Paul Gauguin Cruises
About Paul Gauguin
Designed specifically to glide through the shallow seas of the South Pacific, The Gauguin is the flagship of Paul Gauguin Cruises and a small-ship cruiser’s dream. She delivers travelers to intimate ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships, all the while providing an on-board experience that is nothing short of luxurious. Guests aboard the luxury cruises enjoy spacious suites and staterooms (more than 70% with private balconies), an on-board watersports marina, three dining venues, an extensive spa, and five-star service. Life on-board also reflects the beauty and rich cultural heritage of the islands she calls upon, with a warm, friendly feel, informal setting, and even a beloved troupe of Gauguines and Gauguins—local Tahitians who serve as cruise staff, entertainers, and storytellers.
Ship Statistics
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
Accommodation
Accommodation
Nearly 70% of suites and staterooms have private balconies, and all feature an ocean view, temperature control, queen-size bed (a limited number can have twin-bed configuration), bathroom with full-size bathtub and shower, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, TV, CD/DVD player, personal safe, refrigerator stocked with soft drinks, and more. There is one wheelchair-accessible stateroom, and select staterooms can accommodate three guests.
Suites
Owner’s Suite 701
Stateroom: 457 sq. ft
Veranda: 77 sq. ft.
Total: 534 sq. ft.
- Owner’s Suite 701 can accommodate up to 4 guests by adding 2 berths with cribs or roll-aways.
- Bathroom includes a separate shower and a dressing area.
- Owner’s Suite includes Butler service and complimentary internet.
Owner’s Suite 7002
Stateroom: 531 sq. ft.
Veranda: 57 sq. ft.
Total: 588 sq. ft.
- Owner’s Suite 7002 has a queen-size bed, and can accommodate up to 4 guests by adding 2 berths with a queen-size sofa bed.
- Bathroom includes a full-size tub and dressing area.
- Owner’s Suite includes Butler service and complimentary internet.
GS Grand Suite
Stateroom: 332 sq. ft.
Veranda: 197 sq. ft.
Total: 529 sq. ft.
- Two suites available: Paul Gauguin Suite (801), Flora Tristan Suite (802).
- Grand Suites can accommodate up to 4 guests by adding 2 berths with cribs or roll-aways.
- Grand Suites includes Butler service and complimentary internet.
Veranda Suite
Stateroom: 300 sq. ft.
Veranda: 58 sq. ft.
Total: 358 sq. ft.
- 4 Suites available: Tahiti Suite (709), Pont Avent Suite (710), Atuona Suite (711), Arles Suite (712).
- Veranda Suites can accommodate up to 4 guests by adding 2 berths with cribs or a sofa bed.
- Veranda Suite 7004 has a queen-size bed.
- Includes complimentary Butler Service.
Staterooms
B Veranda Stateroom
CATEGORY B | 305 sq. ft.
Stateroom: 249 sq. ft.
Veranda: 56 sq. ft.
CATEGORY B 7003 | 303 sq. ft.
Stateroom: 256 sq. ft.
Veranda: 47 sq. ft.
- Includes complimentary Butler Service.
- B Veranda Staterooms can accommodate a third guest by adding a sofa bed.
- Stateroom 7003 features a shower stall with no tub.
Note: Loveseat beds are slightly smaller than a standard twin bed.
C Balcony Stateroom
CATEGORY C | 239 sq. ft.
Stateroom: 202 sq. ft.
Veranda : 37 sq. ft.
- Balcony Staterooms ending in 6 or 8 can accommodate a third guest in a loveseat convertible (except 7006 & 766).
- Stateroom 7006 (stateroom 206 sq. ft. – balcony 37 sq. ft.) features a very small bathroom with shower only
Some staterooms vary in size and feature shower stall with no tub
D Balcony Stateroom
CATEGORY D | 239 sq. ft.
Stateroom: 202 sq. ft.
Veranda : 37 sq. ft.
- Balcony Staterooms ending in 6 or 8 can accommodate a third guest in a loveseat convertible.
E Window Stateroom
Stateroom: 200 sq. ft. with picture window
- Wheelchair-accessible stateroom (415)
- Window Staterooms ending in 5, 6, or 8 (except 415) can accommodate a third guest in a loveseat convertible.
F Porthole Stateroom
CATEGORY F | 200 sq. ft. same as E but features two portholes instead of a window
Itineraries
Tahiti and the Society Islands
7 Nights
Join an itinerary designed to give past guests a chance to get reacquainted — and to welcome newcomers to the cruise line. As The Gauguin cruises from Tahiti to the Cook Islands and back again, you’ll enjoy a host of events exclusive to this voyage, including a block party, a gala dinner, and presentations by special guests. And along the way, you’ll enjoy islands that are renowned for their breathtaking scenic beauty, turquoise lagoons, and friendly, easygoing lifestyle — not to mention the luxury, service, and amenities that bring guests back to the Paul Gauguin experience again and again!
Itinerary Highlights
- Spend a relaxing day on Motu Mahana, Gauguin’s very own private islet, complete with white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, a barbecue lunch, drinks served in coconuts, and a floating lagoon bar.
- Explore Bora Bora your way—visit the exclusive white-sand beach with volleyball, snorkeling, kayaking or paddleboarding, or opt for an optional four-wheel-drive safari, aquabike excursion, or glass bottom boat ride.
- Enjoy an overnight in Moorea, giving you plenty of time to marvel at mountain peaks, lounge near blue lagoons, and sample the fresh, local cuisine.
Society Islands and Tuamotus
10 Nights
Beauty surrounds you on this 10-day sojourn, both on land and underwater. The Society Islands beckon with lush rainforests, crystal-clear lagoons, and warm breezes that encourage nothing but indulgent beachside lounging. Continue on to the Tuamotu Archipelago, a collection of low-lying atolls known the world ‘round for their vibrant underwater ecosystem.
Highlights
Diving enthusiasts traveling on this sailing to Fakarava will have the opportunity to witness the annual grouper spawning. They gather by the thousands, making it also a great opportunity to spot other predatory fish and sharks.
Enjoy two full days in the quintessential Pacific paradise of Bora Bora including an exclusive white-sand beach on a motu off the coast. Marvel at towering Mount Otemanu, snorkel in sapphire lagoons, or get a bird’s-eye view of the island with a scenic helicopter ride.
Visit Fakarava, a UNESCO-classified Nature Reserve where experienced divers can descend up to 130 feet to visit a world inhabited by gray sharks, schools of colorful fish, and untouched coral.
Spend a relaxing day on Motu Mahana,a private islet belonging to Paul Gauguin Cruises, complete with white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, a barbecue lunch, drinks served in coconuts, and a floating lagoon bar.
Cook Islands and Society Islands
11 Nights
This 11-night odyssey showcases the region’s incredible diversity of scenery, from Aitutaki’s low-lying islands to the jagged peaks and deep valleys of fertile Rarotonga, which was simply called “Paradise” by the first European explorers. Continue to the Society Islands to delight in the South Pacific’s crown jewels—Bora Bora, Taha’a, Huahine, and Moorea.
Highlights
- While in the Cook Islands, call upon Aitutaki, a tiny island that’s home to one of the world’s most spectacular lagoons.
- Spend a relaxing day on Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin’s very own private islet, complete with white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, a barbecue lunch, drinks served in coconuts, and a floating lagoon bar.
- The waters around Moorea are home to an amazing array of sea creatures. Take an optional SCUBA excursion to swim among the sea turtles and vibrant schools of fish.
- In Bora Bora, spend time at Paul Gauguin’s exclusive white-sand beach on a motu enjoying snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, volleyball, and stunning views of Mount Otemanu.
Marquesas, Tuamotus and Society Islands
14 Nights
Natural beauty is on display everywhere you look on this two-week journey through the Marquesas, Tuamotus, and the Society Islands. This itinerary offers plenty of time to explore at your own pace, from the pristine beaches and exceptional diving of the Tuamotu Archipelago to the Marquesas Islands of Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Tahuata, and Nuku Hiva, all of which are as rich in culture as they are in rugged, natural beauty. Continue on to the picturesque Society Islands.
Highlights
- Fakarava is a nature lover’s paradise. The remote island is a sanctuary for rare birds, plants, and crustaceans, many of which are easily spotted during a stroll on the island’s pink-sand beaches.
- Step back in history on the island of Hiva Oa, which is the burial place of artist Paul Gauguin, as well as home of the largest stone sculptures in the Marquesas, considered to be linked to the famous tikis of Easter Island.
- Spend a relaxing day on Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin’s very own private islet, complete with white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, a barbecue lunch, drinks served in coconuts, and a floating lagoon bar
- In Bora Bora, spend time at the exclusive and private white-sand beach on a motu enjoying snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, volleyball, and stunning views of Mount Otemanu.
Amenities and Activities
What's Included
When you travel onboard The Gauguin, you’ll enjoy:
- Roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles*
- Roundtrip airport/pier transfers*
- Spacious, oceanview accommodations where nearly 70 percent of staterooms and suites have private balconies
- Intimate sailing experience, with only 332 guests and a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.5—among the highest at sea
- All shipboard meals, in your choice of venues
- Complimentary room service
- Complimentary beverages, including select wines and spirits, beers, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages served throughout the ship
- In-room refrigerator replenished daily with soft drinks, beer, and bottled water
- All shipboard entertainment, including a troupe of Polynesian performers and live music in the evenings
- Presentations by onboard experts and guest hosts
- Le Casino
- La Palette lounge and disco
- Onboard gratuities for room stewards, dining and bar staff
- Luxurious onboard spa
- Fitness center
- Pool with poolside bar
- Watersports, including complimentary kayaking, windsurfing, and paddleboarding from our marina or destination beaches
- Use of the secluded, white-sand beach in Bora Bora with bar service, volleyball, and snorkeling (on select voyages)
- A day on the private islet, Motu Mahana, off the coast of Taha’a, featuring snorkeling, watersports, a barbecue, full bar service, and Polynesian hospitality (on select voyages)
*Unless pricing specifically states it is cruise-only.
Ship Features
- 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
Dining
Dine al fresco or enjoy wraparound ocean views from the dining room of La Veranda, where an ever-changing selection of buffet breakfast and lunch items and a la carte options are offered, many of which are inspired by the destinations visited. In the evening, La Veranda is transformed to a reservation-only dining venue serving Jean-Pierre Vigato’s gourmet cuisine.
The exquisite main dining room is dressed to impress with perfectly appointed décor, fine table linens, and delicate china. Every evening for dinner, sample a tantalizing array of expertly prepared dishes, perfectly paired with complimentary wines.
When your day’s plans call for a more casual dining experience, visitt 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.
Excursions
A large variety of additional shore excursions are available on each cruise. These excursions are not included in the fare and range in price depending upon activity. Some of the excursions available include:
- Island Cultural Tours
- Sunset Sails
- A wide range of SCUBA dives
- Hiking Tours
- ATV Tours
- Ziplines
- Waverunner Adventures
- Snorkeling Tours
- Sacred Sites Tours
- And much more
Spa and Fitness
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.
The 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. The Gauguin is also happy to offer relaxing overwater massages during the day you’ll spend on Motu Mahana, The Gauguin’s private South Pacific paradise.
The Gauguin’s 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.
Entertainment
Every voyage of The Gauguin is accompanied by its 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 their private motu, and learn local handicrafts during hands-on demonstrations. Couples celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary can even attend a Polynesian blessing ceremony.
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 the 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.
This versatile lounge offers morning snacks, serves as the backdrop for special events, hosts Polynesian activities led by Les Gauguines, and is the perfect place to grab a nightcap and dance under the stars to live music.
Try your luck in Le Casino, which features slot machines, blackjack, and roulette, and is open every evening, except where prohibited by port regulations. Le Gauguin also invites you to grab a drink at the Piano Bar and enjoy nightly piano entertainment.
In addition to Les Gauguins & Les Gauguines, on every voyage Le Gauguin invites 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.
In addition, Le Gauguin offers:
- A Boutique
- Pool and Pool Bar
- A Crew Show
- A Photo Shop