French Polynesia’s only purpose-built luxury ship: the 330-guest m/s Paul Gauguin sails year-round from Papeete, all-inclusive down to the drinks and a private day on its own motu.
Paul Gauguin Cruises operates a single ship built for one region: the m/s Paul Gauguin has sailed French Polynesia since 1997 and has been owned by French line Ponant since 2019. Every fare is all-inclusive, from wine and spirits to gratuities and the watersports marina, and the crew includes Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins, the ship’s own troupe of Tahitian hosts and entertainers. It suits couples, honeymooners and anyone who wants Bora Bora and the Society Islands without changing hotels every two nights.
Australians fly to Papeete, direct from Sydney or Brisbane or via Auckland, then join a 7 to 14 night round trip that stays within French Polynesia. The core itinerary loops through the Society Islands: Bora Bora, Moorea, Taha’a and Huahine, with longer sailings reaching the Tuamotu atolls or the remote Marquesas, and occasional voyages further into Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands. At 330 guests, this is a ship that can anchor where larger ships cannot.
The m/s Paul Gauguin carries 330 guests in 165 staterooms and suites, most with a private balcony, and was refurbished in 2025. Dining runs across L’Etoile, the main restaurant, buffet-and-bistro La Veranda, and poolside Le Grill, which often expands for dinner under the stars during overnights in Bora Bora and Moorea. A day on the line’s own motu off Taha’a, complete with a floating bar, is the day most guests rate as the trip’s highlight.
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Call a Cruise Expert · 1300 214 840 Enquire TodayOne ship, sailing year-round from Papeete through French Polynesia.
The only ship purpose-built for these lagoons: a shallow draft, a fold-down stern watersports marina and a fleet of Zodiacs let it reach motu and passes larger ships cannot. Onboard are three restaurants, the Algotherm Dermo Ocean spa, a pool deck and Le Grand Salon, where Les Gauguines perform most nights. All 165 staterooms and suites were refreshed in the 2025 refurbishment.
The m/s Paul Gauguin is Paul Gauguin Cruises’ only ship. Owner Ponant runs a separate fleet of expedition ships across the Arctic, Antarctica, the Kimberley and beyond.
What each cabin type gives you. Fares vary by ship, sailing and date, so ask us for the rate on the departure you want.
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A taste of the restaurants, bars and spaces. Anything marked Included carries no extra cost.
The main restaurant, open for dinner only and never needing a reservation. Classic French cooking with wine chosen by the ship’s sommeliers.
Buffet breakfast and lunch with ocean views on both sides of the ship. In the evening it becomes a reservation-only bistro.
Casual poolside dining that often expands around the pool for dinner under the stars during overnights in Bora Bora and Moorea.
Pre-dinner cocktails and a pianist on the way in to Le Grand Salon, with a wine list curated by the ship’s sommeliers.
The main lounge and theatre, with nightly entertainment led by Les Gauguines, the ship’s own troupe of Tahitian hosts.
Loungers, a pool and a bar at the stern of the ship, usually the first place guests head after boarding in Papeete.
A fold-down platform at the stern for kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing whenever the ship is anchored in calm water.
PADI certification, refresher courses and guided dives in the Tuamotus and Marquesas, where there are no dive centres ashore.
A day on the line’s own private islet off Taha’a, with a floating bar, snorkelling and watersports included in the fare.
The ship’s Tahitian hosts and entertainers teach dance, lead cultural talks and perform most evenings in Le Grand Salon.
Marine-based facials and massages, plus a fitness room and hairdresser, tucked away from the pool deck.
Paul Gauguin fares are all-inclusive: meals, drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi and the watersports off the ship’s own marina.
Butler service comes with the Owner’s Suite, the Grand Suite and the Veranda suites and staterooms.
The m/s Paul Gauguin is based year-round in Papeete, Tahiti, and never leaves French Polynesia. Australians fly in direct from Sydney or Brisbane, or via Auckland, join the ship, and sail a 7 to 14 night round trip through the Society Islands, with longer voyages reaching the Tuamotus, the Marquesas, or occasionally Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands.
Your stateroom or suite, all dining venues, and beverages including wine, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks served throughout the ship. Gratuities, the watersports marina (kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing), Wi-Fi and a day on the line’s private motu off Taha’a are also included. SCUBA diving and spa treatments are the main extras.
A small, 330-guest ship built in 1997 specifically for French Polynesia’s shallow lagoons and passes, and refurbished in 2025. It carries 165 staterooms and suites, most with private balconies, three dining venues, a pool deck, a spa and Le Grand Salon, the main lounge where the crew’s own Tahitian entertainers perform most nights.
Couples, honeymooners and friends who want to see Bora Bora, Moorea and the outer islands without changing hotels, and who like an all-inclusive fare with few extra charges to track. It is less suited to families wanting a full-time kids’ club or a big ship with waterslides and multiple pools.
Country Club Casual every evening: a dress, or a skirt or slacks with a blouse, for women, and slacks with a collared shirt for men. No ties are required at any time, though a jacket is welcome at the Captain’s Welcome Reception. There are no formal nights.
It is a year-round destination with a fairly constant tropical climate. April to October is slightly cooler and drier, November to March is warmer and more humid, and July brings Heiva, a month-long Tahitian cultural festival worth timing a voyage around if you can.
Tell us your dates or the itinerary you want in the enquiry form on this page, or call 1300 214 840. We are an independent Australian cruise agency: we confirm the fare in AUD with taxes and fees included, and one specialist looks after your booking from quote to homecoming.
Call 1300 214 840, message us on WhatsApp, email, or tell us what you want and a Paul Gauguin Cruises specialist will come back with a quote.
Enquire TodayLuxury Cruises Guide is an independent Australian cruise agency operated by Orange Ninja Pty Ltd, ABN 17 682 640 713. It is not owned or operated by Paul Gauguin Cruises. Paul Gauguin Cruises and its ship names are trademarks of their owner and are used here to identify the cruise line. Fares shown were published by the cruise line at the time of writing and change with availability.