Paul Gauguin Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises: all-inclusive luxury cruises in French Polynesia and the South Pacific

Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the m/s Paul Gauguin, a 330-guest luxury ship designed specifically to navigate the shallow seas of the South Pacific. The company presents itself as the longest-serving luxury cruise line in the South Seas and offers all-inclusive voyages departing year-round from Papeete, Tahiti, through French Polynesia and the South Pacific.

The m/s Paul Gauguin is a small ship with spacious suites and staterooms, a watersports marina, three dining venues, a full-service spa, and five-star service. Its dimensions allow it to access intimate ports inaccessible to larger ships.

Features of the m/s Paul Gauguin

• 330 guests on board.
• Crew-to-guest ratio of 1 to 1.5.
• All accommodations with ocean views, nearly 70% with balconies.
• Space-to-guest ratio of nearly 58 to 1, one of the highest among ships serving the North American market.
• Onboard gratuities included.
• Complimentary beverages, including selected wine and spirits brands, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages served throughout the ship.
• Butler service in categories B and above, with in-suite bar setup and SoundDock® for iPod®.
• In-suite minibar replenished daily with soft drinks, beer, and bottled water.
• State-of-the-art retractable watersports marina.
• Onboard dive program.
• Onboard lecture program.
• Two elegant restaurants and a poolside grill.
• Wellness and vegetarian options, and special dietary menus upon request.
• WiFi throughout the ship.
• Complimentary 24-hour room service.
• Complimentary in-room dining and movie channels.
• Complimentary access to the private island Motu Mahana and the private beach in Bora Bora (subject to availability and conditions; when unable to dock there, a tender to the pier and complimentary transfer to Matira Beach, the island's award-winning public beach with restaurants, public facilities, and shops, is offered).

Staterooms and suites range from 200 to 588 square feet, a measurement that includes balconies and verandas in categories D and above. Staterooms 415 and 416 are wheelchair accessible. Stateroom 801 offers a king-size bed. Some staterooms have two twin beds that convert to a queen bed.

Itineraries in French Polynesia, Fiji, and the South Pacific

The cruise line offers a wide variety of itineraries departing from Papeete, Tahiti, that explore the Society Islands, the Tuamotus, the Marquesas, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga, and other South Pacific ports. Among the announced routes are:

• Tahiti & Society Islands: 7-night cruise from $2,990. Ports of call in Papeete (Tahiti), Huahine, Taha’a (Motu Mahana), Bora Bora, and Moorea.
• More Society Islands & Tahiti: 7-night cruise from $2,990. Includes Raiatea in addition to the above ports.
• Society Islands & Tuamotus: 10-night cruise from $5,500 or 11-night cruise from $6,050. Visits Rangiroa and Fakarava.
• Tuamotus & Society Islands: 10-night cruise from $5,630.
• Cook Islands & Society Islands: 11-night cruise from $5,920. Includes Aitutaki and Rarotonga.
• Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands: 14-night cruise from $8,070. Ports of call in Vava’u (Tonga), Savusavu and Suva (Fiji), Beqa Island, and Lautoka.
• Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands: 14-night cruise from $7,550. Visits Fakarava, Omoa (Fatu Hiva), Atuona (Hiva Oa), Hapatoni (Tahuata), and Tiaohae (Nuku Hiva).
• Islands of the Marquesas & Tuamotus: 14-night cruise from $8,400. Adds Hatiheu (Nuku Hiva) and Hakahau (Ua Pou).
• Immersive Indonesia: Singapore to Australia, 14-night cruise from $8,210. Ports of call in Singapore, Parai Beach (Bangka), Semarang, Surabaya (Java), Benoa (Bali), Komodo National Park, Dili (Timor-Leste), and Darwin (Australia).
• Crossing Melanesia: Australia to Fiji, 16-night cruise from $7,480. Includes Thursday Island, Alotau and Samarai Island (Papua New Guinea), Honiara (Guadalcanal), Espiritu Santo, Port Vila (Efate), and Lautoka (Viti Levu).
• Crossing Oceania: Fiji to Bali, 20-night cruise from $9,340. Explores Lautoka, Port Vila, Espiritu Santo, Honiara, Alotau, Samarai Island, Dili, Komodo National Park, and Benoa.

Fares are cruise only, per person, double occupancy, including port charges, subject to availability, and may change without prior notice. Itineraries are subject to change at any time without notice. The cancellation policy applies to the cruise only and does not include airfare or pre- or post-cruise hotel stays.

Excursions and diving

The company offers a wide range of small-group land and sea excursions to discover the beauty, history, and culture of each destination. Every Gauguin voyage includes optional diving excursions led by an expert team. Passengers with no prior experience can take an onboard Discover SCUBA Diving course, earn credit toward PADI certification, and dive. The ship offers PADI certification on board, refresher courses, and presents itself as the only option for diving in the Marquesas.

Awards and recognition

The m/s Paul Gauguin and Paul Gauguin Cruises have received numerous awards and recognition from industry publications and critics, including:

• “#1 Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Line” by Travel + Leisure, World’s Best Awards (2022).
• “Best Small-Ship Cruise Line” by Global Traveler, Leisure Lifestyle Awards (2022), seventh consecutive year.
• “Gold List” by Condé Nast Traveler, The World’s Best Cruises (2021).
• “Favorite Cruise Line” by The Trazees (2021), second consecutive year.
• “Best Small Cruise Ship” by USA Today, 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards (2020).
• “Best Tahiti and French Polynesia Cruise Line” by AFAR Travelers’ Choice Awards (2017-2020).

Special offers and programs

The site indicated a booking promotion with up to 30% off a wide variety of all-inclusive voyages. For 2026 cruises, a $1,000 shipboard credit per stateroom or suite was offered on all 2026 voyages when booking by September 26, 2025. The waiver of the single supplement on select voyages for solo travelers was also announced. Additionally, a $600 per stateroom welcome gift was offered when booking the first cruise.

Customer service

The company has a telephone customer service line with hours Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (EST) and closed Saturdays and Sundays.

Location and contact

Phone: 1 (800) 848-6172 · Hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (EST); Saturdays and Sundays closed.