---
type: cruise
schema_type: TouristTrip
id: e80bc2df-30c3-4d2d-9fdd-979ec077c449
slug: 2221756
voyage_code: PG290327-1
cruise_line: Paul Gauguin Cruises
ship: M/S Paul Gauguin
departure_date: 
return_date: 
nights: 17
embarkation_port: Darwin, Australia
disembarkation_port: Lautoka
starting_price_usd: None
bookable: false
last_updated: 2026-05-04T20:57:48Z
---

# Crossing Melanesia: Australia to Fiji

> Paul Gauguin Cruises · M/S Paul Gauguin · Mar 29 – Apr 15, 2027   (17 nights)

## Quick Facts

| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| **Cruise Line** | Paul Gauguin Cruises |
| **Ship** | M/S Paul Gauguin |
| **Duration** | 17 nights |
| **Departure Date** | N/A |
| **Return Date** | N/A |
| **Embarkation Port** | Darwin, Australia |
| **Disembarkation Port** | Lautoka |
| **Starting Price** | N/A USD per person |
| **Voyage Code** | PG290327-1 |

## Itinerary

### Day 1: Darwin, Australia
**Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 05:00 PM

Visit a park featuring more than 1,000 saltwater and freshwater crocodiles, ranging in length from 11 inches to 15 feet. Cruise along Adelaide River to watch jumping crocodiles.Explore the rainforest at Litchfield National Park, and view the Magnetic Termite Mounds and either Wangi or Florence Falls.

### Day 2: At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea exploring the ship's amenities.

### Day 3: At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea exploring the ship's amenities.

### Day 4: Thursday Island, Australia
**Arrives:** 08:00 AM · **Departs:** 02:00 PM

Roughly 2,000 years ago, Melanesian and Polynesian settlers arrived on the shores of the Torres Strait Islands, in the far north of the Australian state of Queensland. Today, the unofficial capital of this archipelago is Thursday Island, originally called âWaibenâ (believed to mean âno waterâ) by the Melanesians but today known locally as âTI.â Just 1.4 square miles in size, the island was once a major pearling center. Today, fishing remains a mainstay of the economy.

### Day 5: At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea exploring the ship's amenities.

### Day 6: Alotau, Papua New Guinea
**Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 06:00 PM

### Day 7: Samurai Island, Papua New Guinea
**Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 03:00 PM

Just 54 acres in size, Samarai Island was once an important trading center, due to its location on the southeast coast of Papua New Guinea, on the China Strait between Australia and East Asia. It was discovered in 1873 by British navigator Captain John Moresby, who initially called it Dinner Island. Five years later, the establishment of a mission station here led to its development as a bustling port town and headquarters of an administrative district of British New Guinea.

In 1942, it was e...

### Day 8: At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea exploring the ship's amenities.

### Day 9: Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
**Arrives:** 01:00 PM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM

The third-largest archipelago in the South Pacific, with 992 islands, the Solomon Islands were settled by European colonists and missionaries during the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1893, the archipelago was divided between Great Britain and Germany. Among the British-controlled islands was the then-obscure island of Guadalcanal, the largest of the Solomons.

Inhabited for thousands of years, Guadalcanal was discovered in 1568 by the Spanish explorer Alvaro de MendaÃ±a de Neira, who named it fo...

### Day 10: Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
**Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 06:00 PM

The third-largest archipelago in the South Pacific, with 992 islands, the Solomon Islands were settled by European colonists and missionaries during the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1893, the archipelago was divided between Great Britain and Germany. Among the British-controlled islands was the then-obscure island of Guadalcanal, the largest of the Solomons.

Inhabited for thousands of years, Guadalcanal was discovered in 1568 by the Spanish explorer Alvaro de MendaÃ±a de Neira, who named it fo...

### Day 11: At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea exploring the ship's amenities.

### Day 12: At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea exploring the ship's amenities.

### Day 13: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
**Arrives:** 07:00 AM · **Departs:** 04:00 PM

Consisting of 82 volcanic islands, the nation of Vanuatu lies in the South Pacific, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia. Spanish for âthe holy spirit,â Espiritu Santo is the largest island in the Vanuatu archipelago. Here, youâll find miraculous scenery, from its palm-lined, white-sand beaches and spring-fed swimming holes to lush rainforests and lofty mountains, including Vanuatuâs four highest peaks.

The character of this once-isolated island was dramatically ch...

### Day 14: Porta Vila, Vanuatu
**Arrives:** 07:00 AM · **Departs:** 10:00 PM

Port Vila is the harborside capital and main hub of Vanuatu, on Efate island. Its small downtown is home to colorful market stalls selling produce and local handicrafts. The National Museum of Vanuatu, inside the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, displays artifacts such as slit-gong drums and outrigger canoes. The town is a base for diving and trips to Mele Cascades, a multi-tiered waterfall with rock pools in a rainforest.

### Day 15: At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea exploring the ship's amenities.

### Day 16: At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea exploring the ship's amenities.

### Day 17: Suva
**Arrives:** 07:00 AM · **Departs:** 06:00 PM

Located on the southeast coast of the island of Viti Levu, Suva is the capital city of Fiji. As the largest urban area in the South Pacific outside of Australia and New Zealand, it is Fiji's main port city, and the commercial and political center of Fiji. The city hosted the 2003 South Pacific Games, being the third time in the event's history that they had been held in Suva.

### Day 18: Lautoka
**Arrives:** 08:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM

The Fiji archipelago consists of tiny coral atolls and mountainous forest-clad islands of volcanic origin, and is famed for its aquamarine waters and white sand beaches. Lautoka, the country's second-largest city and major seaport, is synonymous with sugar, Fiji's main export. The city is surrounded by the blue Pacific Ocean on the western side and green gold sugar cane and pine trees on the other sides. Stroll the town's market, where you can purchase a variety of local goods.


## Pricing

Prices shown are per person based on double occupancy in USD.

| Cabin Type | Starting Price |
|------------|----------------|
| Pricing | Contact for latest fares |

## Ship Information

### M/S Paul Gauguin

Designed specifically to glide through the shallow seas of the South Pacific, The Gauguin is the flagship of Paul Gauguin Cruises and a small-ship cruiser’s dream. She delivers travelers to intimate ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships, all the while providing an onboard experience that is nothing short of luxurious. Guests aboard our luxury cruises enjoy spacious suites and staterooms (more than 70% with private balconies), an onboard watersports marina, three dining venues, an extensive spa, and five-star service. Life onboard also reflects the beauty and rich cultural heritage of the islands she calls upon, with a warm, friendly feel, informal setting, and even a beloved troupe of Gauguines and Gauguins—local Tahitians who serve as cruise staff, entertainers, and storytellers.

#### Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Passenger Capacity | 332 |
| Crew | 217 |
| Gross Tonnage | 19,200.0 |
| Length | 504.0 ft |
| Total Cabins | 0 |

## Onboard Amenities

### Entertainment

- **Piano Bar**: You're invited to grab a drink at the Piano Bar and enjoy nightly musical entertainment.
- **Local Entertainment**: In addition to Les Gauguins & Les Gauguines, on every voyage we invite local performers onboard to entertain you. Don’t miss an evening spent with loc...
- **Le Grand Salon**: When the sun goes down at sea, Le Grand Salon comes alive with spectacular performances. Every night brings something different, whether it’s Les Gaug...
- **La Palette**: This versatile lounge offers morning snacks, serves as the backdrop for special events, hosts Polynesian activities led by Les Gauguines, and is the p...
- **Crew Show**: The crew members onboard The Gauguin are certainly experts at providing first-class service to our guests, but they also boast many other talents that...

### Food and Drink

- **Wine Program**: Paul Gauguin Cruises serves complimentary wines in each dining venue, lounge, and bar which are selected by our wine sommeliers. Additionally, The Gau...
- **L’Etoile**: Our exquisite main dining room is dressed to impress with perfectly appointed décor, fine table linens, and delicate china. Join us every evening for ...
- **Le Grill**: When your day’s plans call for a more casual dining experience, join us at Le Grill, located by the pool and offering a buffet breakfast, grilled lunc...
- **La Veranda**: Dine al fresco or enjoy wraparound ocean views from the dining room of La Veranda, where we offer an ever-changing selection of buffet breakfast and l...

### Fitness

- **Fitness Center**: Our convenient fitness center is outfitted with the latest fitness equipment, including Lifecycles, treadmills, stair climbers, and weight machines. O...

### Recreational

- **SCUBA Diving Excursions**: If you’ve always wanted to try SCUBA diving, your cruise on The Gauguin is the perfect opportunity. Our onboard marina offers diving excursions for al...
- **La Boutique**: Just steps from your stateroom, find the perfect memento of your South Pacific cruise, like genuine Tahitian black pearl jewelry exclusively designed ...

### Relaxation

- **Watersports Marina**: Our specially designed watersports platform turns the ship into your headquarters for all kinds of adventures on the water. It’s as easy as descending...
- **Algotherm Spa**: With its unrivaled approach to beauty and rejuvenation, the spa onboard The Gauguin combines the art of gentle pampering with services that are unique...
- **Fun in the Sun**: You’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy the South Pacific sunshine on our pool deck. Take a refreshing dip in the water or perhaps grab the drink of ...


## Ports of Call

### Darwin, Australia
*Coordinates: -12.4628, 130.842*

Visit a park featuring more than 1,000 saltwater and freshwater crocodiles, ranging in length from 11 inches to 15 feet. Cruise along Adelaide River to watch jumping crocodiles.Explore the rainforest at Litchfield National Park, and view the Magnetic Termite Mounds and either Wangi or Florence Falls.

### Thursday Island, Australia
*Coordinates: -10.5838, 142.221*

Roughly 2,000 years ago, Melanesian and Polynesian settlers arrived on the shores of the Torres Strait Islands, in the far north of the Australian state of Queensland. Today, the unofficial capital of this archipelago is Thursday Island, originally called âWaibenâ (believed to mean âno waterâ) by the Melanesians but today known locally as âTI.â Just 1.4 square miles in size, the island...

### Alotau, Papua New Guinea
*Coordinates: -10.3177, 150.46*

### Samurai Island, Papua New Guinea
*Coordinates: -10.6167, 150.667*

Just 54 acres in size, Samarai Island was once an important trading center, due to its location on the southeast coast of Papua New Guinea, on the China Strait between Australia and East Asia. It was discovered in 1873 by British navigator Captain John Moresby, who initially called it Dinner Island. Five years later, the establishment of a mission station here led to its development as a bustling ...

### Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
*Coordinates: -9.57733, 160.146*

The third-largest archipelago in the South Pacific, with 992 islands, the Solomon Islands were settled by European colonists and missionaries during the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1893, the archipelago was divided between Great Britain and Germany. Among the British-controlled islands was the then-obscure island of Guadalcanal, the largest of the Solomons.

Inhabited for thousands of years, Gua...

### Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
*Coordinates: 22.6, -101.45*

Consisting of 82 volcanic islands, the nation of Vanuatu lies in the South Pacific, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia. Spanish for âthe holy spirit,â Espiritu Santo is the largest island in the Vanuatu archipelago. Here, youâll find miraculous scenery, from its palm-lined, white-sand beaches and spring-fed swimming holes to lush rainforests and lofty mountains, includi...

### Porta Vila, Vanuatu
*Coordinates: -17.7404, 168.321*

Port Vila is the harborside capital and main hub of Vanuatu, on Efate island. Its small downtown is home to colorful market stalls selling produce and local handicrafts. The National Museum of Vanuatu, inside the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, displays artifacts such as slit-gong drums and outrigger canoes. The town is a base for diving and trips to Mele Cascades, a multi-tiered waterfall with rock pool...

### Suva
*Coordinates: -18.0877, 178.384*

Located on the southeast coast of the island of Viti Levu, Suva is the capital city of Fiji. As the largest urban area in the South Pacific outside of Australia and New Zealand, it is Fiji's main port city, and the commercial and political center of Fiji. The city hosted the 2003 South Pacific Games, being the third time in the event's history that they had been held in Suva.

### Lautoka
*Coordinates: -17.6113, 177.503*

The Fiji archipelago consists of tiny coral atolls and mountainous forest-clad islands of volcanic origin, and is famed for its aquamarine waters and white sand beaches. Lautoka, the country's second-largest city and major seaport, is synonymous with sugar, Fiji's main export. The city is surrounded by the blue Pacific Ocean on the western side and green gold sugar cane and pine trees on the other...


## Booking Information

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- **Last Updated:** 2026-05-04 20:57:48 UTC