An Introduction to Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises offers a unique and intimate luxury cruise experience, specializing in the captivating waters of Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific. Known for its namesake ship, the m/s Paul Gauguin, the cruise line provides an immersive, all-inclusive journey designed to unveil the beauty and culture of these pristine islands with unparalleled access and personalized service.
A Brief History
Paul Gauguin Cruises was founded in 1998, with the m/s Paul Gauguin custom-built to navigate the shallow lagoons and hidden coves of French Polynesia. Originally part of the Regent Seven Seas Cruises family, the cruise line and its ship were acquired by Pacific Beachcomber in 2010. Pacific Beachcomber, a leading luxury hotel operator in French Polynesia, brought a deep understanding of the region and its unique charm to the cruise experience. This ownership ensured a consistent focus on authentic Polynesian encounters and high-quality service tailored to the destination.
In 2019, Paul Gauguin Cruises was acquired by the French cruise company Compagnie du Ponant, a leader in luxury expedition cruises. This acquisition has further solidified Paul Gauguin's position in the luxury market while maintaining its dedicated focus on the South Pacific. The synergy with Ponant has brought additional resources and a commitment to maintaining the unique character and intimate experience that guests have come to expect from Paul Gauguin Cruises.
The Fleet: A Dedicated South Pacific Gem
Paul Gauguin Cruises operates a single, purpose-built vessel, the m/s Paul Gauguin, designed specifically for the unique environment of the South Pacific. This allows for unparalleled access to smaller islands and lagoons that larger ships cannot reach.
m/s Paul Gauguin (330 guests)
The m/s Paul Gauguin offers an all-inclusive luxury experience, featuring all ocean-view accommodations (nearly 70% with balconies), multiple dining venues, a luxury spa, and a watersports marina for complimentary kayaking and paddleboarding. The ship is renowned for its high crew-to-guest ratio, ensuring exceptional personalized service, and a local group of Tahitian hosts, known as the "Gauguines," who provide cultural enrichment and entertainment.
Current Starting Ports and Itineraries (2025-2026)
Paul Gauguin Cruises is dedicated to offering year-round itineraries that deeply explore French Polynesia and the wider South Pacific. Leveraging the unique design of the m/s Paul Gauguin, voyages provide intimate access to iconic islands and hidden gems. The primary focus remains on:
Tahiti & the Society Islands: Offering the quintessential Polynesian experience, with calls to well-known islands like Bora Bora, Moorea, and Huahine, often including Paul Gauguin Cruises' exclusive private retreats on Motu Mahana (off Taha'a) and a private beach in Bora Bora.
Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands: Longer voyages that combine the lush, dramatic landscapes of the Marquesas with the low-lying atolls of the Tuamotus, and the classic beauty of the Society Islands.
Cook Islands & Society Islands: Journeys that extend to the Cook Islands, providing opportunities to discover the vibrant culture and natural beauty of islands like Rarotonga and Aitutaki, alongside the familiar delights of the Society Islands.
Fiji & Tonga: Select itineraries venture further west to the captivating islands of Fiji and Tonga, offering a broader South Pacific experience.
Australia & New Zealand: Occasionally, longer expedition-style voyages may include segments reaching these diverse destinations, providing a unique perspective on the region.
The dominant starting port for Paul Gauguin Cruises' itineraries is:
Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Other less frequent starting points might include:
Darwin, Australia | Lautoka, Fiji | Nukualofa, Tonga | Vavau, Tonga.
Official Websites
Paul Gauguin Cruises maintains an online presence, often integrated with its parent company, Ponant.
Official Website: https://www.pgcruises.com/ (often redirects to a Ponant-affiliated site, e.g., https://en.ponant.com/paul-gauguin)
A Word of Caution: Cruise Scams
When planning your dream South Pacific voyage with Paul Gauguin Cruises, it is vital to remain highly vigilant against potential scam attempts that, unfortunately, target travelers. Be aware of these common red flags:
"Free Cruise" or "Exclusive Offer" Traps: Be highly suspicious of any unsolicited calls, emails, texts, or social media messages claiming you've won a "free Paul Gauguin cruise" or are eligible for an impossibly low-priced "exclusive" deal. These invariably come with hidden fees, demands for immediate payment for "port taxes" or "service charges," or are simply phishing attempts to collect your personal data or pressure you into buying something else entirely. Paul Gauguin Cruises, like other luxury cruise lines, has been the subject of such fraudulent schemes.
Fake Websites and Phishing Attempts: Scammers create highly convincing fake websites that mimic Paul Gauguin Cruises' official site or reputable travel agencies. They also send deceptive phishing emails that appear legitimate. Their goal is to trick you into entering your login credentials, credit card details, or other sensitive personal information. Always manually type the official website address (https://www.pgcruises.com/) into your browser's address bar or use trusted bookmarks. Double-check the URL very carefully before entering any data.
High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Be wary of any offer that demands an immediate decision due to a "limited-time offer" that will expire in minutes or hours. This tactic is used by fraudsters to prevent you from doing proper research or verifying the offer's legitimacy.
Unusual Payment Requests: Never agree to pay for a cruise via untraceable methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency if requested by an individual or an unverified entity. Legitimate cruise lines and their authorized partners use secure, traceable payment methods (e.g., credit cards).
To ensure your unique Paul Gauguin journey begins safely and securely, always book directly through the official Paul Gauguin Cruises website for your region or through a well-established, reputable travel advisor who is familiar with Paul Gauguin's offerings. If an offer feels suspicious, or if you receive any communication that raises red flags, contact Paul Gauguin Cruises directly using the official contact information found on their verified website, not from the suspicious offer itself. Embark on an extraordinary voyage to the South Pacific with complete peace of mind.
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