Paul Gauguin: The Grand Dame of the South Seas

The Paul Gauguin has been the most charming companion in the Pacific since ships first set sail—thanks to a sophisticated onboard concept and Les Gauguines.

A fresh breeze has just filled the guests’ balcony suites with the morning air, and already the lagoon comes into view—as carefully composed as a painting by Paul Gauguin himself. Any other ship would have to stop here at the very latest. But the Paul Gauguin, a cruise ship as legendary as it is elegant, glides into Bora Bora Bay at a snail’s pace. With its exceptionally shallow draft of just five meters, it can navigate right up close to the most beautiful islands of the South Seas during a ten-day voyage across French Polynesia: a partnership on “equal footing” and “the same wavelength.”
Traveling on the Paul Gauguin is, in fact, more than just an extraordinarily special and very private expedition through a world of islands of otherworldly beauty. It evokes distant childhood memories of daring voyages by explorers like James Cook or pirates like Sir Francis Drake, delves into the history and mindset of one of the most enigmatic empires, whose reach once extended from Easter Island to Australia, explores the most beautiful underwater regions on Earth, and indulges guests with a cozy living experience in the 165 cabins and suites plus the art of living-vivre in first-class restaurants. Above all, however: On board, a lifelong friendship with charming Polynesian hospitality begins.

A Dream in White

The Paul Gauguin—white, elegant, discreet—is a small, boutique-style ship at 154 meters in length. For over two decades, it has been cruising the South Seas, setting course for dream destinations around Tahiti and as far as the remote Marquesas for a diverse group of sophisticated hedonists.
A maximum of 320 guests are attended to by 220 crew members, which simply means: The ship is small enough to get to know guests’ preferences personally, and large enough to surround oneself with luxurious elegance. 70 percent of the cabins feature a balcony. The suites—bright, decorated in wood and cream tones—are more reminiscent of refined retreats than of cabins. Concierges organize personalized excursions; cultural lectures by experts introduce guests to the history and culture of the Polynesian islands; and yoga and Pilates classes provide for relaxing morning rituals. In the Grand Salon, dance troupes perform folklore in the evenings: fiery, cheerful, and without a trace of kitsch. Meanwhile, in the studio, guests paint in the master’s footsteps or practice the art of playing the ukulele. Singing along is encouraged—and Gauguin’s colors send their regards.

Those who feel like it can dive with PADI instructors, paddle through the lagoons in a kayak, or go on a voyage of discovery to one of the small offshore islands. Huahine, Raitatea, Tahaá, Bora Bora, Fakarava, Rangiroa, and Moorea are the names of the Îles de la Société, just waiting to be explored from Tahiti. Hidden architectural treasures are on the exploration itinerary, accompanied by wild vegetation and mysterious little streams.
In the lagoons, the water shimmers in layers: jade green, azure blue, crystalline. Towering above it all are densely forested, sky-high peaks, rugged and exhausting to climb.
Zodiacs and local boats comfortably transport guests from the Paul Gauguin to a private motu—a small island, sometimes sandy, sometimes densely overgrown, straight out of a South Sea painting by the ship’s namesake. Here, guests learn to prepare ceviche while others enjoy their barbecue, and everyone has plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing.
Swimming with stingrays is on the agenda the next day: the animals glide elegantly along the sandy bottom. Silence reigns underwater, while birdsong fills the air above. Outrigger canoes glide across the sea; the splash of their paddles can be heard for a long time afterward. Later, at sunset, “Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines” join the action. They form the cultural heart of the ship: an ensemble of Polynesian hosts and hostesses who create an authentic and joyful connection to the culture of the islands on board. They bring the warmth, lightheartedness, and joie de vivre that many travelers associate with the South Seas. Their presence is more than just quality service—they are living cultural ambassadors and charming entertainers all in one. Most of them come from one of the islands and welcome guests on the very first day with flowers, music, and a smile. They wear traditional pareos, shell jewelry, or the characteristic tiare flowers. They tell stories, explain customs, give introductions to Polynesian myths, and show how to tie a pareo or weave flower garlands.

LES GAUGUINES Charming companions with dance, art, and good cheer



Nowhere else can you so comfortably “experience” the zest for life, culture, and history of Polynesia as here.

The male ensemble creates a sound world that is both slightly melancholic and cheerful with ukuleles, drums, and singing. They, along with the rest of the ship’s crew—who showcase their talent as entertainers during a highlight evening in the Grand Salon—lend the cruise a heartfelt uniqueness that definitely sets it apart from the onboard programs of other cruise lines.
While French Captain René-Paul Boucher ensures the safety of the passengers, Polynesian-born Hinanui Ina, as Cruise Director, oversees daily operations on board. For guests, this means: waking up relaxed to Hina’s daily, enchanting onboard announcement, soaking in the scenery and fresh air, shaping the day at your own pace and to your own taste, enjoying culinary highlights, exploring local arts and stories—and in the evening, forgetting the world in a serene atmosphere beneath the stars of the South Seas.

TECHNICAL DATA

Commissioned: 1997 (completely renovated several times, most recently in 2025)
Length: 153.6 meters
Speed: 18 knots Passenger decks: 9 (7 accessible to guests) Passengers: 330
Crew: 220
Onboard languages: English/French

CABINS & SUITES
165, fully renovated. All outside cabins; 70% have private balconies; bathrooms often feature a bathtub and shower; luxury toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, and a minibar.

STYLE & AMBIENCE
Not just “ordinary” luxury.
A once-in-a-lifetime total experience, consisting of a highly personalized, exclusive onboard program with a French touch and a gentle immersion into the rhythm of Polynesia. Warm hospitality combined with the highest standards of quality. Extraordinary!

ENTERTAINMENT
Local. Authentic. Humorous. Creative. Anything but boring or cliché. Special highlights: The world’s funniest onboard crew stage show. Dance performances by local artists, workshops, expertly curated lectures. Boutique shopping. Exceptional shore excursions at fair prices and in small groups.

SPORT & SPA
“Deep Nature” spa by Algotherm with professional massages and the scent of tiare flowers. Daily changing activity program (yoga, Pilates, and much more). Outdoor pool. Shore excursions by e-bike, kayak, PADI diving, snorkeling, hiking, swimming...

DINING
Luxurious all-inclusive concept. The onboard dining is the pride of the cruise line and a reason in itself to book this ship. Three restaurants, each with its own style, offer distinct culinary experiences. Sophisticated yet casual: L’ETOILE is the culinary hub in the evening. Here, the kitchen team serves multi-course menus that combine French culinary traditions with Polynesian influences. The wine list is extensive, international, and offers excellent value.
The specialty restaurant LE GRILL has a relaxed, beach-resort vibe. A great spot for breakfast with a view. During the day, there is a fresh buffet; in the evening, Le Grill offers a menu that highlights Polynesian flavors and specialties from other countries.
The third restaurant, LA VERANDA – a bright, open space – is an elegant brasserie with Mediterranean accents. Creative and varied.
Paul Ellis, Executive Chef, works closely with Polynesian fishermen and producers.
This makes the dishes fresher and more authentic than on many large ships, without losing sight of classic culinary artistry.



CRUISE DIRECTOR Hinanui Ina is the charming heart and soul of the ship.



www.pgcruises.com