I'm a small-ship convert when it comes to French Polynesia, and it's not just a preference, it's practical. Bora Bora's lagoon and the narrow passes between these islands simply suit a smaller vessel. On the Paul Gauguin, with around 330 guests aboard, you anchor inside the lagoon instead of looking at it from a distance, and you can be in the water off the stern within minutes. I've watched big ships sit offshore while we were already snorkelling. That difference in access is the whole argument for going small here, and it shapes the entire trip.
What a smaller ship can reach
Scale changes where you can go. A vessel of roughly 330 guests slips into anchorages and lagoon spots that larger ships have to skip, which means more time actually in the places people come to see rather than tendering from far out. The marina off the stern opens up for kayaks, paddleboards and snorkelling whenever the ship is at anchor, so the water is part of daily life rather than a scheduled outing. For islands whose appeal is the lagoon itself, being able to drop straight into it is the feature that matters most.
Service and atmosphere onboard
With fewer people aboard, the feel is closer to a private boat than a resort. The crew tends to remember you, dining never feels like a cattle call, and the Tahitian hosts, Les Gauguines, are a genuine presence rather than a once-a-week show. Meals spread across L'Etoile for French cooking, La Veranda for Polynesian dishes and local fish, and Le Grill outdoors. The smaller numbers also mean the private island day at Motu Mahana off Taha'a feels relaxed rather than packed, which is exactly what you hope for from a quieter ship.
Trade-offs worth knowing
I always tell people small ships aren't for everyone. You won't find sprawling casinos, water parks or a dozen restaurants, and if onboard spectacle is the goal, a mega-ship does that better. What you get instead is access, intimacy and calm. Cabins, pricing and sailing dates change from season to season, so confirm current details when you book. For travellers whose priority is the islands and the water rather than the ship as a destination in itself, the small-ship trade is an easy one to make.
Frequently asked questions
How small is the ship?
The m/s Paul Gauguin carries around 330 guests, which is small by cruise standards. That scale is what lets it anchor inside lagoons and reach spots larger ships have to bypass.
Will a smaller ship feel cramped?
Generally the opposite. Fewer guests means quieter public spaces, easier dining and more personal service. You trade the big-ship amenities like casinos and water parks for room to breathe and better access to the islands.
Can I get in the water easily?
Yes. When the ship is at anchor, the marina off the stern opens for snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding, so getting into the lagoon is quick and built into the day rather than a separate booking.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.