Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu: Port Vila and Honiara
A voyage to the heart, with the South Pacific expertise and Polynesian hospitality of the Paul Gauguin
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Darwin to Lautoka
From Darwin to Lautoka in 17 nights across 5 countries - calling at Thursday Island, Alotau, Samarai Island, Honiara and 2 more stops.
Australia and the Pacific: spectacular coastlines, unique wildlife and landscapes of overwhelming scale.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Darwin
17 nights
Lautoka
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Darwin · Embarkation
Darwin is the gateway to the Northern Territory's outback and to Australia's wild Top End. Kakadu National Park (UNESCO World Heritage), with its rock paintings, waterfalls and crocodiles, begins just a few hours away.
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At sea
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Thursday Island
Thursday Island lies in the Torres Strait between Australia and Papua New Guinea and is the administrative centre of the Torres Strait Islands. Indigenous culture and a colonial-era pearling history shape its character.
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At sea
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Alotau
Alotau is the capital of Milne Bay Province at the south-eastern tip of Papua New Guinea and the starting point for voyages through the Louisiade and D'Entrecasteaux Islands. The region was the site of the 1942 Battle of Milne Bay, the first defeat of a Japanese landing in the Pacific War.
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Samarai
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At sea
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Honiara, Insel Guadalcanal
On Guadalcanal in the South Pacific, Honiara is the capital of the Solomon Islands with around 85,000 inhabitants. The tropical island is famous for the decisive Pacific naval battle of World War II, commemorated by the impressive US memorial on Skyline Ridge, and is home to colourful traditional markets with betel nut vendors.
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At sea
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Paradise Lagoon, Espiritu Santo
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Port Vila, Efate
On the south-west coast of the volcanic island of Efate in the Melanesian archipelago of Vanuatu in the South Pacific, this capital wraps around a sheltered natural bay. Colourful market halls, a Franco-British colonial heritage and offshore coral reefs shape the townscape.
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At sea
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Lautoka, Insel Viti Levu · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Darwin
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 26 | 26 | 25 | 22 | 19 | 17 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 25 |
| Sea °C | 23 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 22 |
| Rain mm | 100 | 115 | 130 | 125 | 120 | 130 | 100 | 80 | 70 | 75 | 85 | 78 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: South-east Australia (Sydney)
Disembarkation: Lautoka
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 31 |
| Sea °C | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 29 |
| Rain mm | 250 | 240 | 180 | 140 | 100 | 80 | 70 | 70 | 80 | 110 | 180 | 320 |
| Season | wet | wet | wet | wet | dry | dry | dry | dry | dry | dry | wet | wet |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Tahiti / Society Islands
Destination
Paul Gauguin
Paul Gauguin is the only ship that sails year-round in French Polynesia - and knows these waters better than any other. 332 guests, Polynesian crew, three restaurants, a private island. Named after the painter who made Tahiti his adopted home.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The largest living unit on board on deck 7, with a private balcony, a separate lounge with sofa, dressing room and large marble bathroom. King-size bed (twin on request), butler service, high-quality toiletries and fresh flowers daily. Floor-to-ceiling windows open up the view of the lagoon.
Cabin layout
Grand Suite
Spacious suite on deck 8 with one of the largest verandas on board, which wraps the living room and bedroom around the ship's corner. King-size or twin bed, lounge with sofa, marble bathroom with bathtub and shower, butler service.
Cabin layout
Veranda Suite
Comfortable suite on deck 7 with a private balcony, a separate living area with a sofa and a marble bathroom with bathtub. King-size, queen or twin bed. Butler service, high-quality toiletries.
Cabin layout
Veranda Stateroom
Generous outside cabin with a private balcony, a cosy sitting area and a marble bathroom with bathtub. King-size, queen or twin bed. Butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Balcony Stateroom
Outside cabin with a private balcony and a cosy sitting area. Queen or twin bed, bathroom with shower or bathtub (depending on location). On the upper deck with a view of the sea.
Cabin layout
Balcony Stateroom
Outside cabin with a private balcony. Queen bed, marble bathroom with bathtub. On the lower deck.
Cabin layout
Window Stateroom
Outside cabin on deck 4 with a large window that opens up the view of the sea. Queen or twin bed, lounge corner with sofa, marble bathroom with bathtub. Two of these cabins are fitted out for accessibility.
Cabin layout
Porthole Stateroom
Inside cabin with two portholes on deck 3. Queen or twin bed, lounge with sofa, marble bathroom with bathtub.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Paul Gauguin
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PORTHOLE STATEROOM - 3 | € 8.160 | Available | Enquire |
| WINDOW STATEROOM - 4 | € 9.350 | Available | Enquire |
| BALCONY STATEROOM DECK 6 - 6 | € 11.480 | Available | Enquire |
| BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 7 - 7 | € 11.960 | Available | Enquire |
| Balcony Stateroom S Deck 7 - 7 | € 11.960 | On request | Enquire |
| VERANDA STATEROOM - 8 | € 15.040 | Available | Enquire |
| VERANDA SUITE - 7 | € 19.960 | Available | Enquire |
| GRAND SUITE - 8 | € 24.320 | On request | Enquire |
| OWNER'S SUITE - 7 | € 31.360 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinen- oder Suitenkategorie
- Vollpension in allen Restaurants an Bord
- Alle Getränke: Wein, Bier, ausgewählte Spirituosen, Softdrinks, Wasser, Kaffee, Tee
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Trinkgelder für Crew, Restaurant- und Bar-Service
- Wassersport-Marina mit Schnorcheln, Kajak und Stand-up-Paddle
- PADI-Tauchprogramm (Equipment-Nutzung; Tauchgänge optional zubuchbar)
- Privatinsel Motu Mahana (Tahiti-Itineraries): polynesisches Strandfest mit Speisen, Getränken und Live-Musik
- Bora Bora Privatstrand-Besuch
- Tahitians und Gauguines: lokale Crew als Kulturbegleitung
- Kulturelle Vorträge zur Geschichte, Kultur und Meeresbiologie Polynesiens
- Abendprogramm mit lokalen Künstlern
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge)
- Flughafentransfers (außer wenn Air/Sea-Paket gebucht)
- Reiseversicherung
- Optionale Landausflüge
- PADI-Tauchgänge (Equipment frei, Tauchgang separat)
- Premium-Spirituosen und Spezialitätenweine
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Freiwillige Spende an Crew Appreciation Fund (zusätzlich zu inklusiven Trinkgeldern)
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 17 nights from EUR 7.530 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Paul Gauguin?
A maximum of 332 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
For embarkation in Darwin the best time to sail is November to March (southern summer); for disembarkation in Lautoka it is May to October (dry season).
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
