June 22, 2023
2025 Voyages Now Open for Sale
White-sand beaches. Turquoise lagoons and a cobalt sea. Lush green mountains, broad blue skies, and deep golden sunsets. From orange-lined triggerfish and green sea turtles to corals of pink, red, and purple, a palette of rich colors blankets the 118 islands of Tahiti—and in 2025, you can paint yourself right into the mesmerizing beauty aboard the highest-rated luxury line exploring French Polynesia.
A setting sun casts a soft glow over the green rainforest, pearlescent sands, and shimmering blue waters of Raiatea.
Paul Gauguin Cruises has opened reservations for our 2025 Sailing Schedule, giving you ample time to create the travel masterpiece of your dreams. With artful authenticity and all-inclusive luxury, the intimate m/s Paul Gauguin will offer 26 journeys of 7 to 14 nights exploring the Society and Cook islands, Tuamotus, Marquesas, Tonga, and Fiji.
The fabled beauty of these archipelagos was the inspiration for author James Michener’s mythical “Bali Hai” utopia, poet Robert Lewis Stevenson’s “In the South Seas” travelogue, and artist Paul Gauguin’s evocative paintings. Now, with more unique itineraries to more boutique ports of call than any other luxury line in the region, it’s time to inspire the artist within yourself and plan to explore paradise with us.
As you consider your options for discovery in 2025, keep in mind that some itineraries focus on a specific area while others explore two or more island groups. Here we are pleased to share an overview of the South Pacific archipelagos that comprise our curated itineraries.
Fakarava in the Tuamotus is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to extraordinary marine life.
Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia
New for 2025 is a 10-night More Tuamotus & Society Islands itinerary with three overnight stays making The Gauguin a veritable “overwater bungalow that sails” including our first-ever overnight in Fakarava—a UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve renowned for its marine habitat—as well as in Bora Bora and Papeete. The itinerary also features visits to Rangiroa, the largest atoll in the Tuamotus; Moorea, revered for her gorgeous lagoons; Huahine, known as the Garden Isle; Raiatea, the sacred heart of Polynesia home to UNESCO-listed marae (ancient stone temples); and Motu Mahana, our very own private islet off the coast of Taha’a in the Society Islands (a day here is included on every itinerary!).
Purpose-built to navigate shallow lagoons, the m/s Paul Gauguin finds a natural home in the brilliant waters of Moorea.
The Society Islands, French Polynesia<
The Society Islands. Tahiti. French Polynesia. They are used interchangeably to describe “the Tahiti” of your imagination; that place of shallow aquamarine lagoons, legendary mountain peaks, and swaying palms… Here you’ll find Papeete (on the island of Tahiti), the vibrant capital of French Polynesia that serves as gateway to the islands and is home to a bustling market, dynamic dining (including deliciously popular food trucks called roulottes!), and artisan shops. Bora Bora, often referred to as French Polynesia’s “leading lady,” captivates with its renowned lagoon and iconic Mount Otemanu, while Moorea’s heart-shaped silhouette gives rise to stunning mountains and palm-fringed beaches. Huahine conceals well-preserved archaeological sites within a lush rainforest, and Motu Mahana hosts an indulgent day of beach, sun, and fun with a floating bar, island barbeque, watersports, and more.
Two 7-night itineraries—Tahiti & the Society Islands and More Society Islands & Tahiti—offer a variation of the ports listed above.
Celebrating heritage and a sense of place in the Marquesas.
Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia
In stark contrast to the low-lying Tuamotu Atolls are the soaring Marquesas, a mountainous archipelago home to jagged peaks cloaked in green and dramatic cliffs that plunge into a deep blue sea. The islands here represent French Polynesia’s raw and untamed beauty: Fatu Hiva, the southernmost of the Marquesas Islands, stands out with its lush valleys and renowned handicrafts including tapas (not the “small plates” of Spain, but rather, a decorated beaten bark cloth); Hiva Oa entices with intriguing archaeological sites (and artist Paul Gauguin’s final resting place); Tahuata boasts a rich Polynesian heritage and some of the archipelago’s only beaches; and Nuku Hiva impresses with cliffs, valleys, and ancient stone tikis. A 14-night Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands itinerary explores these four Marquesan islands as well as Fakarava, Huahine, Bora Bora, and Motu Mahana.
Deep green leaves provide an elegant backdrop for the delicate white petals of the tiaré flower.
Cook Islands, South Pacific
Journey west of French Polynesia to find the Cook Islands, an unspoiled paradise cited by Lonely Planet as a Top Country in its 2022 Best in Travel; you won’t find any branded resorts here, and buildings are no taller than a coconut tree! Rarotonga is the archipelago’s hub, richly covered in mountains that soar more than 2,000 feet above clear-blue seas, coral reefs, and nearly untouched lagoons. A visit to Aitutaki, a triangle-shaped atoll covered in palms and sugary sands, affords access to One Foot Island, considered one of Polynesia’s best beaches. The Gauguin’s 11-night Cook Islands & Society Islands itinerary showcases the incredible beauty and diversity of the two archipelagos.
Enchanting and carefree, The Gauguin is your home upon the sea en route to islands farther west in the South Pacific.
Tonga & Fiji, South Pacific
Farther west still, the Kingdom of Tonga beckons with its reputation as “The Friendly Isles,” while the website for the islands of Fiji currently reads: “Open for Happiness.” With monikers like that, you know positive vibes will be part of the journey! Tiny-but-mighty Tonga is Polynesia’s only remaining monarchy. A call in Vava’u invites discovery of its culture and food, hiking Mount Talau, and snorkeling in its crystalline lagoon. Meanwhile, Fiji’s stunning scenery, pure-white sand beaches, and reef-rich waters so blue they seem to glow are the stuff of legend. Here you can stroll palm-lined streets in Lautoka, snorkel coral blooms on Beqa Island, marvel at Suva’s unique mix of modern and colonial style, and discover the South Seas of yester-year in Savusavu, called the “Hidden Paradise of Fiji.” A 14-night Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands itinerary between Papeete and Lautoka crosses the International Date Line, meaning you might be traveling for 13 or 15 days, depending on the direction of your cruise!
Paddleboarding in paradise; The Gauguin’s private beach in Bora Bora.
Let your dreams of paradise color your next adventure, and join us in Tahiti in 2025. You’ll enjoy savings of up to 30% on the voyage of your choice when you book now.