THE GAUGUIN INSIDER

A South Pacific Luxury Cruise Blog

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.

Paul Gauguin Cruises | Outrigger full moon at sea

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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Paul Gauguin Cruises | Outrigger full moon at sea

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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Paul Gauguin Cruises | Surfer braves the Teahupo'o wave in Tahiti

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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Paul Gauguin Cruises | Tahiti painting by Guy Buffet

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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Paul Gauguin Cruises visits Indonesia and Melanesia | Aerial shot of Komodo Island

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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Paul Gauguin Cruises celebrates Earth Day and We Care initiatives

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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Expert Chef & Sommelier Host Food and Wine Culinary ruise

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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The staff and crew of The Gauguin are talented, dedicated, and proud to serve. Their genuine hospitality is reflected in each and every smile.

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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Artist Kim McDonald sailing aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin; May 2023

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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Quietly ensconced amidst the legendary isles of French Polynesia, the m/s Paul Gauguin is your perfect host for gazing up at stars and planets, constellations and the cosmos.

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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Ceremony attendees and guests sailing on The Gauguin's July 29th voyage were treated to a traditional performance by O Tahiti E under the direction of Marguerite Lai.

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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2024 Traveler

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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Solo Traveler

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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motu-mahana-floating-bar

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 7 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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