Paul Gauguin, Cruises in Tahiti

“When I die, I don’t want to go to heaven. I want to go to Tahiti.” My husband uttered those memorable words during a vacation in Hawaii when he first saw a South Pacific show featuring Tahitian dancers. Several years later we did visit Tahiti and the experience lived up to everything we’d ever imagined about it.

This week, Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest rated and longest continually-sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, is sailing its inaugural voyage under the Pacific Beachcomber umbrella. From Jan 6 until Jan 16, 2010, the exclusive 10-day President’s Cruise, hosted by Richard Bailey, President of Pacific Beachcomber, SC, will visit the islands of Tahiti, Huahine, Raiatea, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Taha’a, and Moorea.

The itinerary features a myriad of enriching travel experiences and excursions, including:

- Dolphin watching with marine biologist Dr. Michael Poole (or his assistant), following schools of spinner dolphins.
- Visiting the Motu Pearl Farm, where guests learn all about the magnificent black pearl, as well as snorkeling in the crystal clear lagoon of Taha’a.
- Exploring Tahiti “off the beaten path,” visiting areas of the island not commonly seen by visitors, traveling in an off-road vehicle during a scenic journey, passing by cascading waterfalls, luxuriant tropical vegetation, exotic flowers, and lush valleys offering wonderful views and photo opportunities.
- Discovering an ancient side of Tahiti via a journey through the Opunohu Valley with resident archaeologist Mark Eddowes, visiting an ancient temple at the edge of the native forest along with a guided walk along the ancient trails.

About acquiring the m/s Paul Gauguin, Bailey says, “We at Pacific Beachcomber were truly honored to recently welcome Paul Gauguin Cruises into our portfolio. Paul Gauguin Cruises’ leading cruise ship reputation in French Polynesia combined with our 25 years of luxury resort hotel experience in the Tahitian islands will ensure that all our guests enjoy a seamless island vacation experience of the highest caliber.”

The m/s Paul Gauguin will embark on 38 expeditions in 2010 to destinations including Tahiti, the Society Islands, the Tuamotus, the Cook Islands, the Marquesas, Tonga, Fiji, and New Zealand. Each of these exclusive voyages will highlight the beauty of French Polynesia from the luxurious and spacious accommodations on board the m/s Paul Gauguin, which underwent a multi-million dollar enhancement in 2009. The ship’s staterooms, public areas, and restaurants have been upgraded to reflect the luxurious standard that is characteristic of Paul Gauguin Cruises. For additional information, visit Paul Gauguin Cruises online.