The Essential Cruise Shop's Guide to Paul Gauguin Cruises Dress Code.

Sailing with Paul Gauguin Cruises offers an intimate and luxurious journey through the stunning islands of the South Pacific. The onboard atmosphere is relaxed and elegant, and the dress code reflects this "luxury resort" style. Packing is refreshingly simple, as there are no formal nights requiring tuxedos or gowns. This guide will ensure you know exactly what to pack for your Tahitian and French Polynesian adventure.

Daytime Dress Code: What to Wear from Morning to Evening

The daytime dress code across all Paul Gauguin itineraries in French Polynesia, Tahiti, Fiji, and the South Pacific is casual and focused on comfort in a warm, tropical climate. Think lightweight, breathable fabrics.

General Public Areas (Lounges, Atrium, Cafés)

Casual attire such as shorts, skirts, sundresses, polo shirts, and t-shirts is perfectly acceptable in all indoor public areas during the day. The ship is air-conditioned, so you may want a light cardigan or wrap.

Pool Decks and Outdoor Spaces

Swimwear is the standard attire for the pool deck and marina. High-quality, breathable fabrics, sun hats, sunglasses, and of course, reef-safe sunscreen are essential items for enjoying the beautiful South Pacific sun safely and comfortably.

Daytime Dining (Main Dining Room & Buffet)

For breakfast and lunch in any of the dining venues, including Le Grill or La Veranda, the dress code is casual. However, a few basic rules apply:

• You must wear a cover-up or shirt over your swimwear when entering any indoor venue.
• Footwear is required at all times inside the ship.
• Bare feet and wet swimwear are not permitted in dining areas.

Evening Dress Codes Explained

Starting at 6:00 PM, the dress code transitions to a more refined, yet still relaxed, standard throughout the ship. Paul Gauguin does not have different tiers of evening wear; instead, one elegant standard applies every night.

Elegant Resort Attire (or Country Club Casual)

This is the dress code for every evening on a Paul Gauguin cruise. It strikes the perfect balance between being comfortable and honouring the elegant setting of the ship's restaurants and lounges.

• For Women: Dresses, skirts, or elegant slacks or capris with a blouse or nice top.
• For Men: Trousers or slacks and a collared shirt (e.g., a polo shirt or button-down shirt). Sport coats or blazers are optional but not required. Ties are not required.

What Not to Wear

After 6:00 PM, the following items are not considered appropriate for the restaurants and lounges:

• Shorts
• T-shirts
• Flip-flops
• Jeans (while some smart, dark jeans may be overlooked, they are generally discouraged)
• Swimwear
• Baseball caps

Formal Night / Gala Evening

Paul Gauguin Cruises has a refreshingly simple policy on this: there are no formal nights. You can leave the tuxedos, dinner jackets, and evening gowns at home. Every evening follows the same Elegant Resort Attire standard, allowing you to pack light while still dressing stylishly for dinner.

Dress Codes by Venue (Evening)

The Elegant Resort Attire code is consistent across all evening venues after 6:00 PM.

• The Main Dining Room(s): In both L'Etoile and La Veranda (which transforms into an elegant bistro for dinner), the Elegant Resort Attire code is expected.
• Speciality Dining Restaurants: The same Elegant Resort Attire code applies.
• The Buffet / Le Grill: While more casual during the day, Le Grill also observes the Elegant Resort Attire code for its al fresco dinner service.
• The Main Theatre or Show Lounge: Attire worn to dinner is appropriate for the nightly entertainment in the Grand Salon.
• Bars and Lounges: All bars and lounges, such as Le Grand Salon and La Palette, require Elegant Resort Attire in the evening.

Common Themed Nights & Special Events

While formal nights are absent, Paul Gauguin embraces the local culture with special events. The most notable is the Polynesian Night. On this evening, many guests choose to wear tropical attire, such as a floral shirt or dress, to celebrate the local culture. The evening often features a special dinner menu and a performance by local Tahitian entertainers, the ship's own troupe of Les Gauguines and Les Gaugins.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Paul Gauguin Cruises Dress Code

Can I wear jeans on Paul Gauguin Cruises?

During the day, jeans are acceptable. However, for the evening, Paul Gauguin Cruises' Elegant Resort Attire dress code discourages jeans in the main dining rooms and lounges. While smart, dark jeans might be permissible in more casual areas, it is recommended to opt for slacks, chinos, or skirts to align with the ship's elegant ambiance.

Are shorts allowed in the Main Dining Room in the evening?

No, shorts are not permitted in the Main Dining Room or any other restaurant or lounge for dinner. The evening dress code, which begins at 6:00 PM, specifically excludes shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops from these venues.

How many formal nights will be on my cruise?

Paul Gauguin Cruises does not have traditional 'Formal Nights.' The cruise line embraces a more relaxed, luxury resort atmosphere. Every evening follows an Elegant Resort Attire dress code, eliminating the need for tuxedos, ball gowns, or dinner jackets. This policy applies to all cruise durations.

Do I really need a dinner jacket or a gown for a formal night?

No. Since Paul Gauguin Cruises does not have formal nights, a dinner jacket, tuxedo, or evening gown is not required. The evening dress code is Elegant Resort Attire, for which a collared shirt and slacks for men, and a dress, skirt, or elegant slacks and blouse for women, are perfectly appropriate.

What is the dress code for children and teenagers?

The dress code applies to all guests, including children and teenagers. While the onboard children's programs are more relaxed, children are expected to adhere to the Elegant Resort Attire guidelines when dining with their families in the restaurants and lounges in the evening.

Is the dress code strictly enforced?

Yes, the evening dress code is generally and politely enforced, especially in the main dining venues like L'Etoile and La Veranda. Staff may discreetly remind guests who are not appropriately attired for the evening. The aim is to maintain the ship's sophisticated and elegant ambiance for all passengers.

Expert Packing Tips for Any Itinerary

Packing for a Paul Gauguin cruise is all about preparing for a chic, tropical getaway.

• For your South Pacific Itinerary:
  • Pack multiple swimsuits, as you'll be in the water frequently.
  • Include water shoes for exploring rocky beaches or coral reefs.
  • Bring a high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and quality sunglasses.
  • A reusable water bottle is great for staying hydrated on shore excursions.
  • Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is paramount. Think linen, cotton, and high-tech fabrics.
  • An underwater camera is a must for capturing the vibrant marine life.
  • Don't forget insect repellent containing DEET for shore excursions, especially in the evenings.

Remember that the following items are commonly prohibited onboard: clothing irons, travel steamers, and surge-protected extension leads. The ship provides hair dryers in each stateroom.

This information is believed to be correct at the time of publishing, however policies can change at short notice, and may vary in their implementation from ship to ship.

For the most current information, please visit the official Paul Gauguin Cruises website: Paul Gauguin Cruises General Information & FAQ.