The first port of call for the Paul Gauguin is Raiatea, the "sacred island." In Polynesian creation myth, Raiatea is the birthplace of the world and the religious center of Polynesia. The great temple of Taputapuatea on the island was the center for the worship of the God Oro. Every marae (outdoor temple of worship) in Polynesia had to be built with at least one stone from Taputapuatea. Your voyage on the Paul Gauguin will begin with native music and dance performed by "The Children of Raiatea" on board ship.

Taha'a

This island is located within the same barrier reef as Raiatea. The main industry on the island is vanilla plantations. Its attraction for visitors lies in the string of "motus" along it's northern edge. A motu is created when soil and other organic material collect on a coral reef, allowing trees and plants to grow. Motus provide excellent sites for sunbathing and water sports. The Paul Gauguin staff prepares a special afternoon of a BBQ lunch, water sports, massages, and demonstrations of native crafts at their Motu Mahana off Taha'a.

Bora Bora

The island with a name as exotic as Tahiti is Bora Bora. Like many other Polynesian islands, it is the eroded cone of an extinct volcano. Bora Bora is notable because it was the site of an American supply base during World War II. The American navy built an airstrip on a large motu and positioned cannons at elevations at the north, east, south, and west sides of the island. You can take excursions up the mountain to see the cannons and breathtaking views.

Bora Bora's lagoons offer inviting locations for popular water sports, such as snorkeling, kayaking and SCUBA diving. The Paul Gauguin stops here for two days leaving plenty of time to experience the island. You might want to make a stop at "Bloody Mary's," a restaurant named for the crafty character in the musical South Pacific.

Moorea

Moorea is a lush, rugged, mountainous island. The Paul Gauguin makes alternate stops in the two beautiful bays of Moorea — Opunohu Bay and Cook's Bay. A ride up the mountainside to The Belvedere provides a breathtaking view of both bays. You can find last-minute treasures in the shops of Le Petite Village.

Tahiti and her islands invite you to put the frenetic world aside and experience nature at its most beautiful. The M/S Paul Gauguin transports you to this enchanting destination with style, comfort, and class.

For more information about Tahiti and The Park Royal, log onto their web sites at:

www.tahiti-resorts.com or www.tahiti-tourism.com .