Tahiti for Christmas Gay Cruise Aboard the Paul Gauguin

7 nights roundtrip cruise from/to Papeete, Tahiti

December 20 – 27, 2014
Paul Gauguin Cruises Paul Gauguin

8 days, with a 7-night gay cruise through stunning French Polynesia, including Tahiti and Bora Bora, aboard the South Seas' most luxurious year-round ship: the Paul Gauguin. In 1891, when Paul Gauguin arrived in Tahiti, he captured the charm, culture, and languid grace of its people in oils.You won't find his paintings here, but the breathtaking scenic splendor and easygoing lifestyle of its people remain. This 7-night itinerary is perfect for those who want to experience the best French Polynesia has to offer in just a week. Free airfare from Los Angeles included!

Aboard the award-winning m/s Paul Gauguin, you'll draw close to the islands that inspired Gauguin, author James A. Michener, and so many others. Call on Huahine, the "Garden Island" ... spend a day on our own private islet off the coast of Taha'a ... explore magical Bora Bora and bask on our private white-sand beach on a motu off the coast ... and discover Moorea, said to be the model for Michener's Bali Hai.

There's a reason these islands are world-renowned - their beauty is unmatched.

Luxury m/s Paul Gauguin

The m/s Paul Gauguin was designed specifically to sail the shallow seas of Tahiti, French Polynesia, and Southeast Asia, visiting small ports that larger ships can't reach and effortlessly blending into the stunning natural beauty of the South Seas. She offers an extension of the informal, relaxing environment of the islands, coupled with five-star service, comfort, and luxury. Spacious suites and staterooms (more than 70% with private balconies), an onboard watersports marina, a choice of three open-seating dining venues, and an extensive spa are among her luxurious attributes. The atmosphere aboard our recently renovated ship radiates warmth, informality, and Polynesian flair. And their beloved troupe of Gauguines—local Tahitians who serve as cruise staff, entertainers, and storytellers—add the unique personality of Tahiti to every sailing.

Dining
The food aboard our vessels may forever set the standard as the most sumptuous meals you ever tasted. We even cater to special requests, with delicious vegetarian and low-carb options available on request. And throughout your dining experience, our attentive staff will discreetly ensure that the dishes you select are what you want, that your complimentary wine is perfectly paired, and that you are surrounded with convivial company.

Outdoor Pool and Pool Bar
Enjoy a refreshing dip in our onboard swimming pool, located under the sky on Deck 8 aboard The Gauguin. Or perhaps you'll simply relax poolside in a deck chair, with a good book and a beverage from the Pool Bar. Aboard The Gauguin, you can also take advantage of our onboard SCUBA lessons. The Gauguin is the only luxury ship in French Polynesia to offer PADI certification on board for novice divers, as well as refresher courses.

Watersports Marina
Watersports are a highlight of the Paul Gauguin Cruises' experience. Aboard The Gauguin, a specially designed retractable watersports platform enables guests to descend to sea level, where they can conveniently hop aboard a windsurfer or paddleboard, launch a kayak, or set out for an optional SCUBA diving expedition. The Gauguin's SCUBA diving excursions are designed for all levels of experience.

SCUBA Diving
Float effortlessly over rainbow-colored coral reefs and come nose to nose with parrotfish, clownfish, giant clams, and sea turtles. Dive deeper to swim alongside colorful sea anemones, eagle rays, sharks, and octopi. Polynesia's translucent, shimmering aqua lagoons are begging to be explored. And there's no better place to do so than from The Gauguin's retractable watersports marina, where you can embark on an optional SCUBA adventure.

Even if you have never SCUBA dived before, as a guest aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, you can witness spectacular marine life up close and swim among beautiful, rainbow-colored coral reefs within a matter of hours.

Entertainment
Watch spectacular performances, such as an electrifying Polynesian show featuring the arts of the islands in the main lounge by our beloved troupe of entertainers, Les Gauguines. One night it might be the soaring a cappella harmonies of himene songs. Another show might feature a guest Polynesian troupe offering a thrilling performance of ote'a—a complex line dance accompanied by drums telling the ancestral legends of the Polynesian people. On other nights, you might marvel at the skill of a pianist … tap your foot to a rock band … or hum along to familiar tunes performed by a veteran of Broadway. Our selection of entertainment is sure to make every evening a pleasure!

Read MorePaul Gauguin Ship Facts & Features Here ...

Tahiti Gay Christmas Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 - Saturday, December 20, 2014
Depart Los Angeles / Embark Paul Gauguin in Papeete, Tahiti
Begin your voyage through paradise in the capital of Tahiti, the largest and most populated of the French Polynesian islands.

Fly from Los Angeles (LAX) on Air Tahiti Nui (TN #1) at 3:30 PM; arrive Papeete at 9:55 PM. Transfer directly to the Paul Gauguin. This luxurious yet casual, ultra-deluxe vessel will be your home for the next week. With an endless choice of things to do, from relaxing poolside with a book to playing the slots in the casino, you will never be bored.

Day 2 - Sunday, December 21, 2014
Huahine, Society Islands
Today, you'll call on Huahine, known as the "Garden Island" for its lush rainforests and dramatic terrain. While here, you might explore the island's sacred sites and legendary landmarks that are among the best-preserved archaeological remains in French Polynesia. Enjoy snorkeling or SCUBA diving in the expansive lagoon. Or picnic on the beach.

Huahine is composed by two islands: Huahine Nui (big Huahine) in the North and Huahine Iti (small Huahine) in the South separated by a narrow channel. Both offer a luxuriant vegetation, white sandy beaches, small coves hidden from the eyes, coral desert islets, a lagoon with turquoise colors and much diversified food and fruit-producing cultivation.

Huahine can also pride itself on possessing one of the widest and best preserved archaeological site of the Society Islands: the Maeva marae, a whole of several important marae (sacrifices sites for gods) located at the bottom of the Mouatapu Mount and near the Fauna Nui laguna. Legends hang over this island lusted after by Hiro, god of thieves, and adopted by artists.

Day 3 - Monday, December 22, 2014
Taha'a (Motu Mahana)
Motu Mahana, an islet adjacent to Taha'a, is our very own South Seas paradise, featuring white-sand beaches with swaying palms, crystal-clear waters, and gentle breezes. As an exclusive Paul Gauguin event, you will spend a full day on this idyllic island, pursuing your own pleasures from swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in the turquoise lagoon to playing volleyball, learn Tahitian cooking secrets, or simply relaxing on the beach. Also included is a delicious barbecue lunch and Polynesian entertainment featuring strolling musicians and singers.

Day 4 - Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Bora Bora
Immediately recognizable by Mount Otemanu rising from the ocean, this half-atoll, half-mountain is surrounded by a spectacular lagoon and a series of smaller islands. Ancient Polynesians called it Parapora, or "firstborn," because they thought it was the first island created after Raiatea.

Day 5 - Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Bora Bora
Explore more of this magical isle on your own or on a choice of optional shore excursions. Choose from several, like a jitney tour on "Le Truck," a 4-wheel-drive safari, or a glass-bottom boat ride. We will set sail before dinner, enjoying a relaxing evening on board.

Day 6 - Thursday, December 25, 2014
Moorea
Graced with an abundance of fresh fruits and flowers, spectacular mountain peaks, peaceful multi-hued lagoons, and palm-fringed beaches, Moorea boasts an awesome beauty that is unsurpassed. During your visit, you might wish to shop for local crafts, embark on a dolphin-watching expedition with a marine biologist and witness these fascinating animals in their amazing natural habitat, or try out some of the local pineapples, said to be the most delicious in all of French Polynesia. An overnight here affords us two full days to explore the gorgeous island.

Day 7 - Friday, December 26, 2014
Moorea / Papeete (Tahiti)
Explore more of this peaceful oasis. Perhaps you will choose to trek on the "Trails of the Ancients" or snorkel one of the world's most beautiful lagoons. At the end of the afternoon, we cruise to our home port in Papeete, docking for the night.

Day 8 - Saturday, December 27, 2014
Moorea / Papeete (Tahiti)
Cap off your epic journey where it all began. You won't be the same as when you first set sail – these exotic isles are said to touch people in magical ways.

If you want to explore more of this side of paradise, perhaps you will choose our pre- and post-cruise hotel programs in Bora Bora, Moorea, Taha'a and Papeete.