After sailing the m/s Paul Gauguin myself, the advice I give clients is mostly the stuff I wish someone had told me before my first voyage. This is a small ship, around 330 guests, and that shapes almost every practical decision, from how you pack to how you plan your shore time. The good news is that a lot is handled for you, so the tips below are less about logistics and more about getting the texture of the trip right. Take what fits your style and leave the rest. A few small choices made ahead of time are what separate a smooth week from a slightly frazzled one.
Booking and timing
Popular weeks fill early, particularly the drier stretch from roughly May to October, so book ahead if your dates are fixed. If you can flex, the warmer November to April season is quieter in spots and has its own appeal. Build in a night in Papeete before embarkation; trans-Pacific flights are long, and arriving a day early protects you from a missed connection turning into a missed sailing.
Packing for a small, casual ship
Dress aboard is relaxed, so pack light, breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and water shoes for the marina and the rocky bits of some beaches. Bring any specific medications in your carry-on, plus a copy of prescriptions. If you dive or snorkel seriously, your own mask is worth the suitcase space; everything else for watersports is available off the stern marina.
Making the most of onboard life
The fare covers a lot, so use it: the dining rooms each have a different character, from French menus at L'Etoile to local fish at La Veranda and casual evenings at Le Grill. Say yes to the Tahitian hosts, Les Gauguines, and the cultural moments they run, because that is genuinely what sets this ship apart. Pace your shore excursions instead of stacking every port, and leave at least one slow day to enjoy the ship itself.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I book?
Sooner is better for the busy drier months from about May to October. Flexible travelers can often find quieter, easier weeks in the warmer season.
What should I be sure to pack?
Light casual clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, and any medications in your carry-on. The marina supplies the watersports gear if you would rather travel light.
Should I arrive in Tahiti early?
Yes. A night in Papeete before embarkation absorbs flight delays and lets you start the cruise rested rather than jet-lagged and rushed.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.