When I sailed the m/s Paul Gauguin, I spent more time on my balcony than I expected to, which is exactly why I push guests to think carefully about cabin choice. On a ship carrying only around 330 guests, the staterooms are a real part of the experience rather than just a place to sleep. The range runs from comfortable entry-level cabins up to spacious suites, and the right pick depends as much on how you travel as on budget. Here I'll walk through the main categories, what you actually gain as you move up, and how to decide.
The range of cabins
Accommodations on the m/s Paul Gauguin start with well-appointed staterooms and climb through balcony categories to the larger suites. Even the entry-level rooms are designed for comfort, with good storage and the kind of finishes you'd expect on an upscale ship. As you move up, you gain square footage, better views, and in many cases a private balcony. Because the ship is small, no cabin is a long walk from the dining rooms, the stern marina, or the open decks, which matters more than people realize.
What moving up actually gets you
The jump most guests feel is the one to a private balcony. In French Polynesia, where the ship often sits at anchor off islands like Taha'a with Motu Mahana nearby, having your own outdoor space to take in the lagoon is worth a lot. Suites add room to spread out and, in the higher categories, extra service touches. My usual advice: if the budget stretches to a balcony, prioritize that over almost any other upgrade, because the view is the whole point of being there.
How I help guests choose
Cabin choice comes down to a few honest questions. Do you want to be outside on your own balcony, or are you the type who is only in the room to sleep? Are stairs a factor, or do you want to be near the elevator? How long is the sailing, since more days aboard make extra space more valuable? Categories, layouts, and pricing change, so I won't quote figures here. Tell me how you like to travel and I'll match you to the right category and confirm current availability.
Frequently asked questions
Is a balcony cabin worth the upgrade?
In French Polynesia, I think so. The ship spends a lot of time at anchor off beautiful islands, and your own balcony makes the most of those views.
Are the entry-level staterooms still comfortable?
Yes. Even the lower categories are well finished and well laid out. The main thing you gain higher up is space and, importantly, a private balcony.
How many guests does the ship carry?
Around 330, which is small for a cruise ship. That intimacy means no cabin is far from the dining rooms, decks, or the stern marina.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.