Dec 16 — 27, 2028Cruise · Small Ship/YachtSouth Pacific & Australia

Polynesia Christmas Cruise 2028

More upcoming trips

Barcelona to Rome 2027Aug 8 — 17, 2027

Legendary Greek Isles CruiseAug 22 — 29, 2027

Epic Allure Caribbean CruiseMar 7 — 14, 2027

Luxury Croatia Dalmatian Coast Cruise by KGAY TravelJul 3 — 11, 2027

ShipPAUL GAUGUINPaul Gauguin Cruises

11Nights

8Ports of Call

330Max Guests

ShipPAUL GAUGUINPaul Gauguin Cruises

A Journey Worth Savoring

From December 16-27, 2028, VACAYA is taking over the beautiful m/s Paul Gauguin for an 11-night journey through the Cook Islands and Society Islands, sailing roundtrip from Papeete, Tahiti. Along the way, guests discover Huahine, Aitutaki, Rarotonga, Bora Bora, Taha'a, and Moorea, with two days at sea and overnights in both Bora Bora and Moorea, including a Christmas Eve celebration at the private islet of Motu Mahana and Christmas Day in Moorea.

An 11-night full-ship LGBTQ+ charter aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin through French Polynesia for Christmas 2028, with overnights in Bora Bora and Moorea and a Christmas Eve private-island celebration.

Steven Krumholz

310.560.9887 — steven@kgaytravel.com

Steven Krumholz is the guy who actually picks up the phone — and the one who knows which cabin, which resort, and which party is worth your time. Decades of access, zero booking fees, all heart.

$0Booking FeeNEVER A FEE — HASSLE FREE.

Don't forget travel insurance.

A Journey Worth Savoring

An 11-night full-ship LGBTQ+ charter aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin through French Polynesia for Christmas 2028, with overnights in Bora Bora and Moorea and a Christmas Eve private-island celebration.

Steven Krumholz

310.560.9887 — steven@kgaytravel.com

Steven Krumholz is the guy who actually picks up the phone — and the one who knows which cabin, which resort, and which party is worth your time. Decades of access, zero booking fees, all heart.

What's in the package

Included

Eleven nights aboard m/s Paul Gauguin
All standard shipboard meals
Dining at L'Etoile, La Veranda, and Le Grill
Complimentary 24-hour room service
Select wines and spirits, beers, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, and tea
In-room refrigerator replenished daily with soft drinks, beer, and bottled water
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Polynesian entertainment and live evening music
Presentations and enrichment from onboard experts
Complimentary snorkel equipment for use throughout the voyage
Kayaking and paddleboarding from the marina or destination beaches where available
Use of Paul Gauguin Cruises' secluded Bora Bora beach
Christmas Eve at Motu Mahana, including watersports, a beach barbecue, full bar service, and the famous floating bar
A full-ship, adults-only LGBTQ+ charter
Your friendly V Team Hosts
Customized VACAYA entertainment
Festive holiday celebrations
Themed cocktail parties
Welcoming social activities
Solo-traveler meetups and opportunities to connect

Not included

Airfare to/from Papeete, Tahiti
Pre- and post-cruise hotels
Airport transfers
Optional shore excursions
Spa and salon services
PADI diving and certification
Premium wines
Medical services
Onboard shop purchases
Onboard Laundry
Gift Shop Purchases

Detailed Itinerary

Day01DEC 16

Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia

Embarkation

Papeete is the vibrant capital city of French Polynesia, located on the island of Tahiti. This bustling port city serves as the cultural and economic heart of the territory, offering a fascinating blend of French colonial heritage and authentic Polynesian culture. From the colorful Papeete Market to sunset food trucks at Place Vai'ete, the city provides an excellent introduction to Tahitian life before exploring the outer islands.

Embarkation3:00 PM→Departure6:30 PM

Embarkation

Day02DEC 17

Huahine, Society Islands

Port

Huahine, known as the 'Authentic Island' or 'Garden of Eden,' is one of French Polynesia's best-kept secrets. This lush, unspoiled paradise features remarkable archaeological sites, sacred blue-eyed eels, vanilla plantations, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the territory. With fewer tourists than neighboring islands, Huahine offers an intimate glimpse into traditional Polynesian life and culture.

Arrive8:00 AM→Depart4:00 PM

Port

Day03DEC 18

At Sea

Port

A day at sea offers the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and enjoy all the ship's amenities without distractions. Take advantage of pools, entertainment, dining experiences, and social activities while cruising the beautiful waters between destinations.

Port

Day04DEC 19

Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Port

Aitutaki is a tranquil island in the southern Cook Islands, celebrated for its vast lagoon, exceptionally clear water in numerous shades of blue, coral reefs, sandbars and scattered uninhabited motu. It is the Cook Islands’ second most visited island and is particularly popular for lagoon cruises, snorkeling, swimming, romantic escapes and relaxed beach holidays.

Arrive8:00 AM→Depart6:00 PM

Port

Day05DEC 20

Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Port

Rarotonga is the largest and most visited island in the Cook Islands and the country’s main tourism hub. Centered around Avarua, the island combines a mountainous volcanic interior, tropical beaches, lagoons, snorkeling and scuba-diving sites, cafés, restaurants, bars and outdoor activities. The island’s coastal road can be driven in roughly 45 minutes, making it convenient to explore by scooter, bicycle or car. Muri is a major base for lagoon activities, while the interior offers hiking and scenic mountain landscapes.

Arrive7:00 AM→Depart5:00 PM

Port

Day06DEC 21

At Sea

Port

Day07DEC 22

Bora Bora, Society Islands

Port

Bora Bora is the crown jewel of French Polynesia, famous worldwide for its iconic turquoise lagoon surrounded by motus (small islets) and dominated by the extinct volcano Mount Otemanu. Known as the 'Pearl of the Pacific,' this legendary destination epitomizes tropical paradise with its overwater bungalows, world-class snorkeling, and incomparable natural beauty that has captivated travelers for generations.

Arrive8:00 AM

Port

Day08DEC 23

Bora Bora, Society Islands

Port

Depart11:00 PM

Port

Day09DEC 24

Motu Mahana, Taha'a

Port

Known as the Vanilla Island, Taha'a is a tranquil volcanic landmass in the Society Islands of French Polynesia. It is famous for its lush plantations that produce some of the world's finest vanilla, its shared turquoise lagoon with neighboring Raiatea, and its numerous small motus surrounded by vibrant coral reefs.

Arrive8:00 AM→Depart5:00 PM

Port

Day10DEC 25

Christmas Day in Moorea

Port

Moorea, Tahiti's magical sister island just 30 minutes by ferry, is renowned for its dramatic volcanic peaks rising from crystal-clear lagoons. Often called the 'Island of the Friendly Lizard,' this heart-shaped paradise offers spectacular snorkeling with sharks and stingrays, breathtaking viewpoints like Belvedere Lookout, and seasonal whale watching. Its lush valleys and pristine bays make it one of the South Pacific's most picturesque destinations.

Arrive8:00 AM

Port

Day11DEC 26