People ask me what 'luxury' means on a Paul Gauguin voyage, expecting gold taps and stiff dress codes. What I describe instead is a small ship of around 330 guests where the hard parts of travel just disappear. You wake up off Bora Bora or Moorea, breakfast is handled, the marina is open off the stern, and a Tahitian host already knows you take your coffee black. The luxury is in the ease and the access, not the gloss. After a few of these sailings, that's the version I sell honestly.
Comfort that stays out of your way
The cabins are roomy for a ship this size, many with a balcony, and the all-in feel means you're not signing chits all day. What strikes most first-timers isn't any single feature but how little friction there is. You're not herded, you're not queuing, and the crew-to-guest ratio means someone's usually free to help. That ease is the part clients remember.
Dining you don't have to plan
There are three places to eat: L'Etoile for French-leaning menus, La Veranda for Polynesian dishes and local fish, and Le Grill up top for something more casual. None of them ask much of you — no reservations scramble, no jacket required at every meal. I usually tell people to try the local fish at La Veranda early in the trip and order it again. Fresh tuna a few hours off the boat is hard to beat.
The islands, on island time
The day I'd protect is the one on Motu Mahana, the private islet off Taha'a, where the Gauguines run a beach day with a barbecue and a floating bar in the lagoon. Beyond that, the ship reaches Bora Bora, Moorea and the Tuamotus at a pace that lets you actually rest. French Polynesia rewards slowing down, and a small ship lets you do exactly that. That's the whole pitch.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Paul Gauguin a luxury cruise?
It's the combination of a small, around-330-guest ship, an all-inclusive feel, attentive crew and access to private spots like Motu Mahana — ease and access rather than formality.
What dining options are on board?
Three restaurants: L'Etoile for French cuisine, La Veranda for Polynesian dishes and local fish, and Le Grill for casual meals with a view.
Which islands does the ship visit?
Core itineraries take in Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Taha'a and the Tuamotus, with some sailings reaching Fiji and Tonga roughly every other year. Confirm the route for your dates.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.