Luxury Cruises with Paul Gauguin Cruises

Do you dream of cruising the South Seas? Would you prefer to do so in a smaller ship designed to navigate the shallow seas and narrow waterways? Is it important to you to have a superb range of water sports, special shore visits and a special programme of activities for children? If so, then read on…

The Paul Gauguin was custom-made to sail the shallow seas of the South Pacific, French Polynesia and Tahiti. Its small size means that it can navigate narrow waterways and shallow lagoons where the bigger ships are unable to travel. The Paul Gauguin is a spacious ship with a friendly, informal atmosphere and a warm welcome from the Tahitian staff. It carries 332 passengers and, with 215 crew, has one of the best staff to client ratios in the business.

The clear turquoise waters and coral reefs of Polynesia are the perfect place for SCUBA diving and other watersports. The Paul Gauguin is fitted with a specially designed retractable watersports platform, allowing you easy access to the sea for snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing and diving. In addition, a PADI diving certification programme is offered on board. If watersports aren’t your cup of tea then relax with a treatment in the spa or tone your muscles in the gym. In the evening take your chances in the Casino, enjoy a sing-along in the piano bar or a performance by the ship’s Tahitian dance troupe, the Gaugines. There is a choice of two top class restaurants on board, L’Etoile offers French cuisine with a Polynesian influence in sleek surroundings. Le Grill is a more laid back dining experience serving classic grill specialities.

Shore excursions are plentiful and include many unique experiences such as swimming with Humpback Whales off Vavau or watching the underwater ballet of rays off Bora Bora. There are cultural excusrsions too, a Riki arts and culture tour on Rarotonga, a trip to the museum and Arboretum of Vaipaee or the Trails of the Ancients trek on Moorea.

Children are welcome on board the Paul Gauguin and there are plenty of activities suited to families. The ship also runs the ‘Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Programme’ for 9-17 year-olds on selected cruises. Created by environmentalist and explorer, Jean-Michel Cousteau, the aim is to introduce young people to the unique natural environment of the South Seas. Participants will explore coral reefs and rainforests and learn about the ancient and modern cultures of the region.

The Paul Gauguin operates solely in the South Seas with itineraries including Tonga, The Cook Islands, New Zealand, Tahiti and the Society Islands and Tuamotus.