Providing an extraordinary luxury cruise experience uniquely tailored to the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific, Paul Gauguin Cruises is the undisputed destination expert, delivering an artfully, authentic, and all-inclusive luxury vacation.

In 2023, The  Gauguin  Experience celebrated 25 years of sailing in French Polynesia continuing to charm travellers from all over the world to discover the wonders of French Polynesia with its one-of-a-kind expertise.   The Gauguin  remains the region’s gold standard in small-ship luxury cruising with her beautifully reimagined décor, her carefree ambience, and most especially her exceptional crew who bring the enriching experience to life every day with heartfelt passion and genuine care. 

Built at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France in 1998,  The Gauguin  was designed specifically to allow guests the freedom to discover the exotic ports of the South Pacific without limitation. In September 2019, Paul Gauguin Cruises joined PONANT’s family— a designer of inspiring voyages on board small exploration ships.

The Gauguin  hosts voyages ranging from 7- to 20-night itineraries, featuring such exquisite destinations as Tahiti and the Society Islands, Tuamotus, the Cook Islands, Marquesas, Tonga, and Fiji. Each of these exclusive voyages highlights the sheer beauty that defines the South Seas. Stunning islands, white-sand beaches, blue lagoons and the vibrant Polynesian culture of this region combine to provide a welcome tropical escape for guests yearning for the ultimate getaway. 

Onboard this award-winning ship, guests relish the all-inclusive luxury enjoying indulgent suites and spacious staterooms – many with a private balcony; exceptional dining in three restaurants, 24-hour room service and complimentary beverages including select wines, beer, and spirits with onboard gratuities for room stewards and dining staff included; authentic explorations ashore and below the water with the ship’s retractable watersports marina and onboard PADI diving program; and genuinely hospitable service. With one crew member for every 1.5 guests, the highest level of personal attention is assured and discerning guests will feel welcomed and pampered in every situation. Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines – a local troupe of Tahitian hosts who live on the ship -- provide quintessential Polynesian hospitality. 

As the destination expert, Paul Gauguin Cruises is dedicated to environmental stewardship and giving back to the communities it calls home. The company utilises low-sulfur fuel and strategic itinerary planning to reduce speed and fuel consumption, fosters recycling and pollution prevention programs, the elimination of single-use plastics by 2026, reduces waste and overall reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. We work closely with local suppliers to purchase as many local products as possible and we have partnered with  Te o mana te o moana , a South Pacific marine preservation organisation, to provide enrichment to our youngest guests through our Moana Explorer Program.

Most recently, we have partnered with the French Government to provide healthcare assistance in the region’s most isolated islands. The partnership aims to meet the health needs of the people in these remote areas in two ways: first, by offering volunteer consultations by the doctors of the  The Gauguin  during scheduled port calls; and second, by providing transportation free of charge aboard the ship to health professionals commissioned by the government’s Health Directorate to ensure advance specialised consultations (CSA). This collaboration – a first for the cruise industry in French Polynesia.

The Gauguin  is one of the most highly awarded luxury cruise ships in the world, regularly receiving top honours for superb luxury, quality, service, itineraries and value. The line was voted as the “World’s Best Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Line” in  Travel + Leisure ’s World’s Best Awards 2022 and one of the “Top 2 Small Cruise Lines” in the  Condé Nast Traveler  2023, 2022 and 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. The line was also recognised for the 4th time for having the “Best French Polynesia Cruises” in the  AFAR  Travellers’ Choice Awards.

Welcome to all Past Guests

At Paul Gauguin Cruises, we recognize the value of experience, loyalty, and refined taste in travel. That’s why we welcome past guests of  Paul Gauguin  Cruises into the Paul Gauguin Society—a world of recognition, reward, and exclusive savings. As a past guest, you will enjoy immediate savings of at least 5% off your final cruise fare when you reserve your next voyage aboard the m/s  Paul Gauguin.  

Benefits for all past guests include:

• A cruise fare discount
• Shipboard credit
• Complimentary onboard laundry service*
• Repeater’s cocktail party
• Access to PONANT Yacht Club Loyalty Cruises

Below we’ve provided a breakdown on how the Paul Gauguin Society promotion works. Based on the number of voyages with Paul Gauguin Cruises, you are entitled to select benefits.

MAJOR [2 TO 4 SAILINGS]:

As a past guest of Paul Gauguin Cruises, you will enjoy immediate savings of 5% off your final cruise fare on your second through fourth voyages aboard the m/s  Paul Gauguin. As a thank you to all our Major guests, we are also including a $50  per person  shipboard credit.

ADMIRAL [5 TO 7 SAILINGS]:

On your fifth through seventh voyages aboard the m/s  Paul Gauguin , you will be promoted to the Admiral rank. All Admirals receive a 7.5% discount on final cruise fares alongside a $100  per person  shipboard credit and stateroom category upgrade. You'll also receive a 20% discount on board purchases†.

GRAND ADMIRAL [8 TO 20 SAILINGS]:

As a Grand Admiral, receive a 10% discount on final cruise fares on your eighth through 20th voyage aboard the m/s  Paul Gauguin. You will also receive a $150  per person  shipboard credit, and a 25% discount on onboard purchases† along with a complimentary bottle of Champagne and stateroom category upgrade‡. We have also removed fees for changing your cruise to an alternate date within 12 months of your original booking, if said change is made 90 days or more in advance of your original sailing date.

COMMODORE [21 OR MORE SAILINGS]:

If you have sailed 21 or more times aboard the m/s  Paul Gauguin,  you have achieved the Commodore rank and will receive a 12.5% cruise fare discount, $200  per person  shipboard credit, and a 25% discount on onboard purchases†, along with a complimentary bottle of Champagne and stateroom category upgrade‡. We have also removed fees for changing your cruise to an alternate date within 12 months of your original booking, if said change is made 90 days or more in advance of your original sailing date. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION, CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR OR CALL 800-848-6172.

Paul Gauguin Society past passenger offer may not be combined with any other offer or programs unless otherwise stated and is valid for sailings June 6, 2020, forward. Offer applies to the 1st and 2nd guests only. If traveling as a 3rd/4th guest in a stateroom, Paul Gauguin Society past passenger discount and amenities will not apply. Maximum of two shipboard credits per person, per booking. All previously sailed Paul Gauguin and PONANT cruises taken by a guest will count towards their total. *Laundry package is limited to five items per day, per person. †Certain restrictions apply on the discount for onboard purchases—shore excursions, SCUBA diving, jewelry, and art sales are excluded. ‡Stateroom category upgrade is offered on board, for one stateroom category higher, subject to availability, offered within a maximum of 48 hours after boarding.