Plenty of my clients worry that a week of French cooking and lagoon lounging will undo months of effort, and I get it. What I tell them is that this ship makes staying active easy if you want to, mostly because so much of it happens in the water. I've come off these sailings feeling better than when I boarded, which isn't something I can say about every cruise. Here's how I'd keep moving aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin.
The water is your gym
The single best fitness feature is the marina off the stern, where you can kayak, paddleboard and swim straight off the ship on many days. I'd take an hour of paddling over a treadmill any morning, and in these calm lagoons it barely feels like exercise. On island days the snorkelling and walking add up fast. If you only do one active thing, make it the watersports.
A real gym when you want it
The ship carries a fitness room with cardio and strength equipment, so an early session before the heat builds is easy to fit in. Because there are only around 330 guests aboard, you're rarely waiting for a machine the way you would on a large liner. I tell clients who like a routine to go first thing, then spend the day in the water guilt-free.
Move ashore, not just aboard
Some of the best activity happens off the ship — a hike into Moorea's green interior, a long swim off a motu, a walk through a village. I encourage people to choose at least a couple of active excursions rather than only beach days, since they double as sightseeing. Balance that against the spa and the long lunches, and you come home feeling like you actually moved.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a gym on the Paul Gauguin?
Yes, the ship has a fitness room with cardio and strength equipment. With only about 330 guests aboard, it rarely feels crowded, so early-morning sessions are easy to fit in.
What's the best way to stay active on this cruise?
The watersports marina off the stern — kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming straight off the ship. Combined with snorkelling and island walks, the water does most of the work.
Can I stay active on the island stops?
Definitely. Hikes, long swims and village walks make the shore days active as well as scenic. I suggest booking a couple of active excursions to balance the relaxed beach days.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.