Paul Gauguin Cruises has been voted Best Small Cruise in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. With a score of 95.63 topping a list of 21 small-ship cruise lines (less than 500 guests), the recognition is a testament to the artfully authentic discovery, all-inclusive luxury, and exceptional service guests enjoy on immersive voyages exploring Tahiti and the South Pacific on the line’s 330-guest beloved ship, the m/s Paul Gauguin.
Now in its 37th year, Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards captured the opinions of more than a half-million travelers to recognize the best of the best in travel, from cruises and airlines to hotels, cities, and islands.
“It is an honor to receive such high praise from the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, especially as the Officers, Staff, and Crew of The Gauguin pour their heart and soul into sharing the beauty and wonders of French Polynesia with passionate authenticity and genuine hospitality,” said Samuel Chamberlain, CEO Americas of PONANT, parent company of Paul Gauguin Cruises. “Being voted the world’s Best Small Cruise is a humbling accolade we are excited to share with our worldwide Paul Gauguin Cruises’ family. As French Polynesia’s destination expert, we strive to showcase and protect this cherished part of the world in all that we do both on board and ashore.”
Chamberlain continued, “Joining Paul Gauguin Cruises among the very best small-ship lines is our sister brand PONANT, operator of 14 sophisticated vessels navigating all seven continents. To have both lines included as a top five Readers’ Choice favorite underscores our commitment to offering discerning travelers the most immersive, transformational experiences on all-inclusive, luxury explorations in all corners of the world.”
Intimate and elegant, with a blissfully carefree ambiance, The Gauguin was purpose built to explore the shallow lagoons and enchanting isles found throughout the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Marquesas, Cook Islands, as well as South Pacific gems from Fiji to Bali. With butler-serviced suites and spacious staterooms—70 percent featuring a private balcony—the ship is more of an overwater “bungalow” that sails, taking guests from one idyllic destination to the next in supreme comfort.
In addition to French-inspired cuisine and Polynesian culinary specialties, a unique hallmark of The Gauguin Experience is the enriching hospitality shared by Les Gauguines, the line’s onboard troupe of local Tahitians who live aboard ship as hosts and entertainers bringing island culture to life with storytelling, dancing, music, and activities.
The Gauguin’s watersports marina offers complimentary paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkel gear, as well as the only onboard PADI certified dive program with novice courses for beginners and advanced dives for the more experienced launched directly from the ship.
Paul Gauguin Cruises is the only cruise line in French Polynesia to offer a complimentary children’s program for kids ages six to 15 on select summer and holiday voyages. The Moana Explorer Program boasts a six-year partnership with Te mana o te moana, a leading South Pacific marine education and conservation foundation, ensuring that the youngest of guests are exposed to the importance of caring for oceans and environment with hands-on learning and fun activities.
Paul Gauguin Cruises offers more unique itineraries in French Polynesia and the South Pacific than any other luxury line, from its popular seven-night Tahiti & the Society Islands voyage to longer 10- and 11-night journeys to the Tuamotus and Cook Islands, and a 14-night cruise to the newly UNESCO-listed Marquesas. In 2025, the line will offer its immersive Boutique Crossing Collection, a series of 14- to 20-night journeys between Bali, Fiji, Australia, and Singapore.
