TAHITI/BORA BORA MADE BETTER

July 23 - 31, 2022

Nathan & Cheryl with TRAVEL MADE BETTER invite you to join us as we celebrate 10 years in the travel business at the ultimate bucket list destination - Tahiti and Bora Bora!  We'll be experiencing the islands on the only ship designed for and dedicated exclusively to the French Polynesian waters - the award-winning Paul Gauguin.  With only 300 guests, onboard watersports marina, private island access and relaxed All Inclusive-style sailing, you'll enjoy a pure slice of heaven on earth.  Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! 

ITINERARY

Date Location Arrive Depart
July 23, 2022 PAPEETE, TAHITI 3:00 PM 11:55 PM
July 24, 2022 HUAHINE aka 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
July 25, 2022 TAHA'A (MOTU MAHANA) - The Gauguin's own private islet paradise 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
July 26, 2022 BORA BORA - where dreams comes true 8:00 AM
July 27, 2022 BORA BORA Day 2 - off the charts snorkeling/scuba or enjoy our exclusive white-sand beach 5:00 PM
July 28, 2022 MOOREA, said to be the inspiration for Michener's 'Bali Hai' 8:00 AM
July 29, 2022 MOOREA Day 2 - adventure awaits you on this spectacular island 5:00 PM
July 30, 2022 PAPEETE - evening arrival the day before, then morning Tahiti tour and day use of Intercontinental for some R&R 8:00 AM
July 31, 2022 Overnight flights back to LAX beginning late night on 7/30 11:00 AM

Per Person All Inclusive Pricing
Based on double occupancy / single occupancy pricing is available upon request. All rates include complimentary gratuities, onboard beverages, specialty dining, snorkeling equipment, non-motorized sports (kayaks/paddleboards) and so much more!

Accommodation Category Type Per Person
Porthole Stateroom (A/S Package) - Deck 3 Air/Sea Package $5170

DETAILS, DEADLINES & DEPOSIT

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  June 15, 2022

Group staterooms are limited and could sell out due to strong demand for travel in 2022.  

Simply click on the orange "RESERVE TODAY" button at the very bottom of this information.

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SPECIAL GROUP PROMO:

All Rates reflect the following:

5% Travel Made Better group savings plus...

Guests 1 and 2 in each stateroom/suite will receive $150 shipboard credit.

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ABOUT PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES (from their official website)

Paul Gauguin first sailed to Tahiti in 1891 in search of inspiration, and along with the idyllic landscapes, he found a deep connection with the inviting spirit of the local Polynesians. Today our intimate, luxury cruises through French Polynesia and the South Pacific allow you to experience these remarkable places on the vacation of a lifetime that is part of our company’s commitment to also benefit local people and support the protection of this unique part of our fragile and beautiful planet.

Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the highest-rated and longest continually-sailing cruise ship in the South Pacific, the renowned m/s Paul Gauguin, designed to explore the pristine lagoons of these islands, while our proud team of local Tahitians extend genuine Polynesian hospitality. Artful onboard features include luxurious, oceanview accommodations with balconies in select staterooms, gourmet dining curated by award-winning chef Jean-Pierre Vigato, a lavish spa offering signature treatments, an expansive deck and outdoor pool, fitness center, a boutique, and a lounge with live entertainment introducing you to Polynesia’s vibrant cultures. The Gauguin also offers a watersports marina for kayaking, paddle boarding, and PADI SCUBA diving programs. Only with Paul Gauguin Cruises can you visit our private island of Motu Mahana (off the coast of Taha’a) where food, drink, and live music await as well as our exclusive beach retreat in Bora Bora.  

Discover the difference of cruising with purpose on Paul Gauguin Cruises and allow us to introduce you to authentic Polynesia.

USEFUL ITINERARY NOTES

Los Angeles - to assure a seamless vacation, most of us will plan to meet the day before departing on our nonstop Air Tahiti Nui flight.  For comfort and convenience, we'll be staying at either the nearby LAX Marriott or Hilton Hotel.  Cost is additional (tba) and can be prearranged through Travel Made Better.

Papeete, Tahiti - Most likely, our flight will be overnight from Los Angeles. Same time zone as Hawaii, just a couple hours farther. Those booking the Air/Sea package will be transferred directly to a resort hotel for use of a day room before embarkation.  This will allow for needed rest and leisure after your flight.  Embarkation will begin later in the day, at a time determined by Paul Gauguin cruises.

Huahine - Lush rain forests, dramatic landscapes and idyllic lagoons are just the beginning of one of French Polynesia's best-kept secrets.  The pace here is relaxed.  Let your own desires shape your day.  Wander the village.  Take in the remarkable views.  Lounge on the beach.

Taha'a - You'll know it's near by the intoxicating scent of Tahitian vanilla in the air (80% of French Polynesian vanilla is grown here).  The Volcanic hillsides burst with a bounty of banana, watermelon and pineapple.  

Motu Mahana - just off the shore is The Gauguin's own private paradise, exclusive to her guests.  Beneath swaying palm trees, the day is yours to create.  Snorkel surrounded by technicolor fish.  Grab a kayak or join in a game of volleyball.  Learn how to open a coconut or tie a pareo.  Indulge in an overwater massage.  And when the mood strikes, a sumptuous barbeque feast awaits - complete with cocktails from full and floating bars.

Bora Bora (OVERNIGHT) - This island, arguably the most celebrated of the Society Islands, is the one that will forever remain in your heart.  "The Pearl of the Pacific" is surrounded by motus and embraced by a coral reef - which means off-the-charts snorkeling.  With picture postcard Mt. Otemanu in view, bask in the sun, kayak, or paddleboard on Paul Gauguin Cruises' exclusive white-sand beach.  A variety of enticing excursions await the adventurous.  Or simply enjoy the supreme tranquility of this heaven on earth.

Moorea (OVERNIGHT) - Of all the ports on your itinerary, Moorea may be the one you will find most hypnotic.  The colors and textures - from jagged volcanic ridges and lush green jungle to aquamarine waters - are a true feast for the eyes and soul.  Moorea is dominated by eight mountain peaks rising from a shimmering lagoon.  On land and sea, adventures of all levels await: hiking, whale watching, snorkeling - even ATV riding for the truly adventurous.

Papeete - Your evening arrival in Papeete gives you the opportunity to sample the city's nightlife.  Take a short walk to the park across from the harbor, Vai'ete Square, where more than 30 food trucks, called Les Roulottes, serve up fresh, inexpensive, and very good food - everything from Chinese or French to the local catch of the day.

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WHAT IS INCLUDED in the ALL INCLUSIVE FARES?

  • Roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui (with Air/Sea Package)
  • Roundtrip airport/pier transfers (with Air/Sea Package)
  • 7 nights deluxe accommodations on one of the world's most awarded cruise lines
  • All shipboard meals in your choice of 3 dining venues
  • Complimentary 24-hour room service
  • Complimentary beverages including select wines and spirits, beer, soft drinks, bottled water and hot beverages served throughout the ship
  • In-stateroom refrigerator replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and bottled water
  • All Onboard Gratuities for room stewards and dining/bar staff
  • All Shipboard Entertainment

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SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR SAILING WITH PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES

  • Intimate, small-ship ambiance with no more than 332 guests
  • Industry-leading 1:1.5 crew-to-guest ratio for impeccable service
  • In-suite bar set up and butler service in Suites and above
  • Spacious balconies in nearly 70% of our suites and staterooms
  • Exclusive private motu and beach days
  • Onboard marina with complimentary kayaking and paddleboarding in select ports and from destination beaches
  • Nightly entertainment, including local dance troupes, special guests, and Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins - the Paul Gauguin's own troupe of Polynesian entertainers
  • Presentations by local naturalists and a variety of special guests
  • Optional PADI dive program with certification for novices, onboard refresher courses, and Zodiacs for diving excursions

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GENERAL NOTES SPECIFIC TO PRICING

  • All rates are based upon double occupancy, meaning 2 guests sharing the same stateroom.

  • Single occupancy rooms are available with group rate supplement in Porthole and Window Staterooms only - simply contact Nathan at Travel Made Better.

  • Gov't taxes/port fees of $140.00 per guest are added to the rates shown.

  • As mentioned, standard cruise gratuities are INCLUDED for all guests.

  • Cruise protection (through Allianz) can also be added to your booking and is strongly encouraged for peace of mind against UNFORESEEN medical problems both before and during the cruise. Cost per stateroom is based upon category chosen (10.5% of your booking total): Window $1123.50, Balcony $1459.500, Veranda Suite $1766.10

  • Group rooms are limited and subject to availability at time of booking.

  • All guests must place their bookings through Travel Made Better in order to take advantage of the bonus onboard credit and group rate programs.

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DEPOSIT AMOUNT

At time of initial booking, you will be charged the following:

  1. 25% of booking total (payable to Paul Gauguin Cruises)

  2. Optional cost of Vacation Protection offered through Paul Gauguin Cruises

Major credit cards only as inputted directly into your reservation form.  Payments are applied by Nathan Harvey, Owner/Travel Agent with Travel Made Better LLC and made directly to Paul Gauguin Cruises. 

NOTE: if you cannot sail on your scheduled cruise, any payments would be applied toward FUTURE CRUISE CREDIT with Paul Gauguin i.e. due to demand and size of the ship, deposits and cruise payments are non-refundable.

Upon booking, you will be emailed an official confirmation showing your paid deposit to Paul Gauguin Cruises.

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WHEN IS THE FINAL PAYMENT DUE AND HOW IS IT PAID?

Final payment is officially due by June 23, 2022 (coming up soon!).  You will be contacted by your travel agent approximately 2 weeks prior as a reminder.

Of course, if you would like to pay additional payments prior to this date --OR-- prepay your cruise balance, simply contact Travel Made Better at any time.  

After receipt of final payment and required guest information, cruise documents will be sent approximately 25 days prior to your cruise departure. If your cruise includes Paul Gauguin Cruises air/sea program, the flight itinerary will be issued whenever possible in the form of e-tickets. 

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THE KEY QUESTION... HOW DO I REGISTER?

All guests must pre-register for TAHITI/BORA BORA MADE BETTER through this form.  Simply click on the orange 'RESERVE TODAY' button (found at very bottom of page) to send your information directly to the travel agent.  This is the best way to get complete and accurate information needed to make your cruise reservation.  Nathan Harvey and Cheryl Ogg (co-owners of Travel Made Better) are the only people that will receive or have access to this information!  It is safe on a military-grade security platform built into the technology.  If you have questions, feel free to email (nathan@travelmadebetter.com) or call/text (614) 402-1586.

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STATEROOM DESCRIPTIONS

Veranda Suite
  • A Veranda Suite

CATEGORY B | 305 sq. ft.
Stateroom: 249 sq. ft.
Veranda: 56 sq. ft.

  • Includes complimentary Butler Service.
  • B Veranda Staterooms can accommodate a third guest by adding a sofa bed.

Balcony Stateroom

  • C Balcony Stateroom
  • C Balcony Stateroom
  • C Balcony Stateroom
  • m/s Paul Gauguin

CATEGORY D | 239 sq. ft.
Stateroom: 202 sq. ft.
Veranda : 37 sq. ft.

Floor Plan

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Window Stateroom

  • Category E Cabin on the m/s Paul Gauguin
CATEGORY E | 200 sq. ft. with picture window
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WANT ADDITIONAL ROOMS FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY?

Our group rates are available on a limited basis for anyone wishing to experience French Polynesia.  If you have friends and family interested in joining you, please feel free to send them this website for info/registration.  We would be glad to service them as well at no additional fee!

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AIRFARE TO/FROM TAHITI

All guests have the option to choose the Air/Sea Package or Cruise Only at the time of initial booking.  The Air/Sea Package includes roundtrip airfare from LAX/Los Angeles International Airport on Air Tahiti Nui.  This package is highly recommended as it will include your flight arrangements + ground transportation before/after the cruise + day use of Tahiti resort rooms to rest/relax upon arrival in Papeete.

MOST LIKELY we will be meeting as a group at an LAX hotel the day before leaving for Tahiti.  Details to be announced at a later date when group members are confirmed.

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DOCUMENTATION NEEDED

Passport books are required for all guests regardless of age.  If you do not have a passport, these can be obtained through your local post office (please allow 8 weeks for process completion).  Information is available online at travel.state.gov.  Passports must not expire within 6 months of our dates of travel (30 JAN 2023)

Currently, there are no additional vaccinations required for this cruise.

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CANCELLATION GUIDELINES - IMPORTANT!

From today's date until June 22, 2022 ... 75% penalty of fare per guest.

From June 23, 2022 to sailing ... 100% penalty of fare per guest.

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UNIQUE AWARDS FOR PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES

2021  "The World's Best Cruises" Gold List (Conde Nast Traveler)

2020  "Best Small Ship Cruise Line" 5th consecutive year (Global Traveler's Leisure Lifestyle Awards)

2019  Cruise Critic's Cruisers' Choice Awards:  "Best Cabins", "Best Embarkation", "Best Entertainment" and "Best Service"

2019  "#1 Midsize-Ship Ocean Cruise Line" (Travel+Leisure Readers' World's Best Awards)

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ABOUT TRAVEL MADE BETTER

I actually once wrote a theme back in elementary school titled "I want to be a Travel Agent" (true story!).  After extensively traveling the country in my 20s and 30s, plus leading youth groups and friends/family trips, in 2011 I joined my longtime friend Art and began part-time in the industry with a local agency.  

2 years later in 2013, Travelbug LLC was formed and officially licensed with the State of Ohio.  We began doing business as Travel Made Better in 2015, when I became full-time and convinced that Cheryl and I could develop our business.  

We experienced 4 straight years of 30+% growth until Covid-19 hit in 2020.  Regardless, we're proud to say we've been top 50 (in our host agency of over 5000 agents nationwide) for 2017-2020.

We are thrilled to celebrate 10 years in the travel business with you, our beloved guests!

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YOUR TRAVEL AGENT PARTNERS

Nathan Harvey and Cheryl Ogg with Travel Made Better have been in the travel business since 2011.  We have grown to know many of you personally and are excited to celebrate with those interested in this new adventure.  We strive to be both professional and personal in all we do, so please feel free to contact us at any time with your questions.  We will do our very best to respond within 24-48 hours.  We hope that you will "catch the travelbug" along with us!