I've sailed the m/s Paul Gauguin myself, and the question I get most is whether it's the right ship for a French Polynesia trip. With around 330 guests it's small enough to reach lagoons the big ships skip, which is the main reason I keep recommending it. But it isn't the only way to see these islands, and part of my job is being honest about that. Below I'll walk through how I actually think about the choice.
Why the ship size matters
At roughly 330 guests the Paul Gauguin tenders ashore quickly and anchors close to small motu that larger ships can't approach. Its private island, Motu Mahana off Taha'a, is a real example: a beach day with watersports and a barbecue that simply doesn't exist on a 3,000-passenger ship. If you want French Polynesia to feel intimate rather than processed, the scale is the single biggest reason I point people here.
Match the itinerary to your trip
Most sailings cover the Society Islands — Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and Taha'a — and those are the right choice for a first visit. The longer loops add the Tuamotu atolls and the remote Marquesas, which I save for divers and repeat travellers. Fiji and Tonga sailings run roughly every other year, so if those interest you, plan well ahead and confirm dates when you book.
When I'd suggest something else
A cruise isn't always the answer. Couples who want one beach and a single overwater bungalow are often happier on a land stay, and budget-focused travellers sometimes do better mixing a few nights ashore with a shorter sailing. I'd rather steer you to the right trip than sell a cabin that doesn't fit, so I always ask what you want from the islands first.
Frequently asked questions
How many guests are on the Paul Gauguin?
About 330, which is small for a cruise ship. That size is the reason it can reach lagoons and small islands the larger vessels sail past.
Which itinerary is best for a first trip?
I usually recommend a Society Islands sailing — Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and Taha'a — before the longer Tuamotu or Marquesas loops, which suit divers and return visitors.
Does it ever sail beyond French Polynesia?
Yes. Fiji and Tonga itineraries run about every other year. Exact dates vary, so confirm the schedule when you're ready to book.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.