There is arguably no cruise destination on Earth more evocative of pure tropical paradise than French Polynesia. From the soaring emerald spires of Bora Bora’s Mount Otemanu to the translucent turquoise lagoons of Moorea and the secluded motus of Taha’a, exploring the South Pacific requires a vessel engineered specifically for its shallow coral passes. For over 25 years, the award-winning m/s Paul Gauguin has reigned as the premier luxury small ship in Tahiti, hosting just 330 privileged guests served by 217 dedicated crew members.

The m/s Paul Gauguin boasts a shallow 17.1-foot draft, allowing it to navigate inside the barrier reefs of French Polynesia where large megaships cannot enter.

Stateroom & Suite Hierarchy on the m/s Paul Gauguin

Refurbished extensively under the ownership of luxury French line PONANT, the m/s Paul Gauguin blends warm teak woodwork, Polynesian art accents, and modern French residential chic. The table below details dimensions, deck placements, and butler service inclusions across all categories:

Owner's Suite 7002, featuring warm Polynesian wood appointments, separate living salon, and expansive picture windows.

Deep-Dive: The Flagship Owner’s Suites (OS 701 & 7001)

There are only two Owner’s Suites aboard the entire ship, making them among the most coveted reservations in luxury cruising. Measuring 534 square feet, these forward-facing retreats offer an exclusive residential atmosphere:

1. Separate Residential Living & Private Dining

Entering an Owner’s Suite reveals a full entryway leading into an expansive living room furnished with a plush sofa, armchair, cocktail table, and multimedia console. Adjacent is a formal dining area where your personal butler can serve multi-course dinners from any of the ship’s three fine dining venues—L’Etoile, La Veranda, or Le Grill—paired with vintage wines.

2. Master Bedroom & Luxury Bath with Soaking Tub

The master bedroom features an ultra-comfortable European queen bed with premium linens, flanked by private reading lamps and floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors opening onto your teak veranda. The ensuite master bathroom is a sanctuary, outfitted with dual vanities, polished marble countertops, a separate glass-enclosed shower, and a full-size soaking bathtub—a rare and treasured amenity in small-ship cruising.

Private teak veranda of the Owner's Suite, providing panoramic ocean vistas while approaching Bora Bora or Moorea.

The lavish marble-appointed bathroom in the Grand Suite, featuring a full-size soaking tub and designer bath botanicals.

Category B vs. Category C: The Butler & Balcony Upgrade Decision

For the majority of travelers, the primary booking choice comes down to Category B Veranda Staterooms on Deck 8 versus Category C Balcony Staterooms on Deck 7:

• Square Footage Difference: Category B provides 305 sq. ft. of total living space (249 sq. ft. stateroom + 56 sq. ft. veranda), while Category C provides 249 sq. ft. total (197 sq. ft. stateroom + 52 sq. ft. veranda). Category B feels noticeably wider with additional wardrobe closet space.
• The Butler Advantage: Category B is the entry-level tier that includes dedicated butler service. Your butler unpacks luggage, presses garments upon arrival, serves course-by-course canapés and cocktails on your private veranda, and reserves prime watersports equipment.
• Deck Placement: Category B sits on Deck 8, placing you steps away from the pool deck, La Palette observation lounge, and outdoor sun decks. Category C is situated on Deck 7, directly accessible to the central atrium.

Category A Veranda Suites on Deck 7 offer 358 square feet of space with an integrated sitting lounge and butler service.

Category B Veranda Staterooms on Deck 8 include dedicated butler service and spacious private verandas.

Category C Balcony Staterooms represent the sweet spot for travelers seeking private veranda views across French Polynesia.

Unrivaled South Pacific Experiences Included with Paul Gauguin

What truly sets Paul Gauguin apart from any other cruise line in the Pacific are its proprietary onboard amenities and private island sanctuaries:

1. Retractable Watersports Marina

At anchor in the calm lagoons of Bora Bora, Huahine, or Moorea, the stern of the ship lowers a specially engineered watersports marina platform. Guests can step right down to sea level and launch complimentary ocean kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and windsurfers, or grab custom-fitted snorkel gear. The ship also features a certified onboard PADI scuba diving facility for beginners and advanced divers alike.

2. Motu Mahana: Paul Gauguin’s Private Islet Day

Off the coast of Taha’a (the fragrant Vanilla Island), guests spend an unforgettable day on Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin’s exclusive private islet. Enjoy a lavish barbecue buffet on shaded white-sand beaches, swim out to the legendary floating bar where chilled rum punches and fresh young coconuts are served right in the water, and listen to live Polynesian ukulele music.

Motu Mahana: Paul Gauguin's exclusive private islet off Taha'a, featuring beach barbecues, watersports, and floating lagoon bars.

3. Overnight Stays in Bora Bora & Moorea

Unlike conventional cruises that rush out of port before sunset, Paul Gauguin schedules overnight stays in both Bora Bora and Moorea. This allows guests to watch sunset cocktails over Mount Otemanu, take evening lagoon boat rides, or dine beneath the stars without watching the clock.

Anchored in the protected lagoon of Bora Bora, guests wake up to postcard-perfect views of Mount Otemanu.

Cook's Bay in Moorea: Majestic mountain peaks frame the tranquil waters where the m/s Paul Gauguin anchors.

All-Inclusive Polynesian Luxury: What's Included

Paul Gauguin delivers an authentic, all-inclusive luxury cruise experience:

• All Gourmet Meals & Dining Venues: Open-seating dining across L’Etoile, La Veranda, and Le Grill, featuring menus crafted by French Master Chefs.
• Complimentary Beverages & Fine Wines: Selected fine wines, premium spirits, beers, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages served throughout the ship.
• In-Cabin Minibar Replenished Daily: Customized with your preferred beers, soft drinks, and mineral water.
• Complimentary Watersports Marina: Kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear provided directly from the stern platform.
• Private Island Access: Full days at Motu Mahana (Taha'a) and the private beach in Bora Bora.
• Les Gauguines & Les Gauguins: Local Tahitian cultural ambassadors onboard who teach flower crown making, Polynesian dancing, and ukulele strumming.
• All Gratuities Included: Onboard shipboard gratuities are fully covered in the cruise tariff.