Iceland: Great North, Westfjords & Aurora Borealis - TravelQuest International
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October 3 - 13, 2018

Iceland: Great North, Westfjords & Aurora Borealis

There are two key things to know about the aurora borealis: It’s a phenomenon everyone should experience once in their lives. And once you’ve seen those spectacular multi-hued lights shimmering across the northern sky, you’ll definitely want to see them again.

To these basic truths we can add two more: One of the best places on Earth to experience the aurora is Iceland. And there’s no better way to do it than staying in a remote hotel or lodge, stepping out of your comfortable room and i ...Show more

Highlights

  • Explore some of Iceland’s most outstanding, seldom visited areas of natural beauty
  • Superb local guide throughout your journey
  • Get the chance to experience the beauty of the aurora with this extended program
  • NO NIGHTTIME AURORA BUS TRIPS – a full 8-nights of relaxed aurora viewing just steps from your countryside accommodation
  • Optional post-tour add-on to the famed Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon

Explore these upcoming tours

Itinerary

Your Itinerary

Here’s a peak at what’s to come (but be prepared for delicious, unexpected surprises):

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It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using 'Content here, content here', making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for 'lorem ipsum' will uncover many web sites still in their infancy. Various versions have evolved over the years, sometimes by accident, sometimes on purpose (injected humour and the like). edit

 

French Polynesia is a spectacular collection of more than 1,800 volcanic atolls strewn across the South Pacific. The largest of the islands is Tahiti, known as “The Queen of the Pacific” – and you’ll soon see why that royal title is well deserved. Blending majestic beauty with a fascinating history, it’s the kind of tropical locale that likely appears in your mind’s eye when you hear the phrase “island paradise.” Landing at Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport (code: PPT), you can take a taxi directly to the cruise terminal pier and our waiting ship, the M/S Paul Gauguin. Embarkation begins at 15:00 (3:00 pm), and we sail at 22:00 (10:00 pm).

DATE(S): Wednesday, August 2, 2018

ACCOMMODATION: accommodation2

French Polynesia is a spectacular collection of more than 1,800 volcanic atolls strewn across the South Pacific. The largest of the islands is Tahiti, known as “The Queen of the Pacific” – and you’ll soon see why that royal title is well deserved. Blending majestic beauty with a fascinating history, it’s the kind of tropical locale that likely appears in your mind’s eye when you hear the phrase “island paradise.” Landing at Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport (code: PPT), you can take a taxi directly to the cruise terminal pier and our waiting ship, the M/S Paul Gauguin. Embarkation begins at 15:00 (3:00 pm), and we sail at 22:00 (10:00 pm). edit

DATE(S): Wednesday, August 1, 2018

MEALS: Dinner

ACCOMMODATION: accommodation1

Optional Add-ons

Most stand with their backs to the sea, gazing with hollow unblinking eyes across the windswept landscape. Some have been here for centuries; others were only restored recently after being toppled during the clash of cultures that followed the arrival of the first Europeans. In all, hundreds of these impassive figures – ranging in height from 5 to 33 feet (1.5 to 10 m) – were hewn from volcanic tuff and somehow transported many miles to stone platforms so they could watch over generations to come.

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TRIP LEVEL

Choosing Your Ideal Trip

Level 2 – Easy/moderate: short to medium walks on your own over sometimes wet, uneven, hilly terrain, with easy conditions, including carrying your own baggage. edit

View Gallery

 

about the eclipse

French Polynesia is a spectacular collection of more than 1,800 volcanic atolls strewn across the South Pacific. The largest of the islands is Tahiti, known as “The Queen of the Pacific” – and you’ll soon see why that royal title is well deserved. Blending majestic beauty with a fascinating history, it’s the kind of tropical locale that likely appears in your mind’s eye when you hear the phrase “island paradise.” edit

Cruise Information

M/S Gauguin

Overview

Welcome aboard!

M/S Paul Gauguin was designed specifically to sail the shallow bays of Polynesia, visiting small ports that larger ships can’t reach and blending naturally into the stunning beauty of the islands. Life onboard celebrates the warm, informal spirit of Polynesian culture while delivering five-star service, comfort and luxury. Spacious suites and staterooms, an onboard watersports marina, a choice of three open-seating dining venues and a relaxing spa are among the vessel’s many amenities. And then there are Les Gauguines, a troupe of Tahitians who serve as cruise staff, entertainers and storytellers, adding a unique dimension to every cruise.

  • Paul Gauguin Cruises was voted “#1 Midsize-Ship Ocean Cruise Line” by readers in Travel + Leisure’s 2016 World’s Best Awards.
  • Condé Nast Traveler has recognized Paul Gauguin Cruises on its “Top Small Ships” list for 15 years in a row.
  • The M/S Paul Gauguin has the longest continuous sailing record of any luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific.

Technical Specifications

 

  • Most luxurious ship sailing out of Tahiti on a year-round basis
  • Only 332 passengers, with a crew-to-guest ratio of 1 to 1.5
  • Overall length: 513 ft (156.5 m)
  • Passenger decks: 7
  • Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint Nazaire, France
  • Gross tonnage: 19,200 tons
  • Cruising speed: 18 knots
  • Ship’s registry: Bahamas
  • Propulsion system: diesel electric
  • Most recent dry-dock renovation: 2017
  • edit

Suites & Staterooms

Welcome aboard!

M/S Paul Gauguin was designed specifically to sail the shallow bays of Polynesia, visiting small ports that larger ships can’t reach and blending naturally into the stunning beauty of the islands. Life onboard celebrates the warm, informal spirit of Polynesian culture while delivering five-star service, comfort and luxury. Spacious suites and staterooms, an onboard watersports marina, a choice of three open-seating dining venues and a relaxing spa are among the vessel’s many amenities. And then there are Les Gauguines, a troupe of Tahitians who serve as cruise staff, entertainers and storytellers, adding a unique dimension to every cruise.

Staff & Services

Welcome aboard!

M/S Paul Gauguin was designed specifically to sail the shallow bays of Polynesia, visiting small ports that larger ships can’t reach and blending naturally into the stunning beauty of the islands. Life onboard celebrates the warm, informal spirit of Polynesian culture while delivering five-star service, comfort and luxury. Spacious suites and staterooms, an onboard watersports marina, a choice of three open-seating dining venues and a relaxing spa are among the vessel’s many amenities. And then there are Les Gauguines, a troupe of Tahitians who serve as cruise staff, entertainers and storytellers, adding a unique dimension to every cruise.

Things To Do

Welcome aboard!

M/S Paul Gauguin was designed specifically to sail the shallow bays of Polynesia, visiting small ports that larger ships can’t reach and blending naturally into the stunning beauty of the islands. Life onboard celebrates the warm, informal spirit of Polynesian culture while delivering five-star service, comfort and luxury. Spacious suites and staterooms, an onboard watersports marina, a choice of three open-seating dining venues and a relaxing spa are among the vessel’s many amenities. And then there are Les Gauguines, a troupe of Tahitians who serve as cruise staff, entertainers and storytellers, adding a unique dimension to every cruise.

Welcome aboard!

M/S Paul Gauguin was designed specifically to sail the shallow bays of Polynesia, visiting small ports that larger ships can’t reach and blending naturally into the stunning beauty of the islands. Life onboard celebrates the warm, informal spirit of Polynesian culture while delivering five-star service, comfort and luxury. Spacious suites and staterooms, an onboard watersports marina, a choice of three open-seating dining venues and a relaxing spa are among the vessel’s many amenities. And then there are Les Gauguines, a troupe of Tahitians who serve as cruise staff, entertainers and storytellers, adding a unique dimension to every cruise.

  • Paul Gauguin Cruises was voted “#1 Midsize-Ship Ocean Cruise Line” by readers in Travel + Leisure’s 2016 World’s Best Awards.
  • Condé Nast Traveler has recognized Paul Gauguin Cruises on its “Top Small Ships” list for 15 years in a row.
  • The M/S Paul Gauguin has the longest continuous sailing record of any luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific.

Technical Specifications

 

  • Most luxurious ship sailing out of Tahiti on a year-round basis
  • Only 332 passengers, with a crew-to-guest ratio of 1 to 1.5
  • Overall length: 513 ft (156.5 m)
  • Passenger decks: 7
  • Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint Nazaire, France
  • Gross tonnage: 19,200 tons
  • Cruising speed: 18 knots
  • Ship’s registry: Bahamas
  • Propulsion system: diesel electric
  • Most recent dry-dock renovation: 2017
  • edit

Welcome aboard!

M/S Paul Gauguin was designed specifically to sail the shallow bays of Polynesia, visiting small ports that larger ships can’t reach and blending naturally into the stunning beauty of the islands. Life onboard celebrates the warm, informal spirit of Polynesian culture while delivering five-star service, comfort and luxury. Spacious suites and staterooms, an onboard watersports marina, a choice of three open-seating dining venues and a relaxing spa are among the vessel’s many amenities. And then there are Les Gauguines, a troupe of Tahitians who serve as cruise staff, entertainers and storytellers, adding a unique dimension to every cruise.

Welcome aboard!

M/S Paul Gauguin was designed specifically to sail the shallow bays of Polynesia, visiting small ports that larger ships can’t reach and blending naturally into the stunning beauty of the islands. Life onboard celebrates the warm, informal spirit of Polynesian culture while delivering five-star service, comfort and luxury. Spacious suites and staterooms, an onboard watersports marina, a choice of three open-seating dining venues and a relaxing spa are among the vessel’s many amenities. And then there are Les Gauguines, a troupe of Tahitians who serve as cruise staff, entertainers and storytellers, adding a unique dimension to every cruise.

Welcome aboard!

M/S Paul Gauguin was designed specifically to sail the shallow bays of Polynesia, visiting small ports that larger ships can’t reach and blending naturally into the stunning beauty of the islands. Life onboard celebrates the warm, informal spirit of Polynesian culture while delivering five-star service, comfort and luxury. Spacious suites and staterooms, an onboard watersports marina, a choice of three open-seating dining venues and a relaxing spa are among the vessel’s many amenities. And then there are Les Gauguines, a troupe of Tahitians who serve as cruise staff, entertainers and storytellers, adding a unique dimension to every cruise.

Pricing & Terms

Pricing & Terms

Prices are per person in US Dollars based on the number of people in a room. edit

F
Porthole Stateroom

Brochure price

$$ 9,295

EARLY BOOKING

$$ 9,295
E
Window Stateroom

Brochure price

$$ 9,295

EARLY BOOKING

$$ 9,295
D
Balcony Stateroom

Brochure price

$$ 9,295

EARLY BOOKING

$$ 9,295
C
Veranda Stateroom

Brochure price

$$ 9,295

EARLY BOOKING

$$ 9,295

Additional Fees (subject to change): $300 per person Port, Handling and Security Fees IMPORTANT:  All tour prices, taxes and airfares quoted in this brochure are based on tariffs and costs that were in effect at the time of publication. Consequently, prices herein are subject to change. Due to fluctuations in global oil prices, a fuel surcharge may be added to your tour fee. You will be advised of details and costs prior to departure. edit

Includes

  • Accommodations in all-oceanview staterooms and suites for 14 nights aboard the M/S Paul Gauguin.
  • All meals aboard ship with choice of two elegant restaurants and one pool-side grill, all with open-seating dining. Vegetarian and wellness-focused meal selections, with special dietary menus upon request.
  • All shipboard entertainment including new insights into astronomy and Polynesian culture through our onboard enrichment lecture series.
  • A state-of-the-art, retractable watersports platform featuring complimentary waterskiing, windsurfing and kayaking, or take a Zodiac on one of our optional scuba-diving adventures.
  • Beverages, including fine wines and premium spirits, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee and tea served throughout the ship.
  • 24-hour room service and in-room dining.
  • Internet Wi-Fi access throughout your entire cruise.
  • Refrigerator replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and bottled water.
  • Bar setup and butler service in Categories B and above.
  • In-room movie channels and movies available.
  • All onboard gratuities.
  • edit

Not Included

Air travel to and from Tahiti (see below); passports & visas; airport luggage handling; possible air and cruise fuel surcharges; deluxe shipboard beverages; shore excursions; $300 per person Port, Handling and Security Fees (subject to change); items of a personal nature, including spa, boutique and laundry services, etc.; and recommended trip cancellation/medical insurance. edit

Payments & Terms

  • An advance payment of $2000 USD per person, along with the completed reservation form, are required to secure your reservation.
  • Final payment is due by June 12, 2018.
  • edit

Cancellation Terms

Cancellations must be made in writing via email, fax or mail.

  • All advance payments, less a $700 USD per person cancellation fee, are refundable until June 12, 2018.
  • There are no refunds after June 12, 2018.
  • Air cancellation terms are additional.
Traveler Health

It is each traveler's responsibility to take all appropriate medical advice prior to booking as to whether or not they are fit enough to undertake this trip. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects you from the unexpected "what-ifs" on your travels. What if your bags go missing, what if you have to cancel, what if you need medical assistance? We at TravelQuest International recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. You may purchase this insurance on your own or you may contact our friends at Travelex who are familiar with our trips and offer a selection of coverages to suit your needs. To be eligible for the waiver of pre-existing medical condition exclusion, their plans must be purchased within 21 days from the time you make your initial deposit to TravelQuest. Otherwise, the plan may be purchased any time prior to departure. For more information on these plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex Insurance Services direct at 1-800-228-9792, and reference location number 03-6043.

A Note About Fuel

In the uncertain, often volatile oil market, it is difficult to predict long-term fuel costs, and more specifically, costs at the time of the voyage. Our prices are based on the prevailing fuel rates at the time of the brochure publication, which is well in advance of departure. While we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, if fuel prices increase significantly at or before the time of the voyage, it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge. edit

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Some of our travelers share their experiences from this tour.

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TRIPS

Rob Hawley

Tour Travelogue My Journal

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