Paul Gauguin Cruises · Ponant · Yachts and small ships
Paul Gauguin Cruises is one ship, the Paul Gauguin, that sails Tahiti, Bora Bora and the surrounding islands all year with occasional trips to Fiji and the Cook Islands. It is owned by Ponant. There is no Florida connection at all; every trip starts with a long flight. I have not sailed it. It is the line for honeymoons and anniversaries in the South Pacific.
Rangiroa Paul Gauguin ship. Press photo, Paul Gauguin Cruises
Owner's Suite and Grand Suites
- The Owner's Suite has a separate living room and the largest balcony on the ship.
- Grand Suites are the next step, with a living area and a butler. Both are on the top accommodation deck.
- Butler service comes with the suite categories only. Standard balcony staterooms do not have it.
- The ship has a retractable marina for kayaks and paddle boards, and a private beach day on a motu in Bora Bora is part of most itineraries.
What comes with it
- Open bar
- All dining
- Gratuities
- Water sports from the marina
- The motu beach day with lunch
From Florida
None. The ship is based in Papeete, Tahiti. Naples clients fly from Fort Myers or Miami to Los Angeles or San Francisco and on to Papeete. Ponant's air packages cover the long leg on many fares.
The ships
Paul Gauguin
Barefoot luxury. Polynesian hosts, called Les Gauguines, sing, dance and teach on board. Nobody dresses up.
Paul Gauguin Cruises in pictures
Carousel cabins: Veranda Stateroom B · Press photo, Paul Gauguin Cruises
Who it fits
- Honeymoons and anniversaries where the destination is the whole point.
- Travellers who want French Polynesia with the logistics handled by one ship.
- Divers and snorkellers.
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone who dislikes long flights. It is a full day of travel each way from Florida.
- Guests who want variety of ships or itineraries. There is one ship and one region.
Questions about Paul Gauguin Cruises
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Thinking about Paul Gauguin Cruises?
Kathryn will price its top tier against the suites she has stayed in and tell you where it wins.