By Captain Sail, Book with the Captain
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Overwater bungalows get all the attention, but there's another way to see French Polynesia that I love recommending: a small ship that sails from one lagoon to the next while you sleep. That's the idea behind the m/s Paul Gauguin, a ship that makes Tahiti its home year-round.
I'm Captain Sail, the guide for Book with the Captain, an independent travel advisor affiliated with Fora Travel. Luxury and smaller-ship cruising is one of my favorite things to plan, and a Tahiti cruise is a bucket-list trip worth getting right. Here's my plain-English guide.
Paul Gauguin and PONANT: who's who?
Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the m/s Paul Gauguin. The line joined PONANT, the French small-ship cruise company, in 2019, and today it's part of the PONANT Explorations group. Eligible guests are welcomed into the PONANT Yacht Club loyalty program.
So when you see "Paul Gauguin" and "PONANT" together, it's the same family: one ship that specializes in French Polynesia and the South Pacific, backed by a larger luxury cruise company.
The ship at a glance
- Guests: up to 330, according to Paul Gauguin Cruises
- Home waters: French Polynesia and the South Pacific, sailing round-trip from Papeete, Tahiti
- Balconies: about 70% of staterooms and suites have private balconies, per PONANT
- Dining: three restaurants serving French-inspired Polynesian cuisine
- Culture on board: Tahitian Ambassadors who share local culture and heritage
- Watersports marina: a platform at the stern for kayaks and stand-up paddleboards in select ports
Why a small ship matters in Tahiti
French Polynesia is all about lagoons, reefs and small harbors. A ship this size can reach intimate anchorages that larger ships can't, and getting ashore feels easy instead of like a crowd operation. With only a few hundred guests, the pace is unhurried.
What's included
Paul Gauguin describes its fares as all-inclusive. Per the line's itinerary pages, your fare covers:
- Your stateroom or suite
- Dining across the ship's restaurants
- Beverages, including wine and spirits
- Watersports equipment from the marina
- Crew gratuities
- Onboard Wi-Fi (per PONANT)
- Access to the line's private beach experiences, including Motu Mahana off Taha'a
What's typically extra: spa treatments and shore excursions. Flights to Tahiti and hotel nights before or after the cruise are also separate. I'll confirm exactly what's included for your sailing.
Itineraries: which Tahiti cruise is right for you?
All voyages sail round-trip from Papeete. The line's itineraries generally run 7 to 14 nights in French Polynesia, and PONANT notes some longer voyages to places like Fiji and beyond.
7 nights: Tahiti & the Society Islands
The classic first-timer itinerary. Typical calls include Huahine, Motu Mahana/Taha'a, Bora Bora and Moorea, with overnights in some ports. Paul Gauguin calls it the classic introduction to the islands. It's ideal if:
- It's your first trip to the South Pacific
- You have about a week of vacation
- You want Bora Bora and Moorea without changing hotels
10-11 nights: adding the Tuamotus or Cook Islands
These itineraries add atolls like Fakarava and Rangiroa in the Tuamotus, or Aitutaki and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. Great for snorkelers, divers and repeat visitors.
14 nights: the Marquesas
The longest regular itinerary reaches the remote Marquesas (such as Fatu Hiva, Atuona, Tahuata and Nuku Hiva), along with the Tuamotus and Society Islands. It's a real expedition-style trip for travelers who want the far corners of Polynesia.
Itineraries and port order vary by sailing, so I check your exact dates.
The watersports marina
The ship's stern marina is a favorite feature. In select ports, you can borrow kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at no extra charge. A few things to know, based on the line's posted guidelines:
- Equipment is first come, first served, usually in 30-minute slots
- Guests under 18 need to be with a parent
- Life jackets are required, and everything is weather permitting
- Swimming and snorkeling aren't allowed from the marina itself
Snorkeling happens instead at beaches, the private motu, or on excursions.
Who a Paul Gauguin cruise suits best
- Honeymooners and anniversary couples who want Bora Bora with zero logistics
- Luxury travelers who prefer a smaller ship and an all-inclusive feel
- Snorkelers and ocean lovers heading for the Tuamotus
- Travelers who don't want to island-hop by plane, since the ship does the moving
Is it good for families?
It can be, especially for families with older kids who love the water. Keep in mind it's a small, relaxed luxury ship, not a mega-ship with waterslides. I'll help you decide whether it fits your crew.
Current offers
Cruise lines run promotions on Tahiti sailings from time to time. Ask me, and I'll check what's available for your dates when you request a quote.
Planning tips for a Tahiti cruise
Arrive early
Flights to Papeete are long for most North American travelers. I recommend arriving at least a day before embarkation so a delay doesn't cost you the ship. I can help with the hotel night too.
Think about extending
Many clients add a few nights at a resort in Moorea or Bora Bora before or after the cruise. It's a nice way to get your overwater bungalow and your small-ship cruise in the same trip.
Pick your cabin for the view
Since most staterooms have balconies, the question is usually which deck and location. Midship is the steadiest. I'll walk you through the options.
Pack light and casual
The vibe is casually elegant. Reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes and a light layer for evenings go a long way.
How booking with me works
- Tell me your dates, who's traveling and how long you want to be away.
- I compare itineraries and cabin options, and check for any current offers.
- I help with flights, hotel nights and extensions.
- I'm your one real person before, during and after the trip.
There are no Book with the Captain fees and no markup on cruise and hotel bookings.
Keep planning: compare this with my AmaWaterways river cruise guide, see how to pick a cruise cabin, or, if you'd rather stay put at a resort, read my Four Seasons Los Cabos winter guide.
FAQ
Is Paul Gauguin part of PONANT?
Yes. Paul Gauguin Cruises joined PONANT in 2019 and is part of the PONANT Explorations group. The ship keeps its own identity and its focus on French Polynesia, so you'll still find the same small-ship experience built for sailing among the islands of Tahiti.
How many guests does the Paul Gauguin carry?
The Paul Gauguin carries up to 330 guests. That small size is a big part of its appeal in Tahiti: it can reach smaller harbors and lagoons, it feels relaxed rather than crowded, and you'll get to know the crew and fellow guests over the course of your voyage.
Where does the Paul Gauguin depart from?
Its French Polynesia voyages sail round-trip from Papeete, Tahiti. I recommend arriving early so you have a buffer for long-haul flights and time to settle in before embarkation. You might also consider extending your trip with a stay before or after your cruise.
What's included in a Paul Gauguin cruise?
Your fare includes your stateroom, dining, beverages including wine and spirits, watersports equipment, crew gratuities and private beach access. Spa treatments and shore excursions are extra. I'll confirm the inclusions for your specific voyage so you know exactly what to expect before you book.
How long are Paul Gauguin cruises?
Most French Polynesia itineraries run 7 to 14 nights. The 7-night Society Islands route is the classic first-timer choice, while longer voyages add places like the Tuamotus, Cook Islands or Marquesas. The right length depends on your time and how much of the islands you'd like to see.
Does it cost more to book through a travel advisor?
No. There are no Book with the Captain fees and no markup on cruise and hotel bookings. When you book with me, I compare your options, recommend specific cabins or rooms, handle the booking, and stay with you before, during and after the trip, so you have one person to help.
Get your free Tahiti cruise quote
Tell me when you'd like to go and who's coming, and I'll compare Paul Gauguin itineraries, cabins and extensions for you. Request your free quote from the Captain.
Sources
- Paul Gauguin Cruises, "Paul Gauguin Cruises Announces 2026 Voyages" press release (pgcruises.com)
- Paul Gauguin Cruises itinerary pages: Tahiti & the Society Islands; Society Islands & Tuamotus (pgcruises.com)
- Paul Gauguin Cruises, Watersports Marina Schedule (pgcruises.com)
- PONANT, "Paul Gauguin Cruises is a member of the PONANT EXPLORATIONS family" (us.ponant.com)
Keep planning
- AmaWaterways River Cruise Guide: Rhine, Danube & More
- Celebrity Cruises Casino Guide: Blue Chip Club & More
- Current cruise deals with book-by dates
- Cruise port guides