award-winning luxury cruise ship
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
The m/s Paul Gauguin award-winning luxury cruise ship, operated by Paul Gauguin Cruises, presents exceptional cruise experiences in the wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia, the South Pacific, and Fiji. Indeed, the 5+-star m/s Paul Gauguin was built specifically to sail the waters of Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific. Lastly, m/s Paul Gauguin is the longest continually operating year-round luxury cruise ship in this enchanting destination providing up-close, authentic experiences.
Celebrating 25 Years: The Paul Gauguin Experience
Artfully Authentic Discovery – All-Inclusive Luxury
Enchanting, carefree, and award-winning, The Gauguin Experience is celebrating 25 years exploring The Islands of Tahiti. Purposefully designed to navigate the region’s fabled lagoons, together with her beloved crew and local troupe of Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines who live aboard ship, the m/s Paul Gauguin delivers an expert and artfully authentic experience unmatched in cruising.
Paradise for Kids (and Families too!)
At NorthStar, we encourage you to pack up your kids and head to Tahiti! The m/s Paul Gauguin welcomes youngsters ages 7-15 aboard to participate in its complimentary Moana Explorer Program that goes far beyond the “camp-like” structure of other cruise lines. Offered in conjunction with Te mana o te moana (a South Pacific marine education and conservation foundation) on more than 20 sailings in 2023 and 2024, naturalist-led activities engage both kids and their families with sea turtle care center visits, real-life beach “Survivor” games, volcanic mountain hikes, snorkeling in pristine lagoons, cultural activities, and more.
NorthStar is devoted and dedicated in making The Gauguin the highest-rated luxury ship in French Polynesia. This video kicks off a year of soon-to-be-announced exclusive anniversary offers and special onboard events, and we invite you to share it with your friends and families. Mauruuru! (Thank you!)
New! 2024 Voyages Brochure Now Available
2024 Revealing Polynesia – 7 Unique All-Inclusive Itineraries
NorthStar is thrilled to receive Paul Gauguin Cruises announcing the release of their 2024 Voyages brochure, now available for us and you to view online. From itineraries and islands to nature and culture, the 84-page, magazine-style book showcases the Paul Gauguin Cruises experience with enriching insight, vivid imagery, and first-person stories. Highlights for 2024:
- New! A 7-night More Society Islands & Tahiti voyage featuring a return to Raiatea.
- New! A 14-night Islands of the Marquesas & Tuamotus itinerary showcasing five calls in the Marquesas with maiden visits to Hatiheu, Nuka Hiva; and Hakahua, Ua Pou.
- 7 different itineraries, ranging from 7 to 14 nights.
- Overnights in Bora Bora, Moorea, and Papeete.
- Exclusive beach day at Motu Mahana, our own private islet.
- Moana Explorer Program for children and families; and more.
The 330-guest m/s Paul Gauguin boasts a relaxed, tropical elegance with spacious suites and staterooms – many with a private balcony – exceptional cuisine, authentic explorations ashore, and genuinely hospitable service, all of which is detailed in the new brochure. NorthStar encourages you to order your 2024 Voyages brochure today and take advantage of fares beginning at just $2,990 per guest.
The Gauguin Wins Best Small-Ship
Travel + Leisure’s 2022 – World’s Best Awards #1
It is thrilling to announce that the world’s most discerning travelers have once again voted Paul Gauguin Cruises as the #1 Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Line in Travel + Leisure’s 2022 World’s Best Awards. What an honor and a testament to the genuine hospitality and authentic experiences provided by the Officers, Staff, and Crew aboard the intimate, 330-guest m/s Paul Gauguin. Recently reimagined with a contemporary tropical elegance, the beloved ship boasts an ambience of carefree all-inclusive luxury setting the stage for immersive journeys throughout wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji and the South Pacific.
The Gauguin’s SCUBA diving excursions are designed for all levels of experience and is the only luxury ship in the French Polynesian islands to offer PADI certification onboard for novice divers.
As the world leader of small-ship cruising, in September 2019, Paul Gauguin Cruises joined PONANT’s family. Discover the difference of cruising with purpose on Paul Gauguin Cruises and let us introduce you to utterly authentic Polynesia.
Are you missing out on travel? Then let Paul Gauguin Cruises take you on an aerial port tour through French Polynesia.
Beginning September 9, 2022, Paul Gauguin Cruises will no longer require COVID-19 pre-embarkation testing!
In a world of ever-evolving technology, on-demand entertainment, and manufactured experiences, this October Paul Gauguin is taking a moment to slow down and appreciate the real, the genuine, and the original. This October, they are seeking authenticity. Instinctually, this is what they want in their relationships, and something we crave in our food, our clothes, and our own personal enrichment. Being authentic contributes to one’s holistic well-being by quietly fueling happiness and fulfillment. And while authenticity is also the most talked about trend in travel, it’s something Paul Gauguin has long known and appreciated. Paul Gauguin Cruises is pleased to share writer Fran Golden’s “quintessentially Polynesian” observations of her recent journey aboard the beloved m/s Paul Gauguin.
Best Dive Sites in French Polynesia
Tahiti is for Divers (and Snorkelers too!)
From reef walls, canyons, and shark dives to snorkeling amidst coral gardens teeming with fish, French Polynesia is a world-renowned paradise for Technicolor adventures both advanced and novice. Think Fakarava’s UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve, Rangiroa’s Tiputa Pass, Bora Bora’s famed lagoon, and more. There’s drift snorkeling near our private motu in Taha’a, and thrilling discovery in Hiva Oa, considered a must-do “new” dive destination by experienced divers. Discover them all in this issue of The Gauguin Insider: A South Pacific Luxury Cruise Blog. VIEW POST
The Best Way to See wonders of Tahiti & Her Islands
The Value is with Paul Gauguin Cruises
With her famous lagoons, idyllic beaches, and iconic mountain peaks, French Polynesia is a perennial bucket-list favorite. When trying to decide between wonders of Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora or beyond, the world’s #1 Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Line invites everyone to explore them all in seamless, luxurious comfort. Paul Gauguin has done the homework and thought you might be interested in their 7-night Sea vs Land comparison: With gourmet dining, fine wines and spirits, gratuities, entertainment, watersports, private motus, and more all included, the value of a voyage aboard the enchanting m/s Paul Gauguin is simply unmatched. So go ahead and book with your NorthStar Advisor in an over-water “bungalow” that sails and let them revel in an artfully authentic experience.
2024 Voyages Now Open for Sale
New for 2024 are a 7-night More Society Islands & Tahiti itinerary featuring a return to Raiatea; and a 14-night Islands of the Marquesas & Tuamotus voyage with maiden visits to Hatiheu, Nuku Hiva; and Hakahau, Ua Pou, both in the Marquesas Islands. The new voyages join the line’s portfolio of classic itineraries, popular among savvy travelers seeking immersive experiences aboard a boutique ship known for its carefree elegance and trademark Polynesian hospitality.
Paul Gauguin Cruises is thrilled to announce that our 2024 collection of all-inclusive luxury voyages aboard the award-winning m/s Paul Gauguin is now open for reservations.
With a total of 33 cruises in all for the year, the two new itineraries join their portfolio of popular classic itineraries giving you the choice of seven unique journeys of 7 to 14 nights exploring wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji, and the South Pacific.
All-inclusive fares start at $2,990 with bonus savings of 30% when booking now. Welcoming on board Travel + Leisure’s #1 Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Line!
Save 50% plus Included Roundtrip Airfare from Los Angeles*
50% off standard cruise fares and included roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles on all sailings aboard The Gauguin. Take advantage of this special offer on all our Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific voyages.
Are you missing out on travel? Then let Paul Gauguin Cruises take you on an aerial port tour through French Polynesia.
Travel Advisory/Covid-safe Protocol
Awards & Accolades
Paul Gauguin Cruises has been recognized for their top cruises including being voted “World’s Best Small-Ship Cruise Line” and “World’s Best Small-Ship Cruise Line for Families” by the readers of Travel + Leisure. Paul Gauguin Cruises has also received exceptional cruise reviews and accolades from their guests, always appreciated for providing the best cruises in the world. You are invited you to sail with Paul Gauguin Cruises and experience their top cruises.
Gold, Silver & More Magellan Awards
Paul Gauguin Cruises is honored to share news of their recent accolades in Travel Weekly’s 2022 Magellan Awards. Presided by a panel of esteemed experts from all facets of travel, the annual awards bestowed the m/s Paul Gauguin with Gold in the Overall – Small Cruise Ship category. They also received two Silver awards: one for Overall – Luxury Ship, the other for Cruise Elements – Luxury Ship Itinerary.
More Accolades for Paul Gauguin Cruises
Condé Nast Traveler – 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards
Top 2 Small Ship Line – Paul Gauguin Cruises is proud to be recognized by the world’s most discerning travelers as the Top 2 Small Ship Line in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards, and we salute our parent company, PONANT, in earning the #1 spot in both the Small Ship and Expedition categories. Recently reimagined with a contemporary, chic elegance, the beloved ship hosts just 330 guests for enriching, all-inclusive journeys to Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji, and the South Pacific.
travAlliancemedia
Gold Travvy Award – Best Cruise Line Australia/ New Zealand/ South Pacific 2020
USA TODAY
Best Ocean Cruise Line – USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2020
Best Small Cruise Ship – USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2020
Conde’ Nast Traveler
Finalist – Top Small Cruise Lines Readers’ Choice Awards 2019
AFAR
Best French Polynesia Cruise Line – 2019
Travel + Leisure
1 Midsize-Ship Cruise Line 2019
BRIDES Magazine
BRIDES Honeymoon Awards 2019
Warm Wishes from the wonders of Tahiti
The Islands of Tahiti are well known for being an untouched island paradise with vibrant marine life, stunningly clear water, and a warm local population that welcomes travelers with a fragrant tiare lei and a genuine smile. These are among the many attributes that make The Islands of Tahiti one of the most enchanting and sought-after bucket list destinations.
‘Tis the season for joyful moments of togetherness with those you love most, and we’re sending you and yours warmest wishes sprinkled with sunshine and filled with wonder. Te mau mahana oaoa! Happy Holidays!
PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES
RENOVATION DETAILS UNVEILED!
Our favorite small-ship, and yours, had received a makeover! In February of 2021 during dry dock, the m/s Paul Gauguin underwent a refresh of textiles, fabrics and furniture. The vision of this renovation was to enhance The Gauguin’s elegant and unique Polynesian signature with a chic and modern style to enrich the guest experience. Paul Gauguin also made significant environmental upgrades to allow them to continue to support sustainable tourism. The Gauguin is revered for her exceptional service as well her short passenger list, so you now can be among the first to enjoy her new décor as they explore the lagoons of French Polynesia.
wonders of Tahiti has no shortage of these natural water features. The Islands of Tahiti are known for their relaxing tropical climate. Miles of white sand and lush forests are commonplace in this paradise. Check out: Where to Find Tahitian Waterfalls
Aerial tour: A bird’s eye tour of some of the ports we visit nestled in French Polynesia’s idyllic atolls, mountains, reefs and lagoons.
Other Paul Gauguin Related Links: