It’s hard to describe just how many shades of blue there are in the Tahitian waters. From deep blue to bright aqua, the waters come alive with every shade in between.It’s hard to describe just how many shades of blue there are in the Tahitian waters. From deep blue to bright aqua, the waters come alive with every shade in between.
The M/S Paul Gauguin reflects the true essence of French Polynesia. After all, PG has called these waters their home since 2009. It’s also an all inclusive cruise so gratuities, select wines and spirits are all included in the fare as well as airfare from Los Angeles.
Our cruise itinerary focused on the Society Islands, which includes Papette (Tahiti), Tahaa, Huahune, Moorea and Bora Bora.
Despite the many accolades and awards earned, I approached the Paul Gauguin cruise with my own trained travel agent’s eye.
I must say it did live up to all its hype!
The staff in particular were warm and friendly; the ship intimate yet not confining and the overall relaxed ambiance was so infectious that one was really able to just sit back and be pampered.
Some very noteworthy features unique to Paul Gauguin:
- Small size ships with just 325-guest enables the ship to move into coves larger ships cannot navigate so you’ll visit smaller islands & ports.
- It’s surprisingly unpretentious for being a true 5 star cruise- no formal wear or big gala captain’s nights.
- Food is elegantly served up in 3 open seating dining venues with choices ranging from the fresh catch of the day to amazing vegetarian fare. One can savor fine French cuisine in La Veranda (the escargots and creme brulee rivaled anything I’ve had in Paris!) Wonderful French champagne is always being poured and 24-hour room service is available for those who prefer to dine on their balconies.
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The food was topnotch, made to order and fresh!
- Well appointed staterooms start at 200 sq. ft. with most being balconies. (Those who book a balcony will find it well used)
- An on board watersport marina offers snorkel and scuba gear, kayaks, windsurfing and paddleboard- hassle free and complimentary.
We swam with sharks! Best excursion ever!
- Easy access to exclusive private beaches. The Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin’s private island retreat is a real Polynesian experience with local food barbecue and floating bar!
- Shore excursions were well priced and revolved around the sea life. Tahitian culture and adventure tour selections were excellent as well. If swimming with sharks and sting rays are on your must do this, Bora Bora is the place to do it and I highly recommend it!
The lush vegetation and mountainous landscape is right out of a page from Captain Cooks’ log book and one can only imagine what it must have been like to be the first to land on these shores.
Sailing the Tahitian islands onboard the Paul Gauguin has been on our bucket list for some time and it was everything I thought it would be and more. If Tahiti is on your list, this cruise is one of the best ways to experience this enchanted part of the world….
Written and traveled by President, Jennie Mechanic
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