Day 1 (Thursday) USA – Papeete

Depart the States on a trans-Pacific flight; your on your way to the tropical paradise of French Polynesia.

Upon your arrival at Papeete, on the island of Tahiti, you check into the Beachcomber Parkroyal, the island’s finest resort, set on 24 tropical acres, overlooking the ocean and the serrated skyline of neighboring Moorea Island. (D)

After a restful day on Tahiti, you board the M/S Paul Gauguin to begin your island cruise. Launched in France last year, this sleek ship, maintained by Radisson, is named for the man whose life and work embodies the romanticism of French Polynesia. It is a stylish seven-deck vessel – the most luxurious ever to sail in these islands. She carries 320 passengers in spacious, well-appointed outside cabins.

Two fine dining rooms feature international cuisine – L’Etoile, with classic furnishings and fluted shell light fixtures, is a refined Parisian-style room; and La Veranda’s ambiance recalls the Cote d’Azur. An outdoor bistro, espresso bar, and 24-hour room service are also at your disposal. There are folkloric shows, guest lecturers, and dancing in the evenings.

Other facilities include a lounge and casino for entertainment, observation area, library, business center, boutiques, beauty salon and fitness center. In addition to the pool, when at anchor the retractable marina permits water skiing, snorkeling, and diving directly from the ship. (B,L,D)

This morning you arrive at the island of Raiatea, the "sacred island"; Tahitians believe Raiatea is the birthplace of their religion and culture. According to legend, it was from these shores that ancient Polynesian explorers set off for Hawaii and New Zealand and possibly Easter Island. This island and another separate island called Taha’a share the same lagoon. Raiatea is the second largest island of French Polynesia after Tahiti. There are eight villages on the island - the main one, called Uturoa, is a sleepy little town, much like Papeete was once. You see beautiful mountains, lush green valleys, numerous waterfalls, and pineapple and vanilla plantations. On the slopes of Mount Temehani, you may catch a rare glimpse of the Tiare Apetahi, a flower that grows no place else on earth. (B,L,D)

Taha’a, the "vanilla island", shares the lagoon with Raiatea. There is no airport on this island; but it is only a short speedboat trip away from Raiatea. Nevertheless, Taha’a’s charm is that it is almost untouched by the 20^th century. It is a round island with fjord-like inlets. Eighty percent of all vanilla in French Polynesia is produced here. (B,L,D)

For many visitors, the island of Bora Bora (the "marvelous island") is the most stunning in all the Pacific; it is actually a main island surrounded by several offshore motu islets inside a protective coral necklace. The volcanic peaks stand over 2,000 feet above the multi-shaded blue and turquoise colored lagoon, with a barrier reef that provides incredible snorkeling. Look for dolphins, which frequently race boats and play in the wake at the opening to the channel leading into Bora Bora lagoon. (B,L,D)

Beaches on Bora Bora are flawless and the colorful villages are quaint; brilliant hibiscus bloom in the hills and along the valleys. Visit the underwater world of the reef; there is a kaleidoscope of fish and marvelous "gardens" of coral. Relax on the exquisite white sand of Matira Beach, beside lush vegetation; you are in a most beautiful piece of paradise. (B,L,D)

Moorea, called the "garden island", is often compared to James Michener’s mythical island of Bali Hai. You see spectacular bays here - the crystal clear waters of Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay reflect the island’s jagged volcanic peaks. Mountain slopes are covered with pineapple plantations. This is a good place to shop for the renowned black pearls of the South Pacific; and the calm waters in the bay are superb for windsurfing or water skiing. (B,L,D)

After spending the day swimming and sunning at Moorea, the ship sets out for the island of Tahiti. Your farewell dinner with travel companions is on board this evening as you cruise toward Papeete. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, you disembark and are escorted to the airport for your flight back to the States. (B)