Paul Gauguin itineraries are centred on Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific. The most popular routes include the Society Islands, while longer sailings may include the Tuamotus, Marquesas, Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga or other regional routes.
Choosing the right itinerary is more important than choosing the first available date. Each route has a different feel, and the best choice depends on whether you want a classic Bora Bora and Moorea trip, stronger marine-life interest, more culture, more remoteness or a wider South Pacific voyage.
How to Compare Itineraries
Start with the experience you want.
A first-time French Polynesia traveller may be happiest with a Society Islands sailing. A snorkeller or diver may want to compare Tuamotu routes. A traveller interested in culture and remote islands may prefer the Marquesas. Someone who has already visited Tahiti may look more closely at Cook Islands, Fiji or Tonga combinations.
When comparing Paul Gauguin itineraries, look at:
- Number of nights
- Islands visited
- Time in Bora Bora or Moorea
- Whether Taha’a and Motu Mahana are included
- Whether the Tuamotus are included
- Whether the Marquesas are included
- Embarkation and disembarkation ports
- Flight timing
- Cabin availability
- Season and travel dates
- Whether a resort stay should be added
The best itinerary is the one that fits the trip, not just the one with the lowest fare.
Tahiti & Society Islands
This is often the best starting point for first-time travellers.
A Society Islands itinerary may include Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha’a, depending on the sailing. It offers the French Polynesia most travellers are picturing when they first ask about Paul Gauguin Cruises.
Best for:
- First-time visitors
- Honeymoons
- Anniversaries
- Travellers who want Bora Bora and Moorea
- Shorter vacation windows
- Cruise-plus-resort planning
Related page: /itineraries/tahiti-society-islands/
Society Islands & Tuamotus
The Tuamotus add a different side of French Polynesia: atolls, reefs, lagoons and marine life.
These itineraries can be a better match for travellers who want more than the classic Society Islands route. They may be especially appealing to snorkellers, divers and repeat visitors.
Best for:
- Marine-life interest
- Snorkelling and diving
- Longer voyages
- Travellers wanting more variety
- Repeat French Polynesia guests
Related page: /itineraries/society-islands-tuamotus/
Marquesas, Cook Islands, Fiji and Tonga
Longer Paul Gauguin itineraries may include the Marquesas, Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga or broader South Pacific routes.
These are not always the best first choice for travellers whose main goal is Bora Bora. They are better suited to travellers who want cultural depth, remote islands or a broader view of the South Pacific.
Best for:
- Experienced travellers
- South Pacific enthusiasts
- Culture-focused guests
- Longer-voyage travellers
- Repeat French Polynesia visitors
Related pages:
- /itineraries/marquesas-tuamotus-society-islands/
- /itineraries/cook-islands-society-islands/
- /itineraries/fiji-tonga-south-pacific/
Should You Add a Hotel Stay?
Many travellers should consider at least one pre-cruise night in Tahiti because of flight timing and arrival risk.
Some travellers also add Moorea or Bora Bora after the cruise. This can work especially well for honeymoons, anniversaries or travellers who want both variety and resort downtime.
A cruise is not always a substitute for an overwater bungalow. Sometimes the best trip includes both.
What is the best Paul Gauguin itinerary for first-timers?
For many first-time travellers, a Society Islands itinerary is the best place to start.
Which itinerary is best for Bora Bora?
Look first at Tahiti and Society Islands sailings, then confirm the exact port schedule.
Which itinerary is best for snorkelling?
Society Islands and Tuamotus sailings are often worth comparing for snorkelling and marine-life interest.
Are longer itineraries worth it?
They can be, especially for travellers who want the Tuamotus, Marquesas, Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga or a deeper South Pacific route.
For official destination information, see Tahiti Tourisme.