French Polynesia is a collection of islands and atolls in the South Pacific Ocean. This region is a popular honeymoon destination and is commonly known by the name of the main island of Tahiti. You can stay on one or more of the islands in luxury accommodations, or better yet, go on a cruise to visit several of the islands easily in one trip. Paul Gauguin’s luxury small ship only sails in the South Pacific and offers several itineraries of varying lengths.
The Paul Gauguin is a luxury small cruise ship (332 guest capacity) designed to sail through the shallow lagoons of the South Pacific islands, so it can access ports that the larger cruise ships cannot. It is a perfect way to explore the islands as you get a taste of each island but don’t have to worry about getting between the islands on your own. Due to flight timings, it is common to require an overnight layover in Papeete to fly to neighboring islands or to catch the ferry to Mo’orea. The Paul Gaugin ship conveniently sails directly from Papeete.
Paul Gauguin Cruises only offers itineraries in the South Pacific. The ship visits the Society islands, Cook Islands, Marquesas Islands, Tuamotus, Fiji, and Tonga. We went on one of Paul Gauguin’s trademark itineraries: Tahiti & the Society Islands. We started in Tahiti, spent two days in Bora Bora, a day each in Taha’a and Huahine, and then two days in Mo’orea. Optionally, you can add an overnight stay in an over-water bungalow in Bora Bora and/or Mo’orea.
The service on board the ship was spectacular. They were so good at predicting what we wanted before we even thought of it. The atmosphere is very relaxed and intimate which was perfect for a honeymoon. There are not as many activities as other ships but that is not why we choose this cruise. However, there are the Les Gauguins & Les Gauguines (a troupe of Tahitian hosts) that bring the Polynesian culture on-board. Our days consisted of a shore excursion in the morning and relaxing on the beach or ship in the afternoon.
The food on the ship is outstanding. There are three restaurants: La Veranda, Le Grill, and L’Etoile. La Veranda on deck 6 has wrap-around ocean views. For breakfast and lunch there is a buffet and a la carte options. The evenings are reservations-only and the restaurant offers Jean-Pierre Vigato’s gourmet cuisine. Le Grill is on deck 8 by the pool. It serves a buffet breakfast, grilled lunch, and Polynesian specialties for dinner. Reservations are required for dinner. L’Etoile on deck 5 serves amazing dinners and reservations are not required.
What I love about this cruise is how much is included in the fare, like round-trip airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco, airport transfers, all shipboard meals, beverages (including select wines, spirits, beers, and soft drinks), gratuities, and watersports (kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkel equipment).
LBL Travel is a certified Paul Gauguin PEARLS specialist.
Contact me today to reserve your cruise to French Polynesia. We highly recommend booking early as space is limited.