua Huka where the best woodcarvers in
Polynesia offer spears, tikis, bracelets, and other crafts carved in rosewood, sandalwood,
and even coconut. The island enjoys an untamed naturalness, with wild horses, goats, and
sheep running about in its open plateaus. After picking up tons of copra from Nuku Hiva
and Ua Pou, the Aranui makes its final stop at Rangiroa, a premier dive and snorkeling
destination. Arrive back in Papeete in the morning of the 16th day. This
itinerary may vary slightly. |
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| 16 Day Itinerary - C Cabin -
$1980 ppdoRate includes accommodation based on C cabin, dormitory style air conditioned
upper and lower berths, without private facilities, 3 meals per day and excursions. Not
included are applicable port taxes and VAT tax. Rates shown are per person based on double
occupancy and are subject to change. Other restrictions may apply. Upgrades to other cabin
categories are available. Single rates available upon request.
16 Day Itinerary - A Cabin - $3375 ppdo
Rate
includes accommodation based on A cabin, two lower berths, outside cabin with private
facilities, 3 meals per day and excursions. Not included are applicable port taxes and VAT
tax. Rates shown are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change. Other
restrictions may apply. Upgrades to other cabin categories are available. Single rates
available upon request. |
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| Many other sailing
adventures are available, including shared-yacht cruising. Please inquire about these other options. |
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POLYNESIA
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