Paul Gauguin Review: Boutique Luxury in the Society Islands

First Impressions

This Paul Gauguin review begins before embarkation. Before boarding the m/s Paul Gauguin, I stayed at InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, where overwater bungalows framed turquoise lagoons and Moorea’s silhouette shimmered in the distance. As a result, the setting established an elegant prelude to a week in French Polynesia, a place of lagoons, lush peaks, and living island culture.

Purpose-built for Tahiti’s shallow lagoons, the Paul Gauguin carries only 330 guests in relaxed sophistication. Upon boarding, the ship’s warmth struck me immediately. Polynesian art, tropical flowers, and a crew who greeted us like family set a welcoming tone. Local Tahitian hosts shared traditions through dance and storytelling, therefore weaving authenticity into daily life.

My stateroom offered a private balcony, generous storage, and calm design. Because the balcony faced the endless blues of the South Pacific, I spent unhurried mornings outside. Consequently, seven nights across the Society Islands promised discovery and ease in equal measure.

Life Onboard the Paul Gauguin

Life aboard balances sophistication with serenity. In addition, the ship’s boutique size lets the captain glide into lagoons unreachable for larger vessels, so tender rides stay short and watersports feel spontaneous from the marine platform.

Dining reflects the destination. For example, La Veranda presents French-inspired cuisine with Polynesian accents, while L’Etoile stages refined, multi-course dinners. Meanwhile, Le Grill beside the pool suits al fresco lunches with freshly caught mahi-mahi, ripe tropical fruit, and pastries worthy of Paris. The sommelier paired wines thoughtfully, and the crew delivered gracious, personal service.

Evenings were filled with island rhythm. The Polynesian troupe Les Gauguines shared dance, song, and local crafts, weaving culture seamlessly into shipboard life. Whether enjoying enrichment lectures, water sports, or simply reading by the pool, each day felt intentionally unhurried.

Diving and Snorkeling Adventures

French Polynesia is a diver’s paradise, and my SCUBA experiences were unforgettable.

• Huahine – Avapehi Pass Drift Dive: We drifted along coral walls teeming with reef sharks, vibrant fish, and swaying anemones. The adrenaline of riding the current, combined with the calm of gliding beside blacktip reef sharks, was exhilarating.

• Bora Bora – Anau Manta Ray Cleaning Station: Here, graceful manta rays soared overhead, circling coral bommies as cleaner wrasse attended them. To hover at eye level with these gentle giants was both humbling and awe-inspiring.

Snorkelers are equally spoiled. In Raiatea, I joined a Coral Garden drift snorkel where currents carried me through channels alive with technicolor fish. At Taha’a, we snorkeled among coral gardens before visiting a Black Pearl Farm to learn about one of Polynesia’s most prized traditions.

Ports of Call

The “More Society Islands & Tahiti” itinerary distilled the essence of Polynesia, blending adventure and heritage:

• Papeete, Tahiti: Embarkation day at the capital, alive with markets, flowers, and Polynesian rhythms.

• Huahine: Known as the “Garden Island.” Beyond my dive, I joined a Motu Picnic, feasting on poisson cru (marinated raw fish with coconut milk) and fresh fruit under palms, toes in the sand.

• Raiatea: Considered the spiritual heart of Polynesia, where I joined a Coral Garden drift snorkel before visiting Marae Taputapuatea, a sacred UNESCO site that revealed Polynesia’s voyaging heritage.

• Taha’a (Private Motu): An idyllic day of snorkeling, visiting a Black Pearl Farm, and enjoying a Polynesian feast on a private motu with music, dancing, and laughter. The turquoise waters and hibiscus-lined tables felt like a postcard brought to life.

• Bora Bora (Overnight): Iconic and unforgettable. By day, I took a lagoon cruise and joined guests for a Polynesian feast. By night, the ship anchored under the shadow of Mount Otemanu, its jagged peak illuminated by moonlight. The following morning, I explored the island by “Le Truck,” an open-air bus, circling beaches and villages for a glimpse of local life.

• Moorea: Jagged volcanic peaks rise dramatically from turquoise lagoons. Here, I joined a BBQ lunch and snorkel excursion, swimming among tropical fish before relaxing on a motu with grilled fish and tropical fruit.

• Tahiti: Back in Papeete, the journey concluded where it began but with a deeper connection to the islands and their people.

What Makes Paul Gauguin Exceptional

This Paul Gauguin review highlights several distinctions that define the experience in French Polynesia:

• Local Expertise: With Tahitian crew and cultural hosts, authenticity is woven into every moment.

• Boutique Scale: Just 330 guests, allowing for intimacy, ease, and access to smaller lagoons.

• All-Inclusive Value: Wines, gratuities, watersports, and many excursions included.

• Marine Platform: Direct access to swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding from the ship.

• Immersive Excursions: From pearl farms to manta rays, experiences are designed to connect guests with the culture and nature of the islands.

Read more about the Paul Gauguin experience in this review.

Who Should Sail Paul Gauguin

Ideal for honeymooners, couples, divers, and cultural travelers, the Paul Gauguin appeals to anyone seeking authenticity over extravagance. Furthermore, families will appreciate seasonal programs while seasoned cruisers who favor Seabourn or Silversea will find this voyage refreshingly distinct.

The Paul Gauguin isn’t just a ship through French Polynesia, it’s a floating gateway to its heart.

Final Reflections and Invitation

As I sat on my balcony watching the peaks of Moorea fade into the horizon, I reflected on a week filled with manta rays, coral gardens, Tahitian dances, and motu feasts. The Paul Gauguin is more than a ship, it’s a cultural bridge, an invitation to experience Polynesia with authenticity, intimacy, and elegance.

As a luxury cruise expert, I can say with confidence: there is no better way to experience French Polynesia.

If you’re ready to drift dive with reef sharks in Huahine, sip champagne on a private motu in Taha’a, and sail under the shadow of Mount Otemanu, contact Ethos Luxury Travel today. We’ll secure exclusive amenities, VIP upgrades, and insider access with Paul Gauguin Cruises.

Because in French Polynesia, paradise isn’t just visited, it’s lived.

Reserve your complimentary consultation call with me to begin!

Images credit: Julie Prusak and Paul Gauguin Cruises