During every meal onboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, with every sumptuous bit you sample, and each time our attentive staff fill your glass, you’ll begin to realize that dining on the high seas with Paul Gauguin Cruises is truly something special. Embark upon a five-star culinary adventure, designed just for you by some of the world’s most talented and award-winning chefs. What's more, every one of our onboard dining options is included in your cruise fare. Bon appétit!

La Veranda
Dine al fresco or enjoy wraparound ocean views from the dining room of La Veranda, where we offer an ever-changing selection of buffet breakfast and lunch items and a la carte options, many of which are inspired by the destinations we visit. In the evening, La Veranda is transformed to a reservation-only dining venue.

Le Grill
When your day’s plans call for a more casual dining experience, join us at Le Grill, located by the pool and offering a buffet breakfast, grilled lunch favorites, salads, and fresh tropical fruit. In the afternoon, stop by for tea with finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, desserts, pastries, and petit fours. Return in the evening to sample Polynesian specialties in a relaxed atmosphere. Reservations required for dinner.

L'Etoile
Our exquisite main dining room is dressed to impress with perfectly appointed décor, fine table linens, and delicate china. Join us every evening for dinner and sample a tantalizing array of expertly prepared dishes, perfectly paired with complimentary wines.

Moana Explorer Program
Exciting South Pacific Discovery for Kids & Families

The South Pacific is a dream destination—and aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, it’s also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for your family to strengthen bonds and create memories you’ll cherish forever, through our Moana Explorer program.

Offered in partnership with Te mana o te moana, a South Pacific marine education and conservation foundation, this exciting new program invites children and teens, ages 7-15, 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. Depending on their itinerary, your children might learn about underwater life through board games, create natural jewelry, conduct water experiments, go on a treasure hunt, enjoy water games in the onboard pool, go stargazing, design their own Polynesian tattoo, and more.

Best of all, there is no fee* for this special family program! It’s all part of Paul Gauguin Cruises’ extraordinary all-inclusive value.

Please note: The Moana Explorer program is available on summer and holiday sailings, and must be reserved at the time of booking. *Certain itineraries may offer additional activities for a small fee. These will need to be requested onboard. Program offered in English and French.

Motu Mahana

Picture yourself in French Polynesia on a brilliantly sunny morning. You step out onto your private balcony aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin to a balmy breeze and view the almost uninhabited Taha’a, with its carpet of greenery, rising out of a cerulean sea. Just offshore lies Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private South Seas island, where you’ll spend a day (or maybe two) doing exactly as you please.

There’s no end to the indulgences of our private island paradise. Go for a swim in the warm waters. Snorkel with colorful tropical fish among the green and purple blooms of coral. Or paddle out farther on one of the kayaks that have been brought to shore from the m/s Paul Gauguin's watersports marina.

Ashore, you might engage in a game of volleyball or watch as your hosts, Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins, demonstrate how to open a coconut or tie a pareo. Perhaps you’ll treat yourself to an overwater massage. And when the time comes for refreshments, delight in a sumptuous barbecue feast—complete with cocktails from our floating bar.

Bora Bora

With a lagoon resembling an artist’s palette of blues and greens, and castle-like Mount Otemanu piercing the sky, the beautiful island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia has inspired romantics from around the world. Like a priceless Paul Gauguin painting come to life, Bora Bora is one of the world’s top honeymoon destinations.

The island of Bora Bora is famous for its luxury resorts with overwater bungalows. Lush tropical slopes and valleys blossoming with hibiscus delight the eye, while palm-covered motus (islets) circle the illuminated lagoon like a delicate necklace. In this South Pacific paradise, on one of these motus, lies our own Bora Bora private beach.

You can spend as much time as you'd like during the day on our private beach in Bora Bora. The specialists from our watersports marina will be on hand to help you enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding from the beach, or don the equipment you packed and enjoy exceptional snorkeling to view tropical fish and manta rays in the azure lagoon.

Or you might simply stay on the warm white sands of the beach, sunbathing or engaging in a game of volleyball. But this Bora Bora island retreat especially speaks to those seeking that quintessential remote Tahitian beach with few signs of the outside world. A place to daydream, nap, read, or just be. A fair amount of time should be spent just marveling at the postcard-perfect views of Mount Otemanu towering over the main island in this exclusive Bora Bora getaway.

Leisurely days at sea offer the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a little “me time,” whether that’s an indulgent treatment at our award-winning onboard spa, or a workout in our fitness center.

Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm

With its unrivaled approach to beauty and rejuvenation, the spa onboard the m/s Paul Gauguin combines the art of gentle pampering with services that are uniquely tailored to the needs and wishes of each individual.

Our spa offers an extensive range of services, enveloped in an atmosphere that is both tranquil and luxurious. Shipboard treatments include skin care therapies, skin exfoliation, massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, body wraps, facials, beauty treatments, nail services, and hair styling. We are also happy to offer relaxing overwater massages during the day you’ll spend on Motu Mahana, our private South Pacific paradise.

Fitness Center

Our convenient fitness center is outfitted with the latest fitness equipment, including Lifecycles, treadmills, stair climbers, and weight machines. Other onboard fitness opportunities include a morning mile-long walk around decks 8 and 9 and a sunrise Polynesian-inspired Zumba class, both hosted by Les Gauguines.

The waters of French Polynesia and the South Pacific offer a world of wonders with translucent lagoons, rainbow-colored coral reefs, and a myriad of tropical fish. A highlight of the Paul Gauguin Cruises’ experience is watersports and we offer many opportunities to explore these seas.

Watersports Marina
Our specially designed watersports platform turns the ship into your headquarters for all kinds of adventures on the water. It’s as easy as descending to sea level and hopping aboard a paddleboard or launching a kayak.

Our watersports equipment is also available when we call upon our private beaches. Plus, if you plan on snorkeling in multiple ports, you’re welcome to check out snorkeling gear from the marina for the duration of your cruise.

The watersports marina is available in select ports and subject to weather conditions and local restrictions. Swimming from the watersports marina is prohibited.​

Fun in the Sun
You’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy the South Pacific sunshine on our pool deck. Take a refreshing dip in the water or perhaps grab a beverage from the Pool Bar, a good book, and a deck chair, and settle in for a leisurely afternoon.

SCUBA Diving Excursions
If you’ve always wanted to try SCUBA diving, your cruise on the m/s Paul Gauguin is the perfect opportunity. Our onboard marina offers diving excursions for all experience levels, and we’re the only luxury ship in French Polynesia to offer PADI certification classes for novices.

From snorkeling adventures in a traditional outrigger canoe to discovering lush rainforests on a thrilling ATV excursion, our rich collection of shore excursions allows you to explore French Polynesia and the South Pacific in the manner that appeals to you most—both above and below the waterline as well as on shore.

Long-standing partnerships in every island ensures your discovery is led by the most experienced and knowledgeable experts. Here we invite you to explore your options either by port of call or type of activity. Shore excursions are available to pre-book approximately 60 days prior to sailing; diving tours must be booked on board.

Paul Gauguin Cruises is the specialist in creating memorable celebrations. There is no more romantic setting for a new beginning or personal milestone than aboard our luxurious ship, and we are renowned for the extra touches and attention to detail that make every occasion special. Those celebrating their Honeymoon and Anniversary will be invited to join a unique complimentary Polynesian blessing ceremony.

We also offer special optional packages for wedding receptions, anniversaries, and renewals of vows.

Complimentary Blessing Ceremony
A complimentary special gathering hosted by Les Gauguines, our onboard troupe of Tahitian entertainers. Guests celebrating their Honeymoon or Anniversary are invited to this enchanting cocktail event featuring a Champagne toast, a slice of celebratory cake, captivating Tahitian love songs, and a heartfelt poem. During the traditional Polynesian union celebration, each couple is wrapped in a beautiful tifaifai (handwoven quilt) that symbolizes royalty, love, and acceptance. It’s a truly memorable way to honor a special occasion!

Complimentary Honeymoon Amenities
When you choose to celebrate your honeymoon aboard The Gauguin, we provide these complimentary amenities as our gift to you:

• Congratulatory letter from the Captain
• Polynesian Blessing Ceremony: special gathering performed by Les Gauguines—our onboard troupe of hostess/entertainers
• Celebratory Champagne or bottle of house sparkling wine at embarkation

Complimentary Anniversary Celebration
To make your anniversary celebration even more memorable, we’re delighted to offer you these complimentary amenities:

• Polynesian Blessing Ceremony: special gathering performed by Les Gauguines—our onboard troupe of hostess/entertainers
• One (1) anniversary cake*

Tahitian Wedding
The idyllic setting and balmy climate of French Polynesia are the perfect venue for the ultimate romantic wedding. A law was passed making it possible for American and Canadian nationals to do just that.

*Amenity Note: *Complimentary and Optional Packages are available upon request and are subject to availability.

Float effortlessly over rainbow-colored coral reefs and come nose to nose with parrotfish, clownfish, giant clams, and sea turtles. Dive deeper to swim alongside colorful sea anemones, eagle rays, sharks, and octopi. Polynesia’s translucent, shimmering aqua lagoons are begging to be explored. And there’s no better place to do so than from the m/s Paul Gauguin's retractable watersports marina, where you can embark on an optional SCUBA adventure.

Even if you have never tried SCUBA diving before, as a guest aboard TheGauguin, you can witness spectacular marine life up close and swim among beautiful, rainbow-colored coral reefs within a matter of hours. The Gauguin’s SCUBA diving excursions are designed for all levels of experience, and we offer PADI certification on board for novice divers, as well as refresher courses.

Here are highlights of what else you might expect to find in dives off specific islands along the path of your itinerary:

Society Islands

Moorea—Catch a glimpse of black-tipped reef sharks, lemon sharks, impressively large moray eel, sea turtles, and barracudas.
Bora Bora—View lemon sharks and manta rays up close.

Tuamotus Islands

Rangiroa & Fakarava—In this premier diving location, look for hammerhead sharks (December-February) or manta rays (September-October). In addition, dolphins, turtles, eagle rays, barracuda, and other fascinating fish species are often spotted here, among coral reefs and canyon passes – including Fakarava’s reef, a UNESCO-Classified Nature Reserve.

Cook Islands

Aitutaki—Dive along the sheer drop off and large coral bommies to come across impressively large hawksbill turtles, white tip reef sharks resting on the sea floor, friendly emperor angel fish and occasional eagle rays.

Marquesas Islands

The Marquesas Islands are among the best diving spots in the world. The Gauguin offers you your only opportunity to explore the underwater world of the Marquesas, as there are no dive centers in these remote but pristine islands.

Nuku Hiva—The steep cliffs and caves off this island reveal a variety of unusual marine life, including hammerhead sharks, manta rays, moray eel, manta rays, and scorpion fish.
Tahuata—Jump into an underwater wilderness and observe grey sharks, Hiva Oa manta rays, dragon moray eel, lobster, and schools of juvenile fish dancing among predators such as giant trevally or tuna.

For the safety of our guests, diving is available in the Marquesas for advanced Open-Water Certified divers with the Deep Diver Specialty Certification only, as dives are 60 feet minimum.

Diving certifications are subject to availability.

Unique South Pacific Discovery for Young Explorers
The South Pacific is a dream destination—and aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin it’s also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for your family to strengthen bonds and create memories you’ll cherish forever through our Moana Explorer program.

Offered in partnership with Te mana o te moana, a South Pacific marine education and conservation foundation, this one-of-a-kind program invites children and teens, ages 6-15, 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. Depending on their itinerary, your children might learn about underwater life through board games, create natural jewelry, conduct water experiments, go on a treasure hunt, enjoy water games in the onboard pool, go stargazing, design their own Polynesian tattoo, and more. And, there is no fee* for this special family program! It’s all part of our extraordinary all-inclusive value.

Best of all, kids sail free** with Paul Gauguin Cruises!

Please note: The Moana Explorer Program is available on select summer and holiday sailings, and must be booked on board. *Certain itineraries may offer additional activities for a small fee. Program offered in English and French.

**Kids sail free as a third guest in the stateroom. Pricing for the third guest in the same stateroom is as follows: 17 years old and under, sail FREE; 18 years of age or older, 30% of adult cruise fare + taxes and fees will apply. Triples are available in select staterooms, are capacity controlled and subject to change at anytime without notice.

Our Private Paradise ... and Yours

Part of what makes a voyage with Paul Gauguin Cruises so special is the access our small ship provides to some of the world’s most idyllic, unspoiled beaches. We’ve made this benefit even better by offering you the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable day on one of our private retreats. Those who enjoy watersports are in for a real treat at any of our two utopias.

Motu Mahana - French Polynesia

Picture yourself in French Polynesia on a brilliantly sunny morning. You step out onto your private balcony aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin to a balmy breeze and view the almost uninhabited Taha’a, with its carpet of greenery, rising out of a cerulean sea. Just offshore lies Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private South Seas island, where you’ll spend a day (or maybe two, depending on your itinerary) doing exactly as you please.

There’s no end to the indulgences of our private island paradise. Go for a swim in the warm waters. Snorkel with colorful tropical fish among the green and purple blooms of coral. Or paddle out farther in one of the kayaks that have been brought to shore from The Gauguin’s watersports marina.

Ashore, you might engage in a game of volleyball or watch as your hosts, Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins, demonstrate how to open a coconut or tie a pareo. Perhaps you’ll treat yourself to an overwater massage. And when the time comes for refreshments, delight in a sumptuous barbecue feast—complete with cocktails from our floating bar.

Bora Bora - French Polynesia

You may have seen countless photos of Bora Bora island from travelers who have gone on Bora Bora vacations. Where is Bora Bora you may ask? The island is northwest of Tahiti in the South Pacific. With a lagoon resembling an artist’s palette of blues and greens, and castle-like Mount Otemanu piercing the sky, the beautiful island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia has inspired romantics from around the world. Like a priceless Paul Gauguin painting come to life, Bora Bora is one of the world’s top honeymoon destinations.

The island of Bora Bora is famous for its luxury resorts with overwater bungalows. Lush tropical slopes and valleys blossoming with hibiscus delight the eye, while palm-covered motus (islets) circle the illuminated lagoon like a delicate necklace. In this South Pacific paradise, on one of these motus, lies our own Bora Bora private beach.

You can spend as much time as you'd like during the day on our private beach in Bora Bora*. The specialists from our watersports marina will be on hand to help you enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding from the beach, or don the equipment you packed and enjoy exceptional snorkeling to view tropical fish and manta rays in the azure lagoon.

Or you might simply stay on the warm white sands of the beach, sunbathing or engaging in a game of volleyball. But this Bora Bora island retreat especially speaks to those seeking that quintessential remote Tahitian beach with few signs of the outside world. A place to daydream, nap, read, or just be. A fair amount of time should be spent just marveling at the postcard-perfect views of Mount Otemanu towering over the main island in this exclusive Bora Bora getaway.

*Subject to availability as conditions allow. When unable to call there, we will be offering a tender to the pier and a free shuttle to Matira Beach, the island’s award-winning public beach that features restaurants, public facilities and shopping. Voted #1 in the best things to do in Bora Bora by U.S. News & World Report, Matira Beach boasts powdery white sand, waters in a thousand shades of blue, and is wonderfully uncrowded.

During every meal onboard The Gauguin, with every sumptuous bit you sample, and each time our attentive staff fill your glass, you’ll begin to realize that dining on the high seas with Paul Gauguin Cruises is truly something special. Embark upon a five-star culinary adventure, designed just for you by some of the world’s most talented and award-winning chefs. What’s more, every one of our onboard dining options is included in your cruise fare. Bon appétit!

La Veranda
Dine al fresco or enjoy wraparound ocean views from the dining room of La Veranda, where we offer an ever-changing selection of buffet breakfast and lunch items and a la carte options, many of which are inspired by the destinations we visit. In the evening, La Veranda is transformed to a reservation-only dining venue.

Le Grill
When your day’s plans call for a more casual dining experience, join us at Le Grill, located by the pool and offering a buffet breakfast, grilled lunch favorites, salads, and fresh tropical fruit. In the afternoon, stop by for tea with finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, desserts, pastries, and petit fours. Return in the evening to sample Polynesian specialties in a relaxed atmosphere. Reservations required for dinner.

L’Etoile
Our exquisite main dining room is dressed to impress with perfectly appointed décor, fine table linens, and delicate china. Join us every evening for dinner and sample a tantalizing array of expertly prepared dishes, perfectly paired with complimentary wines.

Wine Program
Paul Gauguin Cruises serves complimentary wines in each dining venue, lounge, and bar which are selected by our wine sommeliers. Additionally, The Gauguin features a special Connoisseur Wine List with Champagnes from France and a variety of wines from California, Washington, Oregon, France, Italy, Spain, New Zealand, Australia, and Chile which can be purchased by guests by the bottle.

Wine Pairings
The Gauguin’s sommeliers also provide suggestions for food and wine pairings to enrich and enhance dining experiences.

Leisurely days at sea offer the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a little “me time,” whether that’s an indulgent treatment at our award-winning onboard spa, or a workout in our fitness center.

Algotherm Spa
With its unrivaled approach to beauty and rejuvenation, the spa onboard The Gauguin combines the art of gentle pampering with services that are uniquely tailored to the needs and wishes of each individual.

Our spa offers an extensive range of services, enveloped in an atmosphere that is both tranquil and luxurious. Shipboard treatments include skin care therapies, skin exfoliation, massage, reflexology, body wraps, facials, beauty treatments, nail services, and hair styling. We are also happy to offer relaxing overwater massages during the day you’ll spend on Motu Mahana, our private South Pacific paradise.

Fitness Center
Our convenient fitness center is outfitted with the latest fitness equipment, including Lifecycles, treadmills, stair climbers, and weight machines. Other onboard fitness opportunities include a morning mile-long walk around decks 8 and 9 and a sunrise Polynesian-inspired Zumba class, both hosted by Les Gauguines.

Nearly 70% of suites and staterooms have private balconies, and all feature an ocean view, temperature control, queen-size bed (a limited number can have twin-bed configuration), bathroom with full-size bathtub and shower, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, TV, CD/DVD player, personal safe, refrigerator stocked with soft drinks, and more. There are two wheelchair-accessible staterooms, and select staterooms can accommodate three guests.