Designed specifically to glide through the shallow seas of the South Pacific, TheGauguin is the flagship of Paul Gauguin Cruises and a small-ship cruiser’s dream. She delivers travelers to intimate ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships, all the while providing an onboard experience that is nothing short of luxurious. Guests aboard the luxury cruises enjoy spacious suites and staterooms (more than 70% with private balconies), an onboard watersports marina, three dining venues, an extensive spa, and five-star service. Life onboard also reflects the beauty and rich cultural heritage of the islands she calls upon, with a warm, friendly feel, informal setting, and even a beloved troupe of Gauguines and Gauguins—local Tahitians who serve as cruise staff, entertainers, and storytellers.
Ship Statistics
- Capacity: 332 guests
- Crew: 217/International
- Crew-to-Guest Ratio: 1:1.5, one of the highest of any luxury cruise ship
- Officers: European and International
- Registry: Bahamas
- Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique (Saint Nazaire, France)
- Length: 504 feet
- Width: 72 feet
- Draft: 17.1 feet
- Tonnage: 19,200 tons
- Maximum speed: 18 knots
- Passenger decks: 7
- Call letters: C6TH9
- Propulsion System: Diesel electric
Accommodations
Nearly 70% of suites and staterooms have private balconies, and all feature an ocean view, temperature control, queen-size bed (a limited number can have twin-bed configuration), bathroom with full-size bathtub and shower, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, TV, CD/DVD player, personal safe, refrigerator stocked with soft drinks, and more. There is one wheelchair-accessible stateroom, and select staterooms can accommodate three guests.
Dining
During every meal onboard The Gauguin, with every sumptuous bit you sample, and each time the attentive staff fill your glass, you’ll begin to realize that dining on the high seas with Paul Gauguin Cruises is truly something special. Embark upon a five-star culinary adventure, designed just for you by some of the world’s most talented and award-winning chefs, including Jean-Pierre Vigato, Chef Propriétaire at Paris’ Michelin-starred Restaurant Apicius. What’s more, every one of the onboard dining options is included in your cruise fare. Bon appétit!
La Veranda
Dine al fresco or enjoy wraparound ocean views from the dining room of La Veranda, where we offer an ever-changing selection of buffet breakfast and lunch items and a la carte options, many of which are inspired by the destinations we visit. In the evening, La Veranda is transformed to a reservation-only dining venue serving Jean-Pierre Vigato’s gourmet cuisine.
L’Etoile
The exquisite main dining room is dressed to impress with perfectly appointed décor, fine table linens, and delicate china. Join us every evening for dinner and sample a tantalizing array of expertly prepared dishes, perfectly paired with complimentary wines.
Le Grill
When your day’s plans call for a more casual dining experience, join us at Le Grill, located by the pool and offering a buffet breakfast, grilled lunch favorites, salads, and fresh tropical fruit. In the afternoon, stop by for tea with finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, desserts, pastries, and petit fours. Return in the evening to sample Polynesian specialties in a relaxed atmosphere. Reservations required for dinner.
Entertainment
When you travel onboard The Gauguin, you won’t spend your days at sea simply biding your time until we arrive at the next destination. On the ship, every day (and night!) brings new and exciting opportunities for entertainment and enrichment.
Les Gauguins & Les Gauguines
On every voyage of The Gauguin, we’re accompanied by the own troupe of Tahitian hosts and entertainers that bring the spirit of Polynesia to life. Enjoy a retelling of ancestral legends through dance, delight in traditional songs onboard and on the private motu, and learn local handicrafts during hands-on demonstrations. Couples celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary can even attend a Polynesian blessing ceremony.
Le Grand Salon
When the sun goes down at sea, Le Grand Salon comes alive with spectacular performances. Every night brings something different, whether it’s Les Gauguins & Les Gauguines performing ote’a—a complex line dance accompanied by drums—live piano music, Broadway show tunes, or foot-tapping rock music. Return to the main lounge during the day for a game of table tennis or lecture from a roster of anthropologists, archeologists, and marine biologists, as well as visiting experts on other popular topics.
La Palette
This versatile lounge offers morning snacks, serves as the backdrop for special events, hosts Polynesian activities led by Les Gauguines, and is the perfect place to grab a nightcap and dance under the stars to live music.
Le Casino and Piano Bar
Try your luck in Le Casino, which features slot machines, blackjack, and roulette, and is open every evening, except where prohibited by port regulations. We also invite you to grab a drink at the Piano Bar and enjoy nightly piano entertainment.
Pool and Pool Bar
Soak in the South Pacific sunshine with a day spent lounging by the outdoor pool. Cool off in the refreshing water, grab a cocktail from the adjacent Pool Bar, or take in the scenery from a comfortable lounge chair.
Local Entertainment
In addition to Les Gauguins & Les Gauguines, on every voyage we invite local performers onboard to entertain you. Don’t miss an evening spent with local group Mamas and Papas, whose dynamic performance of Polynesian dance and singing is a perennial guest favorite.
Crew Show
The crew members onboard The Gauguin are certainly expert at providing first-class service to the guests, but they also boast many other talents that we’re proud to showcase in the crew show. Every voyage offers something different, but you’re always guaranteed a night of amazing entertainment, much of which showcases the unique cultures of the crew members’ home countries.
La Boutique
Just steps from your stateroom, find the perfect memento of your South Pacific cruise, like genuine Tahitian black pearl jewelry exclusively designed for Paul Gauguin Cruises, Tahitian vanilla, local arts and handicrafts, souvenir apparel, and more. It’s also the perfect place to pick up any necessary sundries or toiletries, like swimwear, beach attire, sunscreen, and batteries.
Photo Shop
Ensure that your vacation memories last a lifetime with services from Paul Gauguin Cruises’ Photo Shop. A dedicated photographer accompanies us throughout the cruise, giving you the opportunity to take home professional photos of significant events, like embarkation, the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Tahitian Night. Family portraits and casual photo-ops are also available. The Photo Shop is also stocked with everything you need to take your own photos, including single-use cameras, digital cameras, photo accessories, and media cards.
Spa & Fitness
Leisurely days at sea offer the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a little “me time," whether that’s an indulgent treatment at the award-winning onboard spa, or a workout in the fitness center.
Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm
With its unrivaled approach to beauty and rejuvenation, the spa onboard The Gauguincombines the art of gentle pampering with services that are uniquely tailored to the needs and wishes of each individual.
The spa offers an extensive range of services, enveloped in an atmosphere that is both tranquil and luxurious. Shipboard treatments include skin care therapies, skin exfoliation, massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, body wraps, facials, beauty treatments, nail services, and hair styling. We are also happy to offer relaxing overwater massages during the day you’ll spend on Motu Mahana, the private South Pacific paradise.
Fitness Center
The convenient fitness center is outfitted with the latest fitness equipment, including Lifecycles, treadmills, stair climbers, and weight machines. Other onboard fitness opportunities include a morning mile-long walk around decks 8 and 9 and a sunrise Polynesian-inspired Zumba class, both hosted by Les Gauguines.
