Paul Gauguin cruises have been operating in this region since 1998, and they have developed connections with the local culture that are unmatched in the industry. The most obvious is their onboard group of hosts and entertainers, Les Gauguines. They are called Polynesian ambassadors, and we soaked up as much of their performances and interactive sessions as we could! There were daily opportunities to simply spend time with Les Gauguines and get to know them by name which for me was the cherry on top of an already spectacular cruise.
Learning about Polynesian life from Les Gauguines (Jenna Fedyschyn)
We attended their Q&A session about life in Polynesia and asked all of our burning questions. What island did you grow up on? Where do people go for college and medical treatment? How important is the family unit? How do most people make a living? What do you love about the lifestyle? This was just the beginning of a great week getting to know these fine folks!
Les Gauguines teach us about the many uses of the coconut (Jenna Fedyschyn)
They taught us about the many uses of the coconut and its importance to local culture.
Sister participates in a Polynesian dance lesson (Jenna Fedyschyn)
We tried to imitate their dance moves to varying levels of success. But they were excellent teachers!
Another pre-dinner show from Les Gauguines (Jenna Fedyschyn)
They serenaded us before dinner with local song and dance. It was mesmerizing!
Welcome to Tahiti Iti! (Jenna Fedyschyn)
They welcomed us to a new port each day with a smile.
First performance for Les Gauguines - mesmerizing! (Jenna Fedyschyn)
They performed every few nights and shared the dances that are so central to the Polynesian culture.
Scattered throughout the cruise, we also had the opportunity to see dance troupes from the local islands. A great way to support the local communities and see some adorable children. I mean really, it doesn't get much cuter than this!
Children of Huahine performance on board - hearts stolen! (Jenna Fedyschyn) Welcome to Tahiti Iti! (Jenna Fedyschyn)
All of these things of course were completely optional activities. No one was forcing us to attend dance lessons or shell jewelry making, but for us it was what elevated the cruise experience to a higher level. In all honesty - you ask me my favorite part of the entire cruise, and at first I'll think about the mountains and white sand beaches and gourmet food, but I'll tell you that Les Gauguines were my favorite. And that's what makes the Paul Gauguin experience so special. Until next time!
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
