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 April
2-16, 2005
Aboard the Six-star Seven Seas Paul Gauguin
Limited
space available, book now!
Cruise
includes:
- Round
trip airfare
- Round
trip transfers
- 14
nights aboard the Paul Gauguin
- Enrichment
Lecture Series with the Stargaze Team
- Protective
Eye Covering for the Solar Eclipse
- Detailed
Travel Tips and Travel Accessories
- Open
Single Seating
- Complimentary
Polynesian Events
- Complimentary
Wines with Lunch and Dinner
- Complimentary
Beverages & In-room Bar Set-up
- Gratuities
included
- Seven
Seas Society Member Savings - 5%
Guest Lectures:
-
Mike Bennett - Director of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific
- Dr.
Frank Drake - Author of the Drake Equation, SETI Institute
- Dr.
Alex Filippenko - Professor of Astronomy, University of California,
Berkeley
- Dennis
Mammana - Photographer, SkyScapes
For
a general interest form, and registration, please contact MWT Associates
at tours@melitatrips.com
or visit their website at www.melitatrips.com
 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-Thursday,
April 6-7 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)
Friday,
April 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. Enjoy a lavish Marquesan lunch at Hoa Nui restaurant. (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
Thursday,
April 14 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.
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