Fiji to Bali

Known as “Sugar City” for the green-gold sugarcane that surrounds it on three sides, the town of Lautoka is the largest in the Fijian islands and the place where your sojourn begins. Save some time to browse the shops along the city’s stately, royal palm-lined main thoroughfare and visit the botanical garden.

The time you spend on board The Gauguin offers endless opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment, whether that means sampling gourmet cuisine, indulging in a spa treatment, watching the sunset from a chaise lounge on the sun deck, or simply making the most of your in-cabin amenities.

A stunning island of palm-lined beaches, spring-fed swimming holes, lush rainforests, and lofty mountains, Espiritu Santo also played an important role in World War II. Perhaps you’ll explore this heritage, or experience the island’s traditional village life. You can also enjoy exceptional swimming and snorkeling here. Or simply relax on the beach.

Take a day to enjoy shipboard life. Relax poolside, watch the South Pacific pass by, play some table tennis, or learn about our next port in the Reading Gallery.

The largest of the Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal is best known for the six-month battle between Allied and Japanese forces that marked a turning point in the Pacific theater during World War II. The island still brims with World War II relics, monuments, and memorials, as you may discover. Perhaps you’ll explore its tropical interior, with its excellent birdwatching. Or see for yourself why the island is revered for its superior snorkeling and diving.

Spend the day enjoying The Gauguin’s Polynesian ambiance: casual, leisurely, and graceful. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests, and then reflect on your day over classic French cuisine at L’Etoile.

Once an important trading center, Samarai Island was evacuated and its buildings were destroyed to prevent it from falling into Japanese control during World War II. It has since been rebuilt—though not to the same scale as its glory days. Take a stroll along the pleasant pathway that encircles its pretty town, view spectacular marine life on a SCUBA diving expedition, or simply relax on the beach.

Historically made up of tribal peoples making their living from the sea, Port Moresby became the capital of Papua New Guinea when the country gained its independence in 1975. While here, perhaps you’ll admire the mosaic façade of the National Parliament House, inhale the fragrance of tropical blooms at the Port Moresby Nature Park, or marvel at the depth and diversity of the local culture at the National Museum and Art Gallery.

The Gauguin was designed with your comfort in mind, from her spacious staterooms and elegant public spaces to the host of amenities available for you to while away the days at sea. Work out at the ship’s Fitness Center or pick up a souvenir at La Boutique.

Immerse yourself in the island’s cultural mix of Asian, European, and Pacific Island influences at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre. At Green Hill Fort, built as a defense against Russian invasion and later a World War II military base, admire military artifacts and splendid views, as well as exhibits that pay homage to the island’s pearl fishing history. Or join a deep-sea fishing expedition.

The next two days will be at sea, which affords you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the amenities and entertainment on board The Gauguin, like the award-winning spa, casino, and lectures by the ship's experts.

The capital of Timor-Leste (formerly East Timor)—one of the youngest countries in the world—Dili is still a sleepy colonial town, but also one that is modernizing rapidly. If you’re feeling energetic, you might climb the 580 steps to the Cristo Rei, the world second-largest statue Christ the King. Stroll the waterfront in the colonial heart of town. Find a wide assortment of goods at the Dili Tais Market. And enjoy the city’s many fine white-sand beaches with excellent diving and snorkeling.

Spend the last sea day experiencing casual, leisurely, and graceful ambience. Take in a lecture on local wildlife or history, and relax this evening over classic French cuisine.

Home of the famous Komodo dragon, Komodo is one of three islands that comprise Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere Reserve. While here, enjoy the tropical climate and beautiful beaches—including one of only seven pink-sand beaches in the world. Perhaps you’ll visit the park, take a walk along the walking trails (because of the dragons, it is required that you be accompanied by a guide), or take a cruise in a glass-bottom boat to admire the abundant marine life.

Arrive in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day exploring. Perhaps you’ll take advantage of watersports activities, including jetskiing, banana boating, parasailing, snorkeling, diving, and reef fishing. Visit Ubud, renowned for its temples, shrines, artists’ workshops and galleries, and the Sacred Monkey Forest. The next morning, you’ll bid farewell to your crew and disembark The Gauguin.