The first thing I do when I board the Paul Gauguin is find my spot by the pool deck, usually before we've even left Papeete. With only about 330 guests aboard, the ship never feels like a scramble for a lounger the way the big ships do. The pool is modest in size, but that suits the rhythm of these sailings, where most of your swimming happens in the lagoon anyway. I've spent whole sea days drifting between a deck chair, the bar, and the rail watching the islands slide by. Below I'll walk you through how the spaces are laid out and how I actually use them.
The pool deck and how it fills up
The main pool sits mid-ship on the upper decks, flanked by loungers and a bar that's never more than a short walk away. Because the passenger count is small, I've rarely had trouble finding a chair, even late morning on a sea day. Mornings tend to be quiet, with most guests off on excursions, while late afternoon is when the deck comes alive as people drift back aboard. If you want sun and space, I'd aim for that mid-morning window.
Lounges for when you want shade
Beyond the pool there are shaded lounge areas and a piano bar that work well when the sun gets strong or the day winds down. I like these spots for a quiet read between ports, and they're where the live music tends to start in the evening. The indoor lounge is also where briefings and the occasional talk happen, so it doubles as a gathering point. On a ship this size you'll recognise faces within a day or two, and these are the rooms where that happens.
How I'd plan my deck time
My honest advice is to treat sea days as the pool days and port days as the island days, rather than trying to do both at once. Watersports run off the marina at the stern when we're at anchor, so the pool deck is really for the in-between hours. I keep a hat and reef-safe sunscreen handy because the sun near the equator is stronger than people expect. Build in a slow morning or two and the deck becomes one of the best parts of the trip.
Frequently asked questions
Is there more than one pool on board?
There's one main pool on the upper deck, plus surrounding lounge and bar areas. Given the ship carries only around 330 guests, one pool is generally plenty and I've rarely seen it crowded.
Can I use the watersports marina any time?
The marina off the stern opens when the ship is at anchor in calm conditions, not while underway. Availability depends on the day's itinerary and sea state, so check the daily programme once you're aboard.
When is the pool deck quietest?
Mid-morning on port days, when most guests are ashore, is the calmest. Late afternoon is livelier as people return and the bar picks up.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.