Paul Gauguin Cruises

Experience exceptional onboard service with Paul Gauguin Cruises, where luxury meets authentic South Pacific hospitality. At the heart of every voyage is our dedicated onboard staff and our Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins, Tahitian hosts and entertainers who deliver personalised service, cultural connection, and attentive care. Their warmth and expertise create a seamless, immersive luxury cruise experience in French Polynesia and the South Pacific.

Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the highest-rated and longest continually-sailing cruise ship in the South Pacific, the renowned m/s Paul Gauguin, designed to explore the pristine lagoons of these islands, while our proud team of local Tahitians extend genuine Polynesian hospitality. Artful onboard features include luxurious, oceanview accommodations with balconies in select staterooms, gourmet dining, a lavish spa offering signature treatments, an expansive deck and outdoor pool, fitness center, a boutique, and a lounge with live entertainment introducing you to Polynesia’s vibrant cultures. The Gauguin also offers a watersports marina for kayaking, paddleboarding, and PADI SCUBA diving programs. Only with Paul Gauguin Cruises can you visit our private island of Motu Mahana (off the coast of Taha’a) where food, drink, and live music await as well as our exclusive beach retreat in Bora Bora.

Designed specifically to glide in luxury through the shallow seas of the South Pacific, The Gauguin is a small-ship cruiser’s dream. She delivers travelers to intimate ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships, all the while providing a travel experience that is nothing short of luxurious. Once on board, guests enjoy newly-decorated spacious suites and staterooms (nearly 70% with private balconies), an onboard watersports marina, three dining venues, an extensive spa, and five-star service. Life on The Gauguin also reflects the beauty and rich cultural heritage of the islands she calls upon, with a warm, friendly feel, informal setting, and even a beloved troupe of Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines—local Tahitians who serve as onboard hosts and hostesses, entertainers, and storytellers.

Paul Gauguin Cruises was founded with the goal of providing guests with unforgettable and enriching travel experiences to this unique part of the planet. We care deeply, for our guests, but also for the communities, cultures and natural wonders that define Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific. We strive to reduce our environmental impact and support local communities, while maximizing our guests’ experience of Polynesia's vivid, vibrant cultures, and stunning natural beauty.

Caring for People

We are committed to sustainable travel that enriches both our guests and island communities. Our cruises are designed to support local businesses and give back to the communities we visit.

• Paul Gauguin Cruises, in partnership with the French Polynesian government, provides essential medical assistance and supports local doctors, making a tangible impact on the well-being of local communities. This healthcare initiative, which enhances the quality of life for residents and underscores our 26-year dedication to the islands we proudly call home, has been honored as the 2024 Sustainability Initiative of the Year at the Seatrade Cruise Awards.
• We provide access to guided tours led by locals to learn firsthand about oysters and the process of cultivating one of the world’s favourite jewelelry items, the black pearl; in addition to a visit to a pineapple plantation and exploring the vestiges of marae (ancient temples), as well as shopping for authentic souvenirs at local marketplaces.

Caring for the Environment

We share the French Polynesians' profound respect for the vast blue oceans, and this dedication to environmental stewardship shapes our eco-friendly practices both onboard and ashore.

• Paul Gauguin Cruises partners with Te mana o te moana, a South Pacific marine education and conservation foundation, to offer its guests ages 6 to 15 the opportunity to discover and value the natural wonders of this breathtaking part of the world through hands-on, interactive learning. Every day of the voyage, there is a combination of naturalist-led island and/or beach excursions, science activities, crafts, games and other adventures. Together with this organization, Paul Gauguin Cruises ensures that even its youngest guests are immersed in the culture of French Polynesia and learn how important it is to understand and protect the environment. 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.
• Through our optional SCUBA program, guests can discover the vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine biodiversity up close, where gray reef sharks, giant octopi, and kaleidoscopic parrotfish can be spotted.

Caring for Culture

Engaging directly in French Polynesia’s many rich traditions lead to deeper, more meaningful connections, and we strive to infuse the Polynesian spirit into every aspect of our experience.

• Onboard, cultural experts deliver engaging lectures and presentations, while our troupe, Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins, invites guests to immerse themselves in local traditions. Opportunities abound to explore Polynesian culture through flower weaving (hei), traditional dance, ukulele lessons and more.
• Regional cuisine onboard and during optional shore excursions features moonfish and roasted suckling pig, both on board and during optional shore excursions.

Recent Renovations: 2025

The m/s Paul Gauguin emerged from its seven-week drydock in Singapore on April 1 with transformed spaces, enhanced guest amenities, and sustainable upgrades to elevate the seamless and carefree cruise experience. Led by Stirling Design International, the refurbishment reflects the line’s vision of artful and authentic discovery. Intricate latticework and canvas elements now harmonize with warm wood finishes, creating an ambiance that celebrates the natural beauty of the tropical surroundings.

Continued Focus on Excellence & Evolution

« We are thrilled to welcome guests aboard the beautifully refurbished m/s Paul Gauguin, which represents our unwavering commitment to excellence and to the constant evolution of the guest experience. This transformative project supports our vision of blending elegant design with advanced sustainable technologies, allowing us to reduce our environmental footprint while elevating the immersive discovery our guest, treasure. The Gauguin continues to deepen our profound connection to this remarkable region and its people. » Sam Chamberlain, CEO, Americas, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP