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Paul Gauguin Cruises

About Paul Gauguin Cruises

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.

Why Choose Paul Gauguin Cruises

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.

Rewards Programmes

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.

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