Polynesian bliss on a freshly refurbished m/s Paul Gauguin

Sponsored by Paul Gauguin

Image ©Stirling Design International.

Everywhere you look, from Bora Bora to Motu Mahana, it is a screensaver.

With its unique blend of French and Polynesian cultures, jaw-dropping white beaches, azure waters and colourful coral reefs surrounded by 117m islands stretching for more than 2000 kms in the South Pacific, French Polynesia is the perfect paradise getaway.

No wonder, stately grand dame, m/s Paul Gauguin has been sailing these pristine waters for more than 25 years. She knows the local waters like the back of her hand. And when you embark on a voyage with Paul Gauguin Cruises, you will experience the heart and soul of Polynesian culture.

When Paul Gauguin Cruises joined Ponant in 2019, the French luxury expedition company was intent on making Paul Gauguin Cruises a global brand.

Today, the 25-year-old boutique liner has just been extensively refurbished with a new look pool deck, refreshed staterooms and upgraded internet.

She is also back with two new itineraries breaking into the waters of Indonesia, Melanesia and the South Pacific.

You can find out more by visiting Paul Gaugin Cruises to request your copy of the latest brochure, or call 1800 878 671 for more information.

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Inside the reimagined m/s Paul Gauguin

The 330-guest m/s Paul Gauguin ship has just been through a major facelift during her seven-week drydock in Singapore. She has returned looking refreshed with many features updated. The popular Le Grill restaurant next to the pool, has been given a makeover with a contemporary look with white and wood screens for guests to enjoy the open-seating breakfast buffets and casual lunch. Dinner is by reservation only, specialising in authentic Polynesian and international cuisine.

The pool deck now features a sweeping white canopy which provides ample shade for those using the white chaise loungers. The deck has also been refinished with new teak flooring.

Throughout the ship, soft furnishings have been refreshed with new upholstery and new carpets to give the ship a more elegant South Sea look and feel.

With increasing popularity of multi-generational family travel, there are now eight new connecting staterooms on Deck 7.

A new seawater treatment system has also been installed to produce fresh water onboard and the use of plastic bottles has been eliminated.

The major refurbishment has retained m/s Paul Gauguin’s unique personality offering a relaxed and international atmosphere that is decidedly different from other ships. Her shallow draft also allows her access to shallow lagoons and isolated islands.

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New itineraries for 2025

Indonesia’s Sacred Temples and Sanctuaries, departs April 1 – 15 2025

This 15-day voyage aboard m/s Paul Gauguin from Singapore to Darwin delves into the heart of the Java, Flores, Banna and Timor Seas. The journey has been designed to discover the idyllic Indonesian islands of Bangka, Semarang, Surabaya, Bali, Komodo and Timor.

After departing multicultural Singapore, m/s Paul Gauguin will sail south to the warm waters of Java and arrive on the pristine shores of Bangka Island, a jewel off the east coast of Sumatra to enjoy Parai Beach. You will then call at Semarang, a cosmopolitan city of Chinese and Indo-Arabic locals where you will explore the incredible Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to 240 temples.

In Surabaya, you will get a taste for the country’s colonial past, then fall under the spiritual charm of Bali with its lush rice terraces and majestic temples. You will come face-to-face with the famous Komodo dragons at the Komodo National Park. You will sail to the Timorese capital of Dili with its rich history and cultural heritage before ending your cruise in Darwin.

An Escapade in the heart of Melanesia, departs April 15 – May 1 2025

This 17-day journey into the heart of South Pacific most beautiful archipelagos, will explore five countries – Australia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji. After departing Darwin, you will sail to Thursday Island and learn about its pearling and military history. You will then experience the warm hospitality of Alotau and the historic charm of Samarai Island in PNG. In Solomon Islands, you will discover its untouched beauty and the role it played in World War II. Take a guided tour of its capital city Honiara where you will visit Parliament House, war memorials, Botanic Gardens and the National Museum.

When m/s Paul Gauguin calls at Espiritu Santo Island in Vanuatu, you will be captivated by the “water music women” – performers dressed in traditional costumes and bringing together the rhythms of the ukulele-led melodies. Take in the unimaginable landscape of volcanic rocks, sandy lagoons and turquoise waters. In Port Vila, a tropical pearl in Vanuatu, you will notice how time seem to stand still. Make sure you visit the colourful markets overflowing with tropical fruit, vegetable-fibre baskets and traditional masks. Your final port of call is Lautoka, the second largest city of Fiji, known for its sugar cane fields.

It is also called the gateway to Fiji’s Sun Coast of abundant sunshine, azure skies and quaint market towns.

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Now with a special offer

These are the evergreen itineraries which Paul Gauguin Cruises specialises in and are very popular with cruisers keen to get a taste of French Polynesia – plus if you book by April 30 you can take advantage of a $1,500 flight credit per person on select departures! (Conditions apply).

8-day Tahiti & Society Islands

There’s the eight-day Tahiti & the Society Islands voyage visiting Tahiti, Huahine, Motu Mahana, Bora Bora and Moorea, featuring stunning beaches, amazing lagoons and rich Polynesian heritage.

8-day Pearls of the Society Islands

There’s also the eight-day Pearls of the Society Islands journey which will depart Papeete for Huahine, Raiatea, the sacred birthplace of Polynesian culture, Motu Mahana, Bora Bora, Moorea and disembarking at Papeete. This is a cruise to discover the natural treasures and traditions of the Society Islands.

12-day Cook Islands & Society Islands

For an extra five days, there’s the 12-day voyage combining Cook Islands & Society Islands including Aitutaki and Rarotonga. After visiting the gems of Society Islands and learning about their pearl farms and snorkeling in  crystal-clear waters with its exceptional coral reefs, m/s Paul Gauguin will sail further south. She will then visit Cook Islands including the Aitutaki lagoon and the wild and natural beauty of Rarotonga.

11-day Society Islands

You can also sail with Paul Gauguin Cruises for 11 days to explore the gems of Society Islands, then visit Tuamotus and Rangiroa, a gigantic atoll best known for its cultivation of black pearls. Go diving at Fakarava, a UNESCO-classified nature reserve and discover the reefs.

15-day Marquesas, the Tuamotus and Society Islands

For a longer experience, book the 15-day Marquesas, the Tuamotus and Society Islands itinerary. From the rugged beauty of the Marquesas Islands, you will call at the dense forests of Nuku Hiva and ancient rock carvings on the islands of Hiva Oa and Fatu Hiva.

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Summary

The authentic Polynesian cultural experience onboard m/s Paul Gauguin is second to none. The local cuisine, Polynesian dances, ceremonies and music are explained by guides who are steeped in the history of the region. Shore excursions are run by knowledgeable hosts who live and breathe the Polynesian heritage.

Visit Paul Gaugin Cruises to request your own copy of the latest brochure or call 1800 878 671 for more information.