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The ship was designed to resemble a large private yacht. If you've never been to French Polynesia, this spiffy, little luxury liner is the way to go. The elegant 320-guest Paul Gauguin sails weekly roundtrip voyages from Papeete, Tahiti, to Raiatea, Tahaa (for a visit to Radisson Seven Seas' private islet of Motu Mahana), Bora Bora and Moorea.
Since the Paul Gauguin's inaugural voyage from Tahiti on January 31, 1998, the vessel that most truly evokes the image of elegance and luxury in French Polynesia has operated over 200 cruises, carrying over 55,000 guests including over 4,000 honeymooners. The statistics underscore the romantic character of the small luxury ship and her island calls in what the famed post-impressionist painter Paul Gauguin called his "earthy paradise."
Specially designed for cruising these exotic islands, the intimate vessel offers spacious, ocean view accommodations (50 percent with private balconies), and an open, airy style that takes full advantage of the tropical breezes, crystal clear waters and dramatic scenery of French Polynesia.
With her own retractable watersports platform, the Paul Gauguin offers complimentary kayaking, water-skiing and windsurfing - and an optional full scuba dive program for all levels of expertise. Beginners can take a one-week course allowing them to leave the ship with their PADI certification. Sybaritic pleasures like an aromatherapy massage, myriad water sports activities, relaxing beside the pool with a book from the well-stocked library or exploring the reefs and islands appeal to the diverse, well-traveled clientele of Radisson Cruises. The culinary experience aboard is inspired by the two-star Michelin chef Jean-Pierre Vigato in two fine restaurants whose open-seating policy allows guests to dine when and with whomever they wish. Nightly entertainment includes international performers plus the talents of the Gauguines, an all-female troupe of Polynesian singers and dancers. A wide array of shore excursions plus two days each in Bora Bora and Moorea give guests plenty of time to exercise their options. The shipboard spa is operated by the world-famous Carita of Paris.
Entertainment:
If you are going for big flashy entertainment this is not the ship for you. However, this is not a late-night ship. The entertainment included the house band called Siglo. They were a pop rock type of band. There was "some" singing and dancing, but no Broadway shows here. Two very good local dance groups came on board a children's group performed while the ship was anchored at Raiatea and a professional group performed the final evening. They were both entertaining. The shows consisted basically of "The Gauguins" who were lovely Tahitian 9 young ladies (dancer/singers) doing small shows representing the real flavor of Tahiti. The pianist/songstress in the La Palette lounge was wonderful and the cruise director had an evening cabaret show. . There were rarely more than 10 people in the casino. The local government does not allow Radisson to operate the slot machines. In the evening a fine singer/pianist performs before dinner in La Palette Grand Salon and dance music is provided by the ship's band in various venues, from pool side to Le Grand Salon. La Palette, on top of the ship, transforms into a nightclub disco after midnight that attracts youngish
couples and honeymooners. Other amenities include a card room, board games and videos, which are available at reception. A guest lecturer aboard all cruises discusses the region's history and attractions. Three movies are offered each day on the closed-circuit system in the cabin.
Public Areas:
Since the Paul Gauguin only sails in Tahiti the ship décor is heavily French Polynesian. There are Gauguin prints and Society Island maps lining the promenades. There are plenty of common areas either on an open deck or inside with floor to ceiling windows for an excellent view.
The interior design reflects a nautical theme with wood paneling, wide windows and beautiful blended colors of gray, purple and salmon. Le Grand Salon sets the stage for daytime lectures, pre-dinner dancing and evening entertainment. The Connoisseur Club opens after dinner for drinks and cigars while the indoor/outdoor La Palette Lounge serves as a setting for afternoon tea and cocktails and a late night disco. There's a small casino with three black jack tables and roulette (due to local regulations slot machines are not allowed). Other passenger areas include a card room, a well-stocked library, a boutique stocked with jewelry (South Seas black pearl jewelry is a big seller), designer gifts and a trove of Paul Gauguin-themed logo-wear.
Cuisine:
The ship offers 3 restaurants with open seating at every meal. A table for 2 is no problem, regardless of the time you go. L'Etoile, the main restaurant is only open for dinner. Seating is open and no reservations are needed. La Veranda has open seating for breakfast and lunch with a buffet as well as an alacarte menu. There are two special French dinner menus that rotate each night. Reservations are required. Le Grill has open seating for a buffet
breakfast and lunch. Le Grill also has a reservation only dinner menu. Food seems to be lighter, with smaller portions and faster than the main restaurant. Le Grill offers a light lunch with salad bar, bread and cheese bar, as well as a cook to order station (pasta, soups, and rice dishes), a hot bar with at least 2 meats plus hamburgers and hot dogs, two fish items, vegetables, and a desert bar. La Veranda for the "not so light" lunch offers the same food as at Le Grill plus another dozen items that were different. There was at least one complimentary cocktail party each day. Some were on the pool deck, others in the Grand Salon, or La Palette which is also used for high tea on two occasions. The dress code for dinner is "Country Club Casual" (polo shirts and Dockers for men - sundresses and sandals for women). There are no formal nights! Free "Rum drinks" were available pool side or at an evening receptions. There are plenty of free drinks as well as wine/beer at meals and sodas, juices, and bottled water are complimentary. All beverages are free during the "motu" days at Tahaa and Bra Bora. There were iced bottles of water available at every bar and restaurant.
Service:
Understated, pleasant and efficient service is the hallmark of the Gauguin crew in their unending quest to please their passengers.Service onboard is impeccable, and the highly trained staff is efficient and exceptionally friendly. No small detail is overlooked, as you'll find them passing out dry towels and cool lemonade to sunbathers, and changing towels twice a day in your stateroom. You don't need to worry about tipping on Radisson Diamond because gratuities are included in the cruise fare.
Accomodations:
All cabins are outside with 50% sporting private verandahs. Half have private balconies; all have twin or queen bed configurations, TV/VCR (several free movie channels and numerous videos available for check-out), refrigerators stocked with soft drinks, the beer was not replenished, three pint bottles of complimentary liquor on arrival, a safe, telephone and separate sitting area. One wall has a large mirror, enhancing the room's sense of space. Big marble bathrooms feature large tubs have a full tub, hair dryer, plush terry cloth towels and robes as well as an assortment of lotions, shampoos, soaps and bath gels. Staterooms, with picture window or portholes, span 202 square feet while Verandah Staterooms measure 249 square feet and come with a 56 square foot balcony. Minimum staterooms with picture window or port holes are 202 sq. feet; Veranda Staterooms are 249 sq. feet inside, with a 56 sq. ft. balcony; deluxe Ocean View Suites are 300 square feet with a 58 square foot balcony and Grand Suites take up 332 square feet and have a really big, 197 square foot verandah. The Owner's Suite offers 457 square feet of space with a 77 square foot balcony. All staterooms provide sufficient storage.
Spa/Fitness:
The Paris-based Carita Spa is a highlight of the Paul Gauguin,performs the gamut of salubrious face and body treatments from facials to exotic thalassotherapy and is worth the splurge. There's a small, well-used, the Fitness Center has free weights and a full complement of exercise machines. With its wide range of equipment and the general fitness of the passengers, it was constantly in use. Aerobics, hydro-calisthenics and a walkathon are listed in the daily program.. Every morning there's an organized walk-a-thon on the sun deck (13 times around equals a mile). The biggest onboard treat is the ability the fold-down water sports platform, able to do snorkeling, paddle a kayak, or go scuba diving with a pro dive master. But: for now, due to enhanced security measures, the ship has closed the platform and in destinations without private islands sets up a floating marina. All nautical gear is free except for scuba gear. Guest lecturers provide more cerebral diversions with talks on the local customs, history and attractions.
While it's fun to explore each island on your own -- there are plenty of cabs, local busses and good swimming or snorkeling and restaurants to sample nearby most of the ports, there is an extensive shore excursion menu available. Many options relate to the water and include snorkeling, scuba diving with PADI certified instructors and special dive boats, jet skis, windsurfing and kayaking. Many passengers get their PADI certification on the ship. There are also outrigger/jeep combination tours, a shark feeding excursion, parasailing and helicopter tours. Snorkeling equipment can be signed out at the beginning of the cruise and returned at the end and is free-of-charge.
Gratuities:
Gratuities are included in the cruise fare.
Children's Program:
There are no dedicated kids' facilities onboard.
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