More pointers
for your cruise

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Getting there

Thanks to the modern jet
French Polynesia is easy to reach today by air.

Air Tahiti Nui offers the most direct and nonstop flights to Papeete, Tahiti, the gateway city to French Polynesia. It flies from Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Tokyo, Sydney, Auckland, and Paris.

Other international airlines flying to Papeete include Qantas, Air New Zealand, Air France, Lan Chile, United, and Hawaiian Airlines. Inter-island airlines are Air Tahiti and Air Moorea.

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Book early

Air
Fares increase and seat availability decreases the closer you get to the sailing date.

Cruise
Almost every Paul Gauguin cruise throughout the year is sold out because of its high appeal and the limited cabin count. You may need to book 9 to 12 months ahead if you want the choice month of July. The earlier you book, the lower the cruise fare will likely be. And, you may even receive a bonus like free airfare and special pre- and post-cruise resort rates.

Shore excursions
Make your reservations for them ahead of time from your travel agent or on the Regent Seven Seas Cruises' website. If you arrive without reservations, be in line at the ship's travel concierge desk at 9 p.m. on embarkation day when it starts taking bookings.

Restaurants
To secure dinner reservations for La Veranda and Le Grill for your preferred days and times, see the maitre d' at the La Veranda restaurant between 3 and 5 p.m. on embarkation day. That's when reservations are first taken.

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Best period to visit Polynesia

June to August has the least rain, lowest humidity, and the coolest temperatures. The opposite occurs from November to February. However, downpours are almost always brief, sometimes measured in minutes.

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How to pronounce
island names

Tip: Do not run vowels together. Pronounce every one distinctly. Example: for "Moorea", break it into four syllables - "mo-o-re-a".

Australs
ah-strols'

Bora Bora (tourists)
boh-rah' boh-rah'

Bora Bora (natives)
poh-rah' poh-rah' (roll the "r")

Fatu Hiva
fah-too' hee-vah'

Hiva Oa
hee-vuh' oh'-ah

Huahine
who-ah-hee'-neh

Marquesas
mahr-kay'-suhz

Moorea
moh'-oh-ray'-ah

Motu
moh'-too

Rangiroa
rahn-ghee'-roh-ah

Ra'iatea
ray' ee-ah-tee'-ah

Taha'a
tah-hah-ah

Tahiti
tah-hee'-tee

Tuamotus
too-ah-moh-toos

Ua Pou
wah-pooo

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What's free onboard (partial list)

Almost all food and beverages, including those in the mini-bar.

Tips.

Onboard entertainment.

Marina: kayaking, water skiing and snorkeling - and the use of the nautical equipment.

Films for your in-cabin DVD player.

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What's extra  (partial list):

Nearly all shore excursions.

Scuba diving.

Laundry & dry cleaning.

Medical services

Internet access.

Ship-to-shore phone calls.

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Money

Official currency
On most cruise ships, it's the US dollar. On the islands, it's the French Pacific Franc (CPF). Most tourist-oriented outfits accept the dollar and major credit cards. Still, I recommend carrying some CPFs, just in case. Note: The Paul Gauguin does not exchange currency.

Expensive islands
Practically everything you might want to buy in French Polynesia is very expensive. The more popular the island, the more that will likely be. That goes for restaurants, resorts and taxis. Note: This makes a cruise fare that includes bed, food, drink and entertainment in Polynesia a good value.

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Communications

Internet Cafe
For a fee, you can email and surf the web - or use your own laptop in a wi-fi area. Connection speed can be quite slow. An alternative is to visit an island cyber cafe.

Phone calls
You pay hefty rates when you call ship to shore. Some passengers use their cell phones (if they work onboard) or call from an island pay phone.

Keeping up with the news
Read the daily international news sheet or watch the satellite news on your cabin television.

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Children facilities

The Paul Gauguin does not have dedicated facilities for children. However, it has a special educational program for them run by Jean-Michel Cousteau's organization from about mid-June to mid-August and during the Christmas period.

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Children-free cruises

The ship is never overwhelmed by children, but if it's important to you to have a child count at or near zero, avoid school vacation and holiday periods.

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Sun protection

You are near the equator, so you may want to wear a brimmed hat and put on a high-SPF sun screen when you are in the sun.

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Smoking policy

There's no smoking in cabins (including private decks) and public spaces (except in the Connoisseurs Club and certain designated deck areas).

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Dress code

It's smart country-club casual, meaning no swim suits in restaurants - and no jeans or shorts in public areas after 6 p.m. This is the tropics, so jackets are not necessary in the evening (a polo shirt or short-sleeve Hawaiian-style print shirt worn with dress slacks will do). However, you will probably want to wear a jacket for the Captain's Welcome Party (ties are optional).

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Passenger demographics

Guests come from all corners of the world. The vast majority is Americans, though Canadians, French and the British are well represented. The typical passenger is well traveled and educated.

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Paul Gauguin statistics

The ship was custom designed for sailing French Polynesia. Its shallow draft (5 meters or 17 feet) allows it to sail into shallow lagoons. More ship statistics:

Built: France (1998)

Last Refurbishment: 2008

Length: 156 meters (513 feet)

Cruising speed: 18 knots

Motion stabilizers: Yes

Cabins: 165

Passengers: 330 

Crew: 215

Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1.5 to 1

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