Paul Gauguin Cruises
There’s one cruise line that for many years has made French Polynesia it’s home. Paul Gauguin Cruises is one of the most regular and frequent ships sailing around Tahiti, the Cook Islands and occasionally to other islands such as Fiji and Tonga. They are an ideal way to explore these remote and idyllic islands.
Kirsten and I boarded the ship in Papeete to the music of singers and strumming ukuleles. Staff were quick to check our ID and whisk our luggage onto the boat while we took our time to board. A refreshing cold damp towel was provided to cool our faces in the heat of the day just before we headed up the gangway to board the ship.
Boarding time is after 3 pm in Papeete although the ship did not leave until about 11 pm. It usually waits until passengers come in on the last flights of the evening. About 70% of the staff are friendly Filipinos whose main interest is to service people and provide them with an exceptional experience. We were not disappointed.
There are three dining rooms onboard, two of which require reservations. Paul Gauguin Cruises has an open seating policy for dining which means you can dine anytime, anywhere with anyone. Just show up and you will be taken to an available table. The only catch is that after 6 pm we had to be dressed in a collar shirt and pants for men and a dress, skirt, slacks and blouse for women. It’s a good thing I had packed a polo shirt because they are fairly rigid on their dress code. Flip flops, crocks and shorts are taboo after 6 pm but fine for breakfast and lunch.
We visited many ports on our cruise around the Society Islands of French Polynesia. The weather was great and I was once again mesmerized by the turquoise and blue waters of the bays. Tahaa was especially stunning on a sunny day and Gauguin Cruises has a private motu (islet) called Motu Mahana just off of Tahaa. By the time we woke up in the morning, we opened our window and from our balcony had a stunning overwater experience. Many people clamour for an overwater bungalow. I have to say, an overwater suite on this cruise ship is just as good.
Compared to other places I have stayed in French Polynesia, Paul Gauguin cruises provide an incredible value considering the high level of service they provide. The meals as well were incredibly delicious and with a great variety of options to choose from. We had buffet breakfasts, buffet salads and deserts for lunch with a few options to order from for main courses. Then for dinner, we ate at each of the three restaurants and always went back to our room completely satisfied. Compared to a comparable meal at a 4 or 5-star resort which is between $30 to $50 per person, this was all included. One other great thing is that Paul Gauguin Cruises’ pricing includes unlimited drinks and tips are included (as tipping is not customary in French Polynesia).
All in all, I would highly recommend a cruise on Paul Gauguin Cruises. It not only provides for great value but you only have to unpack your bags once and you have the opportunity to explore a different island or location each day. For a person who has visited over 25 islands in French Polynesia, I would say this is the way to do it.
