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Snorkel with brilliant marine life

Australia and Fiji

Example 13 Day Cruise aboard Paul Gauguin
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Chart a course to exotic and untouristed ports on this fascinating, one-of-a-kind South Pacific cruise itinerary. Embark the ship in Cairns, Australia, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, and set sail for Papua New Guinea, set on the second-largest island in the world. Here, you’ll visit Samarai Island, a National Historical Heritage Island … Rabaul, whose fantastical landscape frozen in lava is reminiscent of Pompeii … and the island of Bougainville, with its World War II sites, traditional handicrafts, and natural wonders. Cruise on to Guadalcanal, whose very name is synonymous with a turning point of World War II, and Vanuatu, an island chain that inspired James A. Michener’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Tales of the South Pacific. Then, experience the ultimate in relaxation at Malolo, a serene island known as a hidden gem of Fiji, before disembarking in Lautoka, Fiji’s “Sugar City,” on a memorable South Pacific voyage punctuated by leisurely days at sea.
Kayaking around the Paul Gauguin.Stunning snorkeling in FijiExperience the abundant marine life in the South Pacific You will enjoy the cultural opportunities on your South Pacific cruiseSnorkel with brilliant marine life
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Embark in Cairns, Australia

The gateway to Far North Queensland, tropical Cairns is best known for the amazing natural wonders that surround it, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Outback. Embark the Paul Gauguin here and settle into your stateroom as the ship sets sail on your South Pacific cruise this afternoon.

Day 2: At Sea

Today is at leisure as your captain charts a course toward Australia. You might attend an informative lecture by an onboard guest expert, or let Les Gauguines, your troupe of hostess/entertainers, school you in traditional Polynesian arts such as pareo tying.

Day 3: Samarai Island, Papua New Guinea

Just 54 acres in size, Samarai Island was once an important trading center, due to its location off the southeast coast of Papua New Guinea, on the China Strait between Australia and East Asia. Declared a National Historical Heritage Island by the government in 2006, it offers a pleasant walkway around the village and excellent diving. Or enjoy the beautiful beach.

Day 4: At Sea

Spend another day enjoying shipboard life: take a dip in the pool, watch the South Pacific pass by, play some table tennis, or read up on your next port at the Reading Gallery. And enjoy live entertainment in Le Grand Salon after a sumptuous gourmet dinner at L’Etoile.

Day 5: Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

Controlled by first the Germans, then the British, and finally the Japanese in the first half of the 20th century, Rabaul was buried in ash from volcanic eruptions from Mt. Tavurvur and Mt. Vulcan in 1994. Today, its ambiance is eerily reminiscent of Pompeii. Marvel at the surreal, almost deserted landscape, and enjoy SCUBA diving and snorkeling in the beautiful harbor.

Day 6: Kieta, Bougainville, Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is the eastern half of the island of New Guinea, the second-largest island in the world (after Greenland). Bougainville, off the coast of the main island, is rugged and relatively unspoiled, with lush jungle, fabulous beaches, and one of the world’s largest caves. There are many World War II sites and relics scattered throughout the island that you can explore. Or enjoy excellent snorkeling, swimming, and diving in the clear waters … browse the shops for traditional wood carvings … and admire the diversity of bird life that is second only to Guadalcanal in this region of the South Seas.

Day 7: Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands

The third-largest archipelago in the South Pacific, the Solomon Islands were divided between Great Britain and Germany in 1893. Among the British-controlled islands was the then-obscure island of Guadalcanal, the largest of the Solomons. In 1942, the Japanese effort to build an airfield on the island prompted six months of combat, in which the Allies were ultimately victorious. It was a turning point in the Pacific theater during World War II. The island is still brimming with World War II relics, monuments, and memorials. Perhaps you’ll explore its tropical interior, with its excellent birdwatching. Or discover why the island is revered for its superior snorkeling and diving, with clear waters, shipwrecks, and an abundance of marine life.

Day 8: At Sea

Today is yours to relax amid the luxury of The Gauguin. Perhaps you will visit the luxurious spa, take a dip in the pool, or choose a movie from the onboard DVD library.

Day 9: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

Spanish for “the holy spirit,” Espiritu Santo is the largest island in the Vanuatu archipelago and boasts miraculous scenery, from its palm-lined, white-sand beaches and spring-fed swimming holes to lush rainforests and lofty mountains. It was his experiences while stationed here during World War II that inspired author James A. Michener to pen his classic Tales of the South Pacific. Coral reefs and shipwrecks—including the SS President Coolidge, renowned as one of the most accessible shipwrecks in the world—make it a popular destination for divers. You can also enjoy exceptional swimming and snorkeling. Or relax on the beach.

Day 10: Porta Vila, Vanuatu

In the South Pacific, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia, lies the island nation of Vanuatu. Tradition and culture remain strong in this archipelago, where 80% of the population lives in thatched-hut villages surrounded by thick jungle. From your port call on the capital city, Port Vila, on the island of Efate, you can discover a rich artistic heritage of storytelling, song, dance, and art, including tattoos, masks, and carvings. Those interested in the natural world can admire large open stretches of water, dense jungle, and a mountainous terrain, as well as a wide variety of sea life.

Day 11: At Sea

Spend the day enjoying The Gauguin’s Polynesian ambiance: casual, leisurely, and elegant. Perhaps you’ll work out in the fitness center and later enjoy specialties inspired by one of the top chefs of Paris over dinner in La Veranda.

Day 11: Malolo Island, Fiji / Lautoka, Viti Levu, Fiji

Rising just a few feet above sea level, Malolo is a remote and rustic getaway owned by a Fijian family. Take advantage of the opportunity to truly get away from it all as you admire the golden-sand beaches, swaying palms, and azure skies … marvel at the phenomenal snorkeling, with an abundance of tropical fish inhabiting local reefs … take in sweeping sea views from the comfort of a double hammock … and enjoy true Fijian hospitality, offered by villagers whose ancestry here dates back thousands of years. Late this afternoon, The Gauguin sails to Lautoka, where you will overnight on board.

Day 13: Disembark in Lautoka

In the morning, you’ll have brunch aboard ship in Lautoka before disembarking for your return home.

Ship/Hotel

Paul Gauguin

Local Entertainers
Relaxing on the balcony of the Paul Gauguin.
Gourmet meals complete your luxurious South Pacific cruise

Dates & Prices

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Porthole stateroom F
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Porthole Stateroom (F)
14 staterooms, 200 sq feet, two portholes
Window Stateroom E
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Window Stateroom (E)
37 staterooms, 200 sq feet, picture window. Some have a loveseat convertible for third guest accommodations.
Balcony Stateroom D
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Balcony Stateroom (D)
26 staterooms, 202 sq feet with 37 sq feet veranda. Some have a loveseat convertible for third guest accommodations.
Balcony stateroom C
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Balcony Stateroom (C)
63 staterooms, 202 sq feet with 37 sq feet veranda. Some have a loveseat convertible for third guest accommodations.
Veranda suite B
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Veranda Stateroom (B)
17 staterooms, 249 sq feet with 56 sq feet veranda. Butler service. Can accommodate a third guest with a rollaway.
veranda suite A
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Veranda Suite (A)
5 suites, 300 sq feet with 58 sq feet veranda. Butler service, can accommodate 4 guests by adding two rollaways.
Grand Suite
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Grand Suite
2 suites, 332 sq feet with 197 sq feet veranda. Butler service, can accommodate 4 guests by adding two rollaways.
Owners suiteOwners Suite
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Owners Suite
2 suites with 437-531 sq feet and a 57-77 sq feet veranda. Butler service, separate dressing area, can accommodate 4 guests by adding two rollaways.

Notes

-  Port, security, and handling fees of $140 to $320 are included.
- Cruise fare does not include optional shore excursions, available to purchase, and additional fees.
- Cruise fuel surcharges may apply.
- Rates are posted as double occupancy. Subject to availability, may not be combinable with other offers, are capacity controlled, and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. 
- PGC reserves the right to limit the number of single-occupancy cabins on any sailing. Single supplements are available at 100% for categories OG, OS, A, and B. Categories C, D, E, and F have a much smaller or different single supplement. Single supplements are in addition to listed cruise fare and vary by voyage. Contact us for exact rates.
- Optional hotel stays, Land programs, and Air programs are available, please contact us for details.

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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