Don't miss
The island of Raiatea – extraordinary scenery, like being in Jurassic Park.
From Papeete to Papeete
Marquesas, The Tuamotus & Society Islands
From Papeete to Papeete
Marquesas, The Tuamotus & Society Islands
Voyage Itinerary
15 August
Setting sail from Papeete
If you are in search of paradise, don't expect it to be easy to get there! It's a long old haul to get to Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia. And once you are there, Papeete itself is by no means the most magical spot - you need to venture forth to see the other islands, and luxuriate in the turquoise lagoons, white sand beaches fringed with palm trees, rugged mountain peaks and coral reefs. Expensive and remote, these islands have maintained their uncommercial magic, with excellent hotels and a warm Polynesian welcome everywhere you go.
16 August
French Polynesia: Fakarava (Tuamotu Islands)
The Fakarava atoll surrounds a deep lagoon in the west of the Tuamotu island group, scarcely populated and home to a host of rare wildlife. The entire atoll has been declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and the shallow coastal waters make for excellent snorkelling.
17 August - At sea
18 August
French Polynesia: Hanavave (Fatu Hiva)
Remote and unspoilt Fatu Hiva is the southernmost of the Marquesas island group, known for its tapa bark paintings and wood carvings. There are just two settlements on the island: the village of Omoa has a church and a small museum, while Hanavave lies on the staggeringly beautiful Bay of Virgins.
18 August
French Polynesia: Omoa (Fatu Hiva)
Remote and unspoilt Fatu Hiva is the southernmost of the Marquesas island group, known for its tapa bark paintings and wood carvings. There are just two settlements on the island: the village of Omoa has a church and a small museum, while Hanavave lies on the staggeringly beautiful Bay of Virgins.
19 August
French Polynesia: Atuona (Hiva Oa)
Hiva Oa is the last resting place of the artist Paul Gauguin, who spent the final years of his life here, and the Gauguin museum in Atuona documents his time in the South Pacific. This beautiful island is also home to some evocative archaeological sites, including ancient petroglyphs and stone tiki statues.
20 August
French Polynesia: Hapatoni (Tahuata)
21 August
French Polynesia: Taiohae
22 August - At sea
23 August
French Polynesia: Rangiroa
The Rangiroa atoll is one of the biggest in the world, a ring of over 400 motu (islets) surrounding a vast lagoon. This stunning area is a popular destination for divers and snorkellers, and the waters are home to marine life including sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, hammerhead sharks and manta rays.
24 August to 25 August
French Polynesia: Bora Bora
Bora Bora is the very definition of idyllic, a diminutive Polynesian island dominated by rainforest-clad volcanic peaks, overlooking an electric blue lagoon ringed by coral reefs. The beaches and over-water bungalows are particularly popular with honeymooners, and the clear waters of the lagoon are perfect for snorkelling.
26 August
French Polynesia: Huahine
Huahine is perhaps the most beautiful of the Society Islands, and one of the least developed too. The laid back ambience means it’s impossible not to relax here, whether you’re on one of the gorgeous beaches or taking a stroll around the friendly village of Fare.
27 August
French Polynesia: Taha'a
Sleepy Taha’a is just a few minutes away from Raiatea by boat, and is known as the ‘vanilla island’ due to the many fragrant plantations secluded amongst its valleys. Although the island itself lacks beaches, the surrounding reef is dotted with beautiful little white sand islets known as ‘motu’.
28 August
French Polynesia: Mo'orea
Mo’orea is one of the real highlights of the South Pacific, a picture perfect landscape of jagged green mountains and dazzling cobalt bays. The warm waters of the lagoon are perfect for a host of watersports, while the lush island interior can be easily explored by scooter or bicycle.
28 August to 29 August
Arriving in Papeete
Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia, situated on the northwest coast of Tahiti. The port is not the most magical spot, so we advise venturing forth to luxuriate in the turquoise lagoons, relax on the white sand beaches fringed with palm trees, and explore the rugged mountain peaks.
Our tip
Don’t bother with local currency – all the local shops and markets will take US dollars. And take aqua shoes, impossible to walk in the sea otherwise.
The ship
Le Paul Gauguin
- Capacity:
- 330 Guests
- Crew:
- 209 Staff
- Style:
- The Polynesian paradise is permanent home to Paul Gauguin,allowing her to offer a better experience aboard and ashore thanany other vessel visiting the area, in a laid back, warm andwelcoming style.
Designed specifically to cruise the shallow waters of the South Pacific islands, Le Paul Gauguin perfectly embodies the famous Polynesian warmth and flair.
What we love
This much awarded little ship carries 330 fortunate guests. A recent addition to the Ponant fleet what we love is the way in which, after 16 years cruising year round in this part of the South Pacific, she has absorbed everything that is special about the islands into her very DNA, making her the perfect choice to holiday in the area.
inclusions
- All meals both indoors and al fresco in three restaurants
- Select wines and spirits, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages
- Shipboard gratuities for room stewards and dining staff
- 24 hour room service
- Watersports from the ship's marina
- Motu Mahana, an exclusive, private retreat off the coast of Taha'a
- Excellent on board entertainment, including the local Gauguines
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Extend your stay in French Polynesia
For the ultimate eco-hotel experience, go for the Brando! Eye wateringly expensive, but a bit special.
Explore the islands
If you are visiting Bora Bora tour the island by open bus - Le Truck.
How can we help?
Our frequently asked questions
From cruise tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions
visit our faqs
Will I save by booking with Mundy Cruising?
Absolutely. You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line and enjoy more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.
Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?
From flights and transfers to hotels and tours, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and also offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24hr emergency contact, so we offer complete peace of mind.
What are the benefits of a small luxury ship?
Because small ships are able to reach smaller ports of call and provide a higher level of service than their big ship counterparts, we believe that small ship cruising is the very best way to travel. Usually they offer more space per person, and an attentive team to make sure you have the very best experience. Small ship cruising offers the very best of the best.
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Why Mundy?
Who we are
Founded in 1970, we have sold more luxury cruises for more years than anyone else in the UK.
Mundy Cruising was the very first cruise specialist in the UK. We have been making the best cruise holidays even better since 1970.
How? Simply by offering our clients more expertise, more personal service, more unique ideas, more fascinating add-ons, more fabulous freebies and more peace of mind.
We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.
