Some destinations demand more than an ordinary cruise. Tahiti does. French Polynesia does. The South Pacific does.
Paul Gauguin Cruises was built for exactly this. An award-winning luxury cruise line that understands one simple truth — this part of the world deserves something extraordinary.
For travelers seeking a genuine, up-close encounter with the islands of French Polynesia, Fiji, and the broader South Pacific, there is no better choice than the m/s Paul Gauguin.
Most cruise ships visit the South Pacific. The m/s Paul Gauguin was built for it.
From keel to deck, every detail of this remarkable vessel was designed specifically to sail the shallow lagoons, hidden bays, and remote anchorages of Tahiti and French Polynesia.
Where larger ships must stay at a distance, the m/s Paul Gauguin sails right in. Passengers wake up steps from the beach, not miles from the shore.
This is the difference that purpose-built design makes. This is what separates Paul Gauguin Cruises from every other luxury cruise line in the Pacific.
Reputation is earned through consistency. The m/s Paul Gauguin has earned hers many times over.
She holds a distinction no other ship can claim — she is the longest continually operating year-round luxury cruise ship in Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific.
Year after year, season after season, she returns to these waters. Not because it is convenient. Because there is nowhere on earth quite like this.
Her crew knows these islands intimately. Her itineraries have been refined over decades. Her guests return again and again, drawn back by the memories of a journey unlike any other.
Paul Gauguin Cruises is not simply well-regarded. It is consistently recognized among the finest luxury cruise experiences in the world.
The ship’s accolades span decades of travel industry recognition, earned through an unwavering commitment to quality, service, and the kind of authentic experience that larger mass-market cruises simply cannot deliver.
Small-ship luxury means personal attention. It means knowing your name, your preferences, and your story before the second day at sea.
It means white-glove service in a setting that feels intimate rather than overwhelming.
The m/s Paul Gauguin explores some of the most breathtaking destinations on the planet.
Tahiti and French Polynesia — The heart of every voyage. Papeete, Moorea, Bora Bora, Rangiroa, Huahine, and the Tuamotu Archipelago await. These are the islands that painters dreamed of and writers spent lifetimes trying to describe.
The South Pacific — Remote, raw, and deeply beautiful. Destinations across the broader Pacific offer encounters with ancient cultures, untouched reefs, and landscapes that have changed little in centuries.
Fiji — A world of coral gardens, tribal villages, and warm Pacific hospitality. Paul Gauguin Cruises brings guests into the heart of Fijian life with access that few travelers ever experience.
Every itinerary is crafted to go deeper, stay longer, and get closer than any other cruise can offer.
There is a word that defines Paul Gauguin Cruises better than any other. Authentic.
This is not a cruise of staged shows and crowded port stops. This is snorkeling in a lagoon so clear the coral seems close enough to touch. This is watching the sun drop behind the peaks of Bora Bora from the deck of a ship that feels like yours alone. This is sitting with local Polynesian guides who share stories of a culture that stretches back thousands of years.
Paul Gauguin Cruises exists for travelers who want more than a photograph. They want a memory.
Paul Gauguin Cruises is ideal for:
If you have ever dreamed of Tahiti, this is how to live that dream properly.
There are many ways to reach French Polynesia. There is only one way to experience it like this.
Paul Gauguin Cruises offers what no other cruise line in this region can match — a combination of purpose-built design, decades of local expertise, award-winning luxury service, and a genuine passion for the South Pacific that shows in every detail of every voyage.
The m/s Paul Gauguin is not just a ship. She is the finest way to know these islands.
What makes Paul Gauguin Cruises different from other luxury cruise lines? Paul Gauguin Cruises is the only luxury cruise line whose flagship ship, the m/s Paul Gauguin, was designed and built specifically for the waters of Tahiti and French Polynesia. This gives guests unmatched access to shallow lagoons, remote bays, and destinations that larger ships cannot reach. Combined with decades of local expertise and award-winning service, it offers an experience no other cruise line in the region can replicate.
How long has the m/s Paul Gauguin been operating in French Polynesia?
The m/s Paul Gauguin is the longest continually operating year-round luxury cruise ship in Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific. She has been sailing these waters consistently since 1998, making her the most experienced and trusted luxury vessel in the region.
What destinations does Paul Gauguin Cruises visit?
Paul Gauguin Cruises sails to Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Rangiroa, the Tuamotu Archipelago, and many other islands across French Polynesia. The cruise line also offers voyages through the broader South Pacific and Fiji, giving travelers access to some of the most remote and breathtaking destinations on earth.
Is Paul Gauguin Cruises suitable for a honeymoon? Absolutely. Paul Gauguin Cruises is consistently ranked among the top honeymoon cruise experiences in the world. The intimate ship size, world-class service, stunning destinations, and romantic atmosphere make it an ideal choice for couples celebrating a wedding, anniversary, or any milestone journey.
What is the best time of year to cruise French Polynesia with Paul Gauguin Cruises?
The m/s Paul Gauguin operates year-round, which means there is never a bad time to sail. The dry season from May to October offers cooler temperatures and calmer seas, while the wet season from November to April brings lush green landscapes and warmer waters. Your travel advisor can help you choose the itinerary and timing that best fits your preferences.
How many passengers does the m/s Paul Gauguin carry?
The m/s Paul Gauguin is designed as a small luxury ship, carrying approximately 332 passengers. This small-ship approach is fundamental to the Paul Gauguin experience — it means more personalized service, greater access to remote destinations, and an atmosphere that feels intimate rather than overwhelming.
Are shore excursions included in the cruise fare?
Paul Gauguin Cruises offers a range of included and optional shore experiences depending on the itinerary. Many signature experiences, including the use of water sports equipment, paddleboards, and kayaks, are included as part of the cruise. Guests should review their specific itinerary for full details on what is included.
Can a Tasteful Voyages travel advisor help me book Paul Gauguin Cruises?
Yes. As a Virtuoso-certified luxury travel advisor, Joan Qualls at Tasteful Voyages specializes in booking Paul Gauguin Cruises and other premium ocean voyages. Booking through a Virtuoso advisor often unlocks exclusive amenities, preferred cabin categories, and personalized pre-trip planning that go far beyond what is available online. Schedule your complimentary consultation today and start planning your South Pacific journey.