Whether you’re here because you’ve booked a trip and are looking to read up more on French Polynesia, or you are merely daydreaming of the day you’ll go—the posts on this page will fill you in on all things Tahitian. Through the eyes of locals, travel advisors and past guests you’ll learn about the food, culture and adventure that Tahiti and her Islands offer to those who choose to explore her lagoons, forests and beaches. Best of all, you’ll likely come away with some valuable tips for your own journey to the South Pacific.
Earth Day 2025: Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future
April 22, 2025
Paul Gauguin Cruises transforms environmental ideals into meaningful action throughout French Polynesia by supporting groundbreaking scientific research, reducing single-use plastics, supporting local doctors in remote island communities and more. Experience the magic of the South Pacific aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, where luxury and sustainability go together for a better tomorrow.
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Island Hopping in French Polynesia
March 25, 2025
Join The Gauguin for an island-hopping adventure through the Society Islands and find yourself exploring rainforests in Huahine and snorkeling in Moorea, SCUBA diving from the ship and finding private beaches in Bora Bora and Motu Mahana—the ship’s private islet. Every day is filled with discovery both thrilling and relaxing, and every evening is a sublime experience of gourmet cuisine and genuine hospitality.
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A Captain's Love Letter To French Polynesia
February 25, 2025
Captain Michel Quioc talks about his love for French Polynesia and m/s Paul Gauguin as we dive deeper into the heart of The Gauguin Experience through the eyes of the man who knows it best. From his initial journey through Polynesian seas to his treasured interactions with our guests on board and ashore, the Captain offers personal reflections on what transforms each Paul Gauguin voyage into truly unforgettable experiences.
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UNESCO’S Crown Jewels of French Polynesia
January 25, 2025
Beyond the enchanting beauty of French Polynesia’s legendary lagoons, shimmering reefs, and welcoming hospitality, the region is home to three fascinating UNESCO World Heritage sites: Fakarava, known for its Marine Biosphere; Raiatea, revered as the sacred heart of Polynesia; and The Marquesas, celebrated for its extraordinary cultural and geological treasures. (Cover Photo Credit: Jim Winters)
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Fiji, Bora Bora, Tahiti, Moorea & More: Exploring the Best with the Best
November 14, 2024
Set sail with the best to explore the best. Voted 2024 Best Small Cruise by Condé Nast Traveler, Paul Gauguin Cruises visits the South Pacific’s top four islands—Bora Bora, Moorea, Tahiti, and Fiji—all awarded in the same prestigious poll. This issue of The Gauguin Insider takes a look at the authentic discovery that awaits.
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2026: The Allure of French Polynesia
October 17, 2024
This is your official invitation: Set sail on an all-inclusive luxury voyage with Paul Gauguin Cruises, voted Best Small Cruise in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. Explore Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti—top-ranked South Pacific islands—on every 2026 itinerary aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, along with other idyllic isles in the Tuamotus, Marquesas, and Cook Islands.
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Q&A with Our Partner in Conservation
September 24, 2024
In this issue of The Gauguin Insider, we go behind the scenes of our pioneering Moana Explorer Program for kids and sit down with Hélène Duran, who manages Te mana o te moana, a leading South Pacific marine conservancy organization and our valued kids program partner in giving back to Mother Nature and the islands of French Polynesia.
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Navigating Polynesia: Ancient Seafaring Traditions
August 22, 2024
Long before compasses and charts, and eons ahead of depth finders and satellite technology, ancient Polynesian navigators in open-air, twin-hulled canoes charted a course on the vast Pacific using nothing more than the stars, planets, ocean currents, and wildlife. It’s a fascinating story shared in this issue of The Gauguin Insider.
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All Eyes on Teahupo'o: An Olympic Wave
July 18, 2024
The 2024 Summer Olympic surfing competition will attract 48 surfers from 21 countries to a legendary wave in Tahiti known as Teahupo’o (cho-poo), renowned as the heaviest wave in the world. Dive into the mesmerizing daredevil world of surfing as you take a look at the iconic offshore reef break known as Chopes, or TChops, from its ancient history to its modern Olympic debut.
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Tahiti in the Limelight
June 20, 2024
Cast your eyes toward the silver screen as we pull back the curtain on Tahiti’s starring role in popular culture for nearly 100 years. From Hollywood blockbusters to literary classics and famed works of art, the captivating beauty of these islands has long inspired the creativity of authors, artists, and actors.
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South Pacific Crossings: 5 Magical Destinations Beyond Tahiti
May 30, 2024
Described by renowned author, James Michener, as "the most beautiful island in the world", the South Pacific's archipelagos, with their unique cultures and breathtaking scenery, are calling. See its beauty up close as you explore the wonders of Indonesia and Melanesia on our 2025 Boutique Crossing Collection voyages.
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Earth Day 2024: We Care for Tahiti and her Islands
April 22, 2024
As The Gauguin sails the precious waters of French Polynesia, it is our responsibility and privilege to do so with wonder and respect for the land, the culture and the people. Our "We Care" initiatives manifest our continued commitment to doing our part in preserving the beauty of Tahiti and her islands.
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Savor Paradise on a Food and Wine Culinary Cruise
March 27, 2024
Polynesian cuisine takes center stage on a December 2024 Food and Wine Culinary Cruise when acclaimed chef Tom Wong and sommelier Charlie Plummer bring their unique perspectives to the menu. This warm winter escape features cooking demos, special dining experiences, signature cocktails, wine pairings, and more.
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The Soul of The Gauguin
February 29, 2024
What makes a travel experience truly authentic? In the case of Paul Gauguin Cruises, the troupe of local Tahitians who live aboard ship as hosts and entertainers play a huge role in creating a culturally immersive experience for guests. They are Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins and they are the soul of The Gauguin.
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14 Reasons French Polynesia is Made for Romance
January 25, 2024
From golden sunsets, blue lagoons, and private beaches to a complimentary Polynesian blessing ceremony and an overwater “bungalow” that sails, this issue of The Gauguin Insider heralds the season of love with spotlight on the romance of French Polynesia.
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A Year of Celebration
December 21, 2023
2023 was a remarkable year for Tahiti’s leading luxury cruise line as we celebrated 25 years of The Gauguin Experience. In this issue of our blog, we share good tidings for the season and gratitude for our guests and partners, along with high praise for our crew as shared by our valued guests in their own words.
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An Artist’s Review of Paul Gauguin Cruises
October 19, 2023
Hawaii-based artist Kim McDonald traveled aboard The Gauguin in May 2023 as a guest speaker. As our guest blogger this month, here she shares her personal review of the ship, the islands, the hospitality, and the experiences unique to Paul Gauguin Cruises.
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Stargazing in French Polynesia
September 21, 2023
While French Polynesia is revered for its fabled lagoons, brilliant reefs, and lush mountains, it’s also a paradise for stargazers. Virtually free of light pollution with an enviable location near the equator, the region is one of the best in the world to view celestial wonders.
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The Gauguin Experience: 25 Years in French Polynesia
August 17, 2023
2023 marks 25 years of The Gauguin Experience exploring French Polynesia, a journey that has seen the m/s Paul Gauguin become a beloved fixture throughout these islands. On July 29th, we celebrated the milestone in Papeete, Tahiti, with dignitaries, partners, and guests joining the festivities.
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French Polynesia: Land of Legends
July 20, 2023
The myths and legends of French Polynesia are as romantic and enchanting as the islands themselves. From the mythical tale of a yellow lizard to the illustrious fable of pearls, this issue of The Gauguin Insider shares the magical stories and ancient insight unique to The Islands of Tahiti.
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Color Me Tahiti in 2025
June 22, 2023
Our 2025 voyages are now open for sale with unique itineraries—including a new 10-night More Tuamotus & Society Islands. Paint yourself a vacation masterpiece exploring the blue lagoons, verdant mountains, and Technicolor reefs of French Polynesia on an all-inclusive 7- to 14-night journey.
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Top 7 Treasures of Tahiti
May 18, 2023
We agree that there are infinite treasures to be discovered in Tahiti! Yet among the brilliant lagoons and coral reefs, the iconic mountains and fabled beaches, the marine life and more, a few do stand out as extra special. During this 25th year of The Gauguin Experience, here we share our Top 7.
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Earth Day 2023: a Salute to French Polynesia
April 19, 2023
From 21 shark species to 176 different kinds of coral, French Polynesia’s waters hold a wealth of marine life; and since 1971 the region has been setting up marine sanctuaries to ensure the proper ecological, cultural and socio-economical management of these treasured seas. This issue of The Gauguin Insider takes a look at what is being done.
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The Art of Marquesan Wood Carving
March 15, 2023
The Marquesas are revered the world over for their beautifully intricate wood carvings. Our guest blogger, Tahitian travel expert Marcia Pilgeram, recently sat down with one of the premier artisans of the craft at his Cannibal Art studio in Nuku Hiva and we are thrilled to share her interview here!
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Beach Therapy in French Polynesia
February 13, 2023
Ahhh the beach! Science says “beaching it” is good for your health, and French Polynesia is home to some of the best beaches in the world. Invest in your wellbeing and join us aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin for a carefree and rejuvenating trip to the beach(es)!
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French Polynesia's Cultural Richness
January 23, 2023
Award-winning travel writer Fran Golden, who writes for Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, The Points Guy, AFAR, and more, shares her insight into the unique cultural discoveries experienced aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin…
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Top 5 Reasons to Love Bora Bora
December 15, 2022
Known as the “Pearl of the South Pacific,” Bora Bora is the crown jewel among French Polynesia’s gem-like isles. From her fabled lagoon to her iconic mountain, it’s easy to fall in love with the world’s most romantic island…
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French Polynesia: A Diver’s Paradise
November 17, 2022
Eons in the making, French Polynesia’s isles and atolls were formed by hotspots, molten lava bursting through cracks in the Earth’s shifting surface, and great seamounts emerged…
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Revealing Polynesia: 2024
October 28, 2022
Deep in the South Pacific, a collection of staggeringly beautiful volcanic isles awaits your arrival… where jagged peaks pierce clouds and sky, and valleys of lush-green rainforest blanket ancient culture, myth, and legend. We’re talking about the Marquesas Islands…
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Going Solo: A Rejuvenating & Empowering Experience
September 28, 2022
A beach. A beverage. A pristine lagoon and you. Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it? Even more so when the beach is in sun-soaked French Polynesia, the beverage is a refreshing coconut concoction, and the lagoon is in Bora Bora…
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Paradise For Foodies
August 19, 2022
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Tahiti might not be poisson cru, but if you’re a foodie it should be! Just imagine sitting beneath that swaying palm on that lush volcanic isle somewhere...
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The Top 5 Most Instagrammable Moments On Your Next Voyage
July 20, 2022
It may seem trite, the notion that the most precious souvenirs from travel are the memories. But there’s a very modern truth to this concept that transcends generations...
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Diving Into Family Fun in French Polynesia
June 28, 2022
From learning about sea turtles in Moorea to dancing the hula on deck, the m/s Paul Gauguin’s complimentary Moana Explorer Program invites kids ages 6 to 15 to come aboard and discover the wonders of French Polynesia...
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Traveler, Voyager, Adventuress or Wanderluster?
September 30, 2021
Tahiti: Maybe it's the sun-kissed beaches, the sparkling waters, the breathtaking waterfalls or the gourmet French Polynesian cooking. Perhaps it’s the snorkeling and diving, the surfing or the amazing tours through the rainforests. Or is it that the...
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Virtual Crème Brûlée Demonstration
July 6, 2021
Paul Gauguin Cruises' Sales Director Vicky Lubyk, Western Canada, and Marcia Pilgeram of Capers Food Adventures hosted a virtual cooking class. We made crème brûlée! If you're a fan of Paul Gauguin Cruises then you've likely heard all about Tahitian vanilla crème brûlée. During this...
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Tahiti Food Tours
June 15, 2021
Born and raised on the island of Moorea, I have spent my first working years in my family's pearl business. But, during this time, I had a burning passion to become a chef. After 15 years in the family business, I decided to pursue my dreams and...
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Virtual Paint Party
April 1, 2021
Sales Directors Vicky Lubyk and Liz Coleman, hosted a virtual paint party in March and what a turn out! Our subject? The colorful and delicious pineapple found on the island of Moorea. We were thrilled at the submissions we received from the participants; such a wonderful variety of colors and...
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Tahitian Pearls
March 2, 2021
Jewelry designer Kelly Hinerava Bailey on her favorite gem At the center of every Hinerava creation lies the Tahitian pearl, an organic gem that was once only found by chance through harvests of wild Pinctada margaritifera. Today, they are farmed in pristine lagoons in French...
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Family, Friends and Polynesian Fun
January 11, 2021
Amid a global pandemic, it sure gives you time to reflect on past travels and all the great things in life we cannot do quite as easily or at all right now. As a passionate traveller, I must admit, I feel so incredibly lucky that I spent most of the month of November in...
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