Cruising Tahiti
Tahiti is a destination I have always wanted to visit and when an opportunity presented itself to go in 2010 onboard the legendary “Paul Gauguin“ cruise ship it was too good to pass up.
Because of flight schedules, a hotel stay in Papeete is usually required either side of a cruise. We took advantage of a full free day to hire a car and drive around the island. The country side is lush like Hawaii and driving in your own car is the best way to see all the sites including the Paul Gauguin Museum and the famous Teahupo’o surf break.
The “Paul Gauguin “cruise ship came very highly recommended to me and did not disappoint. Catering for only 320 guests, it is an all – inclusive experience meaning all food and drinks (alcoholic as well!) are included. Some top shelf wines and spirits are available at an additional cost but for most of us the included options were plenty good enough!
Water sports enthusiasts can indulge their every whim and literally jump off the stern of the ship from Watersports Central a platform that is lowered to water height for easy access to kayaks, snorkelling and paddle boarding.
3 restaurants including a specialty French-inspired option offered memorable meals at every turn. Bars stayed open on demand – I recall one evening doing karaoke with some Mexican honeymooners that did not end till the wee hours!
On a ship of this size it’s possible to get to know your fellow travellers and to run into to them regularly. We got to know a travel group from Michigan who had their own jet so they could fly off together on group holidays. Heaps of fun!
Whilst the ship itself was amazing, the destination of Tahiti itself surpassed everything. On our 7-night itinerary “Tahiti and the Society Islands“ we visited Bora Bora, Moorea and the Paul Gauguin’s private island of Motu Mahana. We enjoyed the passing scenery sipping sail-away champagnes and cocktails and witnessed spectacular sunsets as well as dolphins on our way to our next port.
Bora Bora deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful places on earth. Surrounded by a lagoon and protected by a coral reef the colour of water can only truly be appreciated by seeing it. We even had baby pigs running up a beach following us!
Moorea is Bora Bora’s underrated little sister. We once again hired a car and drove right around the island. It’s difficult to get lost as there is essentially only 1 main road with local villages and resorts dotting the island at every turn. We bought a baguette and cheese and found ourselves a roadside lagoon with beach and lazed away for a few hours in the delightful surroundings watching hibiscus flowers dropping onto the beach and water.
Motu Mahana is an experience the ship goes out of its way to make a highlight. They take all the gear for a BBQ from the ship to the beach including a floating bar for guests’ enjoyment. Take your snorkelling gear with you for a day viewing every kind of fish you can imagine.
Tahiti really is a place it’s worth getting to – the people are welcoming and friendly, food is good and the islands are unforgettable.
Must-Do:
- A Paul Gauguin cruise
- Hire a car
- Snorkel the beautiful turquoise waters of Tahiti
Must-Bring:
- Water-proof camera
- Reef shoes
- Sense of adventure