I'm one of those travellers who can't sit still for a week, so I pay attention to how a ship handles fitness. On the m/s Paul Gauguin the gym is compact, fitting a vessel of about 330 guests, but it has the cardio and weights I actually use. My favourite workout, though, isn't indoors at all. Most mornings I take a kayak or paddleboard off the marina at the stern before the lagoon gets busy. Between that, deck walks and the spa, staying active here is easy without feeling like a chore.
The gym and group sessions
The fitness room covers the basics: treadmills, bikes and free weights, plus light equipment for stretching. Because the guest count is low, I rarely wait for a machine. The ship also schedules wellness sessions such as yoga and stretch classes on deck, which are a fine way to start the day with the islands sliding past.
Working out on the water
The retractable marina is the real fitness perk. Kayaks and paddleboards go straight into the lagoon, and a morning paddle is the best cardio on the trip. At Motu Mahana, the line's private island off Taha'a, you can swim and snorkel for hours, which counts plenty in my book.The spa and recovery
After a day of paddling, the spa is where I recover with a massage or a quiet treatment. Booking early matters, since slots on a small ship fill fast. I treat the spa and a slow deck walk at sunset as the wind-down that balances the active mornings.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a gym on the m/s Paul Gauguin?
Yes. It's a compact fitness room with cardio machines and free weights, sized for a ship of roughly 330 guests, so it's rarely crowded.
Can I do watersports for exercise?
Absolutely. Kayaks and paddleboards launch from the stern marina, and an early-morning paddle around the lagoon is the best workout aboard.
Should I book spa treatments in advance?
I'd book early. The spa is small and popular slots, especially sea days, fill quickly once the cruise begins.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.