On this 14-night voyage to the Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands, Paul Gauguin Cruises explores deep into three of French Polynesia’s famed archipelagos.
On this extraordinary journey, you’ll snorkel the Technicolor underwater wonders of Fakarava in the Tuamotus and search for archaeological ruins and ancient petroglyphs in the tropical rainforests of the Marquesas – among the most remote islands on Earth. You can’t help but fall in love with the pristine beaches, azure waters, and legendary lagoons of Bora Bora and Moorea in the fabled Society Islands.
Our president, Cindy, recently traveled to this captivating destination aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin. We chatted with her to learn what makes French Polynesia so special, and we got some great tips for planning your own voyage to Tahiti and its surrounding islands.
Cindy and Don Anderson aboard m/s Paul Gauguin
What was your first impression when you stepped on board the (ship name)?
The staff were very friendly, and the interior décor was clean and nice. The cabins had lots of storage and made good use of the space, plus they had cabin-controlled AC, which was nice. There were wonderful bathroom amenities like large containers of their local shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel, and a really good lotion. Plus, they provided a full kit of handy items like a comb, makeup remover pads, Q-tips, and a nice hair dryer.
Fresh new decor aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin
What about the onboard experience felt different from other cruises you’ve taken?
I think the biggest difference was that since Paul Guaguin has been cruising French Polynesia for a long time, they have many staff and crew who’ve sailed with them for years, and it feels like being part of a large family on this ship. There are only up to 300 passengers and 211 crew, so it doesn’t take long to get acquainted with the staff and passengers. I also love the fact that they use local guides and lecturers–you not only learn the history and culture, you also get to hear real stories about real families.
Did you find any favorite spots on the ship—places you kept coming back to for the views or just to unwind?
We spent a lot of time on the top deck with Pascal, one of the local Tahitian lecturers, just admiring the stunning views. We also really enjoyed hanging out on the pool deck listening to music in the early evening and watching the sun go down, or in the piano bar listening to Ricky, who was amazing.
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Were there any meals or drinks on board that you’re still thinking about?
The meals were some of the best I have ever had, and I have been on many ships. Every lunch buffet had a different theme, which was always so tasty. On this ship, they had three wonderful restaurants and each served exquisite meals. We had lobster several times, cooked so differently each time, and so many other choices. On top of that, you could order room service, which was always so good, too. One of my favorite things was fresh banana pancakes, the best I have ever had!
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Which islands did you visit, and what made each one stand out to you?
We visited Fakarava a Tuamotu Island, Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Tahutata, and Nuku Hiva, which are all Marquesas Islands. We also visited the Society Islands, including Huahine, Bora Bora, Taha’a, and Moorea, and of course Tahiti, too. We really loved the Marquesas Islands; they’re so remote, so lush, and people were so friendly.
Did you try any local foods or cultural experiences that really stayed with you?
We tried many local foods. I liked Poulet Fafa (known as Chicken Luau in Hawaii), very tasty and healthy too. Much of the food is cooked with coconut milk and vanilla, since it grows there, and of course, there’s so much fresh fish too. We truly loved eating so much fresh fruit–such a huge variety of mangos, berries, watermelon, star fruit, and lots of different bananas that were so good.
As far as a cultural experience, we loved the walking tours on the Marquesas. We took one to an ancient gathering place of the Marquesas people and a burial place inside a Banyan tree. We were able to see petroglyphs that go back hundreds of years and hear the stories of the great and wise leaders. Also, the local dancers were such a treat!
Explore the ancient culture of the Marquesas Islands by visiting marae sites; here, the giant tiki of Hiva Oa.
Did you spot any memorable wildlife during the trip—either from the ship or on excursions?
Yes, we spotted dolphins and whales from the ship, lots of interesting and colorful birds, and wild horses, too. We were able to swim with sharks and rays, which was amazing, and I was able to actually snorkel right next to a baby whale and its mom, something I will never forget.
What was the excursion that really blew you away, and why?
Swimming with the whales was magical.
Were there any cultural moments—music, dance, art, or just conversations—that stuck with you?
At every island, we would be greeted with some kind of music. They were mostly small bands with many drums, and the singing was so beautiful. The dances that were performed for us on and off the ship were not like any I have seen before; they were such a storytelling experience. I also must say that every island smelled so amazing–all of the flowers in bloom filled the air with great fragrances.
The Gauguines sing island tunes on Motu Mahana.
Did the small-ship size or service create any special moments you don’t think you’d get on a larger cruise?
Yes, we made friends right away with a couple from Switzerland, a lady from Australia, and another couple from the UK. There were so many people on this ship who enjoyed the same experiences we had.
Who do you think this kind of cruise is perfect for?
I am so glad I went on this one, because I would have said it was for younger people who want to spend a lot of time on a beach or go snorkeling, but boy was I wrong. It was such a mixed group of people and ages. We had several honeymoon couples of all ages, and we had many singles who were over 65 years old. The majority of couples were 55 plus, going up to mid-eighties.
There was so much to do–you could kayak, snorkel, dive, or just go for a walk on lush paths. You could take a walk into the village and meet the people, go see a museum of Paul Gauguin’s art, or go to the James Hall Museum, where you can see the original copy of the book Mutiny on the Bounty. You can go shopping and pick up some handmade wood carvings. Plus, the scenery and wildlife were so beautiful.
Explore the Marquesas on your own or on one of our many excursions.
What’s one tip you’d give someone planning a Tahiti cruise—packing, excursions, or planning ahead?
I would suggest planning a trip to Tahiti in October or early November, because it isn’t as hot or humid then and there are fewer tourists, too. On Paul Gauguin Cruises, I would suggest booking your shore excursions early because they do sell out. Some excursions, such as glass-bottom boat tours or diving tours, are very limited in the number of guests they can accommodate.
Of course, we can guide you through all of this so you have the perfect trip!
Call us at USA River Cruises, 800-578-1479.
