Paul Gauguin Cruises Bora Bora sailings are often the first thing travellers ask about when planning French Polynesia. Bora Bora is one of the main reasons many guests consider the m/s Paul Gauguin, especially if they want the lagoon, mountain views and island experience without building a full land-based itinerary.
We help travellers compare Bora Bora cruise options, staterooms, excursions, pre- and post-cruise stays, and whether a resort add-on should be part of the trip.
Why Bora Bora Matters
Bora Bora is the island many travellers picture before they know anything else about French Polynesia. It is known for its lagoon, reef, motus, Mount Otemanu views and resort stays.
On a Paul Gauguin itinerary, Bora Bora can be part of a wider Society Islands voyage rather than the only focus of the trip. That is an important distinction. A cruise visit gives you a valuable taste of Bora Bora, but it is not the same as staying several nights at a resort.
For some travellers, the cruise visit is enough. For others, Bora Bora is worth adding before or after the sailing.
Cruise Visit vs Resort Stay
A Paul Gauguin cruise is usually better if you want to see several islands in one trip. A Bora Bora resort stay is better if your main goal is quiet time in one place, especially in an overwater bungalow.
Consider a cruise if you want:
- Bora Bora plus Moorea, Taha’a, Huahine or other islands
- Fewer inter-island logistics
- Included onboard meals and services
- A small-ship experience
- A more varied French Polynesia trip
Consider adding a resort stay if you want:
- Several nights in Bora Bora
- An overwater bungalow
- More private downtime
- A slower pace after the cruise
- A trip built around one island
Many travellers do best with both: a Paul Gauguin cruise plus a Bora Bora stay before or after.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Sailing
Not every sailing gives Bora Bora the same role in the trip. Before choosing, confirm:
- Whether Bora Bora is included
- How much time the itinerary spends there
- Whether any special beach or lagoon arrangements apply
- Which excursions are available
- Whether a resort extension is better before or after
- How flights connect with the cruise schedule
- Whether the stateroom budget leaves room for Bora Bora hotel nights
If Bora Bora is the priority, mention that on the booking request form.
Stateroom Advice for Bora Bora-Focused Travellers
A balcony can be appealing on an itinerary that includes Bora Bora, but it is not automatically required. If your budget is limited, a well-located window or porthole stateroom may allow you to add a Bora Bora resort stay, which may matter more than a balcony onboard.
For honeymoons and anniversaries, we usually compare both options:
- Better stateroom on the ship
- More nights or better room category in Bora Bora
The right answer depends on how you want to experience the island.
Do Paul Gauguin Cruises go to Bora Bora?
Many Society Islands itineraries include Bora Bora, but the exact sailing should always be confirmed before booking.
Is a cruise visit enough time in Bora Bora?
It depends. Some travellers are satisfied with Bora Bora as part of a cruise. Others should add resort nights before or after.
Should I add an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora?
If an overwater bungalow is central to your trip, yes, it may be worth considering as an add-on.
Is Bora Bora best for first-time travellers?
Yes. Bora Bora is one of the main islands first-time French Polynesia travellers usually want to include.
For official destination information, see Tahiti Tourisme.