As the longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, Paul Gauguin Cruises' flagship m/s Paul Gauguin has won a number of awards, including Porthole’s 2012 “Best South Pacific Itinerary.” Instead of making them cocky, as it had the potential to, it seems that this award, and others like it, have only encouraged the company to further their opulent offerings—specifically the addition of Paul Gauguin Cruises' newest shipTere Moana back in July.
Now, along with the launching of the 90-guest Tere Moana, the cruise line is offering new shore excursions for their award-winning Caribbean and Panama Canal voyages. The seven-night $2,595 Caribbean cruises head to the British Virgin Islands and the French West Indies as well as St. Kitts & Nevis. While you're exploring the islands, you won't have to worry about touring with a big group and getting lost in the shuffle. You can reserve activities with no more than 13 fellow travelers, or as little as two to six others if you wish for a more intimate experience.
And because you will probably get tired of the boat after a few days, Paul Gauguin Cruises ensures you get your land legs back for a little while with a number of excursions to the shore. While anchored in Tortola, there is a Dolphin Royal Swim available for $159; but you can’t really put a price on that kind of happiness. If you’d rather admire Flipper from a safe distance however, there’s eco-snorkel and kayaking for $139. On Virgin Gorda, guests are offered a tour of the famous Baths for $89, which are ranked number two in U.S. News’ top things to do in the British Virgin Islands. While stopped in St. Barts, the cruise line offers an ATV adventure for $159, to give you a bit of a break from all the peaceful activities you’ll no doubt be participating in.
If your voyage of choice is 13-14 days spent traveling around the Panama Canal, you will be making appearances in such vacation destinations as Cartagena, Antigua, Aruba, and some more of the French West Indies. The Panamanian trip begins at $4,995 per person and because it's a longer time at sea, makes for a more leisurely schedule if you want to take it easy a few of those days.
The list of activities for the Panama Canal shore excursions are slightly more laid back as well as a little lengthier due to the extra week spent aboard. You can golf or get a Segway tour in Antigua or take a hiking tour of the National Park in Marenco for $129. If you’d rather walk around Willemstad though, that’s only $69. If you want some more excitement in your life, there’s La Boquilla Mangrove Canoe Tour & Cartagena City Walk, going for about $100 each. In Marenco, you can even horseback ride for four hours to the Last Frontier for $249. All you have to do is decide what relaxing or thrilling extras you wish to experience during your cruise and let Paul Gauguin supply the lasting memories.
