When clients ask me which Paul Gauguin itinerary to pick, my answer depends on how much time they have and whether they've been to French Polynesia before. I've sailed the m/s Paul Gauguin myself, and the routes are genuinely different in feel, not just in port names. The short Society Islands loop suits a first trip; the longer Marquesas voyage rewards people who want distance and culture. Let me walk through how I sort them out.
The 7-night Society Islands loop
This is the classic round-trip from Papeete that takes in Moorea, Taha'a with the line's private island Motu Mahana, Bora Bora and Raiatea. It's the one I recommend first because the sailing distances are short, the lagoons are calm, and you get a real taste of the region in a week. If someone has never been to Tahiti, this is where I start them.
Going further: the Tuamotus and Marquesas
The longer voyages, usually around 11 to 14 nights, push out to the Tuamotu atolls and the dramatic Marquesas — Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, places that feel genuinely remote. There's more time at sea, which I actually like, and the ship reaches islands you'd struggle to visit any other way. I steer return travellers and keen divers toward these.
The occasional Fiji and Tonga sailings
Roughly every other year the ship repositions and runs itineraries through Fiji and Tonga, which open up a different slice of the South Pacific. These sell out early because they're infrequent, so if one lines up with your dates, I'd move quickly. Exact dates and pricing shift season to season, so confirm the current schedule when you book.
Frequently asked questions
How long are the cruises?
Most run 7 nights round-trip from Papeete, with longer 11- to 14-night voyages reaching the Tuamotus and Marquesas. Schedules vary by year, so confirm current sailings when booking.
Which itinerary is best for a first visit?
The 7-night Society Islands loop — Moorea, Taha'a, Bora Bora and Raiatea — has short sailing distances and covers the highlights in a week.
Does the ship ever sail outside French Polynesia?
Yes, approximately every other year it runs Fiji and Tonga itineraries. These are infrequent and book up early, so check the latest schedule.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.