Tahitian Paradise Luxury Cruise 2016

August 20 – 27, 2016
Paul Gauguin Cruises ms Paul Gauguin

We're going back to your favorite destination in the South Pacific! On top of that, we are going to three new islands on this all-lesbian Tahiti & Society Islands itinerary - Huahine, Fakarava, and Rangiroa. See yourself swimming through Tahiti's crystal clear water, snorkeling under cauliflower coral reefs with brilliant sea life and fish schooling by the thousands.

Perhaps you'll learn the secrets of Polynesian cooking or take an optional helicopter tour for a bird's-eye view of these incredible islands. You might even see dolphins jumping next to your ALL-INCLUSIVE, 6-star luxury ship, the ms Paul Gauguin, complete with a watersports marina, three restaurants, three bars and a Deep Nature Spa to relax your body and nurture your soul. Sound like a bucket list trip? We think it does.

In the evenings, we'll keep you entertained with signature Olivia entertainment and shows by the Gauguines, local women who come on board to graciously share their culture through traditional Polynesian dance and performances. As always, we've chartered this entire six-star, all-inclusive ship so you can be out and free.

Visit the stunning Society Islands and the Tuamotu Archipelago – a diver's paradise – in just one week! In the low-lying atolls of the Tuamotus – none of the which rise more than ten feet above sea level – you'll visit Fakarava, a UNESCO-Classified Nature Reserve, and Rangiroa, home to the second-largest lagoon in the world. You'll also explore the Society Islands renowned for their exquisite beauty: the "Garden Island," Huahine … legendary Bora Bora … Moorea, said to be the inspiration for Bali Hai … and our own private islet off the coast of Taha'a. One departure only, so don't miss this chance to see highlights of two French Polynesian island groups on a unique, 7-night itinerary!

Your Ship - Paul Gauguin Cruises' ms Paul Gauguin

To understand the meaning of luxury, simply step onboard the award-winning, all-inclusive six-star ms Paul Gauguin. This remarkable ship features staterooms and suites with stunning ocean views, beautiful common areas, a state-of-the-art retractable watersports marina and world-class restaurants. You'll also find an extensive spa, a pool, a casino, a grand salon for performances, a piano bar and 360-degree observatory. And remember, all beverages—including coffee, wine, bottled water, cocktails and soda are included.

The ms Paul Gauguin was specifically designed for sailing French Polynesia year-round. The onboard atmosphere is an extension of the informal, relaxing environment of the islands and radiates warmth and informality. Its unique style of luxury has numerous awards for its accommodations, food and service from Condé Nast, Cruise Critic, Magellan, Travel & Leisure and Women's Choice awards every year from 2006-2015.

• Most luxurious ship to sail in Tahiti on a year-round basis
• Only 332 guests
• Crew to guest ratio of 1 to 1.5
• All oceanview accommodations, nearly 70% with balconies
• Space to guest ratio of nearly 58 to 1, one of the highest of any ship serving the North American market
• All onboard gratuities included
• Complimentary beverages including fine wines and premium spirits, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, and tea served throughout the ship
• Butler service in categories B and above, including in-suite bar setup and SoundDock® for iPod®
• In-suite minibar replenished daily with soft drinks, beer, and bottled water
• State-of-the-art retractable Watersports Marina
• Onboard dive program
• Onboard lecture program
• Two elegant restaurants and one pool-side grill, all with open-seating dining
• Well-being and vegetarian selections and special dietetic menus upon request
• WiFi hotspots throughout the ship
• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Complimentary in-room dining
• Complimentary in-room movie channels and movies available

What is included?

• Accommodations for 8 days/7 nights on the elegant 6-star Paul Gauguin

• All meals on board the ship's restaurant

• 24 hour room Service

• Bottled water

• All beverages (soft drinks and alcoholic beverages)

• Gratuity to ship's staff

• All port changes and service taxes

• Olivia's signature entertainment and programming

• Olivia staff assistance throughout

What's not included?

• Ship services and incidentals such as spa services, internet café, casino, photos

• Airfare to/from Papeete

• Transfers from/to airport

• Optional excursions in all ports of call

Where to fly into/out of

You will need to fly in and out of Papeete, Tahiti (PPT). We encourage all passengers to arrive early to avoid the stress of unexpected delays. We will be offering a Pre-Stretcher package that will include Papeete and Moorea, and a day room option in Papeete for early arriving flights on August 20. We will also offer a Post-Stretcher package in Bora Bora.

Suggested arrival/departure times

Please arrive before 9:00 pm on August 20, 2016 and make your way to the ship. The ship departs at 10:00pm, so you will have time to get to the ship in time. They are used to the 8:30pm – 9:00 pm arrivals on the day of embarkation each week.

Your departure out of Papeete on August 27 can be at anytime, as we arrive in Papeete the night prior (August 26) at approximately 7:00pm. However, most of the flights to the U.S. depart in the late evening. For this reason we propose two options:

1. You CAN depart the night of August 26 and not miss any of the programming or meals. We will offer optional transfers for purchase from the ship to the airport directly after dinner to make your late night flight. We recommend this to people for 2 reasons:
a. It gives you an extra weekend day at home. Some people appreciate this extra day to unpack, do laundry, and relax before going back to work on Monday.
b. It saves you the cost of a hotel day room prior to your flight departure on August 27.

2. Depart the evening of August 27.
If you depart on August 27, you will want to have a day room at a hotel with a place to store your luggage. The only real option is to purchase a day room at a local hotel through the ship as you wait until the evening for your flight. Day rooms are not inexpensive in Tahiti. The option of departing the night prior saves you the cost of a day room.

Day room packages will be available on board for purchase, and will include a transfer to the hotel, day room and use of hotel facilities, and transfer to the airport for your evening flight.

Please note the airlines may change their flight schedules, and there may be a morning flight available on August 27, 2016 out of Papeete. Be sure and check with your airline for all options.