Le Paul Gauguin

A personal glimpse into luxury small ship sailing in French Polynesia

Step aboard Le Paul Gauguin with me in Darwin and discover what makes this small-ship cruise through French Polynesia so special, including a rare visit to the bridge.

There are travel moments that stay with you. Not for their grandeur, but for their grace — quiet, genuine gestures that make you feel seen.

One of those moments happened on the bridge of Paul Gauguin, as she paused in Darwin, fresh from a refurbishment in Singapore.

We’d just been welcomed aboard when Captain Michel invited us to visit him on the bridge. What struck me wasn’t just the view or the technology, but the time and care he took to explain it all — his ship, his world, and his pride in the experience that Paul Gauguin Cruises offers.

Captain Michel explains navigation

Captain Michel with Philip Clapé

It was clear: this wasn’t just a ship. It was a floating expression of Polynesian warmth and elegance, made to offer something truly rare: the chance to cruise with heart, depth and connection.

A Ship Made for the Islands

Paul Gauguin is purpose-built for the gentle lagoons and remote anchorages of French Polynesia. Her shallow 5-metre draft means she can slip into places larger ships simply can’t — and that means more time in secluded bays, less time in port queues, and more magical moments you’ll have to describe with wide eyes and hand gestures because a photo just won’t do.

Inside, the design is beautifully understated: light, natural tones with dark wood trims and soft lighting that invites you to slow down. I was lucky to see a range of suites and staterooms, each one ready for guests — complete with Veuve Clicquot on ice.

Veranda Suite

Grand Suite with Veuve Clicquot on ice

The dining spaces were just as inviting. I found my spot in L’Etoile, tucked beside a mural of tropical flora, set slightly apart from the main room — perfect for a quiet meal with good conversation and no distractions.

There’s also La Veranda, with wraparound windows, and Le Grill on the pool deck for relaxed lunches outdoors, especially when anchored in a peaceful bay.

And then there’s La Palette Lounge — an indoor-outdoor space at the ship’s stern, where you can sip a drink, listen to live music, and watch the wake curl into the Pacific.

As Deb Corbett, CEO Asia-Pacific at PONANT, put it so well when speaking with Cruise Weekly in Darwin (CW 16-Apr-25):

“It’s relaxed luxury at its best, just oozing French Polynesia. The crew are family, they welcome everyone on board, there’s amazing open deck spaces, the light comes in and it’s just picture perfect – Australians will love it.”

It’s this mix of French elegance and Polynesian warmth that gives Paul Gauguin her distinctive character — not flashy, not overdone — just naturally perfect for the islands she calls home.

Not Just Elegance — Adventure

For those who like their luxury served with a splash of ocean, the watersports marina at the back of the ship is a highlight. You can launch a kayak, jump on a paddleboard, or dive straight into the sea — right from the ship. Snorkelling gear is provided for the duration of your cruise, and dive excursions offer a chance to explore the extraordinary underwater world of French Polynesia.

Whether you’re floating off a remote motu or swimming through coral gardens, Paul Gauguin gives you easy access to the magic of the sea — without the crowds or queues.

The Soul of Polynesia Onboard

Aboard Paul Gauguin, culture isn’t a sideshow — it’s the heartbeat of the journey.

The onboard troupe, Les Gauguins & Les Gauguines, are Tahitian hosts, musicians and entertainers who bring the islands to life through dance, storytelling, music and warm hospitality. Their presence is more than performance it’s a bridge between ship and shore, guest and culture.

In addition to the resident troupe, local performers are welcomed onboard during every voyage, sharing the music, rhythm, and traditions of the islands guests visit. And it doesn’t end there — many of the ship’s crew members are artists and performers in their own right. Guests often discover these hidden talents during the much-loved Crew Show, where team members take the stage to share songs, dances, and stories from their own home countries. It’s personal, joyful, and a highlight for many.

It’s this gentle immersion that makes cruising on Paul Gauguin feel not just enriching, but uplifting.

Le Grand Salon

The Piano Bar

Life Onboard: Thoughtful Spaces, Everyday Pleasures

Beyond the staterooms and restaurants, Paul Gauguin offers a quiet rhythm of refined spaces that make sea days just as fulfilling as shore excursions.

We strolled along the ship’s interior promenade, which revealed a series of charming spots — from a museum and art gallery that showcase the spirit of the South Pacific, to a welcoming library and jigsaw puzzle table, where you can while away an hour in peace. We also passed La Boutique, which stocks an elegant selection of resort wear, jewellery, and gifts curated with the region in mind.

Journals Kept by Various Commanders Paris 1774

Jigsaw Puzzle on the Promenade

If you’re drawn to wellness while travelling, the Algotherm Spa is a serene space offering French Polynesian-inspired treatments, facials, and massages. There’s also a fitness centre with ocean views, ideal for a sunrise stretch or a post-snorkel session on the treadmill. It’s these little touches that make the journey feel complete — indulgent, yes, but also deeply restorative.

Algotherm Spa Treatment Room

Algotherm Spa Sauna

Why Now Is a Wonderful Time to Book

If this all sounds like your kind of experience — spacious, authentic, and delightfully unhurried — now is a great time to start planning.

Travellers who book by 30 April 2025 can receive a $1,500 flight credit per person with Paul Gauguin Cruises.

You can explore 2025, 2026, and 2027 voyages here — including round-trip sailings from Papeete, romantic itineraries through the Society Islands, and longer explorations to the Marquesas or Tuamotus.

For a full overview of the onboard experience, visit my co-branded guide to The Paul Gauguin Cruises Experience.

With Gratitude

I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the team at PONANT for their warm hospitality — in particular, Deb Corbett, CEO APAC, for the gracious invitation to join the ship inspection and dinner with Captain Michel the evening prior. It was a privilege to spend time with the team and experience firsthand the spirit of generosity that runs through this remarkable cruise line.

And to Captain Michel — thank you for your kind welcome to the bridge, your time, and your genuine passion for sharing the story of Paul Gauguin. It was truly an honour.

Let’s Make It Happen

As someone who’s walked the decks, peered over the railings, and felt the rhythm of this ship firsthand, I’d love to help you decide if Paul Gauguin is right for you.

Call Philip on 1300 241 705 or email info@holidaysbeckon.com.au

There’s a whole world of meaningful travel waiting — and it starts with a moment, just like mine, on a quiet bridge in Darwin.