When travelers think of Paul Gauguin Cruises, they likely first imagine the South Pacific destination the brand makes home.
However, its ship is equally important to the experience.
Befitting its French Polynesian ports of call, the Paul Gauguin itself was built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint Nazaire, France. It measures 19,200 tons with a length of 504 feet, 72 feet wide and a draft of 17.1 feet. Most importantly, its small 332-guest capacity is catered to by 217 crew members for an attentive 1:1.5 crew-to-passenger ratio.
The resulting ship is intimate yet luxurious complete with three dining venues, a spa and convenient watersports marina. Generous amenities begin with comfortable ocean-view accommodations, about 70 percent of which have private balconies.
Overall sizes range from 200 to 500 square feet, and categories B and above are serviced by a butler. One is wheelchair accessible, and some can facilitate thirds. All cabins and suites enjoy free 24-hour room service.
In fact, inclusions extend to complimentary roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles; roundtrip airport and pier transfers; all onboard meals; select wines and spirits, beer, soft drinks, bottled water and hot beverages; in-room refrigerator stocked with soft drinks, beer and bottled water; gratuities for room stewards, dining and bar staff; shipboard entertainment and presentations; fitness center; water sports like kayaking, windsurfing and paddle boarding; and private access to a white-sand beach in Bora Bora and Motu Mahana (on certain voyages).
Additionally onboard is a casino with slot machines, spa with body treatments, outdoor decks, large pool, laundry and dry cleaning services, duty-free boutique, medical services, book and DVD library, and internet access available wirelessly or at terminals for an extra charge.
The shoreside Polynesian experience continues thanks to regional cruise staff and artists on the ship. Other entertainment showcased in Le Grand Salon theater encompasses live music, naturalist presentations and special guests, who are scheduled ahead of time and can be sought out specifically per sailing.
Meanwhile, fine dining is available from award-winning chefs like Jean-Pierre Vigato.
At night, La Veranda features the culinary artist's cuisine by reservation only. By day, it is the spot for buffet breakfasts and lunches as well as locally inspired a la carte offerings. Elsewhere, L'Etoile is the main dining room for delicious courses paired with wine, and Le Grill rounds out the options with casual breakfast, grilled lunch, afternoon tea and dinner reservations.
Of course, the aforementioned water sports marina is quite literally the bridge between the ship and the natural surroundings. A platform off the stern folds down to allow guests immediate access to the waterline for easy boarding of kayaks, windsurfers or paddle boards.
Here's also where passengers can freely retrieve snorkeling gear for use during the sailing, and all the equipment is available at the cruise line's private beaches. What's more, the Gauguin is the only luxury ship in French Polynesia to offer PADI certification classes.
There's plenty of active and relaxed adventure to be had onboard and off Paul Gauguin Cruises.
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