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We would give the welcome onboard an impressive 5 out of 5 for sure. Plus, when you purchase airfare with Paul Gauguin they include ALL transfers and also include day rooms as necessary. After an 8 hour non-stop flight from Los Angeles we finally made it to French Polynesian’s island of Tahiti. A Paradise in and of itself we were excited to be here the minute we stepped off the plane and felt the warm ocean air hit our skin. Picturesque and enchanting views of paradise are enjoyed every day aboard the beloved m/s Paul Gauguin. The Gauguin’s marina opens to the sea, allowing for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking directly from the ship.
We couldn’t wait to get onboard the Paul Gauguin ship to have everything included!
On our sailing that French influence came through with a particularly charming French captain, a French executive chef, and 50 passengers from France among the 220 aboard—most of the rest of us were from North America. Paul Gauguin Cruises offers a way to see more of French Polynesia from the comfort of a beautiful small-ship cruising vessel. We do wish the ship would have redone the electric to put USB and power outlets near the beds. Make sure you bring international chargers and converters as well as long cords if you want to scroll while you’re in bed. Paul Gauguin is full of places to relax, even more so since the 2021 renovation.
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This barrier reef island offers helicopter tours, wave-runners (great for thrill-seekers), lunchtime jaunts to secluded motus (islets), SCUBA diving, and crystal-clear lagoons. Bora Bora and Moorea were my greatest sources of artistic inspiration. There are many tours for certified divers, including refresh training for guests who are certified but have not dived in a few years. There were also beginning courses for divers who are strong swimmers, and dives for very advanced divers.
The Staff and Service
First, we stayed at the InterContinental Hotel Tahiti, which is about two miles from the airport. (Our taxi was less than $20.) The resort is a superb property with several restaurants and bars, two infinity pools, a fitness center, a business center, and a watersports/scuba center. Many reviewers on Cruise Critic have praised the amenities and entertainment, stating that there is something aboard the ship for everyone. People frequently remark on how fun the live entertainment and performances are, and how serene and restful the spa is. The inclusion of the fitness center is also praised, with many commenting on how much they valued the chance to stay fit while on their trip.
Food on Paul Gauguin is Outstanding, with French Flair and Polynesian Flavors
Post-Impressionist artist Kim McDonald is renowned for her paintings of Pacific island landscapes that also capture the beauty and grace of Polynesian culture. As our guest blogger this month, here she shares her own ‘impressions’ of the uniquely artful m/s Paul Gauguin. Although it rained heavily one day, many of the days were cloudy, so pictures reflect that. This was during the dry season, which lasts May to October, with temps averaging 71 to 80 degrees F.
A cold fridge is located in your room stocked with bottled water, juice, beer and soft drinks. Tahitian pearls are the only pearls that have a full color spectrum; black-tip pearl oysters have a rainbow-like mantle that exhibits all natural colors. Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins share a warm welcome to the line’s private islet, Motu Mahana. Named in honor of the iconic French artist, the award-winning m/s Paul Gauguin finds a natural home throughout the islands of French Polynesia.
Moorea is a mountainous beautiful island with so many opportunities for land and water activities. The ship sat for 2 days in the lagoon where we had the most incredible alfresco dinners overlooking Bora Bora and surrounding waters. For after dinner drinks (free of charge-and not $25 USD each like at the resorts here) we got to sip mojitos & other yummy cocktails under the warm star light sky. Usually these types of classes have a cost to participate on big ships but not here. And these happy guys & gals are constantly sharing their music, dance & overall Culture with the guests.
Is very popular with tourists for it’s natural aquarium and it’s series of islands around a Lagoon. One block from Notre Dame church in the heart of the city is a fabulous local market called Le Marchê de Papeete that was founded more than 170 years ago. This extensive marketplace is full of fresh fruits, fresh seafood and meats, as well as fresh tropical flowers, souvenirs, and Polynesian handcrafted goods. We were on a seven-day Paul Gauguin cruise of the French Polynesia Society Islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora, Mo’orea, Taha’a, and Huahine.
Best World Cruises of 2024 and 2025 - Cruise Critic
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Posted: Sun, 04 Dec 2022 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Positive remarks are also made about the restaurants’ laid-back atmosphere, with many guests remarking that it’s a fantastic spot to unwind and enjoy a meal. The Paul Gauguin offers luxurious cabins, multiple dining options, excursions and activities, attentive and friendly staff, diverse entertainment options, and amenities such as a library, spa, and fitness center. Hand sanitation machines were over to the side of restaurants and bars, very few people used them, and no staff members were assigned to see that they did. I caught Covid on the second last full day, despite taking all precautions. I tested myself in my cabin and immediately isolated and reported my case to guest services. The doctor came to see me and then charged me $121 for a service I didn’t ask for.
With such perks as 24-hour room service, my traveling companion and I couldn’t resist starting most days with breakfast in our bathrobes on our balcony amid the tropical splendor. The dining on Paul Gauguin is delicious and enticing; this is one cruise ship where caloric temptations lurk in every corner (although the restaurants do provide lighter menu options). Ponant has invested significant money in improving the dining onboard, and it shows in French butter, French wines and a wide array of cheeses, both French and otherwise, that go way beyond Brie. Perhaps no destination sparks images of romance and tropical beauty more perfectly than French Polynesia. Yet for all its fame as a honeymoon destination, most people know little about this chain of 118 islands beyond Tahiti, Bora Bora and the over-the-water bungalows that dominate our collective imagination.
Two men and four women, known as Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines, wear traditional pareos, with the men bearing their chests and one showing off his traditional, dark Tahitian tattoos, reflecting his family history. Using their hips and arms, they perform traditional dances and songs in Le Grand Salon, sometimes to dramatic video backdrops of island scenery. Colorful legends of gods, warriors, kings, and queens are part of the Tahitian culture, and these performances serve as a great introduction to these ancient stories.
In rugged and lush Moorea, a snorkeling excursion ensured more quality time with sharks and views of the coastline. The next day, after we purchased shell necklaces from artisans at the pier, we hired a guide who drove us past pineapple groves and up mountain peaks for views of the island’s stunning lagoon. Fresh off an eight-hour overnight Air Tahiti Nui flight on a Dreamliner from Los Angeles, we took this route and got in a nap before relaxing in the resort’s pools and fueling up with a buffet lunch. We were nicely refreshed by the time we arrived at the ship, which was docked in Papeete.
People often comment on how quiet the cabins are, which is perfect for anyone seeking a tranquil and soothing vacation. Additionally, the cabins are kept up properly and tidy, which contributes to the comfort and enjoyment of the visitors. The vessel’s Le Grill restaurant occasionally offers dining alfresco with stellar views.
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