Frequently Asked Questions

Designed specifically to glide in luxury through the shallow seas of the South Pacific, The Gauguin is a small-ship cruiser’s dream. She delivers travelers to intimate ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships, all the while providing a travel experience that is nothing short of luxurious. Once on board, guests enjoy newly-decorated spacious suites and staterooms (nearly 70% with private balconies), an onboard watersports marina, three dining venues, an extensive spa, and five-star service. Life on The Gauguin also reflects the beauty and rich cultural heritage of the islands she calls upon, with a warm, friendly feel, informal setting, and even a beloved troupe of Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines—local Tahitians who serve as onboard hosts and hostesses, entertainers, and storytellers.

Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the highest-rated and longest continually-sailing cruise ship in the South Pacific, the renowned m/s Paul Gauguin, designed to explore the pristine lagoons of these islands, while our proud team of local Tahitians extend genuine Polynesian hospitality. Artful onboard features include luxurious, oceanview accommodations with balconies in select staterooms, gourmet dining, a lavish spa offering signature treatments, an expansive deck and outdoor pool, fitness center, a boutique, and a lounge with live entertainment introducing you to Polynesia’s vibrant cultures. The Gauguin also offers a watersports marina for kayaking, paddleboarding, and PADI SCUBA diving programs. Only with Paul Gauguin Cruises can you visit our private island of Motu Mahana (off the coast of Taha’a) where food, drink, and live music await as well as our exclusive beach retreat in Bora Bora*.

In September 2019, Paul Gauguin Cruises joined PONANT’s family, the world leader of small ship cruising.

_{*Subject to availability as conditions allow. When unable to call there, we will be offering a tender to the pier and a free shuttle to Matira Beach, the island’s award-winning public beach that features restaurants, public facilities and shopping. Voted #1 in the best things to do in Bora Bora by U.S. News & World Report, Matira Beach boasts powdery white sand, waters in a thousand shades of blue, and is wonderfully uncrowded.}

Yes, the alternating current 220 volts 50 Hertz is distributed through outlets compliant with European standards. The electricity on board is in 220 volts AC (European standard) and 110 volts AC (North American standard). For safety reasons, the use of hair straighteners and irons is not allowed in the staterooms. On board Le Ponant, the 110 volts AC is only distributed in the bathroom of the staterooms.

Please see CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS details on our Terms & Conditions page.

Yes, we offer group travel benefits. When you gather a group of 10 travelers, you’ll earn savings of 5% off applicable cruise fares. For additional details, please contact our Group, Charter & Incentive Reservations at 866-910-0447, press 1 and then 3; or by email at pgcgroups@pgcruises.com.

All new bookings including Groups beginning October 7, 2024, are subject to the following payment terms: 

○ 25% deposit required within 72 hours of booking to confirm a reservation

○ Final payment must be received 90 days prior to voyage departure date. There is no grace period after 90 days. Bookings not paid in full at 90 days are subject to cancellation at 100% penalty.

In the event you need a cancel a voyage aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, please refer to our cancellation policy. All cancellations need to be made through our reservations department by calling 866-905-7087 or in writing by email to CustomerService@pgcruises.com.

We recommend an Allianz Global Assistance Travel Protection Plan to help you protect your travel investments, belongings and most importantly, yourself. Learn more about plan benefits and other details.

Staterooms and suites on both port and starboard sides of the m/s Paul Gauguin offer great viewing opportunities of the islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji, and the South Pacific. 

After receipt of final payment and required guest information, cruise documents will be sent approximately 25 days prior to your cruise departure. If your cruise includes Paul Gauguin Cruises air/sea program, the flight itinerary will be issued whenever possible in the form of e-tickets. 

We recommend booking a cruise with Paul Gauguin Cruises through your travel advisor. You can also book a cruise by calling Paul Gauguin Cruises at 888-364-3057 or online at pgcruises.com.

The travel documents for your upcoming cruise will be sent to you via email 30 days prior to your sailing date.  

Travel documents vary based on cruise itinerary. It is the sole responsibility of guests to identify and obtain all required travel documents for the entire cruise vacation and have them available when necessary. Valid travel documents such as passports and Visas are required for boarding and re-entry into the United States and other countries.

All guests must carry a valid passport. Passports must be valid for at least six months after your return date of travel. Guests are responsible to ensure validity dates of passport and to secure proper documentation for countries visited. Please consult your respective State Department or Foreign Ministry for specific Visa and entry requirements for countries scheduled on your itinerary.

Travel documents vary based on cruise itinerary. It is the sole responsibility of guests to identify and obtain all required travel documents for the entire cruise vacation and have them available when necessary. Valid travel documents such as passports and visas are required for boarding and re-entry into the United States and other countries.

All guests must carry a valid passport. Passports must be valid for at least six months after your return date of travel. Guests are responsible to ensure validity dates of passports and to secure proper documentation for countries visited. Please consult your respective State Department or Foreign Ministry for specific Visa and entry requirements for countries scheduled on your itinerary. For U.S. citizens, further information can be found by visiting: http://travel.state.gov/.

VISAS

It is the sole responsibility of guests to identify and obtain all required Visas for the entire cruise vacation and have them available when necessary. PGC accepts no responsibility for obtaining required Visas nor advising guests of Visa or other immigration requirements.

For destinations on voyages that require a Visa, please visit the individual consulates or CIBT Visas, a visa service provider of Paul Gauguin Cruises, to assist with obtaining the collection of travel documents. For CIBT Visas, visit www.Cibtvisas.com/paulgauguin.

All information noted herein are for general information purposes only.

Tahiti:Citizens of the U.S., Canada, and European Community are not currently required to have an entry Visa for Tahiti, but a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the completion of travel, and a valid return airline ticket are necessary.

Australia Visa:Passengers arriving by cruise ship must obtain a Visitor Visa and must be in possession of it prior to leaving the last non-Australian port. The only exemptions are New Zealand citizens traveling on a New Zealand passport. Tourists to Australia can apply online for an instant tourist visa (also known as the Electronic Travel Authority or ETA Visa). Please visit the Australian Visa Bureau here.

Fiji Visa:Depending on nationality, certain guests are NOT required to obtain a visa before entering Fiji as visitors; however, they need to ensure that the following conditions are met: they hold a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from date of entry into Fiji and are in possession of return or outbound tickets. Explore the most up to date list of visa-exempted countries here: https://www.immigration.gov.fj/visa-exempted-countries/

Indonesia Visa:Visas will be available for purchase onboard the m/s Paul Gauguin for passengers arriving at Komodo Island as the first point of entry into Indonesia. Komodo Island is currently not a gate of immigration checkpoint that will give Visa exemption. Explore the most up to date list of countries eligible to apply for Visitor Visa to Indonesia: https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/front/info/evoa

Papua New Guinea:Passengers of all nationalities arriving by cruise ship do not need a Visa.

Solomon Islands:Immigrations will issue a blanket Visa for all passengers arriving on a cruise ship.

Timor-LesteIndonesian nationals can obtain a visa on arrival; Portuguese citizens are visa-exempt. Travelers from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan must apply at least 30 days in advance. Most other nationalities may get a tourist visa on arrival at Dili Sea Port (fees apply), valid for a single entry up to 30 days. A passport valid for 6+ months, one blank page, and proof of onward travel or sufficient funds are required.

Vanuatu: Australian, British, Canadian, EU, and U.S. nationals are visa-exempt for stays up to 30 days. Find more information here: https://immigration.gov.vu/visa-exempted-countries/

Pregnant women should consult with their doctor prior to sailing and must provide Paul Gauguin Cruises with a doctor’s written permission prior to sailing that states she is fit to travel by sea and air. Paul Gauguin Cruises will not accept any guest 3 months (12 weeks) or more into pregnancy at the time of sailing due to the lack of neo-natal care facilities on board.

INOCULATIONS

Consult your healthcare professional for any inoculations you may require, or contact the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) toll-free at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-844-425-6051) or online at www.cdc.gov/travel.

YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION REQUIREMENTThe Ministry of Health in French Polynesia confirms the requirement that travelers arriving from countries with high-risk areas of yellow fever be vaccinated for yellow fever. The vaccine is required for all travelers over the age of 12 months who are arriving from high-risk countries and for those who have spent more than 12 hours in any airport of these high-risk countries. A single dose of this vaccine gives long-lasting immunity and protection for life against yellow fever. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that they are vaccinated for yellow fever at least 10 days before their departure. A vaccination certificate may be requested at boarding and/or on arrival.

List of high-risk countries that require yellow fever vaccination.

Embarkation starts at 3:00 p.m. local time at the m/s Paul Gauguin’s assigned pier at any of our embarkation ports. We suggest guests who are not part of Paul Gauguin Cruises’ air/sea program arrive at the m/s Paul Gauguin’s assigned pier starting at 3:00 p.m. Boarding must be completed before 5:00 pm as all of our Guest must  participate in the mandatory muster drill. We ask that embarking guests not present themselves to board the ship before the designated time as early embarkation is not possible while the ship is being prepared for arrival.

The departure time for the m/s Paul Gauguin from Papeete, Tahiti is now scheduled for 6:30 p.m. local time. Itineraries are subject to change without notice. Please consult your travel advisor to confirm sailing times for specific itineraries. We are making this change to enhance the beginning of the cruise by providing a picturesque sail away from Papeete while our guests are entertained by the ship’s local troupe of entertainers— Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines —on the pool deck.

Disembarkation begins at 7:00 am local time and must be completed by 9:00 am. Disembarkation instructions are provided in each guest’s stateroom prior to departure.

The m/s Paul Gauguin arrives in Papeete at 7:30 pm. Guests may disembark at any time afterward by first checking out at the reception desk to finalize their own board account.

Children under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult over the age of 21. . If the adult accompanying the child is not a parent, a “Parental Consent Guardianship Form” must be signed by a parent or legal guardian and received by PGC prior to sailing. The ship is not able to accommodate children under one year of age and reserve the right to restrict the number of those under three years of age on board. Babysitting services are not available. Parents must be diligent to guard their children while on or near the balconies or any railing. The ship is not equipped to provide pre-natal, post-natal or pediatric services. Summer and holiday sailings of the m/s Paul Gauguin feature the Moana Explorer Program. 

Summer and holiday sailings of the m/s Paul Gauguin feature the Moana Explorer Program. Offered in partnership with Te mana o te moana, a South Pacific marine education and conservation foundation, this program invites guests to discover and value the natural wonders through hands-on, interactive learning. While it is designed for children and teens ages 7-15, all family members are welcome to participate. 

“Open seating” means you can dine whenever, wherever, and with whomever you choose during regular dining hours aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin. Reservations are required for dining in La Veranda and Le Grill in the evenings for dinner and can be made with the restaurant Maitre d’ aboard the ship.

Reservations are required for dining in La Veranda and Le Grill in the evenings for dinner and can be made with the restaurant Maitre d’ aboard the ship.

Please advise the Paul Gauguin Cruises Reservations Department of any special dietary requirements at least 60 days prior to sailing. Ask for “special services” at 855-626-2077. Once aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, the Matire d’ Hotel will review dietary requirements with guests. Vegetarian, vegan, low-sodium, and heart healthy dishes are served aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin.

If you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, renewal of vows, honeymoon, or other special occasions during your cruise, allow us to celebrate with you. Advise us of such occasions on your Guest Information Form between four and six weeks prior to departure. Paul Gauguin Cruises offers a blessing ceremony during every sailing of the m/s Paul Gauguin and optional packages for honeymoons, anniversaries, and renewals of vows are also available. Specialty Items & Gifts

Country Club Casual, or elegant resort wear, is appropriate dress for all evenings aboard The Gauguin. A dress, or skirt or slacks with a blouse or sweater for ladies, and slacks and collared shirts for gentlemen. No ties are required at any time, although gentlemen may opt to wear a jacket to the Captain’s Welcome Reception.

We recommend that you pack the following travel essentials for a cruise aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin: Comfortable cool clothing of natural fibers, elegant resort wear for evenings, sun hat, sunglasses, sun block, swimsuit, pool slippers, beach cover-ups, swimming t-shirt (or Lycra® top) preferably long sleeved, mosquito repellent, travel alarm, medication, personal medicine kit, and reef shoes (sturdy, closed-toe).

Onboard laundry services, including pressing and eco-friendly cleaning services, are available for a per item cost and may be arranged through your stateroom/suite steward/stewardess.

Each stateroom or suite is equipped with a personal safe. Paul Gauguin Cruises is not responsible for any personal articles such as money, jewelry, cameras, binoculars, documents, or any other items that are retained personally or in your stateroom or suite.

Butler service is available in suite/stateroom categories B and above on the m/s Paul Gauguin. Butlers are always available to assist with unpacking, packing and arranging excursions.

Paul Gauguin Cruises provides binoculars in the following cabin categories aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin: Category A Veranda Suites, Grand Suites, and Owner’s Suites.

The ship’s boutique offers a selection of fine Tahitian jewelry from Hinerava, designer fashions, perfumes and local items. Toiletries and convenience items are also available for purchase. The boutique may be closed occasionally while in port due to local government regulations.

For your convenience at the time of embarkation, Paul Gauguin Cruises will request a confidential registration of an accepted credit card. The night prior to your final disembarkation from the ship, a detailed statement of your shipboard charges for onboard services and products will be delivered to your suite or stateroom. All such charges must be paid in full by cash or accepted credit card (Visa®, Mastercard®, or American Express®).

The U.S. Dollar is the standard currency aboard m/s Paul Gauguin, and you may exchange dollars for small denominations of local currency at the ship’s reception desk. Guests are not able to exchange dollars for local currency for the following countries: Fiji (Fijian dollar) and Vanuatu (Vanuatu vatu).

Local currencies on itineraries with Paul Gauguin Cruises are as follows: French Polynesia: French Pacific Franc (XPF); Fiji: Fijian Dollar (FJD); Cook Islands: New Zealand Dollar (NZD); and Tonga: Pa’anga (TOP).

Gratuities for room stewards, dining and bar staff are included in your cruise fare. If you feel strongly about expressing your gratitude to the crew, you are encouraged to make a donation to the Crew Appreciation Fund at the Purser’s Office. This money is used for crew parties and events.

A licensed and registered doctor and nurse is available for professional and emergency services, which are available at customary charges. The ship’s medical center is designed to provide medical care for certain temporary illnesses and accidents, and is not intended or capable of providing on-going treatment of pre-existing medical conditions. For guests requiring oxygen equipment, an oxygen concentrator is the only form of oxygen equipment allowed aboard ship and must be provided by the guest. Wheelchairs are for emergency purposes only.

Guests must provide their own wheelchair for use during their cruise aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin. The wheelchairs aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin are exclusively for use in emergencies only.

If family and friends need to get in contact with current guests cruising aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, they can contact the ship directly.

The ship is equipped with a state-of-the-art communication system. Internet access is complimentary throughout the ship for all guests. 

Paul Gauguin Cruises has an advanced cellular network installed onboard our ship, allowing guests to place and receive calls using their personal mobile phones when the ship is in international waters. For questions about services or about pricing and billing, guests should contact their mobile phone provider’s customer service department prior to sailing. Mobile phones must be able to roam internationally, and their provider must have a roaming agreement with Maritime Communications Partner AS (MCP).

For safety reasons, irons, including travel irons, are not permitted on board the m/s Paul Gauguin. Pressing services are available aboard the ship for a nominal fee.

The standard electrical voltage aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin is 220 volts. Both 220-volt and 110-volt outlets are available in staterooms and suites.

For safety and security reasons, drones are not permitted to be brought aboard the ship.

Outbound mail service and postage are available on board the m/s Paul Gauguin at a nominal charge.

For the comfort, convenience, and safety of all our guests, smoking and vaping is prohibited in public rooms, dining rooms, staterooms, suites, and private balconies aboard the ship, and pipe smoking is not allowed on board. Smoking and vaping is permitted only in specifically designated outdoor smoking areas including the forward outdoor areas on Deck 5 (starboard and port sides), La Palette (outside area, starboard side only), and Bar Du Soleil (starboard side only).

Smoking Safety Notice: Always use the ashtrays and never throw cigarettes overboard – they could be blown back into the ship and cause a fire. 

If you have made your own arrangements for air transportation, ground transfers, and/or hotel accommodations, you are designated as a “cruise-only” guest of Paul Gauguin Cruises. You must make independent transfer arrangements to the hotel or ship if you haven’t pre-booked a transfer with Paul Gauguin Cruises.

If guests deviate from Paul Gauguin Cruises standard Air/Sea program, guests will need to secure their own transportation to the ship or hotel in Papeete, Tahiti.

Air transportation is based on Economy/Coach or similar class of service on scheduled or charter services of IATA, U.S. or international air carriers. Designated air departure or return cities are at the discretion of PGC and are subject to change without notice. PGC reserves the right to choose the air carrier, routing and scheduling to and from each city and the right to substitute charter flights for scheduled air and vice versa. Service is subject to availability.

Airline tickets issued by PGC are restricted by contract and may not be reissued or exchanged for another air carrier or routing In addition the airline tickets are nontransferable to another guest.

Cancellation or rebooking charges may be assessed by the airline for any changes which are the sole responsibility of the guest.

Advance seat selection is subject to the policy of the participating air carrier and may not be available. The service and responsibility of the air carrier used in conjunction with any PGC cruise program is subject to and limited by the "Contact of Carriage" as specified by the air carrier for each ticket issued.

Guests using an Air/Sea Program may upgrade to Business or First-Class air service subject to space availability by the airline used in conjunction with the itinerary, and upon payment of the applicable airfare. PGC does not redeem airline accrued frequent flyer mileage for Air/Sea upgrades. The possibility of such redemption is at the sole discretion of the airlines and must be handled directly with the participating carrier.

Ask your Travel Advisor or our Reservations team about air from Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui including transfers and hotel day rooms in Tahiti. We offer a variety of hotel programs pre-cruise and post-cruise for guests wishing to extend their vacation. Please visit the Extend Your Trip section of our website for further details. 

It depends on traffic, but typically is a 20-minute drive from the international airport in Tahiti to the pier in downtown Papeete where the m/s Paul Gauguin is docked.

For the m/s Paul Gauguin, it depends on what day of the week you embark your cruise. For a Saturday departure, you might have to fly late Friday evening, arriving early the next morning or fly in on Saturday for direct embarkation. You may embark the ship beginning at 3:00 p.m. Most Wednesday departures offer flights from Los Angeles that arrive in time for direct embarkation for m/s Paul Gauguin.

Guests using an Air/Sea Program may upgrade to Business or First-Class air service subject to space availability by the airline used in conjunction with the itinerary, and upon payment of the applicable airfare. Paul Gauguin Cruises does not redeem airline accrued frequent flyer mileage for Air/Sea upgrades. The possibility of such redemption is at the sole discretion of the airlines and must be handled directly with the participating carrier.

Advance seat selection is subject to the policy of the participating air carrier and may not be available. The service and responsibility of the air carrier used in conjunction with any Paul Gauguin Cruises’ program is subject to and limited by the "Contact of Carriage" as specified by the air carrier for each ticket issued.

At time of final payment, 90 days prior to sailing, all air records must be finalized with: guest’s name as it appears on the passport, date of birth, and gender. Our air program requires that we issue airline tickets 75 days prior to travel date. If we do not have information for air records at the time of final payment (90 days out), guests could be liable for obtaining their own flight arrangements and subsequently be responsible for the cost of their air travel.

The allowance per passenger depends on the policy of the airline. To avoid fees, Paul Gauguin Cruises recommends you check with your airline directly as baggage allowance varies depending on airline, route and class of service.

Paul Gauguin Cruises primarily uses Air Tahiti Nui for international flights out of Los Angeles to and from Tahiti on French Polynesia Cruises.

Paul Gauguin Cruises offers guests of the m/s Paul Gauguin the option to purchase a pre- or post-cruise hotel or overwater bungalow stay in Bora Bora or other islands, where available. Visit our Extend Your Trip page for more information.

Paul Gauguin Cruises offers guests of the m/s Paul Gauguin the option to purchase a pre- or post-cruise hotel or overwater bungalow stay in Moorea or other islands, where available. Visit our Extend Your Trip page for more information.

Paul Gauguin Cruises offers guests of the m/s Paul Gauguin the option to purchase a pre- or post-cruise hotel stays in Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, and other applicable destinations. 

Guests of Paul Gauguin Cruises on the post-cruise transfer tour can enjoy a sightseeing in Tahiti with visits to the James Norman Hall House, Venus Point, handicraft center, and Tahara'a View Point before arriving at their designated hotel in Tahiti.

If you purchase Paul Gauguin Cruises’ pre-cruise hotel package, transfers are included, if you provide Paul Gauguin Cruises with your flight arrival information into Papeete, Tahiti.

Paul Gauguin Cruises offers guests of The Gauguin the option to purchase a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay in a variety of destinations. To view options, please visit: www.pgcruises.com/extend-trip.