Expert answers about Paul Gauguin Cruises — the specialist in French Polynesia and the South Pacific, offering intimate luxury voyages aboard the legendary m/s Paul Gauguin to Tahiti, Bora Bora, and beyond.
Paul Gauguin Cruises operates a single ship — the m/s Paul Gauguin — in permanent year-round deployment in French Polynesia and the South Pacific. This is the defining difference between Paul Gauguin and any other cruise line: no ship in the world is as exclusively and deeply committed to this remarkable part of the Pacific.
With just 330 guests, the ship is purpose-built for these waters, with a shallow draft allowing access to remote atolls, lagoons, and anchorages that larger vessels cannot reach. Paul Gauguin Cruises has operated in French Polynesia for over 25 years and is part of the Pacific Beachcomber hospitality group, which also operates several of the finest overwater bungalow resorts in the islands.
The m/s Paul Gauguin was purpose-built for French Polynesian cruising and launched in 1998. At 330 guests, she is intimate by ocean-going ship standards. Key features:
Paul Gauguin is simply the specialist — French Polynesia is their only theater of operation, year-round, for over 25 years. No other major cruise line matches this depth of commitment. Silversea and Regent Seven Seas include French Polynesia as one of dozens of worldwide destinations; their ships are larger and their itineraries spend less time in the islands. Windstar offers sailing ship voyages in Polynesia with strong atmosphere but less inclusive fares. For travelers for whom French Polynesia is the destination — not just a port of call — Paul Gauguin has no equal.
Les Gauguines are one of the most beloved and unique features of the Paul Gauguin experience. They are a team of Tahitian and French Polynesian women who serve as the ship’s onboard cultural ambassadors — performing traditional Polynesian songs and dances, leading guests on shore excursions, offering Tahitian language lessons, and sharing the history, legends, and traditions of their home islands throughout the voyage. They are not performers in the conventional sense — they are genuine Polynesian hosts who make guests feel genuinely welcomed into island culture. Repeat Paul Gauguin guests often cite Les Gauguines as the feature that makes the line impossible to replicate.
The Gauguin Explorers dive program is widely regarded as one of the finest scuba diving programs at sea. The dive operation is based directly aboard the ship, with equipment, instruction, and dive masters available for both certified divers and beginners (resort courses offered). French Polynesia offers extraordinary dive sites — pristine coral reefs, drift dives through passes in outer atoll walls, shark-feeding dives in Bora Bora lagoon, and encounters with manta rays and sea turtles. For divers, the Paul Gauguin is a legitimately world-class dive platform in arguably the world’s finest warm-water dive destination.
The m/s Paul Gauguin operates exclusively in French Polynesia and the broader South Pacific. Typical itineraries include:
All itineraries depart from Papeete, Tahiti. Most voyages are 7–14 nights.
Bora Bora is the jewel of the Paul Gauguin itinerary and typically receives a full day or more at anchor in its impossibly turquoise lagoon. Activities available:
French Polynesia is a year-round destination and Paul Gauguin sails it every month. However:
The Marquesas are the most remote and dramatically different of the Polynesian island groups — rugged, volcanic, ancient, and largely untouched by mass tourism. The culture is distinct from Tahitian Polynesia; the landscape is dark basalt cliffs and deep valleys rather than coral reefs and turquoise lagoons. For travelers seeking the deepest Polynesian cultural experience, the Marquesas are extraordinary. The longer voyages (typically 14 nights) that include the Marquesas are among Paul Gauguin’s most exclusive offerings and attract repeat guests who have already experienced the Society Islands.
Paul Gauguin operates on a fully all-inclusive model — among the most generous in luxury cruising:
Not included: International airfare to/from Papeete, pre/post-cruise hotels, scuba diving (dive program available for additional fee), and travel insurance.
The retractable marina platform at the stern of the Paul Gauguin is a signature feature of the ship. When anchored in calm lagoons, the platform folds down to the waterline, creating a floating dock directly from the ship — allowing guests to step directly into the warm Polynesian waters, launch kayaks and paddleboards, and return from snorkeling or swimming without using a tender. It transforms the ship from a viewing platform into a watersports base and is enormously popular with guests who want direct, easy water access without the formality of a shore excursion.
Scuba diving through the Gauguin Explorers program is available for an additional fee — it is not included in the standard all-inclusive fare. However, snorkeling is complimentary, including gear and guided snorkel excursions. For certified divers, the dive program pricing is reasonable relative to land-based dive operations in French Polynesia, and having a dedicated dive operation based aboard the ship — with instructor, divemaster, and equipment all available — is a significant convenience. Introductory dive courses for non-certified guests are also available.
The Paul Gauguin strikes a thoughtful balance between elegance and tropical ease. The tone is resort casual — there are no formal nights requiring black tie, but dinners are smart casual to elegant casual (collared shirts for men in the evening; dresses or resort wear for women). The overall mood is relaxed and warm, reflecting the island spirit of French Polynesia. The 330-guest scale means you will know your fellow passengers within a day or two, and the convivial atmosphere aboard — aided considerably by the all-inclusive open bar — makes for extremely sociable evenings.
French Polynesia consistently ranks among the world’s most romantic destinations, and the Paul Gauguin delivers it in a deeply immersive way. The line is genuinely beloved by honeymooners and anniversary travelers: overwater bungalow imagery from Bora Bora, sunsets over coral lagoons, private-feeling beach landings, and the easy luxury of the all-inclusive format (no thinking about what anything costs) create perfect conditions for romance. Paul Gauguin Cruises can also arrange special onboard celebrations — ask your Pavlus advisor to note special occasions when booking.
Entertainment on the Paul Gauguin is distinctive. Les Gauguines perform traditional Polynesian song and dance, and their performances are genuine cultural expressions rather than Vegas-style productions. The ship also features a pianist and lounge musicians, a small casino, and presentations by naturalists and historians on the Polynesian cultural context of each island visited. Shore-based entertainment at various ports — fire dancing, traditional feasts, and cultural demonstrations — supplements the onboard program. The focus is on authentic experience rather than theatrical scale.
All Paul Gauguin itineraries depart from and return to Papeete (Fa’a’ā International Airport), Tahiti. From the US:
Air Tahiti Nui is the national carrier and often offers competitive fares with excellent on-board Polynesian service. Your Pavlus advisor can assist with flight arrangements.
Call 800-528-9300. Our advisors can walk you through itinerary options, cabin categories, and current promotions. We can also assist with flights to Papeete, which typically route through Los Angeles. Deposits are generally $500 per person, with final payment due 90–120 days before sailing.
No — you will pay less. Pavlus provides a savings benefit on top of all current Paul Gauguin promotions — a discount, cash back, or onboard credit that is over and above, and combineable with, all vendor offers. Booking through Pavlus also gives you:
Pavlus has access to Paul Gauguin’s promotional programs, which periodically include early-booking discounts, complimentary cabin upgrades, and special-rate offers. Availability varies by sailing and booking window. Call 800-528-9300 to learn what is currently available for your preferred voyage and travel dates.
In many cases, yes — Paul Gauguin Cruises allows bookings to be transferred to an authorized travel agency within a defined window after the initial deposit. Call 800-528-9300 to discuss your specific booking and whether a transfer to Pavlus is possible.
No — you will pay less. Pavlus Travel offers a savings advantage — discount, cash back, or onboard credit — over and above and combineable with all Paul Gauguin promotions. You receive every current Paul Gauguin offer plus Pavlus’ additional savings benefit on top. Our value is expertise, advocacy, logistics support — and a pricing advantage in your favor.
Pavlus Travel has sold Paul Gauguin Cruises for many years as part of a 40+ year specialty in luxury and expedition cruising. Our advisors understand the nuances of the Paul Gauguin product — which cabin categories offer the best value, how the different itinerary lengths compare, what to expect from Les Gauguines, and how to maximize the diving and watersports experience. We can also give honest guidance on how the Paul Gauguin compares to other French Polynesia options for your specific goals.
If any issue arises — itinerary changes, cabin modifications, scheduling adjustments — call 800-528-9300 and Pavlus will work directly with Paul Gauguin Cruises on your behalf. Having an experienced advocate particularly matters for luxury travel where the experience is a significant investment.
Because there is only one ship — with only 330 guests — sailing year-round in a hugely popular destination, demand is consistently high. For peak season (June–October, which coincides with the best weather and whale season) and holiday sailings (Christmas, New Year), book 9–12 months in advance for preferred cabin categories. Balcony suites and Owner’s Suites on premium sailings can sell out 12+ months ahead. Shoulder-season voyages (January–April) typically offer more availability and often better promotional pricing.
Paul Gauguin fares vary by itinerary length and cabin category:
Deposits are typically $500 per person, with final payment generally due 90–120 days before departure. Cancellation fees escalate as departure approaches — significant penalties apply inside 90 days and full forfeiture inside 30–45 days on most voyages. Travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage is strongly recommended. Your Pavlus advisor will confirm current terms at booking.
The m/s Paul Gauguin offers a range of cabin categories, all ocean-view (no interior cabins):
All staterooms are ocean-view — a meaningful commitment by a 330-guest ship to ensuring every guest has a connection to the sea.
French Polynesian waters are generally quite calm — the islands are protected by their position in the South Pacific, and the lagoons around the Society Islands are sheltered by outer reefs. Open-ocean passages between island groups can have some swell, but nothing approaching the conditions of polar or North Atlantic voyages. The Paul Gauguin is well-stabilized, and motion sickness is rarely a significant concern for most travelers. The dry season (May–October) tends to bring the calmest conditions overall.
Yes — while French Polynesia is widely associated with romance and couples travel, solo travelers are very welcome aboard and well-accommodated. Paul Gauguin offers solo cabin options and the intimate 330-guest scale makes it natural to form connections with fellow passengers. The open bar and Les Gauguines programs create a sociable, warm atmosphere. Many solo travelers find that French Polynesia’s exuberant culture — music, dance, warmth — is actually less intimidating solo than more formal luxury destinations.
Snorkeling masks, fins, and vests are provided complimentary for all guests. The marina platform allows easy water access for snorkeling directly from the ship. Guided snorkel excursions to specific reef sites are also included. French Polynesia offers world-class snorkeling — the lagoons around Bora Bora, Moorea, and Rangiroa are home to manta rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, and extraordinary coral formations. No prior experience is required; even nervous first-time snorkelers typically discover it is one of the highlights of the voyage.
The La Palette Bar is the social heart of the Paul Gauguin — a well-appointed lounge where guests gather before dinner for cocktails, after dinner for conversation, and throughout the day for refreshments. Les Gauguines perform here most evenings, bringing live Polynesian music into the space. The open-bar policy (all beverages included) creates a naturally sociable atmosphere without the awkwardness of drinks tabs. The overall tone is warm, unhurried, and convivial — a reflection of Polynesian hospitality infused into a small luxury ship.
Absolutely — and this is one of the most popular ways to book French Polynesia. Paul Gauguin Cruises is part of the Pacific Beachcomber hospitality group, which also operates the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa and other properties featuring the famous overwater bungalows. Pre- or post-cruise stays at these resorts can be arranged, creating a seamlessly integrated French Polynesia itinerary that combines the breadth of island exploration with the luxury of a fixed-base bungalow experience. Your Pavlus advisor can help build the complete package.
Paul Gauguin Cruises does not have a minimum age restriction and occasional families with children do sail. However, there are no dedicated children’s programs, kids’ clubs, or specific children’s menus. The atmosphere is adult-oriented. Families with older children (teenagers) who are interested in snorkeling, marine life, and Polynesian culture can have a wonderful experience. The ship is not ideal for young children or toddlers. If you have children and are considering this voyage, call 800-528-9300 to discuss whether it is the right fit.
Yes — gratuities to all crew are fully included in the Paul Gauguin all-inclusive fare. You board and enjoy the voyage without any obligation to track or distribute tip envelopes. This is a genuine all-inclusive: beverages, dining, watersports, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are all covered. The only meaningful onboard expenditures are spa treatments and scuba diving through the Gauguin Explorers program.
Airfare to Papeete is not included in the standard Paul Gauguin fare, but the line periodically offers air-inclusive packages (particularly from West Coast gateways like Los Angeles) as promotional add-ons. Your Pavlus advisor can advise on current air-inclusive offers and compare them against independently purchased airfare. Air Tahiti Nui is the primary carrier and offers a genuinely premium Polynesian in-flight experience — many guests prefer to book it independently as part of extending the Polynesian experience from the moment they board the plane.
Try a different search term, or call us at 800-528-9300 for a direct answer.