TAHITI & THE SOCIETY ISLANDS
Discover your own island inspiration in the destination that enchanted painter Paul Gauguin, author James A. Michener, and countless others. In one wonderful week, you’ll explore the best of the South Pacific, with stops in lush Huahine, beautiful Bora Bora, and postcard-perfect Moorea. Once you’ve made these islands your home – even if just for a week – they’ll always be calling for you to return.
Highlights
- Spend a relaxing day on Motu Mahana, our very own private islet, complete with white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, a barbecue lunch, drinks served in coconuts, and a floating lagoon bar.
- Explore Bora Bora your way – visit our exclusive white-sand beach with volleyball, snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding, or opt for an optional four-wheel-drive safari, aquabike excursion, or glass-bottom boat ride.
- Enjoy an overnight in Moorea, giving you plenty of time to marvel at mountain peaks, lounge near blue lagoons, and sample the fresh, local cuisine.
M/S PAUL GAUGUIN
Designed specifically to glide in luxury through the shallow seas of the South Pacific, The Gauguin is a small-ship cruiser’s dream. She delivers travelers to intimate ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships, all the while providing a travel experience that is nothing short of luxurious. Once on board, guests enjoy newly-decorated spacious suites and staterooms (more than 70% with private balconies), an onboard watersports marina, three dining venues, an extensive spa, and five-star service. Life on The Gauguin also reflects the beauty and rich cultural heritage of the islands she calls upon, with a warm, friendly feel, informal setting, and even a beloved troupe of Les Gauguin and Les Gauguines—local Tahitians who serve as onboard hosts and hostesses, entertainers, and storytellers.
The Ship
BIO
Chef Darren MacLean is one of Canada’s most acclaimed and outspoken chef restaurateurs with three successful concepts in Canada as well as an extensive partnership with Princess Cruise lines in Asia as well as the luxury Tahiti based French Cruise lines of Paul Gaugin.
To date he boasts the only restaurant group to hold 3 concepts in Canada to have landed in the esteemed 100 Best Restaurants list with all in the top 50. In addition, all rated in the top 10 best overall in Calgary’s Avenue Magazine.
His flagship Shokunin a Japanese inspired Izakaya that focuses its menu around Japanese charcoal cookery in his home city of Calgary, has been voted one of the country’s top 50 restaurants for 6 years in a row it also has to date hosted the most Michelin and worlds 50 best Chef collaborations of any restaurant in the country.
MacLean is Inspired by its Canadas multi- cultural and ethnic mosaic, as he believes this forms the foundation of what defines Canada’s national food culture.
His restaurant EIGHT is a reflection of this that seeks to express Canadian food as a reflection of the nation’s cultural mosaic. Proving to be more popular than anticipated this room sells out 3 months of dining in seconds upon release! Making it the most sought out reservation in Canada.
Finally, MacLean’s restaurant NUPO is named for his mother. Opened in 2020 to many accolades. In partnership with the Le Germain Group of hotels. This plant-forward restaurant, which focuses its offer on vegetarian, sushi, and large- format fish dishes, features a specialized dry- aging chamber for fish and serves no meat.
The feature of this restaurant is a 20 course Omakase Sushi Experience that since its opening has catapulted NUPO to the nation’s best new restaurants list as well as earning a spot in Canada’s 100 best its first year!
Seeking to showcase Canada’s culinary scene to international audiences, MacLean was Canada’s sole contender and a finalist on Netflix’s global cooking competition ‘The Final Table.’ He is also the first-ever Canadian chef invited aboard to consult and collaborate with Princess Cruises.
MacLean is passionate about sustainability and the food building community. While he regularly participates in events as an educator, speaker and culinary judge in Canada and abroad, he is happiest in his kitchens.
ITINERARY
Embarkation 5/6/2023 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 5/6/2023 at 10:00 PM
The largest of French Polynesia’s 118 islands, Tahiti and its capital city of Papeete are the perfect place to begin (and/or end) your South Pacific sojourn. The Gauguin waits patiently in the harbor, a vibrant and bustling market across the street and in the evenings roulottes (food trucks) line the nearby square offering tasty local fare.
Arrival 5/7/2023 at 8:00 AM
Departure 5/7/2023 at 5:00 PM
Don’t be fooled by the vibe of this laid-back, secluded island. Many treasures are hidden among the lush rainforest and dramatic terrain. With a bit of exploration, you’ll uncover some of the best-preserved archeological sites in French Polynesia. Underwater treasures await as well, with a snorkel excursion in the lagoon.
Arrival 5/8/2023 at 8:00 AM
Departure 5/8/2023 at 5:00 PM
As the day unfolds in front of you, where will you go? Exciting shore excursions await, but so does Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ own private islet. Choose from swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or simply lounging on the beach with a cold drink from our floating bar. Les Gauguines are also on hand to share musical entertainment and Polynesian crafts.
Arrival 5/9/2023 at 8:00 AM
Departure 5/10/2023 at 5:00 PM
Explore lush peaks, wander white-sand beaches, and marvel at the iconic views of Mount Otemanu. Take the plunge with a SCUBA excursion to see the island’s colorful coral reefs, enjoy a sunset jetboat ride, or spend a lazy afternoon on our private beach. Like a priceless Paul Gauguin painting come to life, storied Bora Bora is colorful and unforgettable. The landscape alone will have you searching for adequate adjectives, especially once you see the lagoon—“turquoise” just doesn’t do it justice.
Arrival 5/11/2023 at 8:00 AM
Departure 5/12/2023 at 5:00 PM
Step into a vibrant, colorful world in bright and beautiful Moorea, which welcomes you with azure lagoons, impossibly fresh tropical fruits, stunning mountain peaks, and palm-fringed beaches. Commune with nature on an optional dolphin-watching excursion with an expert marine biologist. Afterward, spend some time getting to know the local residents while shopping for handmade crafts.
Arrival 5/12/2023 at 8:30 PM
Disembarkation 5/13/2023 at 7:00 AM
The largest of French Polynesia’s 118 islands, Tahiti and its capital city of Papeete are the perfect place to begin (and/or end) your South Pacific sojourn. The Gauguin waits patiently in the harbor, a vibrant and bustling market across the street and in the evenings roulottes (food trucks) line the nearby square offering tasty local fare.
7 Night Cruise only
Port Hole Cabin (Category F) – Starts at $3,610 USD per person
Window Cabin (Category E) – Starts at $3,780 USD per person
Balcony Cabin (Category D) – Starts at $5,210 USD per person *Sold out – Waitlist only*
Balcony Cabin (Category C) – Starts at $5,320 USD per person
Veranda Stateroom (Category B) – Starts at $6,890 USD per person
Veranda Stateroom (Category A) – Starts at $8,390 USD per person
Grand Suite (Category GS) – Starts at $11,060 USD per person ** Sold out – Waitlist only **
Owners Suite (Category OS) – Starts at $11,490 USD per person ** Sold out – Waitlist only **
Bonus – $200 USD per person shipboard credit
*rates include taxes and port charges and are based on double occupancy. Flights and any extra pre/post cruise stay are additional
To book or for more information, contact Cherie or Carl at:
Cherie – cdurocher@tpi.ca
Carl – chenderson@tahitibycarl.com