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Shannon Olson’s Tropical Adventure with Paul Gauguin

Shannon Olson’s Tropical Adventure with Paul Gauguin

About Shannon

Shannon Olson is passionate about creating travel experiences that go beyond simply getting from one place to another. As a travel consultant, she specializes in designing custom journeys tailored to each traveler’s interests, whether it’s biking through the Alentejo vineyards of Portugal, trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, or kayaking along the Antarctic ice shelf. She believes that every trip should be a seamless blend of adventure, comfort, and personal style.

With a deep commitment to sustainability and cultural appreciation, Shannon curates itineraries that not only inspire but also respect the destinations visited. Her expertise ensures that every journey is crafted with precision, aligning with her client’s interests, budget, and timeframe. She takes pride in getting every detail right the first time, valuing both the traveler’s time and experience.

Shannon’s goal is to create unforgettable adventures while fostering a deeper connection to the world. She believes that while travel has the power to transform individuals, it should leave the places visited just as they were found.

 

About Paul Gauguin

Paul Gauguin Cruises specializes in luxury small-ship voyages through the South Pacific, offering an intimate and immersive way to explore destinations like Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the Marquesas. Designed to reflect the spirit of French Polynesia, the m/s Paul Gauguin provides exceptional service, all-inclusive amenities, and enriching cultural experiences. With a focus on relaxed luxury, personalized attention, and unique itineraries, Paul Gauguin Cruises offers an unforgettable way to discover some of the world’s most breathtaking islands.

To hear about Shannon’s experience aboard a Paul Gauguin cruise, read on for her insights and recommendations.


Q&A with Shannon Olson About her Paul Gauguin Cruise

What was the itinerary for your Paul Gauguin cruise?

We embarked in Papeete, Tahiti for an 11-night cruise, exploring the Society Islands and the Cook Islands.

paul gauguin cruise review

Which destinations did you visit, and were there any standout highlights?

We headed for Huahini first, then went south towards New Zealand to explore 2 of the Cook Islands, Aitutaki & Rarotonga. Another day at sea was spent crossing the Pacific back towards Tahiti to reach Bora Bora, Moorea, and Taha’a.

Every island we visited was outstanding with their own natural features. One island that really stood out was Aitutaki in the Cook Islands, often hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the South Pacific. Known for its pristine beauty, we enjoyed the powdery white sand that contrasted vividly with the turquoise water of the lagoon. The calm crystal-clear water was perfect for swimming, snorkeling and spotting colorful marine life and coral. A unique feature was the small post office at the beach where visitors can get their passports stamped with a special souvenir stamp – one of the only places in the world where this is possible. It’s a must-visit gem we will never forget.

How much time did you spend at each port, and what activities did you enjoy the most?

We spent one full day on most of the islands we visited. The itinerary included 2 overnight stays with 2 full days each to explore Bora Bora & Moorea.

Waking up to a new destination full of options to explore made every morning a delight. In Bora Bora, we did Pure Snorkelling by Reef Discovery. The excursion stopped three times at different points of the island to snorkel in the most preserved coral gardens of the lagoon. We had an opportunity to see a rich variety of fishes and beautiful coral formations as well as amazing manta rays, eagle rays and blacktip reef sharks. The trip included a cruise by the ancient crater rim of Motu Toopua and Motu Tapu. We then dropped anchor on a shallow sandbank to discover the elegant, yet harmless stingrays. We watched in amazement as the rays and sharks glided effortlessly around us. These creatures here are known for their shy and non-aggressive behavior. Perfect swimming mates!

We also enjoyed exploring islands with a rental car at our own pace. The endless waterfalls, hiking trails, and natural public beaches were a pleasure to see on roads that were easy to navigate. Stunning views around every corner!

paul gauguin cruise review

Were there any unique shore excursions or cultural experiences you would recommend?

I really enjoyed the Taha’a Cultural Tour. We began by exploring this scenic island, known as the Vanilla Island, by first visiting a Vanilla Plantation. We had a brief tour of the grounds of the plantation and a presentation on farming and cultivation of this precious spice. We bought some vanilla pods & gifts at the shop. Afterward, we learned about the history, legends and present-day life of Taha’a. There were a number of photo stops along the route. The final stop was at the ‘Motu Pearl Village’ where you will find out all about the creation of the Tahitian Black Pearl.

What were your first impressions of the Paul Gauguin ship?

When we walked aboard the Paul Gauguin ship we immediately noticed how much space there was for each guest. With only 247 passengers on our cruise, there were always chairs available by the pool, in the dining rooms, piano bar and at the Grand Salon, where we enjoyed the excellent entertainment and enrichment talks. There were 8 people in our group, and we never had any problem sitting together.

paul gauguin cruise review

What was the cabin like in terms of comfort, space, and amenities?

We booked a cabin with a balcony. Our space was beautifully laid out in neutral tones, a very comfortable bed with luxurious sheets, plenty of space for our belongings and a spacious balcony where we could sit to have our morning coffee and watch the approach to our next island. I was concerned about being on a smaller ship as I get motion nausea quite easily. I chose a mid-ship cabin on deck 7 and never had a single moment of seasickness.

Were there any standout dining experiences or special meals you enjoyed onboard?

Every night we had dinner at La Veranda with a large round table for 8. Angelo was always our waiter, and he took such good care of us. A sommelier came to our table each night to suggest wines and they were all delicious. Each meal had 4-5 courses, from an appetizer, soup or salad, palate cleanser, main course, and dessert plus a French cheese plate. Wine, cappuccino, specialty drinks, cocktails and dessert wines, port, liquors, and anything you desire. A couple of nights we had lobster and Angelo was kind enough to bring us out second servings. Our final night felt extra special, and we were sad to say goodbye to Angelo!

paul gauguin cruise review

How did the staff and crew enhance your cruise experience?

The crew aboard the PG were exceptional! Nothing was too much trouble. Most of the crew had worked aboard that ship for many years and you could tell they were family.

There is a warm, friendly feel, an informal setting, and a beloved troupe of Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines—local Tahitians who serve as onboard hosts and hostesses, entertainers, and storytellers. Aside from the local staff, each person we interacted with from maids to hosts and waiters did their job with pride and kindness.

What kinds of activities and entertainment were available onboard?

Each morning we received itinerary options for the day. During the day, if you didn’t go ashore, you could go to educational talks to learn about the fascinating islands we were visiting and the life of Paul Gauguin. The captain explained to us what our trip to the Cook Islands was going to involve and we learned a lot about sailing the ship across open waters, how they negotiated the arrival and getting out tenders to shore. Live music, cultural shows, jewelry making, top deck walkabouts, a magic show, and the trivia team games in the piano bar were a real hit with our group.

paul gauguin cruise review

What was your favourite way to relax onboard during downtime?

Hours by the pool watching the world go by with a good book was enjoyed daily. We enjoyed sitting on the top deck at night, laying back on the cozy loungers and discussing the stars and constellations. The night sky was breathtaking!

How would you describe the cruise line’s approach to showcasing Polynesian culture?

The warmth of the Polynesian people was felt from the moment they put a lei around your neck as you embarked. The Gauguins and Gauguines put on fabulous shows, dancing and singing in the Grand Salon. The French Polynesian fusion in all the meals was impressive and delicious. It was easy to eat well with many light options and healthy portion sizes.

paul gauguin cruise review

Were there any luxury touches or personalized experiences that stood out to you?

We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary on our cruise. This provided us the opportunity to book an exclusive dinner for four on the marina, located at the back of the ship, with our own dining table, servers and entertainment. First, we had a private champagne cruise around the Bora Bora lagoon during sunset. When we arrived back at the platform, we were spoiled with a lavish dinner, just the four of us. It was a magical night we will never forget.

Do you have any tips for travelers considering a Paul Gauguin cruise?

Of course! With Tahiti only being a couple of hours past Hawaii and a small 3-hour time difference, it was much closer and easier to get to than we expected. This is not your typical cruise where you lay around and eat/drink too much (although you can if you want to). Guests who are active can hike, bike, surf, swim and explore the islands almost every day where you have the choice to spend your days on land. The views from each island were unique and breathtaking. Check out our incredible hiking photos!

Don’t wait! If you have wanted to explore the Polynesian Islands, this is a stress-free way to see all of the locations you have on your list, plus a couple you never knew existed. It was worth every penny! Take advantage of the many specials PG Cruises has during the year. The farther out you reserve your cabin, the more you save.

paul gauguin cruise review

 

Would you recommend this cruise to families, couples, or solo travelers, and why?

Paul Gauguin offers cruises to families during the summer months, and it sounds like an excellent program to keep the kids happy. Couples will forever remember this romantic experience. It’s truly special and lets you see a part of the world that few ever venture to.

A Paul Gauguin cruise offers an incredible way to explore the beauty and culture of the South Pacific, combining luxury, adventure, and immersive experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of crystal-clear lagoons, enriching shore excursions, or the personalized service of a small-ship cruise, this journey delivers it all. If Shannon’s experience has inspired you, reach out to her to start planning your own Paul Gauguin adventure. She’ll ensure every detail is tailored to your preferences, creating an unforgettable trip!

 


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