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This Tour is Closed. Here is what we did....
MWT Associates passengers aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin enjoyed a white-knuckle,
edge-of-your-seat total eclipse. At the last second a passing cloud unveiled
a glorious eclipse to the cheers of all on board. View
Photos taken by our passengers.
This Cruise
Included...
Round-trip airfair • 14 nights aboard
the Six-Star Paul Gauguin • Open Single Seating • Complimentary
Polynesian Events • Complimentary Wines poured with lunch and dinner
• Complimentary Beverages and In-Room Bar Set-Up • Gratuities
are included • Enrichment lecture series with the Stargaze Team •
Protective eye covering for the total eclipse • Detailed travel tips
and travel accessories • Round-trip transfers
Our Guest
Lecturers were...
- Mike
Bennett, Director of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific
- Dr.
Frank Drake, Director, Center for the Study of Life in the Universe
& Chairman Emeritus, SETI Institute Board of Trustees
- Dr.
Alex Filippenko, Professor of Astronomy, University of California,
Berkeley
- Dennis
Mammana, Photographer, SkyScapes
The
Great Southern Expedition Total Eclipse Cruise Itinerary
Saturday, April 2 Papeete,
Tahiti
"Te nave nave fenua". A welcome to a delightful land beyond
imagination. A cruise line representative will greet you at
the airport and transfer you to the 320 passenger, Paul Gauguin.
Tonight sail out into the turquoise, blue Pacific and a timeless
world of islands. (D)
Sunday, April 3 Sailing the South Seas
Balmy evenings mean stargazing on the top deck. The spirited
and beautiful Gauguines introduce you to their rich culture, dance, and
song. Captain's Welcome Aboard reception tonight but ties are forgotten.
(B/L/D)
Monday-Tuesday, April 4-5 Stargaze Enrichment
on the South Seas
The Stargaze enrichment program begins today and will continue throughout
the cruise. The lecturers are versed in astronomy, Pitcairn and HMS Bounty,
the Marquesan culture archeology and, and South Pacific Black Pearls.
(B/L/D)
Wednesday, April 6 Pitcairn Island
Picture book images of South Seas mutineers reaching the most isolated
island in the world still capture the imagination. The residents,
many with the last name Christian, will offer their stories as descendants
of the notorious mutiny of the British ship, HMS Bounty. Bounty
artifacts are on display in the village.
(B/L/D)
Thursday-Friday, April 7-8 Eclipse Centerline
Arrival with ample time prior to first contact, the Paul Gauguin
is fitted with state of the art satellite weather communication. The
centerline location for the path of totality is north of Pitcairn.
The elevation of the sun will be at 61 degrees and azimuth of the sun
at totality will be 16 degrees. The sun will just barely be eclipsed
at totality offering an abundance of ruby red prominences and bright Bailey's
Beads. (B/L/D)
Saturday-Sunday, April 9 - 10 At Sea on the
Paul Gauguin
Learn the crafts and dances of the Polynesian culture from the experts
on board. Like the Polynesians, you may wish to simply follow
what the day brings. You will be invited to complimentary Tahitian-Style
events and social gatherings during the cruise. The astronomical
enrichment program will continue. (B/L/D)
Monday, April 11 Atuona, Hiva Oa
Walk in the footsteps of Paul Gauguin on Hiva Oa, where he painted some
of his best work. Visit the colonial store where Gauguin shopped
and go into a replica of the Impressionist's infamous "House of Pleasure."
As you walk up a hill to the cemetery, you'll have sweeping views of the
harbor. Beneath a huge frangipani tree is a tombstone with the simple
words: Paul Gauguin 1903. Nearby is the grave of Belgian singer-composer,
Jacques Brel, who died in 1978. (B/L/D)
Tuesday, April 12 Taiohae, Nuka Hiva
Taiohae's spectacular bay is a giant volcanic amphitheater dominated by
towering cliffs streaked with waterfalls. Taiohae Bay is where a
23-year-old sailor, Herman Melville and a buddy jumped a whaling ship
in 1842. We follow their escape route by jeep along steep, winding
dirt mountain roads to Taipivai (Typee) Valley. In his autobiographical
novel, TYPEE, Melville described his capture and idyllic sojourn among
the hospitable cannibals, the Taipi. Hidden amidst the bamboo and
vanilla vines are undiscovered archaeological treasures. The area
is dotted with stone tiki gods and sacred ritual sites (me'ae) and immense
stone platforms (paepae) where the Taipi built their houses. Enigmatic
petroglyphs of birds, sacred turtles and fish are carved on huge boulders.
You can also scuba dive with PADI certified instructors, who take you
to dramatic, undiscovered world-class dive sites. (B/L/D)
Wednesday, April 13 At
Sea on the Paul Gauguin
ThursdayApril 14(Thurs) Fakarava
Tuamotu Archipelago
Fakarava is situated in the remote Tuamotu Archipelago, and is its second
largest atoll. Here is a snorkeler's and scuba diver's paradise.
Thousands of brightly-colored tropical fish, rays, dolphins and sharks
inhabit these crystal-clear waters. The Paul Gauguin's retractable
marina takes you to sea level right from the ship. (B/L/D)
Friday, April 15 Moorea, Tahiti
The jagged peaks of lush green Moorea encircled by blue, crystal clear
waters beckons you to a Bali Hai. Enjoy a scenic drive to the spectacular
Belvedere and marvel at Cook's and Opunohu Bays. Complimentary kayaking,
windsurfing, and water skiing are offered direct from the Paul Gauguin's
retractable water sports marina and full optional scuba dive program for
all levels of expertise is available. (B/L/D)
Saturday, April 16 Papeete, Tahiti
An early morning arrival and good-byes to your friendly crew before you
are transferred to your airline for your flight home.
Interested? Request
a Brochure
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