Paul Gauguin

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

The vessel (IMO number 9111319) is currently France-flagged (MMSI 578001600) and registered in Mata-Utu/Wallis and Futuna. Prior to Ponant’s acquisition, the ship was Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311652000) and registered in Nassau.

The ship was refurbished in 2012 at a cost of USD 7 million and was last drydocked in 2021 (February–March, in Singapore). The 2021 refurbishment included technical energy-saving upgrades, enhanced interior spaces (dark woodwork, new warm color schemes with natural tones, woven textiles, and traditional artworks), and the renovation of all staterooms and public areas (lounges, bars, restaurants, wellness facilities, shop, Lobby, and 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”. Following the acquisition, both cruise companies retained their existing management structures. As a result, 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 ranked among the world’s “top 10 best small cruise ships”.

The liner was specifically designed for navigation in the shallow seas of French Polynesia. Her low draft allows visits to small seaports. The onboard experience is characterized by an informal and relaxed atmosphere, 5-star hotel amenities, premium service, and luxury. The ship offers some of the longest-running and highest-rated luxury Tahiti cruise programs. The crew-to-guest ratio is 1:1.5 (among the industry’s highest), while the space-to-guest ratio is 58:1, also among the highest on ships serving the North American market.

PG Cruises fares are inclusive of gratuities, soft drinks, and alcohol (select fine wines and premium spirits). WiFi hotspots are shipwide and complimentary, while Internet access is available at an additional charge. Entertainment features both classic French and traditional Polynesian songs and musical performances.

Decks and Cabins

MS Paul Gauguin staterooms (160 total, in 9 categories) provide a maximum passenger capacity of 352, in addition to the 220 crew members. All cabins are outside staterooms with Queen-size beds. Nearly 70% of all cabins feature private step-out balconies. Of all staterooms, 9 are Suites and 80 are Balcony cabins.

Cabin sizes range between 200 and 590 ft2 (19–55 m2), including balconies.

The ship has 9 decks, of which 7 are accessible to passengers and 5 contain cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The ship features three restaurants. Special dietary menus and vegetarian selections are available upon request. Complimentary beverages (including wine and premium spirits), 24-hour room service, and in-room dining are also provided.

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

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

MS Paul Gauguin onboard gratuities are fully included in the cruise fares. Optional shore excursions are available, offering memorable experiences ashore. Guests can snorkel and scuba dive directly from the ship, enjoy the watersports marina, relax at the extensive spa, and experience the vessel’s luxurious amenities. The Polynesian flair creates an informal atmosphere on board, enhanced by local Tahitian staff and entertainers who add a unique character to each voyage. Daily onboard dive briefings and lecture programs are also offered.

Watersports activities are complimentary in each port of call. The ship features an aft-located retractable marina platform supporting the company’s watersports program. Snorkeling equipment is provided free of charge to all passengers.

MS Paul Gauguin lounges and bars include Le Grand Salon, Piano Bar, La Palette Lounge (with live piano performances), Casino Bar, Bar du Soleil, Captain’s Reception Lounge, Internet Cafe, and Fare Tahiti Gallery. Additional facilities include the Deep Nature Spa (Algotherma), Fitness Center, Sun Deck, Promenade Deck, outdoor Jacuzzi whirlpool, swimming pool, La Boutique, Travel and Dive Desks, and laundry and dry-cleaning services.

Ponant's French Polynesia itineraries

MS Paul Gauguin’s itinerary program focuses on South Pacific cruises in French Polynesia and Tahiti, operating year-round on roundtrip sailings from homeport Papeete (Tahiti Island, Society Islands).

• 7-night “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-night “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-night “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)
• 14-night “Marquesas, Tuamotus and Society Islands” – roundtrip from Papeete visiting Huahine, Bora Bora, Rangiroa, Fakarava, sea day, Tahaa/Motu Mahana, Moorea

In July 2018, PG Cruises made an inaugural port call at Vairao (Tahiti). In the same year, Papeete cruise port began offering new fly-cruise packages through partnerships with two airlines – United (USA, Chicago-based) and French Bee (France, Paris-based).

For the 2019 season, Paul Gauguin Cruises enhanced its itinerary program with the following themed sailings:

• 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 crossings and visits to Tonga and Fiji. Fares started from approximately USD 590 per person per day (double-occupancy rates), including roundtrip airfare from the USA (from Los Angeles). On all itineraries, passengers receive complimentary access to the company’s two private properties:

• Motu Mahana Island (PG Cruises’ private island off the coast of Tahaa Island), offering complimentary watersports, traditional activities, barbecue events, and cocktails served from floating bars.
• A private beach on Bora Bora Island, where snorkeling, paddleboarding, and bar service are available.

Paul Gauguin Cruises’ 2021 itinerary program introduced a new 11-day itinerary (Tuamotus and Society Islands), along with 12- and 13-day itineraries visiting Fiji, Tonga, the Cook Islands, and the Society Islands. The new 11-day itinerary included a call at Motu Mahana (the company’s private island near Tahaa). Departures in 2021 were scheduled for January 23 and December 4. The itinerary visited Huahine (Society Islands), Motu Mahana (Society Islands), Bora Bora (overnight), sea day, Rangiroa (Tuamotus), Fakarava (Tuamotus), sea day, Motu Mahana, Moorea (Society Islands), and Papeete (Tahiti, French Polynesia).

In 2022, Paul Gauguin Cruises introduced four 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 nights). Paul Gauguin’s 2022 ports of call 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).

In 2024, PONANT’s Paul Gauguin Cruises debuted two new itineraries: the 7-night “More Society Islands & Tahiti” (Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora) and the 14-night “Islands of the Marquesas & Tuamotus”, featuring maiden calls to Hatiheu, Nuku Hiva, Hakahau, and Ua Pou.

• 14-night “Islands of the Marquesas and Tuamotus” (roundtrip from Papeete/Tahiti) – Fakarava, Omoa/Fatu Hiva, Atuona/Hiva Oa, Hapatoni/Tahuata, Hatiheu/Nuku Hiva, Hakahau/Ua Pou, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Motu Mahana/Tahaa
• 7-night “Tahiti and the Society Islands” (roundtrip from Papeete/Tahiti) – Huahine, Motu Mahana, Bora Bora (overnight), Moorea (overnight)
• 10-night “Society Islands and Tuamotus” (roundtrip from Papeete/Tahiti) – Huahine, Bora Bora (overnight), Rangiroa, Fakarava, Motu Mahana, Moorea

PGC’s 2024 program also featured a visit to Motu Mahana (Tahaa) on every MS Paul Gauguin voyage.