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.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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.
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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.
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
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
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
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.