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Crossing Melanesia: Australia to Fiji

Darwin, Australia - Lautoka, Viti Levu Island

Dates:
4/15/2025
to  5/1/2025

16
NIGHTS
Cruise Only
Starting from*
$7,000
30% PGC Bonus
Request a quote

Explore wild beauty and important history on this immersive journey navigating the remote island countries of Melanesia, from the verdant landscapes of Australia’s Northern Territory to the tribal culture of Papua New Guinea and the historical WWII significance of Guadalcanal. Two days in the Solomon Islands allow for incredible snorkeling and diving, with the pristine beaches and enchanting culture of Vanuatu ready to welcome you just beyond. Arrive in Fiji, ready to discover its vibrant markets and famed shores.

Highlights

  • Experience the unique culture of Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay people on a call to Alotau, and explore the region’s stunning coral reefs, tropical rainforests, and WWII historical sites.
  • Balance your overnight discovery of Honiara with immersive adventures among waterfalls, coral reefs, and rainforests, and visit the haunting remnants and battlefields of WWII history.
  • Play on Vanuatu’s acclaimed beaches – including the iconic Champagne Beach, revered for its effervescent “bubbles” – and swim in crystal-clear waters; channel Michener’s “Tales of the South Pacific” during a call to idyllic Espiritu Santo.

Main Image: @TahitiTourism

See Detailed Itinerary

Your itinerary

Your trip in detail

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Choose your stateroom

Choose your stateroom

F Porthole Stateroom
 

(204 sq.ft.)

From $7,000
30% PGC Bonus

E Window Stateroom
 

(204 sq.ft.)

From $7,730
30% PGC Bonus

D Balcony Stateroom
 

(215 sq.ft.)

From $9,420
30% PGC Bonus

C Balcony Stateroom
 

(215 sq.ft.)

From $9,940
30% PGC Bonus

B Veranda Stateroom
 

(247 sq.ft.)

From $11,920
30% PGC Bonus

A Veranda Suite
 

(301 sq.ft.)

From $14,410
30% PGC Bonus

GS Grand Suite
 

(322 sq.ft.)

From $18,380
30% PGC Bonus

Owner's Suite
 

(527 sq.ft.)

From $19,400
30% PGC Bonus



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Duration: 14 Nights
Next Departure Date: 2/3/2024

Prices starting from $7,900

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*Price listed is per person cruise only, double occupancy and includes promotional discounts and port security and handle fees. Prices and availability of stateroom category are subject to change until deposit is completed.

Ports of Call
Darwin, Australia

April 15, 2025 Darwin, Australia


Embarkation 4/15/2025 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 4/15/2025 at 6:00 PM


A fusion of natural beauty, wildlife, and rich indigenous culture, Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory situated on Australia’s “Top End.” Characterized by a tropical climate and lush wetlands, it is the gateway to national parks including the UNESCO-listed Kakadu, known for its ancient rock art; and Litchfield, where waterfalls flow and magnetic termite mounds reach skyward. See jumping crocodiles on the Adelaide River or steal away time in the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens and lose yourself amidst the palms and orchids as rainbow lorikeets and cockatoos flit among the flowers.

At Sea

April 16, 2025  April 17, 2025 At Sea


Arrival 4/16/2025
Departure 4/17/2025


Have you met Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines yet? Our onboard hosts are at the ready to share their Polynesian culture, with Tahitian dance lessons, hands-on traditional craft demonstrations, and an array of activities for all ages. The day is yours to make what you will of it. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests or take part in cooking lessons with the executive chef. Or maybe you’ll unwind poolside or treat yourself to a visit to the Algotherm Spa… or why not both? A day at sea offers ample time to relax and plan your next adventure.

Thursday Island

April 18, 2025 Thursday Island


Arrival 4/18/2025 at 8:00 AM
Departure 4/18/2025 at 2:00 PM


Immerse yourself in the island’s cultural mix of Asian, European, and Pacific Island influences at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre. At Green Hill Fort, built as a defense against Russian invasion and later a World War II military base, admire military artifacts and splendid views, as well as exhibits that pay homage to the island’s pearl fishing history. Or join a deep-sea fishing expedition.

At Sea

April 19, 2025 At Sea


Arrival 4/19/2025
Departure 4/19/2025


Have you met Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines yet? Our onboard hosts are at the ready to share their Polynesian culture, with Tahitian dance lessons, hands-on traditional craft demonstrations, and an array of activities for all ages. The day is yours to make what you will of it. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests or take part in cooking lessons with the executive chef. Or maybe you’ll unwind poolside or treat yourself to a visit to the Algotherm Spa… or why not both? A day at sea offers ample time to relax and plan your next adventure.

Alotau, Papua New Guinea

April 20, 2025 Alotau, Papua New Guinea


Arrival 4/20/2025 at 12:00 PM
Departure 4/20/2025 at 6:00 PM


Discover the hidden gem of Alotau on Papua New Guinea's southeastern shore, a tropical paradise home to pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Warm and welcoming locals are proud to share their rich cultural heritage, notably their traditions of dance and music. Local cuisine tantalizes with a fusion of seafood, exotic fruits, root vegetables, and the ubiquitous coconut. Here you can journey inland to see cascading waterfalls crowning untouched wilderness and dive in to crystal-clear waters in search of majestic sea turtles.

Samarai Island

April 21, 2025 Samarai Island


Arrival 4/21/2025
Departure 4/21/2025 at 3:00 PM


Once an important trading center, Samarai Island was evacuated, and its buildings were destroyed to prevent it from falling into Japanese control during World War II. It has since been rebuilt — though not to the same scale as its glory days. Take a stroll along the pleasant pathway that encircles its pretty town, view spectacular marine life on a SCUBA diving expedition, or simply relax on the beach.

At Sea

April 22, 2025 At Sea


Arrival 4/22/2025
Departure 4/22/2025


Have you met Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines yet? Our onboard hosts are at the ready to share their Polynesian culture, with Tahitian dance lessons, hands-on traditional craft demonstrations, and an array of activities for all ages. The day is yours to make what you will of it. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests or take part in cooking lessons with the executive chef. Or maybe you’ll unwind poolside or treat yourself to a visit to the Algotherm Spa… or why not both? A day at sea offers ample time to relax and plan your next adventure.

Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands

April 23, 2025  April 24, 2025 Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands


Arrival 4/23/2025 at 1:00 PM
Departure 4/24/2025 at 6:00 PM


The largest of the Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal is best known for the six-month battle between Allied and Japanese forces that marked a turning point in the Pacific theater during World War II. The island still brims with World War II relics, monuments, and memorials, as you may discover. Perhaps you'll explore its tropical interior, with its excellent birdwatching. Or see for yourself why the island is revered for its superior snorkeling and diving.

At Sea

April 25, 2025  April 26, 2025 At Sea


Arrival 4/25/2025
Departure 4/26/2025


Have you met Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines yet? Our onboard hosts are at the ready to share their Polynesian culture, with Tahitian dance lessons, hands-on traditional craft demonstrations, and an array of activities for all ages. The day is yours to make what you will of it. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests or take part in cooking lessons with the executive chef. Or maybe you’ll unwind poolside or treat yourself to a visit to the Algotherm Spa… or why not both? A day at sea offers ample time to relax and plan your next adventure.

Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

April 27, 2025 Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu


Arrival 4/27/2025 at 7:00 AM
Departure 4/27/2025 at 4:00 PM


A stunning island of palm-lined beaches, spring-fed swimming holes, lush rainforests, and lofty mountains, Espiritu Santo also played an important role in World War II. Perhaps you’ll explore this heritage or experience the island’s traditional village life. You can also enjoy exceptional swimming and snorkeling here. Or simply relax on the beach.

Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu

April 28, 2025 Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu


Arrival 4/28/2025 at 7:00 AM
Departure 4/28/2025 at 10:00 PM


Located on the island of Éfaté, Vanuatu’s enchanting capital is a tropical paradise of pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush landscapes—key among them the Mele Cascades, a series of tiered waterfalls and refreshing pools. Explore the Erakor Rainforest, a verdant sanctuary of winding trails with wooden bridges and towering trees home to abundant birdlife including colorful parrots and elusive kingfishers as well as tree-dwelling geckos and dazzling butterflies. Or choose snorkeling, sailing, and jetboating adventures in Mele Bay surrounding the Pango Peninsula.
 
At Sea

April 29, 2025  April 30, 2025 At Sea


Arrival 4/29/2025
Departure 4/30/2025


Have you met Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines yet? Our onboard hosts are at the ready to share their Polynesian culture, with Tahitian dance lessons, hands-on traditional craft demonstrations, and an array of activities for all ages. The day is yours to make what you will of it. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests or take part in cooking lessons with the executive chef. Or maybe you’ll unwind poolside or treat yourself to a visit to the Algotherm Spa… or why not both? A day at sea offers ample time to relax and plan your next adventure.

Lautoka, Viti Levu Island

May 1, 2025 Lautoka, Viti Levu Island


Arrival 5/1/2025 at 7:00 AM
Disembarkation 5/1/2025 at 8:00 AM


Once you arrive in Lautoka (known as “Sugar City” for the green-gold sugarcane that surrounds the city), there’s much to explore. Stroll its palm-lined streets, experience everyday life in a traditional village, or hike in Koroyanitu National Heritage Park.

m/s Paul Gauguin

Designed specifically to glide in luxury through the shallow seas of the South Pacific, The Gauguin is a small-ship cruiser’s dream. She delivers travelers to intimate ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships, all the while providing a travel experience that is nothing short of luxurious. Once on board, guests enjoy newly-decorated spacious suites and staterooms (nearly 70% with private balconies), an onboard watersports marina, three dining venues, an extensive spa, and five-star service. Life on The Gauguin also reflects the beauty and rich cultural heritage of the islands she calls upon, with a warm, friendly feel, informal setting, and even a beloved troupe of Les Gauguin and Les Gauguines—local Tahitians who serve as onboard hosts and hostesses, entertainers, and storytellers.



Until 330 Guests

165 Staterooms & Suites


209 Crew Members

Spa


3 Restaurants

Decks

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