Q&A with Cindy: Cruising French Polynesia with Paul Gauguin Cruises

In this regard Marquesas, Tuamotu and Society Islands 14-night cruisePaul Gauguin Cruises explores three famous archipelagos in French Polynesia in depth.

On this extraordinary journey, you'll snorkel among the colorful underwater wonders of Fakarava in the Tuamotu Islands and search for archaeological ruins and ancient petroglyphs in the rainforest of the Marquesas, one of the most remote islands on earth. You can't help but fall in love with the pristine beaches, azure waters and legendary lagoons of Bora Bora and Moorea in the fabled Society Islands.

Our President Cindy recently traveled to this fascinating destination aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin. We chatted with her to find out what makes French Polynesia so special, and we also got some great advice on planning your own cruise to Tahiti and its surrounding islands.

What was your first impression when you stepped aboard the (ship name)?

The staff is very friendly and the interior is clean and nice. The cabin has lots of storage which makes good use of the space and there is cabin controlled air conditioning which is nice. There are great bathroom amenities such as large containers of local shampoo, conditioner and shower gel, as well as very good lotions. Plus, they offer a whole host of handy items like combs, makeup remover pads, Q-tips, and a nifty hair dryer.

How does the onboard experience compare to other cruises you've been on?

I think the biggest difference is that because Paul Guaguin has been cruising in French Polynesia for a long time, they have a lot of staff and crew that have been sailing with them for many years and it feels like being part of a big family on this ship. There are only a maximum of 300 passengers and 211 crew members on board, so it doesn't take long to get acquainted with the staff and passengers. I also love that they use local guides and instructors – not only do you learn about the history and culture, but you also hear real stories about real families.

Have you found a favorite spot on your boat—a place you come back to often to enjoy the scenery or just to relax?

We spent a lot of time on the top deck with Pascal, one of the local Tahitian instructors, just admiring the amazing views. We also really enjoyed listening to music on the pool deck in the early evening and watching the sun go down, or listening to Ricky play in the piano bar, he was great.

Are you still thinking about meals or drinks on board?

The food here is some of the best I've ever had, and I've been on a lot of ships. Each buffet lunch has a different theme but is always delicious. On this ship, they have three great restaurants, each offering excellent meals. We had lobster several times and each time it was cooked differently and there were many other options. Best of all, you can order room service which is always good too. One of my favorite things is the fresh banana pancakes, they are the best I have ever had!

Which islands have you visited? What is unique to you about each island?

We visited Fakarava, Fatu Hiva, Hiva, Tahutata and Nuku Hiva in Tuamotu, all of the Marquesas Islands. We also visited the Society Islands including Huahine, Bora Bora, Taha'a, Moorea and of course Tahiti. We really love the Marquesas Islands; they are so remote, so lush, and the people are so friendly.

Have you tried any local food or cultural experiences that stood out to you?

We tried a lot of local food. I love Poulet Fafa (called Chicken Luau in Hawaii), very delicious and healthy. A lot of the food is cooked with coconut milk and herbs because it grows there, and of course, there's lots of fresh fish. We really enjoyed eating so much fresh fruit – all kinds of mangoes, berries, watermelon, star fruit, and lots of different bananas, all delicious.

As far as cultural experiences go, we loved hiking in the Marquesas Islands. We took one to an ancient gathering place of the Marquesas and a cemetery under a banyan tree. We were able to see petroglyphs from hundreds of years ago and hear stories of great and wise leaders. Plus, the local dancers were a real treat!

Have you spotted any memorable wildlife during your travels (either on a boat or on an excursion)?

Yes, we saw dolphins and whales on the boat, as well as many interesting and colorful birds, as well as wild horses. We were able to swim with sharks and rays which was amazing and I was also able to snorkel next to a baby whale and its mother which is something I will never forget.

Which trip really blew your mind and why?

Swimming with whales is amazing.

Are there any cultural moments—music, dance, art, or just conversation—that stand out to you?

On each island we hear some kind of music. They were mostly small bands with lots of drums and very beautiful singing. The dance performed for us on and off the boat was unlike anything I had ever seen before. They are truly a storytelling experience. I must also say that each island smells so wonderful – all the blooming flowers fill the air with fragrance.

Does the size or service of a smaller cruise ship create special moments that you can't get on a larger cruise ship?

Yes, we quickly became friends with a couple from Switzerland, a lady from Australia and another couple from the UK. There are many people on this ship who have had the same experience as us.

Who do you think this type of cruise is best for?

I'm glad I did this because I would have said it was for younger people who want to spend a lot of time at the beach or go snorkeling, but boy was I wrong. It’s a diverse group of people and ages. We have several honeymooning couples of all ages, as well as many singles over the age of 65. Most couples are over 55 years old and range up to their 80s.

There's plenty to do – you can kayak, snorkel, dive, or just take a walk on the lush trails. You can wander into the village to meet the locals, visit the Paul Gauguin Museum of Art, or head to the James Hall Museum where you can see the original copy of the book Mutiny on the Bounty. You can go shopping and pick up some handmade wood carvings. Plus, the scenery and wildlife are beautiful.

What advice would you give to someone planning a Tahiti cruise – pack, take a short trip, or plan ahead?

I recommend planning a trip to Tahiti in October or early November when the weather is not as hot or humid and there are fewer tourists. On the Paul Gauguin cruise, I recommend booking shore excursions early as they do sell out. Some excursions, such as glass-bottom boat tours or diving tours, can accommodate a very limited number of guests.

Of course, we can guide you through all of this so you have the perfect trip!

Please call USA River Cruises at 800-578-1479.