Expert review of Paul Gauguin Cruises
Best For
Couples seeking a relaxing small-ship cruise in the South Pacific or an intimate, yacht-like voyage in Europe or the Caribbean.
Not For
Families with young children or singles traveling alone. Those who expect Silversea-, Seabourn- or Crystal-caliber service and amenities may be disappointed.
We Love
- The all-inclusive cruise fares cover select wines and spirits and shipboard gratuities; round-trip airfare from Los Angeles is also included in many Paul Gauguin fares.
- Both ships were refurbished in 2012; the 332-passenger Paul Gauguin was built in 1997, and the 88-passenger Tere Moana was built in 1998.
- A whopping 70 percent of Paul Gauguin’s cabins have balconies, and all feature an ocean view. Plus, most have roomy bathrooms with full-size tubs.
- The Parisian-Polynesian cuisine in the three dining venues on Paul Gauguin includes everything from simple poisson cru to foie gras terrines.
- Both ships feature La Veranda and L’Etoile, which serve dishes by a two-Michelin-star Parisian chef. (Our advice? Reserve upon boarding.)
- On Motu Mahana, the line’s private island near Taha’a in French Polynesia, Paul Gauguin passengers can swim and snorkel.
We Could Live Without
- The side-to-side rocking Paul Gauguin can experience when outside of lagoons.
- The ship’s age is sometimes apparent; there’s a mildew odor in certain stairwells and corridors on Paul Gauguin.
- The theme lunch buffets — do you really crave Mexican food in, say, Tahiti?
