Paul Gauguin

MS Paul Gauguin cruise ship is currently owned and operated by Paul Gauguin Cruises (aka "PG Cruises", Ponant-owned brand). In 1997, the vessel entered service for RSSC-Radisson Seven Seas Cruises (in 2006 renamed Regent Seven Seas Cruises). In 2009, the cruise liner was acquired by Pacific Beachcomber (French Polynesia luxury hotels and resorts operator).

The ship was refurbished in 2012 for USD 7 million and last drydocked in 2021 (February-March, in Singapore). Refurbishment 2021 included technical upgrades (energy-saving), enhanced interior spaces (dark woodwork, new warm color schemes with natural tones, woven textiles, traditional artworks), renovation of all staterooms and public spaces (lounges, bars, restaurants, wellness, shop, Lobby, Pool Deck). WiFi is complimentary and unlimited.

In early-August 2019, the French luxury shipping company Ponant Cruises announced the acquisition of Paul Gauguin Shipping Ltd (headquartered in Bellevue, WA USA) and its brand "Paul Gauguin Cruises". After the acquisition, both cruise companies kept their management. This means that MS Paul Gauguin's current shipowner is Ponant.

History - construction and ownership

The 332-passenger ship Paul Gauguin is a top-luxury Tahiti-based liner operating year-round in French Polynesia. In 2012, the vessel was rated one of world's "top 10 best small cruise ships".

The liner was specifically designed for navigation in the shallow seas of French Polynesia. Boat's low draft allows visiting small seaports. The onboard experience is marked by the informal and relaxing environment, 5-star hotel amenities, premium service and luxury. The ship offers the longest continually and highest-rated luxury Tahiti cruise deals. Crew-to-Guest ratio is 1-to-1,5 (among the industry's highest). Space-to-Guest ratio is 58 to 1 - again among the highest on ships serving the North American market.

PG Cruises deals are inclusive of gratuities, soft beverages and alcohol (select fine wines, premium spirits). Wi-Fi hotspots are shipwide and complimentary, Internet access is at an additional charge. Entertainment features both classic French and traditional Polynesia songs and musical performances.

French Polynesia cruise itinerary program

Paul Gauguin itinerary program is based on South Pacific (French Polynesia and Tahiti) cruises on roundtrips from homeport Papeete (Tahiti Island, Society Islands). Itineraries are operated the whole year-round.

• 7-day "Tahiti and Society Islands" - Huahine Island (Society), Tahaa Island (Society), Bora Bora Island (Society, overnight), Moorea Island (Society, overnight), Papeete Tahiti (overnight before debarkation)
• 10-day "The Society Islands and Tuamotus Islands" - Huahine Island (Society), Bora Bora Island (Society, overnight), Rangiroa Atoll (Tuamotus), Fakarava Atoll (Tuamotus), sea day, Tahaa Island (Society), Moorea Island (Society, overnight), Papeete Tahiti (overnight before debarkation)
• 11-day "Cook Islands and Society Islands" - Huahine Island (Society), sea day, Aitutaki Island (Cook Islands), Rarotonga Island (Cook Islands), sea day, Bora Bora Island (Society, overnight), Tahaa Island (Society), Moorea Island (Society, overnight), Papeete Tahiti (overnight before debarkation)

In July 2018, PG Cruises made an inaugural port visit in Vairao (Tahiti). In 2018, Papeete cruise port started offering new fly-cruise package via a partnership with two airlines - United (USA Chicago-based) and French Bee (France Paris-based).

For season 2019, Paul Gauguin Cruises itinerary program was upgraded with the following itineraries, themed as:

• 14-day "Marquesas, Tuamotus and Society Islands"
• 11-day "Cook Islands and the Society Islands"
• 10-day "Society Islands and Tuamotus"
• 7-day "Tahiti and Society Islands"

Most voyages include International Date Line cruising and visiting Tonga and Fiji. Fares started from around USD 590 per person per day (double-occupancy rates) with included roundtrip USA airfare (from Los Angeles). On all itineraries, passengers receive complimentary access to the company's two private properties:

• Motu Mahana Island (PG Cruises' private island located off Tahaa Island's coast) where are offered complimentary watersports, traditional activities, barbecue parties, cocktails from floating bars).
• Company's second property is a private beach on Bora Bora Island whereas activities are offered snorkelling, paddleboarding, bar service.

Paul Gauguin Cruises 2021 itinerary program includes a new 11-day itinerary (Tuamotus and Society Islands) plus 12- 13-day itineraries that visit Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands, Society Islands. The new 11-day itinerary visits Motu Mahana (company's private island near Tahaa, Society Islands). Departures (in 2021) were scheduled for January 23rd and December 4th. The itinerary visits Huahine (Society Islands), Motu Mahana (Society Islands), Bora Bora (overnight), seaday, Rangiroa (Tuamotus), Fakarava (Tuamotus), seaday, Motu Mahana, Moorea (Society Islands) and Papeete (Tahiti, French Polynesia).

In 2022, Paul Gauguin Cruises introduced 4 new itineraries "Tahiti and The Society Islands" (7-night), "Society Islands and Tuamotus" (10-night), "Cook Islands and Society Islands" (11-night) and "Marquesas, Tuamotus and Society Islands" (14-night). The company also scheduled cruises from Tahiti to Fiji with "Fiji, Tonga, Cook and Society Islands" itineraries (12-13-night). Paul Gauguin's 2022 call ports included Papeete, Moorea, Tahaa (Motu Mahana), Bora Bora, Aitutaki, Vavau, Savusavu (Vanua Levu), Suva (Viti Levu), Beqa Island (13-night itinerary), and Lautoka (Viti Levu).

Decks and Cabins

MS Paul Gauguin staterooms (160 total, in 9 grades) provide max passenger capacity 352 (in addition to the 220 crew-staff serving the ship and its guests). All cabins are outside and with Queen-size beds. Nearly 70% of all cabins have private step-out balconies. Of all staterooms, 9 are Suites and 80 are Balcony.

Cabin sizes range between 200-590 ft2 / 19-55 m2 (including the balconies).

The boat has 9 decks, of which 7 are passenger-accessible and 5 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The ship has all three restaurants. Special dietetic menus and vegetarian selections are available upon request. Complimentary beverages (also wine and premium liquor), 24-hour room service and in-room dining are also provided.

Dining Room L’Etoile is with open seating and a la carte menus. La Veranda Restaurant is buffet-style and offers breakfast and lunch (with a la carte lunch menu and alfresco seating). Le Grill is the poolside food bar.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

MS Paul Gauguin onboard gratuities are all included in the fares. An additional option to choose is the possibility to go on unforgettable shore excursions. Guests can snorkel and scuba dive directly from the cruise ship. Try the watersports marina, pamper at the extensive spa and experience all luxurious attributes. The Polynesian flair fills the atmosphere aboard with informality. The staff and entertainers are local Tahitians who add unique personality to every Tahiti cruise. Interesting onboard dive and lecture programs are held each day of the voyage.

Watersports activities are offered complimentary in each of the itinerary's ports of call. The ship has an aft-located retractable marina platform serving company's watersports programming. Snorkelling gear is provided complimentary to all passengers.

MS Paul Gauguin Lounges & Bars include Le Grand Salon, Piano Bar, La Palette Lounge (live piano performances), Casino Bar, Bar du Soleil, Captain's Reception Lounge, Internet Cafe, Fare Tahiti Gallery. Other facilities include Deep Nature Spa (Algotherma), Fitness Center, Sun Deck, Promenade Deck, Jacuzzi (outdoor whirlpool hot tub), swimming pool, La Boutique, Travel and Dive Desks, Laundry and Dry-cleaning services.

The cruise ship was launched in 1997 for Radisson Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) and christened on December 19, 1997. The granddaughter of the painter (Maria Gauguin) attended the naming ceremony, which took place in Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) Florida. Godmother of the ultra-luxury liner is the wife of Francois-Xavier Poylo (vessel's architect) - Mrs Carole Poylo.

Paul Gauguin Cruises 2020 schedule featured 3 unusual itineraries.

16-day "Fiji to Bali" (itinerary April 11-27) from Lautoka to Benoa - prices from USD 7950

13-day "Fiji, Tonga, Cook and Society Islands" (itinerary March 23 - April 11) from Papeete to Lautoka - prices from USD 7900

New itineraries (introduced in 2018 November) included:

7-day "Tahiti and Society Islands" - Huahine Island (Society), Tahaa Island (Society), Bora Bora Island (Society, overnight), Moorea Island (Society, overnight), Papeete Tahiti (overnight before debarkation)

10-day "The Society Islands and Tuamotus Islands" - Huahine Island (Society), Bora Bora Island (Society, overnight), Rangiroa Atoll (Tuamotus), Fakarava Atoll (Tuamotus), sea day, Tahaa Island (Society), Moorea Island (Society, overnight), Papeete Tahiti (overnight before debarkation)

11-day "Cook Islands and Society Islands" - Huahine Island (Society), sea day, Aitutaki Island (Cook Islands), Rarotonga Island (Cook Islands), sea day, Bora Bora Island (Society, overnight), Tahaa Island (Society), Moorea Island (Society, overnight), Papeete Tahiti (overnight before debarkation).

MS Paul Gauguin refurbishment 2012 review

In 2012, the vessel underwent a USD 7 million drydock refurbishment. The list of changes in onboard amenities included new dining menus, enhanced spa menu, remodelled Casino Lounge, cabins upgrades, public spaces renovation. New cruise shore excursions were also added in the PG Cruises program. MS Paul Gauguin is currently the only cruise ship from Tahiti that offers year-round roundtrips, which include visits to the Society Islands, Tuamotus archipelago and the Marquesas Islands - all in the South Pacific Ocean.