People often ask me to just hand them the best South Pacific itinerary, and my honest answer is that it depends on what you want from your days. I've travelled these islands and sailed the m/s Paul Gauguin, so I tend to start with a single question: are you here mainly for the water, the culture, or the slow mornings on deck? Once I know that, the route almost picks itself. The ship visits the Society Islands most reliably, with Tuamotu atolls and the rarer Marquesas runs adding variety. I'll walk you through how I weigh those pieces so the trip fits you rather than a brochure.
Start with the islands, not the dates
The core sailings center on Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and Taha'a, and for many travelers that loop is plenty. Taha'a matters because the cruise line's private islet, Motu Mahana, sits just off it, which gives you a relaxed beach-and-lagoon day without leaving the ship's care. If you want atolls and serious snorkeling, look for itineraries that add a Tuamotu stop like Fakarava or Rangiroa. The Marquesas appear on longer, less frequent sailings, and Fiji and Tonga turn up roughly every other year, so if those are on your list, plan well ahead and confirm the current calendar.
Match the route to how you like to travel
For couples chasing quiet water time, I lean toward itineraries with a full Motu Mahana day and an overnight in Bora Bora so you get both the lagoon and the evening light. Families usually do better with the shorter Society Islands loops, where shore time is varied and the sailing distances are short. Divers and snorkelers should prioritize the Tuamotus, where the marina platform off the stern lets you slip straight into the water for kayaks and paddleboards on calmer days. There's no single best route, only the one that matches your pace.
Logistics worth sorting early
Most sailings round-trip from Pape'ete on Tahiti, so build in at least one night on the island before you board, both for jet lag and as a buffer against flight delays. International flights into Tahiti and any inter-island connections change seasonally, so treat schedules and fares as subject to change and confirm them close to booking. The weather is workable year-round, drier around May to October and warmer from about November to April. Tell me your dates and your priorities and I'll line up two or three itineraries side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Which islands does the Paul Gauguin visit most often?
The Society Islands, Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and Taha'a, anchor most itineraries, with Tuamotu atolls and the Marquesas on longer or less frequent sailings.
How often does the ship sail to Fiji and Tonga?
Those sailings run roughly every other year rather than every season, so if they interest you, plan ahead and confirm the current schedule when booking.
How many days should a first multi-island cruise be?
A week-long Society Islands loop suits most first-timers. Add days if you want Tuamotu atolls or the Marquesas, which need more time at sea.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.