Paul Gauguin: The Grand Dame of the South Seas

The Paul Gauguin is the most endearing companion in the Pacific since ships have existed - thanks to a sophisticated on-board concept and Les Gauguines.

A fresh breeze has just filled the guests' balcony suites with morning air when the lagoon comes into view - as carefully composed as a painting by Paul Gauguin himself. Other ships would have to stop here at the latest. But the Paul Gauguin, a cruise ship as legendary as it is elegant, stalks its way into the bay of Bora Bora in slow motion. With its exceptionally shallow draft of just five meters, it can navigate close to the most beautiful islands of the South Seas during a ten-day voyage across French Polynesia: a partnership at "eye level" and "on the same wavelength".
Traveling on the Paul Gauguin is indeed more than just an extraordinarily special and very private expedition through an unearthly beautiful island world. It awakens distant childhood memories of daring voyages by explorers such as James Cook or pirates like Sir Francis Drake, takes you into the history and world of thought of one of the most enigmatic empires, whose foothills once stretched from Easter Island to Australia, explores the most beautiful underwater areas on earth, pampers you with a cozy atmosphere in the 165 cabins and suites plus savoir-vivre in first-class restaurants. But above all: a lifelong friendship with charming Polynesian hospitality begins on board.

A dream in white

The Paul Gauguin - white, elegant, discreet - is a small ship with a length of 154 m - à la boutique. She has been cruising the South Seas for over two decades, setting sail for a diverse target group of cosmopolitan hedonists to destinations ranging from Tahiti to the remote Marquesas.
A maximum of 320 guests are looked after by 220 crew members, which in plain language means that the ship is small enough to be able to get to know guests' preferences personally and large enough to be surrounded by luxurious elegance. 70 percent of the cabins have a balcony. The suites - bright, decorated in wood and cream - are more reminiscent of dignified retreats than cabins. Concierges organize individual excursions, lectures by experts on the history and culture of the Polynesian islands, and yoga and Pilates classes ensure relaxed morning rituals. In the evening, folkloric dance groups perform in the Grand Salon: fiery, good-humored and without any kitsch. Meanwhile, guests paint in the studio in the footsteps of the master or practise the art of ukulele playing. 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 an on-board kayak or go on a voyage of discovery on one of the small offshore islands. Huahine, Raitatea, Tahaá, Bora Bora, Fakarava, Rangiroa and Moorea are the Îles de la Société that are waiting to be explored from Tahiti. Hidden architectural treasures are on the discovery program, wild vegetation and mysterious rivers as companions.
In the lagoons, the water shimmers in layers: jade green, azure blue, crystalline. Towering over everything are densely overgrown, sky-high peaks, rugged and strenuous to climb.
Zodiacs and local boats take the guests of the Paul Gauguin comfortably to a private motu - a small, sometimes sandy, sometimes densely overgrown island like something out of a South Seas painting by its namesake. Here, guests learn how to prepare ceviche while others enjoy their barbecue and everyone has enough time for swimming, snorkeling or dolce far niente.
Swimming with rays is on the program the next day: the animals float elegantly along the sandy bottom. Silence reigns underwater, with birdsong above. Outrigger canoes glide across the sea; the clapping of their oars can be heard for a long time. Later, at sunset, the "Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines" throw themselves into the action. They form the cultural heart of the ship: an ensemble of Polynesian hosts and hostesses who create an authentic and cheerful connection to the culture of the island world on board. They bring the warmth, lightness and joie de vivre that many travelers associate with the South Seas. Their presence is more than mere service quality - they are lively cultural ambassadors and endearing entertainers in one. They usually come from one of the islands and welcome guests on their first day with flowers, music and a smile. They wear traditional pareos, shell ornaments 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 wreaths.

LES GAUGUINES Charming companions with dance, art and good humor



Nowhere else can you "experience" the joie de vivre, culture and history of Polynesia as easily as here.

The male team creates a slightly melancholy yet cheerful soundscape with ukuleles, drums and singing. All of them and the rest of the ship's crew, who demonstrate their talent as entertainers on a highlight evening in the Grand Salon, give the cruise that heartfelt uniqueness that definitely sets it apart from the on-board programs of other shipping companies.
While French captain René-Paul Boucher ensures the safety of the passengers, Polynesian-born Hinanui Ina takes care of the daily operations on board as Cruise Director. For the guests, this means: waking up relaxed in the morning to Hina's daily, captivating on-board announcement, soaking up the scenery and air, organizing the day at their own pace and taste, enjoying culinary highlights, exploring local arts and stories - and forgetting the world in the evening in a relaxed atmosphere under the stars of the South Seas.

TECHNICAL DATA

Commissioning: 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
On-board language: English/French

CABINS & SUITES
165, top renovated. Exclusively outside cabins, 70% have private balconies, bathrooms often with bathtub and shower, luxury toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, mini-bar.

STYLE & AMBIENCE
No "ordinary" luxury.
A once-in-a-lifetime overall experience, consisting of a very personal, exclusive on-board program with a French touch and gentle immersion in the rhythm of Polynesia. Cordiality with the highest quality standards. Exceptional!

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

SPORT & SPA
Spa "Deep Nature" 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 ...

GASTRONOMY
Luxurious all-inclusive concept. The gastronomy on board is the pride of the shipping company and a reason alone to book this ship. Three restaurants, each with its own style, offer different culinary experiences. Sophisticated but informal: The L'ETOILE is the gastronomic center in the evening. Here, the kitchen brigade serves multi-course menus that combine French cooking traditions with Polynesian influences. The wine list is extensive, international and of great value.
The specialty restaurant LE GRILL presents itself as casual as a beach resort. Good breakfast spot with a view. During the day, there is fresh food from the 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 food fresher and more authentic than on many large ships, without losing sight of classic cuisine.



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



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