About Paul Gauguin Cruises

At the turn of the century, impressionist Paul Gauguin traveled to the tropical shores of French Polynesia to create some of his most renowned masterpieces. Today his namesake, the 330-guest m/s Paul Gauguin, transports discerning guests to the same romantic Tahitian vacation paradise—to explore, enrich and escape.

Providing an extraordinary luxury cruise experience uniquely tailored to the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific, Paul Gauguin Cruises delivers an artfully, authentic, and all-inclusive vacation. The company’s numerous awards, including most recently being voted the Best Small Cruise in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024 and 2025—an accolade that follows the line’s recognition as a Top 2 Small Cruise Line in the same publication in 2023, 2022, and 2021, demonstrate a dedication to guest satisfaction, excellence, quality, and value.

In 2023, The Gauguin Experience celebrated 25 years of sailing in French Polynesia continuing to charm travelers from all over the world to discover the wonders of French Polynesia with its one-of-a-kind expertise. The Gauguin remains the region’s gold standard in small-ship luxury cruising with her beautifully reimagined décor, her carefree ambience, and most especially her exceptional crew who bring the enriching experience to life every day with heartfelt passion and genuine care.

Built at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France in 1998, The Gauguin was designed specifically to allow guests the freedom to discover the exotic ports of the South Pacific without limitation. On January 6, 2010, Paul Gauguin Cruises was founded, and the luxury ship sailed its first voyage as a member of the Pacific Beachcomber, S.C. portfolio. In September 2019, Paul Gauguin Cruises joined PONANT’s family— a designer of inspiring voyages on board small exploration ships.

The Gauguin hosts voyages ranging from 7- to 20-night itineraries, featuring such exquisite destinations as Tahiti and the Society Islands, Tuamotus, the Cook Islands, Marquesas, Tonga, Fiji and beyond. Each of these exclusive voyages highlights the sheer beauty that defines the South Seas. Stunning islands, white-sand beaches, blue lagoons and the vibrant Polynesian culture of this region combine to provide a welcome tropical escape for guests yearning for the ultimate getaway.

Onboard this award-winning ship, guests relish the all-inclusive luxury enjoying indulgent suites and spacious staterooms – many with a private balcony; exceptional dining in three restaurants, 24-hour room service and complimentary beverages including select wines, beer, and spirits with onboard gratuities for room stewards and dining staff included; authentic explorations ashore and below the water with the ship’s retractable watersports marina and onboard PADI diving program; and genuinely hospitable service. With one crew member for every 1.5 guests, the highest level of personal attention is assured and discerning guests will feel welcomed and pampered in every situation. Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines – a local troupe of Tahitian hosts who live on the ship -- provide quintessential Polynesian hospitality.

In 2021, The Gauguin completed an extensive redesign with a look designed by Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel, which evokes South Seas elegance and the storied islands that the iconic ship sails. The refurbishment enhances the historical interior of the vessel made of warm and dark woodworks and strengthens the local identity. The fresh palette incorporates lagoon shades, a wide range of green and natural tones, warm color touches, organic patterns and woven textiles. Exotic panoramas and traditional artwork transports guests into the local environment. All The Gauguin’s staterooms and suites, as well as the public spaces, were redesigned including Le Grand Salon, L'Etoile, Le Grill, La Veranda, Piano Bar, La Palette Lounge, Spa and Salon, Boutique, Pool Deck, and Reception area.

To accompany The Gauguin’s renovation, amenities were enhanced as guests now receive complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi as well as a virtual museum of over 150 paintings of artist Paul Gauguin.

Environmental stewardship is one of the highest priorities of the company. In 2019, Paul Gauguin Cruises eliminated the use of heavy fuel oil by using a much cleaner fuel (LS MGO – Low-Sulphur Marine Gas Oil). The Gauguin’s most recent environmental upgrades follow this path and includes water treatment and consumption optimization along with energy-saving initiatives.

In addition to being voted the Best Small Cruise in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards—Paul Gauguin Cruises also received Seatrade’s 2024 Sustainability Initiative of the Year award for its “Taote (doctor) Gauguin” healthcare partnership with the French Polynesian government. A perennial favorite in French Polynesia for more than 25 years, the line’s notable travel and lifestyle awards also include the World’s Best Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Line in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2022, and four Best French Polynesia Cruises awards in the AFAR Travelers’ Choice Awards. In September 2019, Paul Gauguin Cruises joined PONANT’s family, a designer of inspiring voyages on board small exploration ships.