French Polynesia is the year-round base for Paul Gauguin Cruises’ handsome 19,200-ton, 332-passenger flagship Paul Gauguin. Small by today’s standards, the vessel was built in France and originally entered service in 1998, but despite a major refurbishment in 2009, it obviously does not reflect the latest trends in design and accouterments that are found in many large, upscale vessels plying the oceans today for a number of premium and luxury lines. However, to decry such imagined shortcomings would be to miss the point.
The whole idea behind the voyages of the Paul Gauguin is to provide a very civilized, understated but superior-quality product that is high on service standards and passenger comfort, but without undue glitz and glamour while introducing its guests to the laid-back charms of some of the world’s most beautiful and unspoiled tropical isles
In April, accompanied by my friend and media colleague “Gig” Gwin, I cruised aboard the vessel on one of its standard one-week Society Islands sailings. Along the way, we enjoyed outstanding service, fine food, ample island entertainment, a featured lecturer — an anthropologist and an archaeologist; plus, all beverages, except for a few premium liquors and vintage wines, and gratuities are included.
As I have mentioned on previous occasions, one of the most enjoyable aspects about traveling on upscale cruises like this one is the host of fascinating shipmates one is sure to encounter: experienced world travelers with lots of interesting stories to tell, many of them leaders in their respective fields. Among those on this cruise was a research M.D. leading studies in diseases of the brain; a top university professor of chemistry; and a world-renowned orchestral and opera conductor and his pianist wife, a delightful couple with whom Gig and I, a big fan of classical music, became fast friends and spent much time during the week.
Our itinerary, which featured ideal weather virtually throughout, began with two days in Bora Bora, where we chose — from numerous available alternatives — exceptional scenic excursions, one by Le Truck on land and one to a pristine lagoon aboard a sparkling new catamaran. Next was Tah’aa, where a delightful barbecue and beach day on the tiny private islet of Motu Mahana proved to be yet another trip highlight.
On Huahine, almost unaffected by commercialism and probably the loveliest tropical paradise I’ve ever experienced personally, a most reasonably priced and virtually private tour by four-wheel-drive vehicle that was conducted by a diminutive but charming elderly Frenchman proved to be a splendid choice. Then preceding the return trip to Papeete were two days in Moorea, where we appreciated both a lagoon cruise featuring a swim and snorkeling with rays and black-tip sharks, as well as an impromptu but thoroughly enjoyable island hike.
Although this is not an inexpensive product, significant discounts are frequently available, and fares include round-trip air transportation on surprisingly decent Air Tahiti Nui from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti, which from the United States is one of the least-distant destinations in the South Pacific. Papeete is also worth a relaxing precruise hotel stay, especially if one opts for a four-wheel-drive excursion into the magnificent interior mountains of the island and dining from the nightly downtown assemblage of food trucks, as we did. A superior travel experience for those wishing to venture just a bit off the beaten path, the whole package is hard to beat.
