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Paul Gauguin Cruises

Our Review
by Theresa Masek
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

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.

What We Love

Intimate Setting: Paul Gauguin accommodates no more than 330 guests in an all-inclusive cocoon. With one crew member for every 1.5 passengers, the service levels are high.

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.

Best Known For

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.

Who It's Best For

Couples: Les Gauguines, the ship’s Tahitian hostesses, hold a Polynesian blessing ceremony for honeymooners and those celebrating an anniversary.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

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.