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Dreaming of a Beach Christmas ... with Paul Gauguin Cruises

Forget the snow, sand is what you should be dreaming about this Christmas according to Paul Gauguin Cruises.

The beaches of French Polynesia are, to their minds, the perfect alternative for couples, families and friends to celebrate the December holidays.

With two 2011 Tahiti & the Society Islands Holiday sailings offered on December 21 and 28, guests can choose to commemorate Christmas or ring in the New Year aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin during “the most wonderful time of year”. 

On the Christmas cruise, the little ones may even see Santa Claus - or Pere Noel as local children know him - travelling from island to island in his outrigger canoe, while guests can toast in the New Year on the December 28 sailing, and learn Polynesian dances with the popular Les Gauguines, a local Tahitian dance group serving as cruise staff.

Perfect for families, both sailings offer children access to the revolutionary Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Programme, available for a fee of $289 per child. Explorer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau and his Ocean Futures Society created this unique, groundbreaking programme to introduce travellers to the extraordinary natural wonders of French Polynesia.

The programme provides young participants (ages 9 to 17) with hands-on, interactive experience with marine and island ecosystems. Young ambassadors will explore coral reefs, hike rainforest trails and visit marae (ancient Polynesian temples). Participants will also learn how black pearls and vanilla are cultivated, how volcanic islands become coral atolls and how to paddle an outrigger canoe. Parents are encouraged to join children on eco-excursions and other activities aboard and ashore, making the programme a great activity for families.

Guests on the December Holiday Sailings will receive 50 per cent off standard cruise fares in addition to free airfare from Los Angeles. As an added benefit, for friends or family sharing a room, the third person per stateroom cruises for free (airfare not included).

The seven-night December 21 voyage starts and finishes in Papeete and visits Huahine, Taha’a, Bora Bora (overnight) and Moorea (overnight.

The seven-night December 28 voyage starts and finishes in Papeete and visits Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora (overnight) and Moorea. Guests will also enjoy an overnight at the Tahiti InterContinental Resort, the island’s top resort.

Prices for the two voyages start from £3,937 per person including return flights from the UK.