Unforgettable Paul Gauguin Tahiti Cruise: Part 1
(425 Reviews)
99% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?
I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.
The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!
Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!
Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.
While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.
And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.
Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.
Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.
Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
Can Be Reached At
1-763-231-8893
The Children of Huahine Show — captured by Pam
Sailing French Polynesia with Paul Gauguin: My Unforgettable Island Experience (Part 1)
Several years ago, I stood in awe of the stunning beauty of French Polynesia and promised myself I’d return—not just once, but as many times as life would allow. It’s truly that incredible.
So when I was offered the chance to sail the islands aboard the Paul Gauguin, I couldn’t say no—despite being prone to motion sensitivity. Spoiler alert: it turned out to be one of the most magical trips of my life.
I’m happy to report that with a simple, all-natural over-the-counter patch worn behind the ear (we order it online!), I had zero issues. That tiny patch truly opened up a whole new world of travel for me.
Is this the right trip for you?
Let me take you through our day-by-day adventure to help you decide.
Day 1: Arrival in Papeete, Tahiti
We flew Delta Airlines and arrived in Tahiti a little jetlagged but excited. We spent one night at the InterContinental Resort Tahiti—a place I’d stayed before and really enjoyed.
As we checked in, I was immediately transported by the scent of one of my favorite flowers—the tiaré flower (also known as the Tahitian gardenia). The essential oils wafted through the lobby, and I just had to make a grocery store run to stock up on a few for our room. (Sure, the gift shop had them too—but I love discovering local gems on my travels.)
Day 2: Infinity Pools, Kayaks, and Embarkation
After breakfast, we relaxed by the infinity pool and got lucky—local kayak races were happening, with hundreds of colorful kayaks gliding past. It felt like a festive parade just for us.
Later, embarkation was smooth and efficient. We sat through a quick orientation, then were off to explore the ship.
That evening, we stopped for a pre-dinner cocktail and met Anthony, a fantastic bartender who quickly became a highlight of the trip. He brought us chips—one of my weaknesses—and I joked, “Only one bowl a day, or I’ll be in trouble.” Every day after that, my bowl of chips appeared like clockwork. Plus, he never forgot our drink orders. Talk about five-star service.
Dinner at La Grill was a hit—the steak was flawless, and the service impeccable. We felt a little motion that night, but nothing uncomfortable. By night two, we barely noticed.
Day 3: Huahine — Sunday Stillness and Crafty Surprises
We woke up to the views of Huahine, an island I hadn’t visited before. Since it was Sunday, most places closed by noon—a common thing across French Polynesia—so if you want to explore, book a morning shore excursion like the Huahine Nui Safari Expedition.
I’ll admit: I got a bit too much sun that day, so we lounged in the shade. I also tried my hand at a Polynesian coaster-making class—not usually my thing, but I loved it! I even joined a few more craft sessions throughout the trip.
That evening, we enjoyed a heartwarming performance by The Children of Huahine—absolutely adorable and unforgettable. They will steal your heart.
Day 4: Private Island Bliss on Taha’a
One of our favorite days was spent on Paul Gauguin’s private motu (island) near Taha’a. It felt completely exclusive and incredibly special.
There was a floating bar in the ocean (yes, really!), a beach bar on land, and a delicious island-style BBQ with plenty of flavorful options for every palate.
That evening, we played bar bingo—and actually won!Later, we caught The Crew Show, recommended by Sandy, Paul Gauguin’s VP of Sales & Guest Relations. She said, “If you see only one show, make it this one.” She was right—it was one of the best performances I’ve ever seen at sea.
Insider Tips From My Trip:
- Snorkel Gear: Borrow it from the ship’s marina and keep it for the entire trip—perfect for exploring on shore days.
- Beach Chairs: Be on the first boat out to the private motu for the best spots.
- Motion Tip: If you’re sensitive, skip dining at La Veranda on the night sailing from Bora Bora to Moorea—it can get bumpy.
Want more? Don’t miss “Unforgettable Paul Gauguin Tahiti Cruise: Part 2 — Moorea, Bora Bora & Beyond”.
Already dreaming of your own French Polynesian escape? Let’s chat and make it happen!
Note: This trip was taken in February 2020