What is included in the cruise fare?

Standard cruise fares include your cabin, onboard meals at main dining venues, most non-specialty entertainment, use of pools and common facilities, and transport between ports of call. Gratuities, specialty dining, alcoholic drinks, shore excursions and onboard spa services are typically billed separately.

How far in advance should I book this cruise?

For popular sailings, booking 6–12 months ahead typically gives the best cabin selection and fares. Last-minute discounts can appear 30–60 days before departure when the cruise line wants to fill remaining cabins on Le Paul Gauguin.

What documents do I need to board?

Most international itineraries require a passport valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Closed-loop sailings that depart and return to the same U.S. port from Darwin, Australia may accept a government-issued photo ID plus a certified birth certificate for U.S. citizens — always verify with the cruise line.

Can I change or cancel my booking?

Change and cancellation policies depend on Ponant's fare type and how close you are to departure. Refundable deposits typically allow changes up to the final-payment date without penalty; closer to sailing, cancellation fees scale up. Review the specific fare rules before booking.

What is a 17-night cruise like?

A 17-night cruise balances relaxing sea days with active port days. You can expect a mix of onboard programming — dining, entertainment, spa and fitness — and multiple shore excursions from Le Paul Gauguin. Pack for both formal nights and casual deck days.

Le Paul Gauguin 17-night Darwin - Lautoka, Viti Levu Island from Darwin, Australia, Mar 29, 2027

Ponant · Le Paul Gauguin · Mar 29, 2027 – Apr 15, 2027

Visit Darwin, Australia, Thursday Island, Australia, Alotau (Papua New Guinea), Samarai, Honiara, Guadalcanal and 4 more ports

Departure Darwin, Australia

Return Lautoka

Duration 17 Nights

Itinerary

Day 1

Darwin, Australia Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 6:00 PM
Day 2

At Sea Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 3

At Sea Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 4

Thursday Island, Australia Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 5

At Sea Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 6

Alotau (Papua New Guinea) Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 7

Samarai Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 8

At Sea Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 9

Honiara, Guadalcanal Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 10

Honiara, Guadalcanal Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 11

At Sea Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 12

At Sea Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 13

Espiritu Santo (Vanuatu) Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 14

Port Vila (Vanuatu) Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 15

At Sea Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 16

At Sea Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 17

Suva, Fiji Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 18

Lautoka Arrives 8:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM

Ports of Call

Darwin, Australia
Thursday Island, Australia
Alotau (Papua New Guinea)
Samarai
Honiara, Guadalcanal
Espiritu Santo (Vanuatu)
Port Vila (Vanuatu)
Suva, Fiji
Lautoka

About This Cruise

17-night Ponant Le Paul Gauguin cruise from Darwin, Australia to Thursday Island, Australia, Alotau (Papua New Guinea), Samarai and Honiara,…

Cruise Line Ponant

Ship Le Paul Gauguin

Frequently asked questions

What is included in the cruise fare?: Standard cruise fares include your cabin, onboard meals at main dining venues, most non-specialty entertainment, use of pools and common facilities, and transport between ports of call. Gratuities, specialty dining, alcoholic drinks, shore excursions and onboard spa services are typically billed separately.
How far in advance should I book this cruise?: For popular sailings, booking 6–12 months ahead typically gives the best cabin selection and fares. Last-minute discounts can appear 30–60 days before departure when the cruise line wants to fill remaining cabins on Le Paul Gauguin.
What documents do I need to board?: Most international itineraries require a passport valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Closed-loop sailings that depart and return to the same U.S. port from Darwin, Australia may accept a government-issued photo ID plus a certified birth certificate for U.S. citizens — always verify with the cruise line.
Can I change or cancel my booking?: Change and cancellation policies depend on Ponant's fare type and how close you are to departure. Refundable deposits typically allow changes up to the final-payment date without penalty; closer to sailing, cancellation fees scale up. Review the specific fare rules before booking.
What is a 17-night cruise like?: A 17-night cruise balances relaxing sea days with active port days. You can expect a mix of onboard programming — dining, entertainment, spa and fitness — and multiple shore excursions from Le Paul Gauguin. Pack for both formal nights and casual deck days.