Regent Seven Seas to Explore the South Pacific

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is offering 37 cruises through the South Pacific in 2007 aboard its Paul Gauguin, which sails French Polynesia year-round. Through 37 seven- to 14-night sailings, the Paul Gauguin will explore the Society Islands' Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea; the Marquesas and the Tuamotus; and beyond to the Cook Islands and Fiji. In 2007, four newly added 14-night voyages offer the opportunity to sail beyond French Polynesia to Fiji, for maiden calls in Savusavu, Lautoka and Yasawa. During these four new voyages, guests may learn about ancient Polynesian culture in Aitutaki and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands; discover the exquisite reefs of Yasawa (Fiji); explore the terraced burial tombs of ancient Tongan kings in Nuku'alofa; and visit Regent's own private islet, Motu Mahana. A selection of other seven- to 14-night itineraries will sail throughout the Society, Tuamotu, Marquesas, Cook and Austral Islands, all roundtrip from Papeete, Tahiti. Regent has carried more than 100,000 guests through the South Pacific on the Paul Gauguin, now in its 10th year of uninterrupted sailing in the region. The 330-guest, all-ocean view Paul Gauguin underwent a $6 million refurbishment in 2006, including the addition of a new piano bar, five additional staterooms with aft-facing private balconies, remodeled casino and new fabrics and carpeting throughout public areas. Amenities include three single, open seating dining venues, complimentary water sports from the vessel's own retractable marina with an optional PADI dive program, and the Carita of Paris Spa. In summer, the ship boasts a joint program with Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society, called "Ambassadors of the Environment" youngsters aged 9-15. The program is offered for $199 per child. For adults, six sailings will feature onboard lecture programs with naturalists from the Ocean Futures Society, while Jean-Michel Cousteau himself will sail aboard the Nov. 18 voyage. Per person prices start at $1,995 for the seven-night roundtrip cruise of the Society Islands from Papeete. For more information, call 800-913-7245. From ModernAgent.com