People ask me whether a small ship can really do food well, and on the Paul Gauguin my answer is yes, mostly because it doesn't try to do too much. There are three places to eat, and once you understand each one, planning your evenings is simple. I've eaten my way through all of them on my own sailings, so I'm not guessing here. The short version: French dining at L'Etoile, lighter Polynesian fare at La Veranda, and easy grilled meals at Le Grill. Here's how I'd use each.
L'Etoile for the proper dinner
L'Etoile is the main dining room and the place for a slower, French-leaning meal with full table service. There's no extra charge and no reservation game to play, which I appreciate, you turn up when you like within the dinner hours. I tell clients to use it on nights when they want to dress a little and linger over several courses. It's the heart of the ship's dining, and it rarely disappoints.
La Veranda and Le Grill for everything else
La Veranda does an open breakfast and lunch and turns into a quieter, often reservation-based dinner with a Polynesian accent and good local fish. Le Grill, up by the pool, is my go-to for a relaxed lunch or a casual grilled dinner under the sky. Between the two you've got the full range, from a barefoot poolside plate to a calmer sit-down evening. I mix all three across a week rather than sticking to one.
How I'd plan the week
On a seven-night sailing I'd spread my dinners: a few at L'Etoile, a couple at La Veranda when I want fish, and a casual Grill night after a long day ashore. Because the ship carries only around 330 guests, you're never fighting for a table, which takes the stress out of it. If a venue takes reservations for dinner, I book the ones I care about early in the cruise. Past that, I keep it loose and let the day decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an extra charge for the restaurants?
The main venues, L'Etoile, La Veranda and Le Grill, are included in your fare. Specific premium experiences may differ, so it's worth confirming the current details when you book.
Do I need dinner reservations?
L'Etoile is open seating, while La Veranda's dinner often takes reservations. With around 330 guests it's easy to get a table, but I'd book the nights you care about early.
Can the kitchen handle dietary needs?
Yes. Flag allergies or dietary preferences when you board and the galley will accommodate most of them. The Polynesian menu at La Veranda also makes lighter eating easy.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.