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Paul Gauguin Cruises’ eponymous luxury vessel, m/s Paul Gauguin, has made Papeete, Tahiti, its year-round homeport since it began sailing the lagoons in 1998. Part of the PONANT family since 2019, the cruise line focuses exclusively on itineraries that explore the Islands of French Polynesia and neighboring South Pacific nations, with select sailings to Indonesia, Singapore, and Australia.
In advance of celebrating 25 years of luxury cruising in 2023, the Paul Gauguin underwent an extensive 2021 redesign by Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel that enhanced its South Pacific allure with dark woods, lagoon-inspired hues, and woven and textured fabrics. With its watersports marina, the ship is ideal for exploring the region’s pristine waters, while the Polynesia-inspired ambiance adds to the overall immersive experience of cruising these alluring islands.
What We Love
Intimate Setting: Paul Gauguin accommodates no more than 330 guests in an all-inclusive cocoon. Nearly 70 percent of the ship’s 165 staterooms and suites feature private balconies — ideal for enjoying sunsets à deux while sipping French Champagne — and public spaces such as the Piano Bar and al fresco La Palette lounge feature live music, both for listening and dancing.
Exemplary Service: With one crew member for every 1.5 passengers, the service levels are high — but with a friendly and relaxed attitude that reflects the lifestyle of the South Pacific and makes guests feel welcome from the moment they step aboard.
Varied Itineraries: The cruise line, which offers 7-to-14-night sailings to Tahiti’s Society, Tuamotu, and Marquesas islands as well as to the neighboring Cook Islands, also sails to South Pacific destinations outside of French Polynesia, including Fiji and Tonga. During Tahiti itineraries, a special treat awaits at Motu Mahana, the cruise line’s private motu off the coast of Taha’a in the Society Islands where guests can enjoy watersports, a local-inspired feast, and an open bar.
All-Inclusive Ease: Cruise fares include unlimited wine, beer, and select spirits as well as crew gratuities, complimentary watersports, picnics on a private motu (sandy islet), and onboard Polynesian cultural events and entertainment.
Polynesian-meets-French Cuisine: The three restaurants on board the Paul Gauguin serve food prepared using fresh, local ingredients and cooked to five-star specifications with a sophisticated European flair.
Local Hosts and Hostesses: A unique feature of Paul Gauguin Cruises is its troupe of local hosts and hostesses, known as Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines. Guests can expect a traditional Polynesian greeting when they board, superb dance performances to the heart-pounding beat of traditional Tahitian drums, and engaging activities throughout the cruise.
Couples: Not only does this intimate ship cruise one of the world’s most beautiful and romantic destinations, but Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines hold a Polynesian blessing ceremony for honeymooners and those celebrating an anniversary.
Anticipate a Quiet Atmosphere: Don’t expect all the bells and whistles of the megaships. There is no late-night disco, rock-climbing wall, or water slide. The emphasis here is on experiencing and enjoying authentic Polynesian music, dance, and story-telling — and, of course, the sublime beauty of the South Pacific.