Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific are some of the world's most coveted travel destinations, and the best way to explore this idyllic region is aboard a ship that is often called a destination in itself. Designed specifically to sail the pristine lagoons of these islands, the 332-guest m/s Paul Gauguin provides an up-close, authentic experience of the South Seas and offers an elegant yet casual ambiance with luxurious accommodations, exceptional service, and trademark Polynesian hospitality.

New 2016 Itineraries

In 2016, Paul Gauguin Cruises offers a new Tahiti, the Society Islands & Tuamotus voyage on The Gauguin that features a visit to two Polynesian archipelagos in just one week on a unique itinerary. The sailing departs on February 6, 2016, and returns to Papeete, Tahiti, with calls on Huahine, Society Islands; Fakarava, Tuamotus; Rangiroa, Tuamotus; Taha’a (Motu Mahana), Bora Bora; and Moorea in the Society Islands.

Also offered in 2016 is a special 11-night Society Islands & Tuamotus voyage that includes two days at Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private island paradise of Motu Mahana, off the coast of Taha’a, where guests can enjoy watersports, Polynesian activities, a sumptuous barbecue feast, and cocktails from a floating bar. In Bora Bora, guests can relax on our private, white-sand beach and enjoy refreshments, a game of volleyball, and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.  The sailing departs on December 3, 2016, and returns to Papeete, Tahiti, and visits Huahine, Society Islands; Taha’a (Motu Mahana), Society Islands; Bora Bora, Society Islands (overnight); Rangiroa, Tuamotus; Fakarava, Tuamotus; Taha’a (Motu Mahana), Society Islands; and Moorea, Society Islands (overnight).

Paul Gauguin Cruises’ most popular itineraries in French Polynesia and the South Pacific will be offered in 2016 as well and feature a host of exquisite islands with white-sand beaches, aqua lagoons, mist-laden mountains, and warm Polynesian culture. Itineraries include: 7-night Tahiti & the Society Islands; 10-night Society Islands & Tuamotus; 11-night Cook Islands & Society Islands; and 14-night Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands.

2016 Special Guests

Special guests representing a wide variety of interests will be aboard The Gauguin in 2016.  Experts in the fields of art, music, magic, Polynesian life and culture, and the wonders of the deep will join designated cruises to offer insights, lectures, performances, workshops, and more. Paul Gauguin Cruises is pleased to welcome environmentalist and oceanographer Jean-Michel Cousteau, Silver Oak Cellars winemaker Daniel Baron, Parisian celebrity chef Jean-Pierre Vigato, and opera singers Ryan Belongie and Simone Osborne along with many others. To see our full line-up of special guests, visit the Guest Hosts page of our website.   

Ambassadors of the Environment Family Program

The opportunities to create cherished family memories together are boundless with the Ambassadors of the Environment Family Program.  Available on select 2016 summer and holiday sailings of The Gauguin, this flexible program lets parents and children alike pick and choose from a suite of onboard activities and daily excursions that reveal the natural wonders and rich culture of Polynesia by land and sea. Activities may include snorkeling (including a night snorkel), swimming with rays, a rainforest hike, and onboard activities such as coral sculpting, reef lessons, and family and kid-friendly games.  Days at sea include at least one morning or afternoon activity, as well as lectures by Ambassadors Program naturalists, which all guests are invited to attend. There may also be an evening activity such as dinner or a slide show.

Designed by Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society, the Ambassadors Program is available to children ages 9 to 17 for a nominal fee. Adults are encouraged to join in for the additional cost of the excursions.

The Paul Gauguin Experience

Providing exceptional service, destination immersion, fine dining and a cruise experience like no other is what Paul Gauguin Cruise offers. The Gauguin’s onboard troupe of Tahitian host/entertainers share in-depth expertise in Polynesian lifestyle and traditions, artwork, demonstrations, and activities. Dining experiences aboard include L’Etoile, which showcases an array of tempting specialties, expertly prepared each evening. La Veranda features delicious breakfast and lunch dishes and highlights culinary creations of celebrity chef Jean-Pierre Vigato, world-renowned Chef Propriétaire of the Michelin-rated Restaurant Apicius in Paris. Polynesian specialties are served poolside at Le Grill in the evening. 

Local experts, lecturers, and special guests provide enriching experiences of the destinations on voyages. Also available are a luxurious spa, fitness center, expansive outdoor decks, pool, and PADI SCUBA diving programs, along with a variety of watersports in select ports from the ship’s marina or destination beaches.

Cruising with Paul Gauguin Cruises continues to be an extraordinary value with savings of 50% off all-inclusive cruise fares, plus included airfare from Los Angeles on m/s Paul Gauguin itineraries. We hope you sail with us in 2016!