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Le Paul Gauguin
Ponant · launched 1997 · 330 guests
- 330guests
- 1997launched, refurbished 2025
- 19kgross tonnes
- 3sailings listed
- A$11,650per person, from
15 photos · swipe or use the arrows. Venue and cabin photos are Ponant’s own and may show a sister ship.
Le Paul Gauguin at a glance
Le Paul Gauguin is a ship from Ponant, launched in 1997, carrying 330 guests. It is known for luxury voyages in French Polynesia, and occasional voyages through Indonesia and Melanesia that call at Darwin. We list 3 sailings between March 2027 and March 2029, mostly from Darwin, from A$11,650 per person.
Le Paul Gauguin is a small luxury ship built for the South Pacific, sailing mostly among the islands of French Polynesia.
Its shallow draft lets it reach smaller islands and lagoons, and a retractable marina at the stern makes swimming, snorkelling and kayaking easy.
Le Paul Gauguin occasionally leaves French Polynesia for voyages through Indonesia and Melanesia, between Singapore, Darwin and Fiji. Those are the sailings we list.
Le Paul Gauguin is best for
- Melanesia and Indonesia by small ship
- Honeymoons and couples
- Swimming and snorkelling
- Small-ship luxury
What stands out on Le Paul Gauguin
- Retractable marina at the stern
- French Polynesian islands
- Small-ship luxury
- Polynesian crew and culture
- Lagoon swimming and snorkelling
| Cruise line | Ponant |
|---|---|
| Launched | 1997 |
| Last refurbished | 2025 |
| Guests | 330 (double occupancy) |
| Crew | 215 |
| Gross tonnage | 19,200 |
| Length | 154 metres |
| Sails from (our sailings) | Darwin and Singapore |
| Sailings we list | 3, March 2027 to March 2029 |
Ship facts from Paul Gauguin Cruises and Wikipedia, checked 25 October 2026. Sailings and fares updated 1 November 2026.
Le Paul Gauguin itineraries 2027–29
Every Le Paul Gauguin sailing we list, soonest first: 3 sailings from March 2027 to March 2029, from Darwin. Fares are per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, as listed by the cruise line on 2 November at 7:26am. Cabin types sell out and prices move between checks, so we confirm what is open and what it costs before you pay.
3 sailings
| Departs | Cruise | Cabins open | From | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 to 27 season | ||||
| Tue, 16 Mar 202713 nights | Indonesia’s Sacred Temples and Natural Sanctuaries, Singapore to DarwinLe Paul Gauguin · One way, Singapore to DarwinParai Beach, Semarang, Surabaya, Benoa, Komodo National Park, Dili | All cabin types availableWindow or Porthole Stateroom, Lower deck balcony stateroom, Upper decks balcony stateroom, Veranda suite and stateroom, Grand Suite, Owner Suite | Window or Porthole Stateroom fromA$12,190ppA$24,380 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Mon, 29 Mar 202717 nights | Secret Treasures of Melanesia, Darwin to LautokaLe Paul Gauguin · One way, Darwin to LautokaThursday Island, Alotau, Samarai Island, Honiara, Champagne Beach, Luganville, Port Vila, Mystery Island, Suva | 5 of 6 cabin types leftWindow or Porthole Stateroom, Lower deck balcony stateroom, Upper decks balcony stateroom, Veranda suite and stateroom, Owner Suite | Window or Porthole Stateroom fromA$13,040ppA$26,080 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| 2028 to 29 season | ||||
| Thu, 22 Mar 202915 nights | Little-known treasures of Melanesia, Darwin to LautokaLe Paul Gauguin · One way, Darwin to LautokaThursday Island, Samarai Island, Alotau, Honiara, Roderick Bay, Champagne Beach, Port Vila, Mystery Island | 5 of 6 cabin types leftWindow or Porthole Stateroom, Lower deck balcony stateroom, Upper decks balcony stateroom, Veranda suite and stateroom, Owner Suite | Window or Porthole Stateroom fromA$11,650ppA$23,300 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
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Call a Cruise Expert · 1300 214 840 Enquire TodayDining and things to do with Ponant
Venues found across the Ponant fleet; not every venue is on Le Paul Gauguin, so ask us about this ship. Anything marked Included carries no extra cost. Photos are Ponant’s own and may show a sister ship.
Dining & bars
Included
The Restaurant
The main dining room, with a menu that changes through the voyage and a wine list chosen to match it.
Included
The Lounge Bar
Cocktails before dinner and live music most nights, with the open bar that comes with every fare.
Exclusive to Le Commandant Charcot
The Observatory Lounge
A fireplace lounge on deck 9 for watching the ice, unique to the polar icebreaker.
Included
The Theatre
Lectures from the expedition team by day and a stage for concerts and briefings by night.
Included
Cuisine by Alain Ducasse
Menus developed with the three-Michelin-starred chef, served across the fleet’s restaurants.
Extra Charge
The Boutique
Books, clothing and expedition gear, including PONANT-branded parkas for polar sailings.
Onboard activities
Included
Zodiac Excursions
Shore landings and wildlife-watching led by the expedition team, weather and tides permitting.
Included
Heated Indoor Pool
A heated indoor pool aboard Le Commandant Charcot, built for polar sailings when the outer decks are too cold to use.
Extra Charge
Sea Spa & Wellness
Massage, a sauna and treatments at sea, bookable once you are on board.
Included
Yoga on Deck
Morning yoga and fitness sessions on deck, weather permitting, on most sailings.
Included
Expedition Lectures
Naturalists, historians and polar guides brief each landing and lecture between ports.
Le Paul Gauguin cabins and suites
The lowest fare we list for each cabin type on Le Paul Gauguin, per person twin share, taxes and fees included, as listed on 2 November at 7:26am. Fares vary by sailing and date.
Window or Porthole Stateroom
FromA$11,650ppA$23,300 for 2Little-known treasures of Melanesia, Darwin to Lautoka, 15 nights
Balcony Stateroom
- 19 m², sleeps 2, on the upper or lower decks
- A private balcony on every Explorer-class stateroom
- The entry-level category on Le Jacques Cartier and Le Soléal alike
FromA$16,190ppA$32,380 for 2Indonesia’s Sacred Temples and Natural Sanctuaries, Singapore to Darwin, 13 nights
Upper decks balcony stateroom
FromA$17,040ppA$34,080 for 2Indonesia’s Sacred Temples and Natural Sanctuaries, Singapore to Darwin, 13 nights
Veranda suite and stateroom
FromA$20,300ppA$40,600 for 2Indonesia’s Sacred Temples and Natural Sanctuaries, Singapore to Darwin, 13 nights
Grand Suite
- 45 m², sleeps up to 4
- One of the largest categories on the Explorer-class ships
- A generous balcony and a separate living area
FromA$30,980ppA$61,960 for 2Indonesia’s Sacred Temples and Natural Sanctuaries, Singapore to Darwin, 13 nights
Owner Suite
FromA$32,670ppA$65,340 for 2Indonesia’s Sacred Temples and Natural Sanctuaries, Singapore to Darwin, 13 nights
Where does Le Paul Gauguin sail?
Le Paul Gauguin calls at 19 ports on the sailings we list. Its voyages: South Pacific (2) and Asia (1). Solid pins are where sailings begin.
Loading the map…
- Darwin
- Honiara
- Benoa
- Thursday Island
- Alotau
- Samarai Island
- Champagne Beach
- Port Vila
- Mystery Island
- Lautoka
- Singapore
- Parai Beach
- Semarang
- Surabaya
- Komodo National Park
- Dili
- Luganville
- Suva
- Roderick Bay
What’s included in your fare
Ponant fares cover full board, an open bar all day, Wi-Fi, port taxes and one guided activity at every stop. Gratuities are the notable exception.
Butler service comes with the top suites on each ship rather than with the fare.
- Your stateroom and full board, from dinner on the first night to breakfast on the last
- An open bar all day: water, soft drinks, wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee and tea
- Wi-Fi around the clock, though it can slow in remote regions
- One activity at each stop: a guided naturalist outing, a Zodiac cruise or a local visit
- The spa area, fitness room and, on Le Commandant Charcot, the snow cabin
- Port taxes
- Room service and all the public areas
- Flights and transfers on the voyages sold with flights included
Available at an additional cost
- Gratuities, which Ponant suggests at 10 to 12 euros per person per day
- Optional excursions beyond the included activity
- Premium drinks listed outside the open bar
- Spa treatments and the hair salon
- Laundry, the boutique and voyage photography
The Ponant Bonus is an early booking discount on the stateroom price, not an extra inclusion.
Le Paul Gauguin, answered
How many passengers does Le Paul Gauguin carry?
Le Paul Gauguin carries 330 guests at double occupancy, looked after by about 215 crew. At 19,200 gross tonnes and 154 metres long, it is a small ship, able to reach places big ships cannot.
How old is Le Paul Gauguin?
Le Paul Gauguin was launched in 1997 and last refurbished in 2025.
Where does Le Paul Gauguin sail from in Australia?
On the sailings we list, Le Paul Gauguin sails from Darwin. Its most common voyages are South Pacific (2) and Asia (1). Its 3 sailings run from March 2027 to March 2029 and last 13 to 17 nights.
How much does a cruise on Le Paul Gauguin cost?
Fares on Le Paul Gauguin start at A$11,650 per person, twin share, for the 15 night Little-known treasures of Melanesia, Darwin to Lautoka departing 22 March 2029, as listed on 2 November at 7:26am. The lowest fare per night is A$767, on the 17 night Secret Treasures of Melanesia, Darwin to Lautoka. Taxes and port fees are included.
Which cabin should I choose on Le Paul Gauguin?
On Le Paul Gauguin a balcony stateroom is the most popular choice. Window staterooms keep the fare down, and the suites add more space.
How do I book Le Paul Gauguin with Luxury Cruises Guide?
Choose a sailing in the table on this page and press Quick Quote, or call 1300 214 840. We are an Australian cruise agency: we confirm the cabin and the total in Australian dollars, and one specialist looks after the booking from quote to homecoming.
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Luxury 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 Ponant. Le Paul Gauguin and Ponant are trademarks of their owner and are used here to identify the ship. Page updated 1 November 2026.