After years of booking French Polynesia trips, I hear the same handful of questions again and again, so I have pulled them together here. I have travelled these islands myself, so these answers reflect what guests actually experience rather than a sales sheet. The short version is that the Paul Gauguin is a small, all-inclusive ship of about 330 guests built specifically for this corner of the South Pacific. The detail is in how that plays out day to day, which is what most people really want to know. Below are the questions that come up most often, answered plainly.
Booking and what's included
The fare is largely all-inclusive, which is one reason the ship suits this region. Meals across the three restaurants, most beverages, gratuities, and the watersports off the stern marina are generally covered. What sits outside the fare tends to be airfare, a few premium excursions, and the spa, so budget for those separately.
Prices and what each sailing includes do change, so I always confirm the current inclusions for your specific departure before you commit. If you are weighing two dates, the difference is often the itinerary rather than the onboard experience.
Life onboard a small ship
With around 330 guests, the feel is relaxed and the crew learn your name quickly. Dining runs across L'Etoile for French cooking, La Veranda for Polynesian dishes and local fish, and the casual Le Grill up top. The Tahitian hosts known as Les Gauguines sail with the ship and bring music, dance, and language to the days at sea.
Dress is resort casual most evenings, and the pace is unhurried. This is not a ship of waterslides and crowds; it is built around the islands you are visiting.
Destinations and when to go
The core sailings cover Tahiti and the Society Islands, with longer voyages reaching the Tuamotus and Marquesas, and Cook Islands routes as well. Fiji and Tonga itineraries run on a less frequent basis, roughly every other year, so if those are on your list it is worth planning ahead.
French Polynesia is a year-round destination. The months from about May to October are typically drier, while November to April are warmer and a little wetter. Both seasons sail well; the right one depends on what you want from the weather.
Frequently asked questions
How many guests are on the Paul Gauguin?
The ship carries roughly 330 guests, which is small by cruise standards and a big part of why it suits the intimate anchorages of French Polynesia.
Are flights included in the cruise fare?
Airfare is usually separate from the cruise fare, and routings and costs vary, so confirm the current details when you book rather than assuming flights are bundled in.
Do I need to book excursions in advance?
Popular excursions can fill up, so it helps to plan the ones you care about early. Availability and pricing vary by sailing, so check what's offered for your specific departure.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.