AMA Insider Summer 2018/ UNDER 55 | Page 38

BORA BORA mOTU mOHANA Paul GauGuIn CruISeS: m/s PAUL GAUGUIN roundtrIP from PaPeete Year-round dePartureS 7-nIGht CruISe from $3,995 uSd + $139 taxeS/PerSon (including roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles) BLOOdy mARy’s 38 Summer 2018 AMA InSIder on the ship Paul Gauguin is the undisputed king of the seas in French Polynesia. The cruise line has just one ship, purpose- built with an onboard marina to sail year-round through the turquoise lagoons near Tahiti, Bora Bora and Fiji. Housing 332 passengers, the m/s Paul Gauguin offers laid-back hospitality with a largely Polynesian crew. The almost-all-inclusive pricing includes onboard gratuities and all beverages, including select wines and spirits. Canadian residents save 10 to 25 percent on standard fares through- out 2018 and 2019. AMA members also receive a $100 USD/person onboard credit on select sailings. taste of the toWn Bora Bora is better known for beaches than city life, but a visit to Viatape, the island’s largest town, promises some tasty diversions. At Bloody Mary’s, a legendary watering hole, pull up a “bar stump” and sip the establishment’s namesake cocktail, served bold and spicy. Munch on deep-fried fish and shrimp as you admire Mount Otemanu in the distance. Before leaving, peruse the wall of fame for celebrity patrons, from Prince Rainier of Monaco to Diana Ross to Mr. Bean. mOOREA overnight stay A Romantic Escapade excursion includes an overnight stay in an overwater bungalow at a posh resort in Bora Bora or Moorea. You can kick back with champagne, a candlelit dinner and a fresh breakfast delivered by a traditional outrigger canoe. It costs extra, but it’s a romantic way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or honeymoon. motu mohana Get off deck for a day on Paul Gauguin Cruise’s private motu (islet) near Taha’a. Dotted with swaying palm trees, the white-sand shores of Motu Mohana provide a picturesque home base for snorkelling and diving the South Pacific waters, which teem with colourful sea life. Grab a drink from the floating bar and savour local flavour with a traditional Polynesian barbecue during this complimentary island excursion. french polynesia: TAHITI, BORA BORA, mOOREA