Unforgettable Paul Gauguin Tahiti Cruise: Part 2

(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!
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Taha'a Private Island - captured by Pam
Continuing Our Paul Gauguin Tahiti Experience: Days 5–9
Day 5: Bora Bora Adventures
Next stop: the famous Bora Bora! We went on a 4x4 off-road safari that took us up some pretty steep hills with spectacular views. If you’re not a fan of off-roading, some parts might make you a bit nervous, but we felt safe the whole time. Our guide was fantastic—knowledgeable about Bora Bora’s history, culture, and island life, and had a great sense of humor. He even stopped to pick some starfruit for us to try. I was hesitant at first, but it was surprisingly refreshing!
Other favorites here include the Lagoonarium, a Lagoon & Polynesian Feast, or a Sunset Cruise by Outrigger Canoe. And if snorkeling is your thing, there are plenty of trips to get up close with the marine life.
That afternoon, I joined a craft session making a picture frame Christmas ornament with seashells—something I wouldn’t normally do, but it turned out to be really fun! The evening entertainment was “The Beatles Show,” performed by some talented locals. It was a fun and unique take that we really enjoyed.
Day 6: A “No Frills” Beach Day in Bora Bora
Still docked in Bora Bora, we opted for what we call a “No Frills Beach Day.” There’s no bar or food service here except for a cooler with sodas and water, which made for a peaceful, secluded vibe. Since many guests were off on excursions, we practically had the beach to ourselves. We even saw stingrays swim right past us—they have no natural predators here, so this is the only place in the world they’re protected.
Insider Tip: Bring a large cup from home to have filled with a cocktail before you head out—it makes relaxing that much better!
Later, I joined a seed jewelry-making class and got a temporary Polynesian tattoo, just in time for the Polynesian show that evening. Check the daily schedule closely, because on certain days locals onboard craft beautiful Tahitian headpieces and flower crowns for women, and flower leis for men. While tipping isn’t customary in Tahiti, it’s appreciated here given the skill and time involved—so be sure to have some cash ready!
Day 7: Relaxing in Moorea
We arrived in Moorea and took it easy, lounging on the ship. I made a feather headpiece while some others crafted wind chimes. Mostly, we just relaxed, read, and enjoyed a few drinks.
Moorea itself is a charming island with plenty to offer. You can explore quaint shops, hike or ATV through lush tropical mountains for breathtaking views, or join popular shore excursions like the Aito Off-Road Safari, BBQ on Motu, snorkeling trips, or dolphin-watching expeditions. There’s something for every traveler here.
Day 8: More Moorea and Onboard Fun
Our second day in Moorea was just as laid-back, filled with shipboard activities. If you prefer island adventures, there’s so much to do—rent an ATV, e-bike, or car and explore the stunning island interior. The views from the top are spectacular and definitely worth the trip.
Day 9: Farewell to Paradise
As our cruise came to an end, we chose to spend a final night in Tahiti before heading home. We stayed at the Manava Suite Tahiti Resort. On our last day, we visited the Marché de Papeete market. Even if you’re not big on shopping, this market is a must-see—so vibrant and full of unique finds! Popular purchases include Monoi Oil (amazing for your skin), Tahitian vanilla (some of the best in the world), pareos, black pearls, mother-of-pearl items, local artwork, and wood carvings.
Aside from a rainy final day, we couldn’t have asked for better weather on this trip.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into our Paul Gauguin experience. This cruise set the bar incredibly high for service—hands down one of the best I’ve had in over 20 years of traveling! The staff’s attention to detail, remembering not only our drink orders but our names (“Sir Bob & Ma’am Pam”), made the trip truly special.
It was an unforgettable journey, and we’re already dreaming about sailing with them again.
So, the big question is—are you ready to set sail on your own unforgettable Paul Gauguin adventure?
Note: This trip was taken in February 2020