From Bali to Fiji aboard Paul Gauguin

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enquire now 17 Days From NZD $11,965 pp twinshare
 Cruise
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Leaving from Bali in Indonesia, PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises offers you a brand-new 17-day cruise to discover six beautiful countries of the South Seas. Set off aboard the ship Le Paul Gauguin for an unforgettable circuit in the heart of lush nature around the idyllic islands of Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, Salomon and Vanuatu.

You will explore the marvellous Komodo National Park where the famous dragons, from the prehistoric age, reign supreme over the island’s herbaceous landscapes. During your port of call in the Timorese capital, Dili will reveal you the beauty of its intact landscapes, between tropical forest and immaculate sandy beaches, and also the riches of its historic and cultural heritage.

Your ship will set sail for Papua New Guinea, a fascinating land that is home to no fewer than 700 ethnic groups within a highly diverse yet mainly unexplored, ecosystem.

Setting sail for the Solomon Islands! You will stop over in Honiara on the large island of Guadalcanal, where exoticism and beauty go hand in hand, from paradisiacal waterfalls to lush green hills.

Le Paul Gauguin will allow you to disembark onto dream beaches. Espiritu Santo, the Vanuatu archipelago’s main island, promises you an unforgettable bathing experience in an idyllic setting.

Your journey will end in Lautoka in Fiji, famous for its sugar cane crops.

Highlights

• An all-new cruise into the heart of the South Pacific’s most beautiful archipelagos, discovering six countries: Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, the Salomon Islands, Vanuatu,

• UNESCO site: Komodo National Park, home to the famous dragons.

• From Espiritu Santo, don’t miss the unique performance from the ‘water music women’.

• The Solomon Islands, secret destination in the South Pacific and a real tropical Eden

• Overnight in Bali, the island of the gods.

• Possibility of diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board.

Itinerary 

Map for From Bali to Fiji aboard Paul Gauguin

Days 1 & 2 BENOA, BALI

If it’s a taste of exotic authenticity you’re after, prepare to be spell-bound by the island of Bali, tucked away in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago. The beauty and diversity of its landscapes, the depth and richness of its cultural heritage and the plethora of activities on offer here make Bali a little slice of heaven on Earth. The island’s southern coast enthrals with its white sand beaches, its picturesque little fishing villages such as Benoa, and its hills patchworked with terraced rice paddies further inland. Nicknamed ‘the Island of Gods’ for its sumptuous temples, Bali is the beating heart of Indonesian Hinduism.

Day 3 KOMODO NATIONAL PARK

Between the islands of Sumbawa and Florès, Komodo National Park welcomes you to discover its natural wonders. At the very heart of the Indonesian archipelago, the three islands that form it – Komodo, Rinca and Padar – owe their renown to the famous eponymous dragons, enormous lizards over two metres long, which live in its grassy savannah. This jagged and hilly volcanic territory belonging to the Sunda Islands is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its incredible terrestrial and marine biodiversity. Admire its palette of colours, intermingling the sparkling whites of the beaches, the deep blues of the coral-filled water and the soft greens of its pastures.

Day 4 AT SEA

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Day 5 DILI

Located on the northern coast of the island of Timor, along the narrow plains between the central mountains and the Ombai Strait, the seaside resort of Dili is the capital of East Timor, a former Portuguese colony that has been independent since May 2002. The uniqueness of this territory, still preserved from the tourist routes, is unveiled thanks to the beauty of its intact landscapes, with dense tropical forest covering undulating hills, coral reef and immaculate sandy beaches. You will be enchanted by this small and peaceful town with a distinctive Portuguese atmosphere, and will discover the riches of its historic and cultural heritage during your visit.

Days 6 – 9 AT SEA

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Day 10 PORT MORESBY

Bathed by the Coral Sea, the port city of Port Moresby is located in the south-east of Papua New Guinea. From the underwater life of the Pacific to the summit of the Owen Stanley range of mountains, it is home to exceptionally rich fauna, making it a real natural sanctuary. Among others, there are species such as the Royal Goliath beetle or the mythical bird of paradise, which is the country’s emblem. The city has been undergoing profound change since 2010 with the rehabilitation of the port and the development of the seafront. Among the significant buildings, the APEC Haus is the symbol of the city. This futuristic-looking building is inspired by the crab-claw-shaped sail of the lakatoi, the boats used by the Motu tribe.

Day 11 SAMARAI ISLAND

The Samarai islands are located in the China Strait off the south-eastern tip of New Guinea. In its colonial heyday it was said to be one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific. The island was declared a National Historical Heritage Island by the government of Papua New Guinea in 2006. Just 3km west of Samarai, Kwato Island was once an educational center and home to a thriving boat building industry. Following the old tree-lined road to the top of the island reveals a stonewalled church that was built in 1937 and remains a testimony to the missionaries of a bygone era. Join your expedition team for a guided walk on Samarai and Kwato Islands. You also will enjoy swimming and snorkelling on nearby Deka Deka island.

Day 12 AT SEA

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Day 13 HONIARA, GUADALCANAL ISLAND

Honiara is the capital city of The Solomon Islands, administered as a provincial town on the north-western coast of Guadalcanal Island. Honiara comes from the local Ghari Language “naho-ni-ara” meaning ‘facing the ara’, the place where the southeast winds meet the land. Discover this city, its beautiful landscape, and the significant role it played in World War II. Particularly The Battle of Henderson Field, the last of the three major land offensives conducted by the Japanese in 1942.

Day 14 AT SEA

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Day 15 ESPIRITU SANTO ISLAND

At the end of the world, in the north of New Caledonia, lies Vanuatu, a little archipelago that subsists mainly from fishing and farming. It is composed of several islands, Espiritu Santo being the largest and one of the most beautiful. You can meet the people here who are very welcoming and who live in harmony with nature. Plus you’ll see unimaginable landscapes formed of volcanic rocks, as well as sandy beaches and lagoons beckoning you to dive into their of turquoise waters. You’ll be surprised to find, in the middle of dense vegetation, brackish water with an amazing ecosystem called “blue holes”. If paradise exists, it must be here.

Day 16 AT SEA

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Day 17 LAUTOKA, VITI LEVU ISLAND

Lautoka is the second largest city of Fiji. Located on the western side of the island of Viti Levu, 24 kilometres north of Nadi. Lying in the heart of Fiji’s sugar cane growing region, it is known as the Sugar City. Lautoka is the gateway to Fiji’s “Sun coast” a land of abundant sunshine, azure skies and dramatic grass-covered peaks chequered with sugar-cane fields, rural villages and quaint market towns.

Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Ship Information 

Paul Gauguin

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition

Length: 504 feet, 153.6 meters

Passenger Capacity: 332

Designed specifically to glide through the shallow seas of the South Pacific, The Gauguin is a small-ship cruiser’s dream. She delivers travelers to intimate ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships, all the while providing an onboard experience that is nothing short of luxurious. Guests aboard luxury cruises enjoy spacious suites and staterooms (more than 70% with private balconies), an onboard watersports marina, three dining venues, an extensive spa, and five-star service. Life onboard also reflects the beauty and rich cultural heritage of the islands she calls upon, with a warm, friendly feel, informal setting, and even a beloved troupe of Gauguines and Gauguins—local Tahitians who serve as cruise staff, entertainers, and storytellers.

Ship Features

All oceanview accommodations, nearly 70% with balconies, measuring from 200 to 500 sq. ft., including balcony

Butler service, in-suite bar setup, and iPod® music system in suite/stateroom category B and above

A choice of three dining venues

Complimentary 24-hour room service, including selections from L’Etoile restaurant during regular dining hours

Complimentary beverages, including select wines and spirits, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages

Onboard gratuities for room stewards, dining and bar staff

Full entertainment program including Polynesian artists, musical entertainment, a pianist, and a professionally operated casino with slot machines

Spa and beauty services, including hand and foot treatments, body treatments, facials, and spa programs

Optional PADI SCUBA diving program and certification

Watersports marina for complimentary kayaking and paddleboarding, and Zodiacs® for optional dive excursions

Fully-equipped fitness center

Presentations by local naturalists and a variety of special guests

Spacious outdoor decks and pool

La Boutique duty-free shop

Book library (open 24 hours a day)

Wi-Fi hot spots throughout the ship to cover most suites/staterooms and common areas, as well as guest-accessible computers, available 24 hours a day for a nominal fee

Laundry services available

Certified medical services

166 suites/staterooms on Decks 3-8, including one wheelchair-accessible stateroom and select staterooms that can accommodate three guests

Cabin layout for Paul Gauguin

Inclusions

• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board
• Non-alcoholic and Alcoholic beverages included (Excluding Premium Brands)
• Free wifi (Subject to coverage)

Images courtesy of Wild Earth Travel 
WE

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