Paul Gauguin 2012 Itineraries

Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest rated and longest continually-sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the MS Paul Gauguin, has announced details of its 2012 itineraries, which will once again feature FREE flights between Los Angeles and Papeete. To ensure every sailing continues to be the cruise of a lifetime, Paul Gauguin Cruises will continue to focus on the exotic regions in which it specialises - Tahiti, French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, the Society Islands, the Marquesas and Tuamotus – while adding the spectacular destinations of Fiji and New Caledonia into the mix.

Following a multi-million dollar refurbishment in January 2012, the ship will embark on a series of 40 stunning itineraries, with prices starting from just £3,933 per person for a seven-night Society Islands cruise, including return economy flights from the UK, overseas transfers, a night in Los Angeles and use of a day room post-cruise.

Other programme highlights include:

· A 20-night South Pacific Discovery cruise and land package, which allows guests to discover the scenic splendours of Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, the Cook Islands and the Society Islands.

· An 11-night whale-watching itinerary in September, taking in Rurutu, Bora Bora and Moorea.

· A seven-night Society Islands voyage on June 2 taking in the transit of Venus.

· Two new Fiji voyages in October and November visiting Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands.

· Unique Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Programme to operate onboard from June 2 to the end of August. This groundbreaking programme introduces travellers to the extraordinary natural wonders of French Polynesia and aims to give young participants direct, hands-on interactive experience with knowledge of marine and island ecosystems.

· Any guests new to Paul Gauguin Cruises who have previously sailed with another luxury cruise line will benefit from a 10% saving on selected 2012 voyages.

The full sailing schedule will include:

Raiatea: the island was once the cultural, religious, royal and political heart of Polynesia and was, according to legend, one of Tahiti's most significant archaeological sites.

Taha’a: adjacent to Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private Motu Mahana, featuring white sand beaches with swaying palms, crystal-clear waters and gentle breezes, where guests can enjoy a barbecue lunch serenaded by Polynesian singers.

Bora Bora: immediately recognisable by the basalt tombstone of Mount Otemanu rising from the ocean, this half-atoll, half-mountain is surrounded by a spectacular lagoon and a series of smaller islands.

Moorea/Tahiti: covered in an abundance of fresh fruits and flowers, spectacular mountain peaks, peaceful multi-hued lagoons and palm-fringed beaches. Here guests can shop for local crafts, trek on the “Trails of the Ancients,” snorkel one of the world's most beautiful lagoons, or embark on a dolphin-watching expedition with a marine biologist.

Cook Islands: guests will marvel at the contrast of arid Aitutaki, where the ocean is always in view, and Rarotonga, an island of lush valleys and jagged peaks.

For more info, see www.pgcruises.com or contact the UK's leading adventure-cruise specialists of the Cruise Line Ltd.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.