When you travel onboard The Gauguin, you won’t spend your days at sea simply biding your time until we arrive at our next destination. On our ship, every day (and night!) brings new and exciting opportunities for entertainment and enrichment.
On every voyage of The Gauguin, we’re accompanied by our own troupe of Tahitian hosts and entertainers that bring the spirit of Polynesia to life. Enjoy a retelling of ancestral legends through dance, delight in traditional songs onboard and on our private motu, and learn local handicrafts during hands-on demonstrations. Couples celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary can even attend a Polynesian blessing ceremony.
In addition to Les Gauguins & Les Gauguines, on every voyage we invite local performers onboard to entertain you. Don’t miss an evening spent with local group Mamas and Papas, whose dynamic performance of Polynesian dance and singing is a perennial guest favorite.
The crew members onboard The Gauguin are certainly experts at providing first-class service to our guests, but they also boast many other talents that we’re proud to showcase in our crew show. Every voyage offers something different, but you’re always guaranteed a night of amazing entertainment, much of which showcases the unique cultures of our crew members’ home countries.
When the sun goes down at sea, Le Grand Salon comes alive with spectacular performances. Every night brings something different, whether it’s Les Gauguins & Les Gauguines performing ote’a—a complex line dance accompanied by drums—live piano music, Broadway show tunes, or foot-tapping rock music. Return to our main lounge during the day for a game of table tennis or lecture from a roster of anthropologists, archeologists, and marine biologists, as well as visiting experts on other popular topics.
You're invited to grab a drink at the Piano Bar and enjoy nightly musical entertainment.
During every meal onboard The Gauguin, with every sumptuous bit you sample, and each time our attentive staff fill your glass, you'll begin to realize that dining on the high seas with Paul Gauguin Cruises is truly something special. Embark upon a five-star culinary adventure, designed just for you by some of the world's most talented and award-winning chefs, including Jean-Pierre Vigato, Chef Proprietaire at Paris' Michelin-starred Restaurant Apicius. Wha's more, every one of our onboard dining options is included in your cruise fare. Bon appetit!
La Veranda Dine al fresco or enjoy wraparound ocean views from the dining room of La Veranda, where we offer an ever-changing selection of buffet breakfast and lunch items and a la carte options, many of which are inspired by the destinations we visit. In the evening, La Veranda is transformed to a reservation-only dining venue serving Jean-Pierre Vigato's gourmet cuisine.
L'Etoile Our exquisite main dining room is dressed to impress with perfectly appointed decor, fine table linens, and delicate china. Join us every evening for dinner and sample a tantalizing array of expertly prepared dishes, perfectly paired with complimentary wines.
Le Grill When your day's plans call for a more casual dining experience, join us at Le Grill, located by the pool and offering a buffet breakfast, grilled lunch favorites, salads, and fresh tropical fruit. In the afternoon, stop by for tea with finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, desserts, pastries, and petit fours. Return in the evening to sample Polynesian specialties in a relaxed atmosphere. Reservations required for dinner.
Spa & Fitness
Leisurely days at sea offer the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a little “me time,” whether that’s an indulgent treatment at our award-winning onboard spa, or a workout in our fitness center.
With its unrivaled approach to beauty and rejuvenation, the spa onboard The Gauguin combines the art of gentle pampering with services that are uniquely tailored to the needs and wishes of each individual.
Our spa offers an extensive range of services, enveloped in an atmosphere that is both tranquil and luxurious. Shipboard treatments include skin care therapies, skin exfoliation, massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, body wraps, facials, beauty treatments, nail services, and hair styling. We are also happy to offer relaxing overwater massages during the day you’ll spend on Motu Mahana, our private South Pacific paradise.
Our convenient fitness center is outfitted with the latest fitness equipment, including Lifecycles, treadmills, stair climbers, and weight machines. Other onboard fitness opportunities include a morning mile-long walk around decks 8 and 9 and a sunrise Polynesian-inspired Zumba class, both hosted by Les Gauguines.
Float effortlessly over rainbow-colored coral reefs and come nose to nose with parrotfish, clownfish, giant clams, and sea turtles. Dive deeper to swim alongside colorful sea anemones, eagle rays, sharks, and octopi. Polynesia’s translucent, shimmering aqua lagoons are begging to be explored. And there’s no better place to do so than from the m/s Paul Gauguin's retractable watersports marina, where you can embark on an optional SCUBA adventure.
Even if you have never SCUBA dived before, as a guest aboard The Gauguin, you can witness spectacular marine life up close and swim among beautiful, rainbow-colored coral reefs within a matter of hours. The Gauguin’s SCUBA diving excursions are designed for all levels of experience, and we offer PADI certification on board for novice divers, as well as refresher courses.
Here are highlights of what else you might expect to find in dives off specific islands along the path of your itinerary:
SOCIETY ISLANDS
Moorea—Catch a glimpse of black-tipped reef sharks, lemon sharks, impressively large moray eel, sea turtles, and barracudas.
Bora Bora—View lemon sharks and manta rays up close.
TUAMOTUS ISLANDS
Rangiroa & Fakarava—In this premier diving location, look for hammerhead sharks (December-February) or manta rays (September-October). In addition, dolphins, turtles, eagle rays, barracuda, and other fascinating fish species are often spotted here, among coral reefs and canyon passes – including Fakarava’s reef, a UNESCO-Classified Nature Reserve.
COOK ISLANDS
Aitutaki—Dive along the sheer drop off and large coral bommies to come across impressively large hawksbill turtles, white tip reef sharks resting on the sea floor, friendly emperor angel fish and occasional eagle rays.
MARQUESAS ISLANDS
The Marquesas Islands are among the best diving spots in the world. The Gauguin offers you your only opportunity to explore the underwater world of the Marquesas, as there are no dive centers in these remote but pristine islands.
Nuku Hiva—The steep cliffs and caves off this island reveal a variety of unusual marine life, including hammerhead sharks, manta rays, moray eel, manta rays, and scorpion fish.
Tahuata—Jump into an underwater wilderness and observe grey sharks, Hiva Oa manta rays, dragon moray eel, lobster, and schools of juvenile fish dancing among predators such as giant trevally or tuna.
For the safety of our guests, diving is available in the Marquesas for advanced Open-Water Certified divers with the Deep Diver Specialty Certification only, as dives are 60 feet minimum.
To view all available dives by destination, click here.
PADI Certification is not available outside of French Polynesia. Diving certifications are subject to availability.
Kai Gleusteen and Catherine Ordronneau have established themselves as one of the most important European violin and piano duos since they began working together in 1999.
Acclaimed academic, Fulbright scholar, author, teacher, lecturer, and art historian and curator Caroline Boyle-Turner is a perennially popular guest host aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin. Join us aboard as she enriches your appreciation for our ship’s namesake and his circle of friends.
Robin and Danuta Pfeiffer are the owners and winemakers of Pfeiffer Winery and Vineyards, an ultra-premium, sustainable, 70-acre vineyard with an international reputation for producing world-class Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Enjoy a wine lecture and a tasting of Pfeiffer Winery wines when Robin and Danuta join us aboard The Gauguin.
The University Distinguished Professor of Cultural Geography at Western Kentucky University, Dr. David Keeling has visited more than 185 countries and studied a
Born in Split, Croatia, Captain Ante-Toni Mirkovic has been living in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik since the age of eight and is a graduate of the Nautical School and Maritime University there. In 1980, he joined his first cruise vessel, Dalmacija. Aboard this ship, he sailed the Mediterranean, North, and Baltic Seas, the entire Norwegian Coast, Island and Svalbard Archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, north of mainland Europe.
In 1986, Toni sailed on the cruise ship Ambasador as a Chief Officer and Staff Captain. This gave him the opportunity to visit the West and East coast of Africa on expeditions that included the Seychelles and Madagascar.
Toni became a Captain for the first time in 1995, on passenger-cargo ships cruising from Northern Europe to the United States. He also sailed on the famous sailing ship Sea Cloud on her Mediterranean and Black Sea voyages.
From 1998 to 2005, he served as Master of Cruise/Casino on NCCL vessels in Southeast Asia and Australia.
He joined Paul Gauguin Cruises in 2006 and is very proud to be in command of the m/s Paul Gauguin. The beautiful waters of French Polynesia never cease to amaze him and naturally the beauty of the Islands and the Polynesian Culture has made The Gauguin his home away from home.
Captain Davor Ljutic was born in Dubrovnik, Croatia. With Dubrovnik having one of the oldest Nautical Schools and a deep maritime history in the Mediterranean, Ljutic selected a career at sea. After finishing his secondary education, Ljutic started as a Cadet on ships. In 1984, he graduated from the Faculty of Maritime Studies at the University of Dubrovnik. Ljutic worked for Atlant Line, a local cargo company, until 1987 when he was promoted to Chief Officer. In 2003, he joined his first cruise vessel – the Walrus/Neptune-Asia Wide Company. From 2004 to 2007 he worked for the Iberocruseros Company on the ships Grand Latino, Grand Mistral, Grand Voyager, and Grand Celebration as well as the Seabourn Pride, Silver Whisper, and Amadea. He joined Paul Gauguin Cruises in June 2008 as Safety Officer and was promoted to Staff Captain, second in command to the Captain, and in charge of safety, navigation, maintenance of the ship, discipline of the crew, and security of the vessel. In 2014, he was promoted to Captain.
Sorin Crihalmeanu brings more than ten years of experience in the travel industry to his role as Travel Concierge Manager aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin. After studying economics and engineering in his homeland of Romania, he began his career with Celebrity Cruises in 2003 as a Shore Excursions Assistant Manager. He was quickly promoted to Shore Excursions Manager. A few years later, he was promoted again, this time to the position of Onboard Marketing Manager.
After a wonderful time working for Celebrity Cruises, Sorin decided to take a break from the sea in order to launch his own business back home in Romania. A year later, he agreed to join Paul Gauguin Cruises while still developing his own tourism business at home.
In all, Sorin has visited more than 100 ports worldwide, including ports in Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas, and he imbues his work with his enthusiasm for traveling and discovering new cultures and places. He looks forward to sharing his expertise with you.
The Gauguin Hotel Director Carlos Acevedo has worked in the cruise industry for the past 25 years—ma
Moana Explorer Program
Exciting South Pacific Discovery for Kids & Families
The South Pacific is a dream destination—and aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, it’s also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for your family to strengthen bonds and create memories you’ll cherish forever, through our Moana Explorer program.
Offered in partnership with Te mana o te moana, a South Pacific marine education and conservation foundation, this exciting new program invites children and teens, ages 7-15, to discover and value the natural wonders of this breathtaking part of the world through hands-on, interactive learning.
Every day of the voyage, there is a combination of naturalist-led island and/or beach excursions, science activities, crafts, games, and other adventures. Depending on their itinerary, your children might learn about underwater life through board games, create natural jewelry, conduct water experiments, go on a treasure hunt, enjoy water games in the onboard pool, go stargazing, design their own Polynesian tattoo, and more.
Best of all, there is no fee* for this special family program! It’s all part of Paul Gauguin Cruises’ extraordinary all-inclusive value.
Please note: The Moana Explorer program is available on summer and holiday sailings, and must be reserved at the time of booking. *Certain itineraries may offer additional activities for a small fee. These will need to be requested onboard. Program offered in English and French.
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- All oceanview accommodations, nearly 70% with balconies, measuring from 200 to 500 sq. ft., including balcony
- Butler service, in-suite bar setup, and iPod music system in suite/stateroom category B and above
- A choice of three dining venues
- Complimentary 24-hour room service, including selections from L'Etoile restaurant during regular dining hours
- Complimentary beverages, including select wines and spirits, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages
- Onboard gratuities for room stewards, dining and bar staff
- Full entertainment program including Polynesian artists, musical entertainment, a pianist, and a professionally operated casino with slot machines
- Spa and beauty services, including hand and foot treatments, body treatments, facials, and spa programs
- Optional PADI SCUBA diving program and certification
- Watersports marina for complimentary kayaking, windsurfing, and paddleboarding, and Zodiacs for optional dive excursions
- A day at Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises' exclusive retreat off the coast of Taha'a, featuring Polynesian hospitality, snorkeling, watersports, bar service, and a delicious feast
- Access to the luxury cruise line's exclusive, private beach located on a motu off the coast of Bora Bora, which offers an idyllic white-sand beach, excellent snorkeling, and bar service on French Polynesia itineraries
- Fully-equipped fitness center
- Presentations by local naturalists and a variety of special guests
- Spacious outdoor decks and pool
- La Boutique duty-free shop
- Book and DVD library (open 24 hours a day)
- Wi-Fi hot spots throughout the ship to cover most suites/staterooms and common areas, as well as guest-accessible computers, available 24 hours a day for a nominal fee
- Laundry and dry cleaning services available
- Certified medical services
- 166 suites/staterooms on Decks 3-8, including one wheelchair-accessible stateroom and select staterooms that can accommodate three guests
- Capacity: 332 guests
- Crew: 217/International
- Crew-to-Guest Ratio: 1:1.5, one of the highest of any luxury cruise ship
- Officers: European and International
- Registry: Bahamas
- Shipyard: Chantiers de l'Atlantique (Saint Nazaire, France)
- Length: 504 feet
- Width: 72 feet
- Draft: 17.1 feet
- Tonnage: 19,200 tons
- Maximum speed: 18 knots
- Passenger decks: 7
- Call letters: C6TH9
- Propulsion System: Diesel electric
Please note: Stateroom images and features are samples only. Actual furniture, fixtures, colors, configurations and window/porthole views may vary.
- Stateroom Symbol Legend
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Denotes suite with choice of queen bed or twin bed configuration. All other suites are queen bed configuration
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Wheelchair Accessible Suites 415
Deck Nine
Owned by Pacific Beachcomber S.C., the leader in French Polynesia luxury destination resorts, Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the award-winning luxury cruise ship the m/s Paul Gauguin, which provides an exceptional cruise experience tailored to the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, the South Pacific, and Fiji.
Launched in 1998, the renowned, 5+ star m/s Paul Gauguin was built specifically to sail the waters of Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific and is the longest continually operating year-round luxury cruise ship in this enchanting destination. No other luxury ship in history has offered this level of single-destination focus and expertise on a year-round basis for such an extended period of time.
With more than 25 years of experience in the French Polynesian tourism market, Pacific Beachcomber is the country's largest luxury hotel and cruise operator in the region. In addition to The Gauguin, Pacific Beachcomber operates seven award-winning hotels and is committed towards achieving environmental and social sustainability. Most recently, Pacific Beachcomber opened The Brando, an award-winning luxury eco-resort on the private island of Tetiaroa, on July 1, 2014.
Please call us at 1-800-435-7967