The natural beauty of French Polynesia, revered for its distinctive turquoise waters and dramatic volcanic peaks, has shaped storytelling traditions passed down for generations. In the islands, every dance step, drumbeat, and handcrafted detail reflects the deep connection between the people and the land.
Nowhere outside French Polynesia is the story better told than aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, an all-inclusive luxury vessel that embodies the mana – the power, the spirit – of this place. With only 330 guests in 165 staterooms, this overwater "bungalow" that sails offers guests an intimate way to experience the beauty and serenity of these legendary isles. On board, as the ship glides through the seas of the South Pacific, guests explore the islands’ authentic cultural traditions in a way that is both immersive and deeply personal.
Paul Gauguin Cruises offers voyages of 7 to 20 nights through the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Marquesas, Cook Islands, and the South Pacific. Its signature journey is a seven-night cruise through Tahiti and the Society Islands.
Sail the Islands of Tahiti with French Polynesia’s Destination Expert
Unforgettable Voyages
Most voyages begin with Air Tahiti Nui, which offers all-inclusive, nonstop service to Tahiti from Los Angeles and Seattle. From the moment passengers board, Air Tahiti Nui delivers a taste of Tahitian culture with immersive in-flight entertainment, unique cabin designs, and the iconic tiare flower gifted to each guest. With every ticket booked, passengers enjoy one carry-on luggage, one checked bag, choice of meals, beverages, entertainment, amenity kits and more, at no additional cost.
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Once in Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, The Gauguin welcomes guests on board. The ship is named after artist Paul Gauguin, whose time in French Polynesia inspired his artwork. Designed specifically for French Polynesia’s waters, the ship effortlessly navigates the region’s shallow depths, granting access to ports beyond the reach of larger vessels. Both on board and on land, The Gauguin reflects how a visit to the islands is just as memorable as the time spent getting there.
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Every meal aboard The Gauguin is a five-star culinary journey, where French-inspired cuisine meets the flavors of French Polynesia, crafted by world-class chefs using the freshest local ingredients. Unusual for a ship of her size, The Gauguin offers a choice of three restaurants, each delivering a refined dining experience that celebrates the essence of the islands visited.
With white sandy beaches, breathtakingly beautiful blue lagoons and colorful coral reefs, Bora Bora is paradise. Enjoy a SCUBA excursion with manta rays and lemon sharks, ride on a glass-bottom boat over the lagoon, or zoom around on a wave runner. For a more laid-back vibe, gaze at the breathtaking views of Mount Otemanu or spend a tranquil day on Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private beach.
Bora Bora
Ports of Call
Click on the pins to learn more
These are ports of call for the 7-night Tahiti & the Society Islands itinerary.
Diving Program
Moana Explorer Program
Les Gauguines
There are plenty of options in Taha’a. Guests can choose to go on an excursion or visit Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private island. On Motu Mahana, relax to the music of Les Gauguines while sunbathing, sip a cold drink from the floating bar, play a game of volleyball, indulge in a private spa treatment, or spend the day swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. For more adventure, take a guided off-road vehicle across the tallest mountain in Taha’a while being entertained with stories about island traditions.
Taha'a
Authentic Polynesian Culinary Journeys
Paul Gauguin Cruises not only provides guests with unforgettable and enriching travel experiences throughout Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific, but it also cares deeply about people and places it serves. Each voyage supports local businesses and gives back to each community it visits. In exchange, by engaging directly with locals, guests build deep and meaningful connections to the French Polynesia’s people and traditions.
The company is proud of its Taote Gauguin initiative—a healthcare partnership with the French Polynesian government. Through this program, the ship’s medical staff support local doctors as well as provide access to the ship’s medical center. To date, more than 110 patients have been helped in remote islands, underscoring the tangible impact this initiative is having on the well-being of local communities.
An Unwavering Commitment to the Community
Those keen on adventure can ride through the lush rainforest on ATVs, take a 4x4 safari to a black pearl farm, or cruise on e-bikes around Huahine Iti. Guests who prefer to take it easy can lounge on white-sand beaches, visit local villages, and stroll around Polynesian temples, archeological sites, and plantations.
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In Moorea, guests can go on a dolphin-watching excursion with an expert marine biologist or spend a relaxing day near Taha’a on Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private island, or explore Bora Bora via four-wheel drive Jeep or glass-bottom boat.
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Paul Gauguin Cruises’ long-time relationships with residents makes these outings all the more special as guests have opportunities to meet locals and get a glimpse of island life.
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As gorgeous as the islands are from the ship, stepping foot on land is another dimension of experiencing French Polynesia. Paul Gauguin Cruises’ has an array of immersive shore excursions that guests can choose from.
Immersive Shoreside Excursions
Paul Gauguin Cruises features PADI-certified instructors (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) who sail year-round aboard The Gauguin. They provide certification dives and guide all SCUBA diving excursions. The ship features a tank-filling station and a retractable marina where two inflatable dive boats leave to offer a seamless diving experience. Snorkelers receive complimentary masks and fins to use throughout the voyage.
Diving Program
A quiet paradise in the Society Islands, Huahine is home to remarkable rainforests and magnificent archeological sites. Spend a leisurely day at the beach or take an outrigger canoe to snorkel and see some of the South Pacific’s most magnificent sea creatures. For a land adventure, go on a 4x4 safari expedition to check out the island’s ancient, jungle-shrouded stone temples.
Huahine
With nonstop service from Los Angeles and Seattle to Papeete, Air Tahiti Nui is the only airline connecting the Pacific Northwest and French Polynesia. Headquartered in Papeete, Air Tahiti Nui operates from its Tahiti base to destinations in 10 countries in cooperation with a number of codeshare partners including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, SNCF, Air Calin, Air New Zealand, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Qantas and LATAM.
Whether it’s embarking on a dolphin-watching excursion, snorkeling, SCUBA diving among sea turtles, or meeting with locals in port, Moorea is an island paradise that is surrounded by azure-blue lagoons and white-sand beaches. Other options for the day include an e-bike adventure through pineapple plantations, a 4x4 ride into the mountains, or a catamaran sail on Cook’s and Opunohu bays.
Moorea
The capital city of French Polynesia, Papeete is the starting point for a seven-day round-trip cruise on m/s Paul Gauguin. The journey begins at this vibrant port – just a short drive away from the airport, which serves The Gauguin’s partner, Air Tahiti Nui. In Papeete, explore bustling markets that sell exotic fruits and fragrant monoi oils, or stop at food trucks that serve poisson cru, a raw tuna marinated in lime juice and coconut milk.
Papeete
Offered in partnership with marine conservation organization, Te mana o te moana, on select summer and holiday sailings, kids ages 6 to 15 can experience Polynesian culture every day of the voyage through beach excursions, science activities, crafts and games. In this complimentary program, children learn about underwater life, create natural jewelry, conduct water experiments, enjoy stargazing, design their own Polynesian tattoos and more.
Moana Explorer Program
Enriching every voyage of The Gauguin is a troupe of local Tahitians who live aboard ship as hosts and entertainers, eager to share the stories and traditions of their home. Through hands-on activities and engaging conversations, guests don’t just learn the art of Tahitian dance, they understand the meaning of each move. They delve into the deep heritage of tattooing, the art of lei making, the connection to the sea, and more.
Les Gauguines
Bora Bora
Taha'a
[Motu Mahana]
Huahine
Moorea
Papeete
Tahiti
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Papeete
Huahine
Papeete
Huahine
Bora Bora
Bora Bora
Taha'a
[Motu Mahana]
Taha'a
[Motu Mahana]
Moorea
Moorea
Bora Bora
Taha'a
[Motu Mahana]
Huahine
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Diving Program
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Moana Explorer Program
Les Gauguines
The ship’s La Veranda dining room features wraparound ocean views alongside delicious breakfast and lunch options. In the evening, the dining room transforms into a reservation-only venue that serves fine French cuisine.
Le Grill, a more casual dining venue, features a buffet breakfast, grilled lunch favorites and tea and finger sandwiches. At night, the space welcomes reservations for a dinner menu of Polynesian fare in a relaxed atmosphere.
La Veranda
Le Grill
The ship’s most exquisite dining room, L’Etoile, offers a sophisticated dining experience featuring international cuisine, and of course, showcasing the bounty of the sea. Like the other restaurants on the ship, L’Etoile provides the highest level of service, marked by careful attention to detail and friendly hospitality.
L’Etoile
Paul Gauguin Cruises’ sommeliers provide suggestions for food and wine pairings, and the ship’s Wine Program offers complimentary wines in each dining venue, lounge and bar. The Gauguin also features a special Connoisseur Wine List with Champagnes from France and a variety of labels from around the world.
Connoisseur Wine List
Learn More
Start Your Journey
Experience the mana of French Polynesia with Paul Gauguin Cruises and Air Tahiti Nui.
Contact your preferred Travel Advisor, visit pgcruises.com or call 1-800-848-6172
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The Gauguin
Intimate and elegant, with a blissfully carefree ambiance, The Gauguin was purpose-built to navigate Tahiti’s shallow lagoons and enchanting isles. With spacious suites—70% featuring private balconies—along with expansive decks, a variety of lounges and bars, a retractable marina, and multiple dining venues, the award-winning ship offers guests supreme comfort and the warm hospitality of its officers and crew. The all-inclusive voyage includes gourmet dining, fine wines and spirits, 24-hour room service, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and exclusive access to private island retreats.
The Gauguin
Intimate and elegant, with a blissfully carefree ambiance, The Gauguin was purpose-built to navigate Tahiti’s shallow lagoons and enchanting isles. With spacious suites—70% featuring private balconies—along with expansive decks, a variety of lounges and bars, a retractable marina, and multiple dining venues, the award-winning ship offers guests supreme comfort and the warm hospitality of its officers and crew. The all-inclusive voyage includes gourmet dining, fine wines and spirits, 24-hour room service, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and exclusive access to private island retreats.
The Gauguin
The Gauguin