Saturday, April 2 Papeete, Tahiti
To
be one of just 320 guests is to enjoy the ultimate luxury - privacy.
There are no crowds. No endless announcements. No long
lines. All staterooms have sweeping ocean views. Today, you settle-in
to your well-appointed cabin, complete with rich hardwood furnishings
and an in-suite stocked bar. On your first night in La Veranda
restaurant, your luscious compote is composed so artfully that it
rivals a painting by Gauguin himself. (D)
Sunday, April 3 Sailing the South Seas
Today is an ideal day to explore the ship's features between
workshops and activities. Explore the Fare "Tahiti
House" museum gallery of unique art and artifacts which convey the
fascinating history and culture of the islands of Polynesia. The
collection includes paintings, prints, statues and documents relating
to Tahiti's pre-European past, including several woodcut prints and an
original bronze by Gauguin himself.
TODAY'S ASTRONOMICAL TOURS' ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY: HANDS-ON UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP.
(B/L/D)
Monday, April 4
By
now, you will have come to know the special staff called "Le
Gauguines". These young Tahitian ladies job is to bring the culture of
their homeland onto the ship during the entire cruise. This
includes serenading passengers in dining rooms in traditional dress,
putting on several performances featuring Polynesian songs, dances and
customs.
TODAY'S ASTRONOMICAL TOURS' ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY: GETTING TO KNOW METEORITES!
Today,
Dr. Michael D. Reynolds will teach you all about meteorites. You will
learn what is so special about these rocks from space and how to
recognize them. You will learn how to polish your own piece of North
African Meteorite which is yours to keep home. (B/L/D)
Tuesday, April 5
Your
Polynesian experience continues at a comfortable and gracious pace.
Today, Les Gauguines share time making local jewelry, pareo tying,
applying Polynesian makeup, storytelling and Polynesian dance lessons.
TODAY'S ASTRONOMICAL TOURS' ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY: MAKING A SAFE SOLAR FILTER. (B/L/D)
Wednesday-Thursday, April 6-7 Pitcairn Island
Visit
the island notorious and elusive. Visit the direct decendants of the
infamous Bounty, whose island solitude is so isolated that they still
speak old-english. (B/L/D)
Friday, April 8 Eclipse Centerline
Arrival
with ample time prior to first contact, the Paul Gauguin is fitted with
state of the art satellite weather communication. The centerline
location for the path of totality is north of Pitcairn. The elevation
of the sun will be at 61 degrees. The sun will just barely be eclipsed
at totality offering an abundance of ruby red prominences and bright
Baily's Beads. (B/L/D)
Saturday, April 9
TODAY'S ASTRONOMICAL TOURS' ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY: ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVING WITH BINOCULARS - Another
hands-on activity, Dr. Reynolds will familiarize you with the amazing
and different treasures of the southern sky. He will be explaining how
to put your binoculars to use for quality stargazing with results that
will surprise you!
(B/L/D)
Sunday, April10 Sailing to Marquesas
Learn the crafts and dances of the Polynesian culture from the experts
on board. Like the Polynesians, you may wish to simply follow what the
day brings. You will be invited to complimentary Tahitian-Style events
and social gatherings during the cruise.
TODAY'S ASTRONOMICAL TOURS' ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY: MAKING A SAFE SOLAR FILTER. (B/L/D)
Monday, April 11 Atuona, Hiva Oa
Walk
in the footsteps of Paul Gauguin on Hiva Oa where he found his ultimate
inspiration surrounded by the pristine natural and unaffected beauty of
French Polynesia. His paintings and sculptures captured the raw beauty
of the peaceful, natural wonder which shines within these islands and
its people. (B/L/D)
Tuesday, April 12 Taiohae, Nuka Hiva
Taiohae's
spectacular bay is a giant volcanic amphitheater dominated by towering
cliffs streaked with waterfalls. Taiohae Bay is where a 23-year-old
sailor, Herman Melville and a buddy jumped a whaling ship in 1842.
Hidden amidst the bamboo and vanilla vines are undiscovered
archaeological treasures. The area is dotted with stone tiki gods and
sacred ritual sites (me'ae) and immense stone platforms (paepae) where
the Taipi built their houses. Enigmatic petroglyphs of birds, sacred
turtles and fish are carved on huge boulders. (B/L/D)
Wednesday, April 13 At Sea on the Paul Gauguin
Thursday, April 14 Fakarava Tuamotu Archipelago
This remote island atoll is home to countless spicies of small, medium
and large ocean fish. Manta rays, Dolphin and occasionally whales come
into the lagoon for easy viewing. (B/L/D)
Friday, April 15 Moorea, Tahiti
Visit
the island most famous for relaxation and for its coral underwater
diversity. Moorea is one of the worlds best dive locations for experts
and amateurs.
(B/L/D)
Saturday, April 16 Papeete, Tahiti
An early morning arrival and good-byes to your friendly crew before you
are transferred to your airline for your flight home.