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Cook Islands and the Society Islands

from $5,800

Dates: 2024 – Apr 6 | Jun 22 | Jul 27 | Sep 7 | Oct 19

2025 – Jun 14 | Jul 26 | Aug 23 | Sep 20 | Nov 8

DURATION: 12 DAYS/11 NIGHTS

EMBARK: PAPEETE, TAHITI

DISEMBARK: PAPEETE, TAHITI

SHIP: Paul Gauguin

FROM: $5,800All Inclusive

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All about the Cook Islands and the Society Islands.

This 11-night odyssey showcases the region’s incredible diversity of scenery, from Aitutaki’s low-lying islands to the jagged peaks and deep valleys of fertile Rarotonga, which was simply called “Paradise” by the first European explorers. Continue to the Society Islands to delight in the South Pacific’s crown jewels—Bora Bora, Taha’a, Huahine, and Moorea.

Highlights

  • While in the Cook Islands, call upon Aitutaki, a tiny island that’s home to one of the world’s most spectacular lagoons.
  • 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.
  • The waters around Moorea are home to an amazing array of sea creatures. Take an optional SCUBA excursion to swim among the sea turtles and vibrant schools of fish.
  • In Bora Bora, spend time at our exclusive white-sand beach on a motu enjoying snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, volleyball, and stunning views of Mount Otemanu.

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The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
  • Complete program of tours and excursions
  • Private musical performances at exclusive venues and aboard ship
  • Entertainment provided by Les Gauguines, the Gauguin’s own troupe of Polynesian entertainers
  • All meals aboard ship including: early riser’s coffee & pastry, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner
  • All beverages including  beer, soft drinks, and select wine and spirits
  • Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying study leaders
  • Watersports including complimentary kayaking, windsurfing and paddle boarding (selection may differ from port to port)
  • Complete pre-departure materials
  • Port and embarkation taxes
  • All onboard gratuities included for room stewards and dining staff
  • Unlimited WIFI

Whats not included in this tour.Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
  • Airfare
  • Transfers
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages other than those specified above
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes

  1. Day 1 Embark the m/s Paul Gauguin in Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands

    The islands of Polynesia are a gorgeous collection of volcanic atolls strewn across the grand Pacific Ocean, and the island of Tahiti is the largest of all 118. Explore the dynamic dining, nightlife, and shopping in the capital city of Papeete before embarking on The Gauguin.

  2. Day 2 Huahine, Society Islands

    Known as “The Garden Island,” Huahine’s lush rainforests and dramatic terrain surround sacred sites and legendary landmarks that are among the best-preserved archeological sites in French Polynesia. If Huahine’s expansive lagoon is calling your name, enjoy a SCUBA diving excursion or picnic on the beach.

  3. Day 3 At Sea

    Spend the day enjoying The Gauguin’s Polynesian ambiance: casual, leisurely, and graceful. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests, and then reflect on your day over classic French cuisine at L’Etoile.

  4. Day 4 Aitutaki, Cook Islands

    While the island of Aitutaki may be small, it’s big on beauty, thanks to its coral reef-enclosed lagoon. Witness its splendor up-close with a leisurely beach visit. Don’t forget to save time to venture into the village of Arutanga, where you’ll find the oldest church in the Cooks, which dates from 1829.

  5. Day 5 Rarotonga, Cook Islands

    Rugged Rarotonga is the most mountainous of all the Cook Islands, and time here is best spent exploring its natural beauty. Snorkel in Muri Lagoon, wander the lush Takitumi Conservation Area, or take a hike into the island’s dense interior with Pa, a local naturalist.

  6. Day 6 At Sea

    The time you spend onboard The Gauguin offers endless opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment, whether that means sampling gourmet cuisine, indulging in a spa treatment, watching the sunset from a chaise lounge on the sun deck, or simply making the most of your in-room amenities

  7. Day 7-8 Bora Bora, Society Islands

    A bucket list destination for many, stunning Bora Bora welcomes you for two full days of exploring lush peaks, white-sand beaches, colorful coral reefs, and romantic lagoons. Experience the natural excursion, sunset jetboat ride, or a helicopter tour that flies you over Bora Bora’s iconic Mount Otemanu. You can also spend time at our private beach which offers volleyball, snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding.

  8. Day 9 Taha’a (Motu Mahana), Society Islands

    Embark on your choice of exciting shore excursions today, or spend your whole day relaxing on Motu Mahana, our very own private islet. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, or simply lounge on the beach with a chilled beverage from our floating bar. Les Gauguines will also be on hand to provide musical entertainment and demonstrate traditional Polynesian crafts. A delicious barbecue lunch is provided.

  9. Day 10 Moorea, Society Islands

    Vibrant colors abound on Moorea, in everything from fresh fruits and flowers to multi-hued lagoons, and from spectacular mountain peaks to multi-hued lagoons, and from spectacular mountain peaks to palm-fringed beaches. Shop for local handicrafts, embark on an optional dolphin-watching expedition with a marine biologist, and sample the local pineapples, said to be the most delicious in all of French Polynesia.

  10. Day 11 Moorea, Society Islands / Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands

    Moorea, often likened to James Michener’s mythical island of Bali Hai, is worth a visit just to experience its spectacular vistas. Volcanic peaks, reflected in the waters of Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, rise like a shark’s jaw above palm tree-lined beaches. The underwater world is just as enchanting, with sharks, tuna, dolphins, and tropical fish—no wonder it’s a popular destination for divers.

  11. Day 12 Disembark in Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands

    Tahiti’s capital city of Papeete welcomes you back with emerald hillsides, sapphire waters, and warm breezes. If you’re not ready for your South Pacific vacation to end, spend a few days here experiencing resorts, spas, restaurants, nightlife, and shopping.

Paul Gauguin

Designed specifically to glide through the shallow seas of the South Pacific, the Gauguin is the flagship of Paul Gauguin Cruises and a small-ship cruiser’s dream. She delivers travelers to intimate ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships, all the while providing an onboard experience that is nothing short of luxurious. Guests aboard our luxury cruises enjoy 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 onboard 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 Gauguines and Gauguins—local Tahitians who serve as cruise staff, entertainers, and storytellers.

 

Fast Facts

  • Weight: 19,200 tns
  • Length: 504 ft
  • Width: 59 ft
  • Cruise Speed: 18 knots
  • Total Staff: 217
  • Total Passengers: 332

 

DINING

During every meal onboard the Gauguin, with every sumptuous bit you sample, and each time our attentive staff fill your glass, you’ll begin to realize that dining on the high seas with Paul Gauguin Cruises is truly something special. Embark upon a five-star culinary adventure, designed just for you by some of the world’s most talented and award-winning chefs, including Jean-Pierre Vigato. What’s more, every one of our onboard dining options is included in your cruise fare. Bon appétit!

La Veranda
Dine al fresco or enjoy wraparound ocean views from the dining room of La Veranda, where we offer an ever-changing selection of buffet breakfast and lunch items and a la carte options, many of which are inspired by the destinations we visit. In the evening, La Veranda is transformed to a reservation-only dining venue serving Jean-Pierre Vigato’s gourmet cuisine.

L’Etoile
Our exquisite main dining room is dressed to impress with perfectly appointed décor, fine table linens, and delicate china. Join us every evening for dinner and sample a tantalizing array of expertly prepared dishes, perfectly paired with complimentary wines.

Le Grill
When your day’s plans call for a more casual dining experience, join us at Le Grill, located by the pool and offering a buffet breakfast, grilled lunch favorites, salads, and fresh tropical fruit. In the afternoon, stop by for tea with finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, desserts, pastries, and petit fours. Return in the evening to sample Polynesian specialties in a relaxed atmosphere. Reservations required for dinner.

 

Public Areas

Le Grand Salon

When the sun goes down at sea, Le Grand Salon comes alive with spectacular performances. Every night brings something different, whether it’s Les Gauguins & Les Gauguines performing ote’a—a complex line dance accompanied by drums—live piano music, Broadway show tunes, or foot-tapping rock music. Return to our main lounge during the day for a game of table tennis or lecture from a roster of anthropologists, archeologists, and marine biologists, as well as visiting experts on other popular topics.

 La Palette

This versatile lounge offers morning snacks, serves as the backdrop for special events, hosts Polynesian activities led by Les Gauguines, and is the perfect place to grab a nightcap and dance under the stars to live music.

Le Casino and Piano Bar

Try your luck in Le Casino, which features slot machines, blackjack, and roulette, and is open every evening, except where prohibited by port regulations. We also invite you to grab a drink at the Piano Bar and enjoy nightly piano entertainment.

 Pool and Pool Bar

Soak in the South Pacific sunshine with a day spent lounging by our outdoor pool. Cool off in the refreshing water, grab a cocktail from the adjacent Pool Bar, or take in the scenery from a comfortable lounge chair.

La Boutique

Just steps from your stateroom, find the perfect memento of your South Pacific cruise, like genuine Tahitian black pearl jewelry exclusively designed for Paul Gauguin Cruises, Tahitian vanilla, local arts and handicrafts, souvenir apparel, and more. It’s also the perfect place to pick up any necessary sundries or toiletries, like swimwear, beach attire, sunscreen, and batteries.

Photo Shop

Ensure that your vacation memories last a lifetime with services from Paul Gauguin Cruises’ Photo Shop. A dedicated photographer accompanies us throughout our cruise, giving you the opportunity to take home professional photos of significant events, like embarkation, the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Tahitian Night. Family portraits and casual photo-ops are also available. The Photo Shop is also stocked with everything you need to take your own photos, including single-use cameras, digital cameras, photo accessories, and media cards.

 

Cabins

Nearly 70% of suites and staterooms have private balconies, and all feature an ocean view, temperature control, queen-size bed (a limited number can have twin-bed configuration), bathroom with full-size bathtub and shower, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, TV, CD/DVD player, personal safe, refrigerator stocked with soft drinks, and more. There is one wheelchair-accessible stateroom, and select staterooms can accommodate three guests.

OWNER’S SUITE 701
CATEGORY OS 701 | 534 sq. ft.
Stateroom: 457 sq. ft.
Veranda: 77 sq. ft.

  • Owner’s Suite 701 can accommodate up to 3 guests.
  • Bathroom includes a separate shower and a dressing area.
  • Owner’s Suite includes Butler service and complimentary internet.

Note: Loveseat beds are slightly smaller than a standard twin bed.

OWNER’S SUITE 7002
CATEGORY OS 7002 | 588 sq. ft.
Stateroom: 531 sq. ft.
Veranda: 57 sq. ft.

  • Owner’s Suite 7002 has a queen-size bed, and can accommodate up to 3 guests.
  • Bathroom includes a full-size tub and dressing area.
  • Owner’s Suite includes Butler service and complimentary internet.

Note: Loveseat beds are slightly smaller than a standard twin bed.

GS GRAND SUITE
CATEGORY GS | 529 sq. ft.
Stateroom: 332 sq. ft.
Veranda: 197 sq. ft.

  • Two suites available: Paul Gauguin Suite (801), Flora Tristan Suite (802).
  • Grand Suites can accommodate up to 3 guests.
  • Grand Suites includes Butler service and complimentary internet.

Note: Loveseat beds are slightly smaller than a standard twin bed.

A VERANDA SUITE
CATEGORY A | 358 sq. ft.
Stateroom: 300 sq. ft.
Veranda: 58 sq. ft.

CATEGORY A 7004 | 349 sq. ft.
Stateroom: 296 sq. ft.
Veranda: 53 sq. ft.

  • 4 Suites available: Tahiti Suite (709), Pont Avent Suite (710), Atuona Suite (711), Arles Suite (712).
  • Veranda Suites can accommodate up to 3 guests.
  • Veranda Suite 7004 has a queen-size bed.
  • Includes complimentary Butler Service.

Note: Loveseat beds are slightly smaller than a standard twin bed.

B VERANDA STATEROOM
CATEGORY B | 305 SQ. FT.
Stateroom: 249 SQ. FT.
Veranda: 56 SQ. FT.

CATEGORY B 7003 | 303 SQ. FT.
Stateroom: 256 SQ. FT.
Veranda: 47 SQ. FT.

  • Includes complimentary butler service.
  • B veranda staterooms can accommodate a third guest by adding a sofa bed.
  • Stateroom 7003 features a shower stall with no tub and also a queen-size bed.

Note: loveseat beds are slightly smaller than a standard twin bed.

C BALCONY STATEROOM
CATEGORY C | 239 SQ. FT.
Stateroom: 202 SQ. FT.
Veranda : 37 SQ. FT

  • Balcony staterooms ending in 6 or 8 can accommodate a third guest in a loveseat convertible (except 7006 & 766).
  • Stateroom 7006 (stateroom 206 sq. Ft. – Balcony 37 sq. Ft.) Features a very small bathroom with shower only

The following staterooms vary in size and feature shower stall with no tub:

  • 763 (Stateroom 186 sq. ft. – Balcony 75 sq. ft.)
  • 764 (Stateroom 188 sq. ft. – Balcony 75 sq. ft.)
  • 765 (Stateroom 221 sq. ft. – Balcony 74 sq. ft.)
  • 766 (Stateroom 216 sq. ft. – Balcony 70 sq. ft.)
  • 767 (Stateroom 229 sq. ft. – Balcony 74 sq. ft.)

Note: loveseat beds are slightly smaller than a standard twin bed.

D BALCONY STATEROOM
CATEGORY D | 239 SQ. FT.
Stateroom: 202 sq. Ft.
Veranda : 37 sq. Ft.

  • Balcony staterooms ending in 6 or 8 can accommodate a third guest in a loveseat convertible.

Note: loveseat beds are slightly smaller than a standard twin bed.

E WINDOW STATEROOM
CATEGORY E | 200 SQ. FT.
Stateroom: 200 sq. Ft. With picture window

  • Wheelchair-accessible stateroom (415)
  • Window staterooms ending in 5, 6, or 8 (except 415) can accommodate a third guest in a loveseat convertible.

Note: loveseat beds are slightly smaller than a standard twin bed.

F PORTHOLE STATEROOM
CATEGORY F | 200 SQ. FT.
Same as E but features two portholes instead of a window.