Luxury Cruise Bible

Sailing French Polynesia: Your Best Bets

No matter where you live and or which far off lands you’ve already visited, just about all of us dream of traveling to the enchanting islands of the South Pacific. The snow-white tiara Maohi flower, Tahitian black pearls, spectacular snorkeling, and over-the-water bungalows typify a stay in the Society Islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, and Rangiroa.

The luxury cruise landscape in French Polynesia is changing fast. No longer limited to the Society Islands, cruise lines such as Regent Seven Seas and Nomade Yachting offer off-the-beaten path adventures to the Tuamotu Islands and Marquesas Islands.

Whether you seek a mid-size vessel or the intimacy of a 20-cabin yacht, you’ll find what your heart desires in the South Pacific.

Paul Gauguin—Regent Management to End in January 2010

The 330-passenger Paul Gauguin is the ship that is most associated with its homeport of Tahiti. The vessel was originally designed for French Polynesian waters and sails the region year-round. For the last several years, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has leased the ship from its owners and has managed the experience offered by the Paul Gauguin. Come January 2010, Regent will relinquish its management role to the ship’s owner, Paul Gauguin Cruises.

When the change of management was announced, loyalists were afraid their favorite ship was about to slip away. However, Paul Gauguin Cruises is committed to keeping the same level of service and will, in fact, retain all existing staff in addition to maintaining its relationships with travel agents all over the world. In addition, the Paul Gauguin will even continue to offer Regent Seven Seas Society Savings to all return guests.

In January 2009, the ship underwent a $6 million dry-dock refurbishment that included the addition of 26 category D balcony cabins. The entire ship was freshened with new carpeting, upholstery, and woodwork. In addition, upgrades were made to poolside dining at Le Grill, the outdoor dining area of La Veranda was expanded, the Internet café and fitness center were both upgraded, and new sport boats were added for water-sport activities.

Travelers consistently give the Paul Gauguin positive reviews even though the staterooms are smaller than those of most newer luxury cruise ships. (The smallest staterooms are 200 square feet and the largest measure 534 square feet.) There are six categories of staterooms plus two types of suites: Grand and Owners. Fifty percent of the cabins aboard the Paul Gauguin offer balconies.

Pros: mid-size vessel accommodates 330 guests, 79% of all cabins offer a balcony
Cons: some staterooms are rather small

For more information, talk with your travel agent or visit Regent’s website for PG cruises before January 6, 2010. If your travel plans fall after January 6, 2010, contact Paul Gauguin Cruises.

NOTE: Nomade Yachting Has Ceased Operations

Nomade Yachting—Two Luxe Yachts Sail the Society Islands

If you’re not crazy about sharing your Polynesian cruise with hundreds of other passengers, look into Nomade Yachting’s Ti’a Moana or Tu Moana. These two ultra-luxe yachts accommodate only 40 passengers per voyage.

The vibe is uber-relaxed—no formal nights and no dress code—and yet you’ll be pampered in every possible way. While the yacht doesn’t offer a pool, there are two Jacuzzis, a spa, gym, library, lounge, and restaurant.

You may select from four cabin configurations, including the 320-square-foot Bora Bora Suite outfitted with three exterior windows, two bathrooms with L’Occitane bath products, and a 37-inch LCD TV with Bose home theater system.

The six-night, seven-day roundtrip itinerary embarks from Bora Bora and calls upon Taha’a, Raiatea, and Huahine. All-inclusive in nature, Nomade also pampers guests with special “Private Escapes,” including beach breakfasts, lunchs, and dinners that come complete with champagne, wine, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and a beach fire. Another option is the “Jacuzzi Extravaganza.” Soak in the Jacuzzi under the stars while your private butler serves canapés, chocolate fondue, and Dom Perignon.

Pros: Intimate yachting adventure
Cons: Itinerary includes only six nights on the water

For more information, speak with your travel agent or visit Nomade’s website.

Haumana Cruises’ 3-, 4-, and 7-Night Catamaran Voyages

Here’s a fantastic option if you’d like to combine a land and sea vacation. The cruise line operates the Haumana catamaran that’s fitted with 12 comfortable cabins (160-square-foot queen-bedded).
This all-inclusive experience can be booked for 3-, 4-, and 7-night itineraries calling on Rangiroa. It’s ideal if you’re planning on diving, snorkeling, fishing, or kayaking during your French Poly vacation.

Haumana offers one restaurant, two lounges (one indoor and one outdoor), a sun deck with Jacuzzi, and a marina platform with kayaks and waverunners.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or visit Haumana’s website.

Other Less Expensive Options

While not in the luxury category, Star Clippers’ 170-passenger tall ship Star Flyer also sails this area. However, the cruise line plans to leave the Society Islands in early Spring 2010. (Star Flyer will be repositioned to the Mediterranean.) The Pacific Princess from Princess Cruises also sometimes calls upon the islands of French Polynesia.

For More Information About French Polynesia…

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises (for Paul Gauguin cruises before January 6, 2010)
• Paul Gauguin Cruises (for Paul Gauguin cruises after January 6, 2010)
• Nomade Yachting Bora Bora
• Haumana Cruises
• Star Clippers (leaving French Polynesia in early spring 2010)
• Princess Cruises (search for itineraries aboard the Pacific Princess)
• Tahiti Tourisme
• Air Tahiti Nui
• Air France