Chart a course to exotic and untouristed ports on this fascinating South Pacific cruise. Embark your luxurious small ship in Lautoka, Fiji’s “Sugar City” and heart of its sugarcane industry, and cruise to Vanuatu, the island chain that inspired James A. Michener’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Tales of the South Pacific. Cruise on to Guadalcanal, whose very name is synonymous with a turning point of World War II. Next is Papua New Guinea, set on the second-largest island in the world. Here, you’ll visit the island of Bougainville, with its World War II sites, traditional handicrafts, and natural wonders … Rabaul, whose fantastical landscape frozen in lava is reminiscent of Pompeii … and Samarai Island, a National Historical Heritage Island. You’ll disembark in Cairns, Australia, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, treasuring memories of a one-of-a-kind South Pacific voyage punctuated by leisurely days at sea.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Begin your South Pacific adventure in the heart of Fiji’s sugarcane-growing region. Here, you’ll embark your luxurious floating home for the next 11 nights: the m/s Paul Gauguin.
Day 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: 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 12: Disembark 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. You’ll disembark The Gauguin here this morning.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Porthole Stateroom (F)
14 staterooms, 200 sq feet, two portholes
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Window Stateroom (E)
37 staterooms, 200 sq feet, picture window. Some have a loveseat convertible for third guest accommodations.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
32 minutes ago
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
1 day ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
2 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
2 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
3 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.