Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the award-winning luxury small-ship the m/s Paul Gauguin, providing an exceptional cruise experience. Discover the difference of cruising with purpose and allow us to introduce you to authentic Polynesia.
Designed specifically to sail the pristine lagoons of the South Seas, The Gauguin is eminently at home amidst these idyllic isles. Recently reimagined with a contemporary, chic ambience, the ship boasts a relaxed, easy elegance with indulgent suites and spacious staterooms – many with a private balcony – exceptional cuisine, authentic explorations ashore, a commitment to sustainability, and genuinely hospitable service.
Paul Gauguin Cruises superior service is distinguished by pure Polynesian hospitality and by one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios at sea ensuring the experience is nothing short of first class. The Gauguin also offers a watersports marina for kayaking, paddleboarding, and PADI SCUBA diving programs.
All-inclusive fare includes accommodations, all shipboard dining, gratuities, soft drinks, bottled water, beer, and select wine and spirits.
Paul Gauguin Cruises has been recognized by notable publications in travel and lifestyle including voted most recently as the “World’s Best Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Line” in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2022; one of the “Top 2 Small Cruise Lines” in the Condé Nast Traveler 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards as well as named on the publication’s 2021 “Gold List.” The line was also recognized for the 4th time for having the “Best French Polynesia Cruises” in the AFAR Travelers’ Choice Awards. In September 2019, Paul Gauguin Cruises joined PONANT’s family, a designer of inspiring voyages on board small exploration ships.
Paul Gauguin Cruises' Ships
More about Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises was created with the intent to provide enjoyable and meaningful travel experiences to this unique part of the planet. We care deeply, not only for our guests, but for the communities, cultures and natural wonders that make Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific so alluring. We are dedicated to minimizing our environmental footprint and supporting local communities, while maximizing your experience of Polynesia's vivid, vibrant cultures, and stunning natural beauty.
Caring for Culture
Participating directly in French Polynesia’s many rich traditions leads to deeper, more meaningful connections, and we strive to infuse the Polynesian spirit into everything we do.
Cultural experts share their knowledge onboard through dynamic and entertaining lectures and presentations.
Our troupe of cultural ambassadors, Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins, welcome guests to experience the local way of life.
Guests have ample opportunities to delve into the culture: learn to weave a hei from freshly-plucked flowers; join in on traditional dance performances; and learn to strum a ukulele.
Experience regional cuisine like moonfish and traditional roasted suckling pig, on board and on optional shore excursions.
Enhance weddings, anniversaries, and vow renewals with a traditional Polynesian blessing ceremony.
Caring for the Environment
We share the French Polynesians’ deep respect for our vast blue oceans, and our commitment to eco-friendly operations guides our activities both on and off the ship.
Through our partnership with Te mana o te moana, a South Pacific marine education and conservation foundation, we offer the Moana Explorer program which invites guests to discover and value the natural wonders of this breathtaking part of the world through hands-on, interactive learning. While it is designed for children and teens ages 7-15, all family members are welcome to participate. Every day of the voyage, there is a combination of naturalist-led island and/or beach excursions, science activities, crafts, games, and other adventures.
Attend a presentation on select voyages where celebrated marine biologists, oceanographers, conservationists, and cultural experts share their knowledge through dynamic presentations and Q&A sessions.
Explore the vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine biodiversity up close through an optional SCUBA excursion or certification course, where gray reef sharks, giant octopi, and kaleidoscopic parrotfish can be spotted.
Caring for People
We believe in sustainable travel that benefits both guests and island communities alike. Our cruises are designed to give back to local peoples and support local businesses.
Experience Tonga’s bygone traditions though live demonstrations, like weaving clothing from bark in the local botanical garden, while learning about ongoing plant conservation efforts.
Get a taste for Polynesian life today by visiting a local marketplace, where you can you find authentic souvenirs to bring back home.
Explore vestiges of marae (ancient temples) and stroll through pineapple plantations on an excursion with a local guide whose personal insight and stories will provide you with deeper understanding.
Journey to a small black pearl farm, where you will learn firsthand about local oysters and the process of cultivating one of the world’s favorite jewellery items.
85 Cruises ·
1 Ships
Cruise Regions
Pacific
Indian Ocean
Australasia
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Reasons to Book
1) Polynesian expert
In 1891, the painter Paul Gauguin settled in Tahiti in search of a "sky without winter". For more than 25 years, the ship named in his honour – designed to navigate the shallow waters of the South Pacific and its isolated islands – has taken guests on voyages of discovery to this faraway part of the world where time seems to stand still. Wild islands with dramatic volcanic peaks, deep valleys, lush jungles, precious lagoons and secluded coves, seabeds teeming with life and colour... There’s so much to explore on a voyage with Le Paul Gauguin.
2) Unprecedented routes
All Le Paul Gauguin itineraries have been designed to offer you an authentic experience of Polynesia and the islands of the South Pacific – Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, the Tuamotus, the Marquesas and the Cook Islands. Lasting from seven to 14 nights, our sailings offer you both an introduction to these enchanting archipelagos and time to get to know their different cultures and traditions. The many excursions and activities offered at every port of call, both on land and at sea, offer incredible opportunities to explore natural wonders and meet local communities.
3) A ship with the personal touch
Le Paul Gauguin has 165 staterooms and suites, each offering its own view of the incredible surroundings. To make sure you enjoy your trip with complete peace of mind, the ship has two crew members per three guests, one of the best ratios in the cruise industry. The service provided by our Polynesian hosts, the Gauguins and Gauguines, is professional and friendly and an integral part of the ship’s warm, intimate atmosphere.
4) An all-inclusive experience
Taking advantage of an all-inclusive offer on board means everything is taken care of so you can enjoy your holiday to the full. Meals and snacks, a wide selection of drinks, room service, butler service for certain suites and staterooms, watersports equipment (masks and snorkels, stand-up paddleboards), entertainment and exclusive access to a private islet in French Polynesia are included in the price of your cruise. Every day, let us surprise you with gourmet international cuisine, inspired by local products and flavours, in the laid-back setting of our three elegant restaurants.
5) A pioneering commitment Exchange, cooperation, mutual aid – this is the spirit underpinning Paul Gauguin Cruises' commitment to French Polynesia. We do our utmost to develop more sustainable tourism, for the benefit of the communities that welcome our guests each season. Our excursion programmes are developed directly with local, family-run structures. In 2023, we joined forces with the Polynesian government to provide medical care in the most remote, isolated islands. The medical teams on board Le Paul Gauguin will now be able to count on the support of Tahitian doctors who will travel to the islands free of charge on our ship. During ports of call, local residents can have free consultations with the ship's doctors and benefit from access to some of the ship's medical equipment, such as X-ray and ultrasound machines.
Members Club
Welcome to all Past Guests
At Paul Gauguin Cruises, we recognize the value of experience, loyalty, and refined taste in travel. That’s why we welcome past guests of Paul Gauguin Cruises into the Paul Gauguin Society—a world of recognition, reward, and exclusive savings. As a past guest, you will enjoy immediate savings of at least 5% off your final cruise fare when you reserve your next voyage aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin.
Benefits for all past guests include:
A cruise fare discount
Shipboard credit
Complimentary onboard laundry service*
Repeater’s cocktail party
Access to PONANT Yacht Club Loyalty Cruises
Below we’ve provided a breakdown on how the Paul Gauguin Society promotion works. Based on the number of voyages with Paul Gauguin Cruises, you are entitled to select benefits.
MAJOR [2 TO 4 SAILINGS]:
As a past guest of Paul Gauguin Cruises, you will enjoy immediate savings of 5% off your final cruise fare on your second through fourth voyages aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin. As a thank you to all our Major guests, we are also including a $50 per person shipboard credit.
ADMIRAL [5 TO 7 SAILINGS]:
On your fifth through seventh voyages aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, you will be promoted to the Admiral rank. All Admirals receive a 7.5% discount on final cruise fares alongside a $100 per person shipboard credit and stateroom category upgrade. You'll also receive a 20% discount on board purchases†.
GRAND ADMIRAL [8 TO 20 SAILINGS]:
As a Grand Admiral, receive a 10% discount on final cruise fares on your eighth through 20th voyage aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin. You will also receive a $150 per person shipboard credit, and a 25% discount on onboard purchases† along with a complimentary bottle of Champagne and stateroom category upgrade‡. We have also removed fees for changing your cruise to an alternate date within 12 months of your original booking, if said change is made 90 days or more in advance of your original sailing date.
COMMODORE [21 OR MORE SAILINGS]:
If you have sailed 21 or more times aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, you have achieved the Commodore rank and will receive a 12.5% cruise fare discount, $200 per person shipboard credit, and a 25% discount on onboard purchases†, along with a complimentary bottle of Champagne and stateroom category upgrade‡. We have also removed fees for changing your cruise to an alternate date within 12 months of your original booking, if said change is made 90 days or more in advance of your original sailing date.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION, CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR OR CALL 800-848-6172.
Paul Gauguin Society past passenger offer may not be combined with any other offer or programs unless otherwise stated and is valid for sailings June 6, 2020, forward. Offer applies to the 1st and 2nd guests only. If traveling as a 3rd/4th guest in a stateroom, Paul Gauguin Society past passenger discount and amenities will not apply. Maximum of two shipboard credits per person, per booking. All previously sailed Paul Gauguin and PONANT cruises taken by a guest will count towards their total. *Laundry package is limited to five items per day, per person. †Certain restrictions apply on the discount for onboard purchases—shore excursions, SCUBA diving, jewelry, and art sales are excluded. ‡Stateroom category upgrade is offered on board, for one stateroom category higher, subject to availability, offered within a maximum of 48 hours after boarding.