10 Tahiti Experiences With Paul Gauguin Cruises

Polynesian culture is colorful and exuberant, and it is celebrated by Paul Gauguin Cruises in so many ways on seven- to 14-night Tahiti, French Polynesia and South Pacific voyages. Here is a list of “must do’s” when sailing aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin.

Drink From a Coconut on a Private Island

Off the coast of Taha’a lies Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private island of Motu Mahana, where guests can enjoy a day of watersports, Polynesian activities, a sumptuous barbecue feast and cocktails from full and floating bars.

Visit a Private Beach in Bora Bora

In Bora Bora, guests can relax on a private, white-sand beach with views of stunning Mt. Otemanu, a game of volleyball or snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding in the crystal lagoon.

Experience Tahitian Night

One special night during each voyage is when Tahitian Night takes place. The intoxicating scent of fresh flowers outside L’Etoile, the ship’s main restaurant, first gets your attention. Local mamas (artisans) come aboard and weave heis (crowns of flowers) and leis (flower necklaces) out of the luscious tropical flowers they’ve brought on board by the basketful. Traditional song and dance is performed by local musicians, and a course-by-course Polynesian meal of specialty dishes inspired by the islands is served in the dining venues.

Renew Vows Polynesian Style

Couples sailing on The Gauguin can celebrate their love in a romantic setting amid the turquoise lagoons and exotic islands of French Polynesia. Paul Gauguin Cruises offers wedding ceremony and renewal of vows packages at its Motu Mahana private islet or in the glass-bottom overwater chapel at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa.

Partake in Polynesian Activities

As soon as guests step aboard, they will be greeted by Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins, the beloved troupe of local Tahitians who serve as cruise hosts, entertainers and storytellers. From them, guests can hear about island legends, take in a Tahitian language or dance lesson, make traditional shell jewelry or learn various ways to tie a pareo.

Indulge in a Polynesian Spa Treatment

The Gauguin’s Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm offers signature Polynesian spa treatments including a Polynesian Treat by Hei Poi, Bora Bora Deep Blue Massage, Tahitian Wave and Monoi Massages by Hei Poi. Relaxing overwater massages can also be scheduled at Motu Mahana.

Venture Deeper Underwater

French Polynesian’s lagoons and atolls feature world-class diving where rays, turtles, reef sharks and tropical fish share their piece of paradise. To explore life beneath the waves, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ dive team offers SCUBA diving excursions designed for all levels of experience and PADI certification on board for novice divers, as well as refresher courses.

Enjoy a Local Tahitian Performance

Local island performers come aboard the ship with their powerful traditional dances including “The Children of Huahine” and the award-winning Tahiti dance group “O Tahiti E.” During every sailing, Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins sing and dance and also present “Tableau Gauguin”–a “living art” homage to French post-impressionist painter Paul Gauguin.

Take in an Enrichment Lecture From Polynesian Experts

Learn about Polynesian culture and history from a renowned French Polynesian anthropologist and hear about the coral reefs of French Polynesia from a local marine biologist. Guest hosts in a wide range of specialties provide further enlightenment through lectures, workshops and tastings on select voyages.

See a Moonfish Culinary Demonstration

Paul Gauguin Cruises procures fresh fruit, vegetables and fish locally in the islands. Every sailing, The Gauguin’s executive chef invites guests to a culinary demonstration featuring a large, colorful Moonfish, which is found in local waters.

For information on Paul Gauguin Cruises, call 800-848-6172 or visit www.pgcruises.com.