Fresh from an extensive update in 2021, the 330-passenger Paul Gauguin, Tahiti’s iconic luxury small-ship, is showing off an elegant new look that embraces local history and culture. The ship has been upgraded with all public spaces, staterooms and suites receiving luxurious enhancements. The beauty of the South Seas inspired the new color palette of blue, taupe, green and pearl, enhanced by warm wood finishes, woven textiles, Polynesian motifs and gold accents. Art-lovers will enjoy a new digital museum featuring more than 150 works by French artist Paul Gauguin.
In the latest move towards a strategic reorganization that will continue to elevate its brand, Paul Gauguin us welcoming new leadership team. Cruise industry veteran and communications and marketing expert Susan Robison, who was most recently with Crystal Cruises, has joined the company as general manager-sales and marketing, while longtime Paul Gauguin Cruises team member Liz Coleman has been promoted to vice president of sales.
Robison will lead the North American sales and marketing teams in the newly created role, which leverages her expertise in brand stewardship and multi-platform marketing campaigns. She will be responsible for increasing awareness of the Paul Gauguin experience and drive bookings.
Paul Gauguin’s seven-night Tahiti & Society Islands itinerary takes guests from the legendary peaks of Bora Bora (where The Gauguin overnights) to lush Moorea. Dive into island culture, visiting the vanilla farms on laidback Huahine. Learn and observe Polynesian wildlife on whale watching and dolphin tours and snorkeling with sharks and rays. Guests add zoom to their visit via excursions on Wave runners and ATVs and catch views from the air via helicopter excursions. When it’s time to chill, the cruise company’s perfect private islet, Motu Mahana, as well as a private beach visit off Bora Bora, assure undisturbed access to sand and surf, and water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling among manta rays in crystal clear lagoons.
Longer 10- to 14-day sailings combine the Society Islands with the Tuamotus and may, depending on the itinerary, continue to the remote Marquesas and Cook Islands. Select itineraries also visit Fiji. An all-new pair of 16-night, six-country voyages in January and March 2023 focuses on the idyllic islands between Fiji and Bali, exploring natural places in Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. In addition to some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world, and fascinating cultural immersion, highlights include Komodo National Park, home to famous Komodo dragons!.
The complimentary Moana Explorer Program, created in partnership with the South Pacific marine education and conservation foundation Te mana o te moana, is available to guests ages 7 to 15. Activities such as naturalist-led beach hikes, water experiments and creating Tahitian crafts are on offer. Family members are welcome to join in the fun as well.
Several therapies are on the menu at the ship’s Deep Sea spa, including the Monoi Tradition Massage. The therapist uses coconut oil scented with local Gardenias and traditional Polynesian Taurumi technique—touching and pressing with hands, arms and feet—to establish a mind and body connection. The spa also has a menu of intro-to-spa options for children ages 6 to 12.
Tahiti is the perfect destination for a floating honeymoon on the Paul Gauguin. Book a Celebration Honeymoon Package, which includes a romantic Tahitian blessing ceremony performed by Les Gauguines, the ship’s Polynesian ambassadors.
Paul Gauguin Cruises operates a five-star cruise ship, the 330-guest Paul Gauguin, providing a deluxe cruise experience exploring the wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific. In September 2019, Paul Gauguin Cruises was acquired by Ponant, the French luxury small ship and expedition cruise line.