Top Reasons to Cruise Tahiti with Paul Gauguin Cruises

Destination Expertise

The islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific are each graced with their own distinct beauty, atmosphere, and myth. In this land of ancient traditions and scenic beauty, you’ll find a paradise that has drawn travelers and inspired the artistic imagination since time began.

With their lush, rugged terrain, turquoise waters, swaying palms, and white-sand beaches, these exquisite islands have been captured in literature, art, and song for centuries. One of the best ways to explore this region is cruising in small-ship luxury. The m/s Paul Gauguin is the longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, offering 7- to 14-night itineraries to these lovely islands.

It’s a More Intimate Voyage

At 332 guests, The Gauguin was designed to be sleek and nimble, providing unmatched, up-close views of the enchanting islands of French Polynesia and the South Pacific. Paul Gauguin Cruises’ award-winning Polynesian hospitality embodies warmth and exceptional attention to detail, delivering a personalized, luxurious experience. The Gauguin features spacious ocean view suites and staterooms, with nearly 70 percent featuring private balconies.

Culinary Adventures

The Gauguin offers a variety of options for fine dining on the high seas. Elegant décor, crisp linens, and a choice of tempting specialties await in L’Etoile. Open for dinner only, L’Etoile features expertly prepared cuisine presented by solicitous staff.

Warm ocean breezes, expansive views, and tantalizing trademark fare fill the senses in the indoor/outdoor dining venue La Veranda. In the evenings, La Veranda features signature dishes designed by Jean-Pierre Vigato, Chef Propriétaire of the Michelin-starred Restaurant Apicius in Paris.

Poolside dining is featured at Le Grill, where Polynesian-inspired delights set the table amid lively conversation and attentive service for dinner. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style with additional items available à la carte in both La Veranda and Le Grill.

READ MORE The Paul Gauguin Cruises PEARLS Program   

Exclusive Retreats

On all sailings, guests receive complimentary access to Paul Gauguin Cruises’ two private retreats. Off the coast of Taha’a lies the islet of Motu Mahana, where guests can enjoy a day of watersports, Polynesian activities, a sumptuous barbecue feast, and cocktails from full-service and floating bars.

In Bora Bora, guests can relax on a private, white-sand beach and enjoy refreshments, a game of volleyball, and snorkeling and paddle boarding in crystal-clear waters. 

Signature Programs  

Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins, The Gauguin’s troupe of Polynesian hosts, accompany every sailing, providing unique live entertainment and hosting activities, bringing Polynesian culture to life on board.

Opportunities abound to experience the world aquatic with complimentary water sports, including paddle boarding, kayaking, and windsurfing provided by the ship’s onboard marina or during visits to destination beaches. And The Gauguin is one of the only luxury ships in French Polynesia to offer PADI SCUBA diving programs.

Through a new partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), guests have the opportunity to engage in two programs on board The Gauguin. The Wildlife Discovery Series offers lectures about marine wildlife and habitats by some of the world’s most interesting scientists, oceanographers, and conservationists. Stewards of Nature is an experiential, hands-on educational program inspiring children (ages 7-17) and their families to value nature and explore the local environment.