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m/s Paul Gauguin

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Ship Reviews

Overall Rating

Based on 32 reviews

Submit your review Cruise reviews reflect the opinions of travel editors and cruisers/ readers and may not represent those of our company.

Perfect week in Polynesia

April

Pros: The staff provide perfect service anticapting our needs and wants.

Cons: It's so nice we never want to leave.

Recommended: Yes

This was our 4th voyage on the Paul Gauguin. Every island is its own paradise, and there is time to explore each one on land or in the ocean. The views are magical. The staff is wonderful and the service is second to none. The meals and wines are delightful and we can't wait to go back.

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Paul Gauguin 7-night Society Island Cruise

December

Pros: The staff, the setting, the food and entertainment, THE ITINERARY!

Cons: The ship's age and condition

Recommended: No

Weather: Despite it being rainy season, our weather was very good. We had one afternoon of heavy rain which cancelled the later excursions in Bora Bora, but other than that, it rained every day, but not enough to be a bother. In fact, the overcast skies kept us cool. When the sun was fully out, it was very hot and humid. It should be noted, however, that the sailing prior to ours had rain every single day with many excursions cancelled. When sailing during this season it is a risk, but it worked out very well for us as the price was extremely reasonable.
 
Ship: It is definitely an older ship and showing some wear (rust around joints, old tv cabinet in rooms, etc.) but extremely comfortable, clean and bright. Air conditioning worked well (although one of my client's room never cooled down, so they were upgraded). Unfortunately, however, the stabilizers broke during the previous sailing. We were told that they would try to fix them while in Bora Bora, but the parts did not arrive on time, and the seas were rough due to an earlier storm, and the ship movement was very rough. Some clients complained that they almost fell out of bed during the night. I've sailed the Drake Passage, and this was worse, to be honest. However, the alternative would have been to cancel the sailing, so most people took meds and didn't complain. The captain did change the departure schedule one night so that we wouldn't be rocking during dinner. Communication regarding this matter was open and honest.
 
Crew/Staff: Absolutely the best I've experienced among all luxury lines I've sailed. They were friendly, funny, kind, and extremely competent. Nothing seemed to be a bother - but rather a pleasure. Food: Outstanding! Fresh, creative, focusing on local and French cuisine. The variety was impressive.
 
Excursions: They were perfectly organized, and high quality. I tried to book a private excursion outside of Paul Gauguin but couldn't, because all the best tour operators had already been booked by Paul Gauguin. They use the best of the best and it is very apparent when seeing other excursions used by the hotels or other lines. Private Island on Taha'a: Fantastic! Beautiful, clean, ample chairs for everyone, great BBQ, great drinks and activities without being overwhelming. Plenty of relaxation and activity base on what you were looking for. We had a wedding in the afternoon that everyone was invited to, and it was beautifully conducted by the captain and cruise director.  Excursions can be booked ahead of time by calling in which is recommended as many were sold out quickly, especially the EBikes - which were absolutely a must-do!  Cancellation policies are adhered to - one of my clients had to cancel an excursion due to illness and they mandated that she visit the doctor before being granted a refund. 
 
Entertainment: Excellent variety for a smaller ship. The shows were late, however, with most beginning after 9pm. A highlight was beautiful fresh flower leis and crowns being handmade in front of us for everyone to have on Polynesian night. They were beautiful!
 
Photographer: Excellent - we were surprised how many photos were taken of us without even knowing! There was also a videographer on board who made a video of the cruise that was for sale at the end of the sailing for $85.
 
Shopping: The boutique was nice with a good selection of quality black pearls and clothing. Unfortunately, their supply of sundries could be better. There was plenty of sunscreen, but items like contact lense solution were not available.
 
Passenger Attire: Most dressed in comfortable sundresses and tropical prints. Slacks are mandatory for evenings. Do bring something extra tropical for Polynesian night.  
 
Additional: The snorkeling equipment was complimentary and very good quality. Be sure to get yours on the first day as the available hours for the rest of the week are limited. Don't forget that you can kayak and paddle board off the back of the ship for free in good weather. 
 
Finally, my group of 14 travelers, who are used to luxury lines, all raved about this experience. They all agreed that they would rather spend 7 nights on this ship, experiencing a variety of islands, rather than staying on land.  The value is incredible!  Most of our group arrived three nights early and stayed at a resort (La Taha'a), which is highly recommended so that you arrive on time to the ship, well rested and ready for a trip of a lifetime.  I organized these arrangements, and day rooms for those who were flying out after disembarkation through a DS (Tahiti Legends), rather than using Paul Gauguin's offerings which were pricey. 

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Most outstanding cruise!

December

Pros: Small ship, so staff knows passengers and really looks after them. Great excursions and itinerary.

Cons: None

Recommended: Yes

There was a great, friendly atmosphere on board. High quality facilities. Will travel on this ship again some day.

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Great Polynesian Experience

December

Pros: Small ship, great staff, wonderful food, and friendly personalized service.

Cons: excursion desk closed too often. Could have gone to more islands. Rooms are smaller than most newer ships.

Recommended: Yes

The cruise provided a more authentic Tahitian experience than other ships I have taken in the area. The ship is not as new or flashy as some of the newer ships, but the service and food were the best we have ever experienced on a cruise.

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M/S Paul Gauguin Cruise - November 2022

November

Pros: Excellant service from the crew/staff; great food; good accommodations; good selection of excursions.

Cons: Some tours were conducted in both English and French at the same time and it made it difficult to keep up with the sightseeing. Also, see Comments for a serious problem we encountered

Recommended: Yes

On disembarkation day, the PG staff placed all the luggage from the ship in an area of the pier that was/is poorly protected from the weather. Unfortunately, there was a heavy rain storm that morning (no surprise there - November is the beginning of the rainy season in Tahiti) and as a consequence most of the luggage got soaked. Unless you had a hard-shell suitcase, you went on to your next destination with bags of damp/wet clothing. PG should have known better given their long experience with travel in French Polynesia.

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Tahiti and Society Islands

November

Pros: Small ship, 5 star service. Contemporary furnishings.

Cons: Older ship. Could use some updating. Carpets spotty. There's quite a bit of movement once the ship is in open waters.

Recommended: No

Service and friendliness of wait, bar and cabin staff was the highlight. Spacious.

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Cook Island & Society Island 11 Day Cruise

August

Pros: Excellent Service

Cons: None

Recommended: Yes

I would Highly Recommend this Cruise to everyone...I see why people repeat going on the Paul Gauguin Cruise Ship.. All staff is friendly and you also make alot of new friends...

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m/s Paul Gauguin  |  Cruises