Paul Gauguin Cruises Debuts A New Itinerary In 2018 Featuring Tahiti Iti & Announces New Shore & Scuba Diving Excursions

Paul Gauguin Cruises Debuts A New Itinerary In 2018 Featuring Tahiti Iti & Announces New Shore & Scuba Diving Excursions

BELLEVUE, Wash., March 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Paul Gauguin Cruises (www.pgcruises.com), operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, debuts a 7-night Society Islands & Tahiti Iti itinerary along with new shore and SCUBA diving excursions.

Paul Gauguin Cruises is the first cruise line to visit the port city of Vairao in Tahiti Iti, which is the smaller of two landmasses comprising the island of Tahiti, and offers a wild coastline, marae (temples), Polynesian culture, and surfing fame. Tahiti Iti is scheduled on 7-night Society Islands & Tahiti Iti voyages that depart and return to Papeete, Tahiti, and visit Huahine, Society Islands; Motu Mahana (Taha'a), Society Islands; Bora Bora, Society Islands (overnight); Moorea, Society Islands; and Vairao, Tahiti Iti, departing June 30, August 25, October 6, and November 3, 2018. A special sailing of the 10-night Society Islands & Tuamotus voyage, departing September 19, 2018, also includes a call at Tahiti Iti.

Select optional shore excursions offered in Tahiti Iti include:

    --  Bonjouir's Garden of Eden: Located at the far end of Tahiti Iti, this
        nature sanctuary is one of the most preserved areas of the entire island
        of Tahiti. A river winds across it with freshwater swimming ponds
        throughout, and vestiges of marae (ancient temples) Tapihoa and Pae Pae
        can be found toward the back of the garden. During the visit, two guided
        tours are available: one on local flora and another encompassing legends
        of the Fenua Aihere.
    --  Highlights of Tahiti Iti: Teahupoo is a small village in Tahiti Iti that
        is well-renowned for its surfing wave and as home of the Billabong Pro
        Tahiti--one of the largest international surfing competitions in the
        world. After exploring Teahupoo, the journey continues to the northern
        coast of the peninsula toward Taravao, to admire the volcanic shape of
        Tahiti and the isthmus of Taravao. Then, on through Taravao's isthmus,
        which separates Tahiti Nui from Tahiti Iti, to reach Vaipahi Gardens,
        where more than 75 species of vegetation grow, all kept hydrated by
        water from Lake Vaihiria, Tahiti's only freshwater lake.
    --  Tahiti Iti Lagoon & Teahupoo Surf Point Cruise: Offers the opportunity
        to snorkel through stunning turquoise lagoons and among coral reefs
        highlighting the natural beauty of Tahiti Iti. From Vairao, the boat
        cruises through the Vairao Pass before a snorkel stop at a beautiful
        coral garden with colorful marine life at Teava-Iti pass. Then, it
        ventures close to the world-famous Teahupoo surfing wave, which is home
        to some of the most impressive surfing in the South Pacific.
    --  Half-Day Tour by E-Bike: Guests can explore Tahiti Iti by e-bike, a bike
        that is equipped with electric motors and gears, and ride from Vairao to
        the village of Teahupoo to see the famous surfing wave. They then
        journey through Taravao Town, Taravao Plateau, and up to Belvedere Point
        to witness stunning views of Tahiti and Iti.
    --  Tahiti Golf Excursion--18 Holes: The Olivier Bréaud International Golf
        Course is known by golfers as Tahiti's best-kept secret. This 18-hole
        course provides a beautiful setting on what was once a cotton plantation
        and offers circulating fairways among rich, tropical, and colorful
        vegetation, including breadfruit, lemon, grapefruit, lychee, and avocado
        trees. Created in the 1970s, the course is 3.7 miles (5,950 meters) long
        for a 72-stroke par, and is approved by the French Golf Federation. The
        Open International de Tahiti is hosted here and is part of the PGA and
        FPG circuit.

Select optional SCUBA Diving in Tahiti Iti:

    --  SCUBA The Marado: Certified Experienced Divers--Tahiti iti is the only
        place in French Polynesia with a true drop-off, and located just outside
        the reef of Vairao's bay is The Marado dive site. Divers swim along the
        drop-off to a maximum depth of around 90 feet (29 meters) with the
        chance to observe a diversity of reef fish, different kinds of hard and
        soft corals, sea anemones, and the unique topography as a pinnacle rises
        along the drop-off with great visibility. At the end of the dive, and if
        conditions are favorable, the shallow canyons at the top of the reef may
        be visited.
    --  SCUBA The Sea Fans: Certified Experienced Divers--Another dive site in
        French Polynesia with a true drop-off is The Sea Fans, which is located
        on the outside reef of Vairao's bay. Divers swim along the drop-off to a
        maximum depth of around 90 feet (29 meters) for the chance to observe
        the diversity of reef fishes and different kinds of corals, including
        beautiful sea fans that are rare to observe in French Polynesia.

Cruise fares start from $5,595 per person, based on double occupancy, for the 7-night Society Islands & Tahiti Iti voyage and start from $6,045 per person, based on double occupancy, for the 10-night Society Islands & Tuamotus sailing. Shore excursions and SCUBA diving options range from $75 to $265 per person. The Gauguin's all-inclusive fare includes roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles and offers deluxe oceanview staterooms; all shipboard dining; complimentary beverages including select wines and spirits, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages served throughout the ship; and onboard gratuities for room stewards and dining/bar staff.

For more information or reservations, contact a professional travel agent, call 1-800-848-6172, or visit www.pgcruises.com.

About Paul Gauguin Cruises
Owned by Pacific Beachcomber S.C., French Polynesia's leading luxury hotel and cruise operator, Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the 5+-star cruise ship, the 332-guest m/s Paul Gauguin, providing a deluxe cruise experience tailored to the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific. Paul Gauguin Cruises has been recognized by notable publications in travel and lifestyle and was voted "#1 Midsize-Ship Ocean Cruise Line" by readers in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2017**. The line was also recognized as one of the "Top Small Cruise Lines" in the Condé Nast Traveler 2017 Readers' Choice Awards and is honored on the publication's 2018 "Gold List." Paul Gauguin Cruises was also selected as "Best Small-Ship Cruise Line" in Global Traveler's Leisure Lifestyle Awards in 2016 and 2017, and received top honors as the "#1 Cruise Line for Honeymooners" in BRIDES Magazine's 2017 Honeymoon Awards.

Media Contact:
Vanessa Bloy
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Director of Public Relations
(425) 440-6255
vbloy@pgcruises.com

**From Travel + Leisure Magazine, August 2017 © Time Inc. Affluent Media Group. Used under license. Travel + Leisure and Time Inc. Affluent Media Group are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Paul Gauguin Cruises.

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