When people ask me for the complete picture of a Paul Gauguin cruise, I try to give them the version I would want from a friend who had actually been, not a sales sheet. Norm has sailed the m/s Paul Gauguin and I have spent time across these islands, so this is the honest shape of the trip. It is a small ship of about 330 guests built specifically for French Polynesia, which is why it can slip into lagoons that larger vessels cannot. The week is mostly all-inclusive, the dining is better than you expect at this size, and the islands do the heavy lifting. Here is how I help clients think it through, from itinerary to booking.
Choosing your itinerary
The backbone is the Society Islands and Tuamotus loop out of Papeete, taking in places like Bora Bora, Taha'a, and Moorea, usually over seven nights. Less often, every other year or so, the ship runs longer sailings toward Fiji and Tonga, which are worth timing if those islands are on your list. I match the route to what you want, whether that is diving, culture, or simply slow lagoon days, rather than assuming the longest itinerary is the best one.
What all-inclusive really covers
Your fare folds in meals across the three restaurants, most drinks, the watersports off the stern marina, and the cultural programming led by Les Gauguines, the ship's Tahitian hosts. The private island day at Motu Mahana off Taha'a is part of it too. Some things like spa treatments and certain premium excursions sit outside the fare, so I walk clients through what is and is not included before they budget.
Dining, shore time, and booking smart
The three rooms each have their own feel: French cooking at L'Etoile, Polynesian and local fish at La Veranda, and a relaxed grill on deck at Le Grill. Ashore, I steer people toward one or two meaningful excursions per port rather than a packed schedule. When it comes to booking, the drier months from roughly May to October go first, so decide your priorities early and reserve cabins accordingly; the right category on a small ship matters.
Frequently asked questions
How long are the cruises?
The core Society Islands and Tuamotus sailings usually run seven nights. Longer voyages toward Fiji and Tonga appear roughly every other year.
What is included in the fare?
Meals, most drinks, marina watersports, the Motu Mahana private island day, and the cultural programming. Spa treatments and some premium excursions cost extra.
When is the best time to sail?
The drier season from about May to October is popular and books early; the warmer November to April months are quieter. Both have their merits.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.