Having sailed the m/s Paul Gauguin myself, the onboard experience is the part I find easiest to describe to clients because it genuinely surprised me. With only around 330 guests, the ship feels more like a private yacht than a cruise liner. There's no crowd, no rush, and the rhythm of the day is yours to set. Let me give you an honest picture of what it's actually like to be aboard.
A small ship that feels personal
Around 330 guests means you're never queuing and the crew learn your name within a day or two. The Tahitian hosts known as Les Gauguines sing, teach pareo-tying and share their culture without it ever feeling staged. After one trip you stop thinking of it as a cruise and start thinking of it as travelling with a French Polynesian household.
Three restaurants, no fuss
Dining runs across three rooms: L'Etoile for French cuisine, La Veranda for Polynesian dishes and local fish, and the casual Le Grill out on deck. There's no formal-night pressure and no assigned seating to wrestle with — you eat where you feel like eating. The local fish at La Veranda is what I send people to first.
The water is the whole point
A marina folds out from the stern, so paddleboards, kayaks and snorkel gear are right there whenever the ship anchors. Add the private island day at Motu Mahana off Taha'a and most of your best memories end up being in or on the lagoon rather than indoors. That's by design, and it's what makes this ship different.
Frequently asked questions
How many guests does the ship carry?
Around 330, which gives it an intimate, yacht-like feel with no crowds and crew who quickly learn your name.
What dining options are on board?
Three restaurants: L'Etoile (French), La Veranda (Polynesian and local fish) and the casual deck-side Le Grill, with no assigned seating.
What can you do in the water?
A marina off the stern provides kayaks, paddleboards and snorkel gear when anchored, plus a beach day at the private island Motu Mahana off Taha'a.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.