Of all the trips I've ever planned, this is one of the ones I've been most excited to share with the Travel Fam. French Polynesia has a way of showing up on people's "someday" list and staying there for years. Between the Paul Gauguin, the turquoise lagoons, the dramatic peaks of Bora Bora, and our overwater bungalows at the St. Regis, this truly is the trip of a lifetime.

Over the coming months, I'll continue adding information to this hub as flights, excursions, and additional details become available. For now, I wanted to start with some of the most commonly asked questions and important planning information.

Final payment for the Tahiti cruise portion of our adventure is due in April 2027.

As a reminder, our Bora Bora extension has a separate payment schedule:

50% Deposit Due: Late June 2026
30% Payment Due: Early October 2026
Final Payment Due: January 1, 2027

When I originally secured our overwater bungalows, I placed a personal deposit to hold the rooms rather than asking everyone to commit funds so far in advance (given it is non-refundable). However, these rooms are in very high demand, and I can no longer continue holding them without collecting individual deposits. The good news is that I was able to negotiate an additional 5% discount earlier this year, which helped reduce costs for everyone. Every little bit helps when we're talking about one of the most spectacular destinations on Earth.

If you plan to join us in Bora Bora, please be mindful of the upcoming deposit schedule. Once these rooms are released, there is no guarantee they can be reacquired, and overwater bungalows at the St. Regis Bora Bora are known to sell out well in advance.

I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for this trip. You can choose to insure just your cruise and Bora Bora extension and cruise, or you can include airfare, pre-cruise hotel nights, post-cruise arrangements, excursions, and any other travel expenses you've added along the way. The important thing is selecting a policy that fits your situation and provides coverage you feel comfortable with. Because the Bora Bora extension deposit is non-refundable, I strongly recommend purchasing insurance shortly after making your deposit. You can insure the deposits you have paid so far and then update your policy later as you add airfare, hotel nights, excursions, and make additional trip payments.

If you are traveling with a spouse, partner, or family member, many policies allow multiple travelers to be included on the same policy, which can often reduce the overall cost while ensuring everyone is covered.

I frequently recommend Travel Insured, and their Worldwide Trip Protector policy is the option most of my clients choose. However, you are welcome to purchase coverage through any provider you prefer.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions about travel insurance. While I cannot tell you which specific policy to purchase, I'm always happy to help you understand your options and think through what coverage may make sense for your situation.

Our Paul Gauguin cruise begins on July 17, 2027 and concludes on July 24, 2027.

For those joining the Bora Bora extension, we will transfer to the St. Regis Bora Bora on July 24, 2027, where we'll spend three nights in our overwater bungalows. The Bora Bora extension concludes on July 27, 2027, when we will transfer back to Tahiti for our flights home.

When planning airfare, keep these dates in mind and remember that many travelers will choose to arrive in Tahiti one or two days before embarkation to allow time to relax and provide a buffer against travel delays.

Most travelers from the U.S. will connect through Los Angeles (LAX), which is the primary gateway to Tahiti and generally offers the most flight options. Thanks to the time difference, you'll usually arrive in Tahiti on the same calendar day you leave the U.S., though many flights arrive late in the evening. For that reason, I strongly recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation.  It's likely necessary, depending on your flight. 

Cabs are plentiful and the easiest way to get around for our itinerary.

The Hilton Tahiti is a great option for a pre-night stay, located about five minutes from the airport and just five to ten minutes from the Paul Gauguin cruise terminal. It's a beautiful resort with a fantastic pool and views of Moorea, making it a wonderful place to begin your vacation.

If your schedule allows, consider arriving two days before embarkation. Not only will this give you extra time to relax and enjoy Tahiti, but it also provides a buffer in case of flight delays or cancellations. Many travelers find the added peace of mind well worth it.

*The Hilton is not yet accepting reservations for next July, but bookings should open in the coming weeks. I'll keep an eye on it and let everyone know when those dates become available.

Flights are not yet available for this trip, but they should begin appearing around September. As always, book whenever you feel comfortable. Personally, I typically wait until a few months before departure to purchase flights. I find that booking too far in advance often leads to multiple schedule changes, and sometimes those changes can be fairly significant. I'd rather wait until the airlines have a better idea of what their schedules will actually look like, but everyone has their own comfort level when it comes to airfare planning.

Boarding typically begins around 3:00 PM in Papeete, with all guests required to be onboard before the muster drill...typically at about 5:00 PM. The ship generally remains in port until later in the evening, often departing around midnight.

Since the Hilton Tahiti is located only a few minutes from the cruise terminal, getting to the ship is easy. Uber is not available in Tahiti, but taxis are plentiful and can be arranged directly through the hotel. The taxi ride is typically less than 10 minutes. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, spend some time by the pool, have lunch, and then make your way to the ship mid-afternoon.

The Paul Gauguin is very different from the large mainstream cruise ships you may be familiar with. Think of it as a floating luxury boutique hotel designed specifically for French Polynesia. The focus is on the destinations, not endless onboard activities.

The atmosphere onboard is relaxed and elegant. During the day, resort casual attire is perfect. Swimsuits, cover-ups, shorts, sundresses, sandals, and lightweight clothing are appropriate almost everywhere. In the evenings, the dress code is best described as country club casual. Ladies will feel comfortable in sundresses, skirts, dressy pants, or resort wear. Gentlemen typically wear slacks or nice shorts with a collared shirt. Jackets and ties are not required.

Dining is open seating, meaning there are no assigned dining times and no assigned tables. You can choose when and where you'd like to dine each evening. The ship offers three dining venues ranging from casual poolside dining to more refined French-inspired cuisine. One of the most common comments from past guests is how excellent the food is throughout the voyage.

Most beverages are included in your cruise fare, including wine, beer, cocktails, soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees, and more. Gratuities are also included, and

internet access is complimentary throughout the ship.

A few things that surprise first-time Paul Gauguin guests: there are no formal nights, drinks and gratuities are included, the ship rarely feels crowded, Wi-Fi is included, and most people dress much more casually than they expect. This is a destination-focused cruise, not a floating amusement park, and that's a big part of its charm.

July is considered one of the best times to visit French Polynesia. Expect daytime temperatures in the low to mid-80s and evenings in the low 70s. While brief showers are always possible in the tropics, July falls within the drier season and is generally one of the most comfortable times of year to visit.

The biggest thing to be prepared for is the sun. Even on cloudy days, UV levels can be extremely high. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and lightweight sun-protective clothing are highly recommended.

Pack lighter than you think you'll need. Between the cruise and our stay at the St. Regis Bora Bora, you'll likely spend most of your time in swimsuits, cover-ups, sundresses, shorts, and lightweight tropical clothing.   Both the Paul Gauguin and the St. Regis Bora Bora offer laundry service for an additional charge, so there is no need to overpack. 

I recommend bringing at least two or three swimsuits since you'll be in and out of the water frequently. A swimsuit cover-up, sandals, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, a hat, reef-safe sunscreen, bug spray, and a small backpack or beach bag for excursions will all come in handy.

For evenings onboard and at the St. Regis, resort casual attire is perfect. Think sundresses, casual dresses, skirts, linen pants, lightweight button-down shirts, polos, and nice shorts. There are no formal nights on the Paul Gauguin, so there is no need to pack cocktail dresses, suits, sport coats, or ties unless you simply enjoy dressing up.

Water shoes or reef shoes are optional but can be useful for beach landings, snorkeling excursions, and areas where coral may be present.

One item many travelers forget is a lightweight rash guard or sun shirt. The Polynesian sun is intense, and you'll appreciate the extra protection during snorkeling trips, lagoon excursions, and long days on the water.

Finally, leave a little room in your suitcase. Between black pearls, local artwork, pareos, vanilla products, and other treasures you may discover along the way, many travelers find themselves bringing home more than they packed.

At this time, there are no special vaccinations or medications required for travelers visiting French Polynesia from the United States.  That said, everyone's health situation is unique. I encourage you to consult your physician or travel health provider regarding any questions about vaccinations, medications, or other health considerations before traveling. 

As always, I recommend being up to date on routine vaccinations and bringing any prescription medications you may need during the trip. If you take prescription medications, pack them in your carry-on luggage rather than your checked bag.

Mosquitoes are present in French Polynesia, so bringing insect repellent is a good idea, particularly during the evenings and on excursions.

Guest staterooms on board feature both North American (110V) and European (220V) outlets, so most U.S. travelers will not need an adapter while onboard.

If you plan to spend time in Tahiti or Bora Bora before or after the cruise, I recommend packing a simple European plug adapter since French Polynesia primarily uses European-style outlets, and brining dual voltage electronics.

French Polynesia uses the French Pacific Franc (XPF), sometimes referred to as the CFP Franc. You may see prices displayed as "Fr" throughout your travels. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Tahiti, Bora Bora, the Paul Gauguin, and the St. Regis Bora Bora. For most travelers, a credit card will be the primary method of payment throughout the trip.

The Paul Gauguin operates on a shipboard account system, so purchases made onboard are charged directly to your stateroom account. Since beverages and gratuities are already included, many guests find they have very few onboard expenses unless they choose extra excursions, spa treatments, boutique purchases, or premium experiences.

At the St. Regis Bora Bora, room charges, dining, spa services, and other purchases can be conveniently charged to your room and settled at checkout.

One of the nice things about French Polynesia is that tipping is generally not expected in the same way it is in the United States. On the Paul Gauguin, gratuities are already included in your cruise fare. At the St. Regis Bora Bora, service charges are typically included as well. For guides, drivers, and excursion operators, tips are appreciated for exceptional service but are never expected.

Taxi drivers generally do not expect tips. Most locals simply round up the fare or leave a small amount of change if they wish.

My recommendation is simple: bring a credit card, a backup credit card, and a small amount of cash for incidentals.  Contact your bank and CC company to let them know you are traveling so you don't have issues using your cards. 

French and Tahitian are the primary languages spoken throughout French Polynesia. You'll see French on road signs, menus, airport displays, and official documents, while Tahitian remains an important part of the local culture and is commonly heard in music, greetings, and cultural performances.

The good news is that English is widely spoken throughout the tourism industry, including hotels, restaurants, excursion operators, airports, and onboard the Paul Gauguin. Most travelers will have no difficulty communicating in English throughout the trip.

Ia Orana – Hello / Welcome
Mauruuru – Thank You

Bonjour – Good Morning / Hello
Merci – Thank You

Excursions will be available for booking closer to departure and will vary by island. Popular options typically include snorkeling, lagoon cruises, shark and stingray encounters, catamaran sailing, ATV adventures, cultural experiences, pearl farm visits, and scuba diving.

Many travelers consider the lagoon excursions in Bora Bora and Moorea to be among the highlights of the entire trip. The water really is every shade of blue you've seen in the photos.

Additional excursion information and recommendations will be added as we get closer to departure.

Following our cruise, many of us will spend three unforgettable nights at the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort in overwater bungalows.

We will fly from Tahiti to Bora Bora. This flight is approximately 45 minutes and is included as part of our land package. We'll have a representative meet us upon disembarkation, and all transfers are included.

As a reminder, the pricing for our Bora Bora extension included estimated costs for the inter-island flights and transfers between Tahiti and Bora Bora. Since those flights are not yet available for purchase, the final cost could end up slightly higher or slightly lower once the actual airfare is released. Any adjustment will be reflected in your final payments, whether that results in a small increase or decrease. That said, I anticipate the estimates used in our pricing to be quite accurate and do not expect any significant changes.

Bora Bora!

If you've never stayed in an overwater bungalow before, prepare yourself. Photos do not do it justice. Each bungalow sits directly over the lagoon and features a spacious outdoor deck, direct water access, and stunning views of Bora Bora's famous turquoise waters. Many guests find themselves spending as much time relaxing on their private deck as they do exploring the island.

The St. Regis is known for having some of the largest overwater bungalows in French Polynesia, along with exceptional service and one of the most spectacular settings in the South Pacific. The resort sits beneath the dramatic peaks of Mount Otemanu, creating postcard-worthy views in every direction.

Breakfast is included each morning of our three-night stay.

The atmosphere is relaxed luxury. This is not a place with packed schedules, loud pool parties, or constant activities. Most guests spend their days swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, enjoying the beach, relaxing by the pool, visiting the spa, or simply enjoying their bungalow and the incredible scenery.

Complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment are available for guests. The resort is also home to a beautiful lagoonarium where guests can snorkel among tropical fish in a protected environment.

Dining at the resort offers several options ranging from casual beachfront meals to more refined dining experiences. Lagoon Restaurant is the resort's signature dining venue and is widely considered one of the premier dining experiences in Bora Bora. Additional restaurants and bars offer Polynesian-inspired cuisine, sushi, tropical cocktails, and casual poolside fare.

The dress code throughout the resort is relaxed resort casual. During the day, swimsuits, cover-ups, shorts, sundresses, and sandals are the norm. For dinner, think tropical vacation attire rather than formal wear. Sundresses, skirts, linen pants, nice shorts, collared shirts, and resort wear are perfect. There is no need to pack formal clothing.

One thing many guests don't realize before arriving is just how much time they end up spending at the resort itself. Between the overwater bungalows, the lagoon, the beach, the restaurants, the spa, and the incredible views, many travelers find that simply enjoying the property becomes one of the highlights of the entire trip. Especially since by then we will have already spent a wonderful week exploring by water on our luxury cruise ship!

Please pay close attention to the luggage restrictions for our transfer from the Paul Gauguin to the St. Regis Bora Bora.

Our land arrangements include transportation for one standard-size suitcase per person. If you plan to travel with more than one checked bag per person, please let me know before final payment. Additional arrangements may be required and could result in additional costs. Failure to notify me in advance could impact the smooth operation of our group transfers.

Our flight from Tahiti to Bora Bora is operated by Air Moana and is also subject to luggage restrictions. Each traveler is permitted one carry-on bag with maximum dimensions of 115 cm (length + width + height) and a maximum weight of 5 kg (11 lbs), plus one personal item such as a purse or small bag with maximum dimensions of 75 cm (length + width + height). Each traveler is also permitted one checked bag with maximum dimensions of 158 cm (length + width + height) and a maximum weight of 23 kg (50 lbs).

While it may be tempting to pack for every possible occasion, remember that this trip takes place in tropical French Polynesia. Lightweight clothing, swimsuits, sandals, and resort-casual attire will be appropriate for the vast majority of the journey.

If you anticipate traveling with additional luggage, please let me know well in advance so we can explore available options.

For those of us joining the Bora Bora extension, our package includes a group transfer from the St. Regis Bora Bora to the airport, followed by our flight from Bora Bora back to Tahiti (Papeete). This flight is approximately 45 minutes and is included as part of our land package.

Because these transfers and flights are arranged as part of our group program, everyone will travel back to Papeete together.

Most international flights to the United States depart later in the evening, which works well with the group transfer schedule. We anticipate departing the St. Regis in the afternoon, flying back to Tahiti, and then connecting to our individual international flights home later that evening.

While international flights are not yet available for booking, be sure to select an evening departure from Papeete when the schedules are released. This is the standard routing for most U.S.-bound flights and will align with our included group transfer and inter-island flight arrangements.