The m/s Paul Gauguin is the small luxury ship behind Paul Gauguin Cruises’ French Polynesia and South Pacific voyages. It is built for travellers who want a refined ship experience, but not a large-ship atmosphere.
The m/s Paul Gauguin carries about 330 guests — small enough to reach the lagoons and motus that larger ships cannot.
Most guests choose the m/s Paul Gauguin because they want the South Pacific itself: Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Taha’a, the Tuamotus, the Marquesas, the Cook Islands or other regional routes. The ship is the comfortable base that makes those islands easier to combine.
We are Paul Gauguin Cruises specialists and booking experts. We help travellers compare sailings, staterooms, flights, hotels and cruise options. We are not the cruise line and do not operate the ship.
Ship Style and Atmosphere
The m/s Paul Gauguin is not a large resort ship. It has a smaller, more personal feel and a rhythm that fits island cruising.
The atmosphere is polished but not stiff. Days are usually shaped by the itinerary: lagoon time, shore excursions, tendering, cultural visits, private beach experiences or time on deck. Evenings are generally more relaxed, with dining, music, conversation and onboard programming.
This style suits travellers who want comfort, service and a strong sense of place. It may not suit travellers looking for constant nightlife or a ship where the onboard attractions are the main event.
What Makes the Ship Different
The ship’s strength is how it fits French Polynesia.
A South Pacific cruise has different needs than a Caribbean or Mediterranean sailing. The best experience often depends on lagoon access, smaller ports, tender operations, cultural context and a ship that does not overwhelm the destination.
The m/s Paul Gauguin is known for:
- Small-ship cruising
- Oceanview accommodations
- Many staterooms and suites with balconies
- A South Pacific-focused onboard style
- Watersports and snorkelling emphasis, where available
- Polynesian cultural programming
- Select private beach or islet experiences on applicable itineraries
- Itineraries that may include French Polynesia and wider South Pacific routes
Specific features, inclusions and itinerary details can change, so current details should always be confirmed before deposit.
Who the m/s Paul Gauguin Suits
The ship is a strong fit for travellers who want:
- A smaller ship
- Several islands in one trip
- A cruise that can replace complicated island-hopping logistics
- A comfortable onboard experience without a huge-ship feel
- The option to add a resort stay before or after
- A focus on French Polynesia rather than generic cruising
It works especially well for honeymoons, anniversaries, milestone trips, experienced travellers, South Pacific repeat visitors and travellers who want a more efficient way to see multiple islands.
Who Should Compare Carefully
The m/s Paul Gauguin may not be the best choice if you want:
- A very large ship
- A casino
- Extensive nightlife
- Large theatre productions
- Big family resort features
- The lowest possible Tahiti trip cost
- A trip based entirely around an overwater bungalow
Those travellers may still be good candidates for French Polynesia, but the best fit may be a land-based stay or a different style of trip.
Planning the Ship with the Itinerary
The ship and itinerary should be considered together.
A seven-night Society Islands sailing may feel very different from a longer itinerary that includes the Tuamotus, Marquesas, Cook Islands, Fiji or Tonga. A balcony may feel more valuable on one route than another. A cabin location that works well for one traveller may not suit someone concerned about motion.
Before requesting a quote, decide what matters most:
- Classic Bora Bora and Moorea experience
- More remote islands
- Marine life and snorkelling
- Culture and history
- Shorter vacation window
- Longer South Pacific voyage
- Best cabin value
- Pre/post resort stay
This helps us recommend the right sailing instead of simply quoting the first available cabin.
What is the m/s Paul Gauguin?
The m/s Paul Gauguin is the small luxury ship used by Paul Gauguin Cruises for Tahiti, French Polynesia and South Pacific voyages.
Does the m/s Paul Gauguin sail year-round?
Paul Gauguin Cruises is strongly associated with year-round French Polynesia cruising, but exact sailings, routes and dates should be confirmed against the current schedule.
Is the m/s Paul Gauguin all-inclusive?
Many onboard items are typically included, but inclusions can change by sailing, fare type and season. Current terms should be confirmed before booking.
Is the ship formal?
The atmosphere is refined but generally relaxed. Travellers should check the current dress code before packing.
For official destination information, see Tahiti Tourisme.