Planning a cruise through French Polynesia? Two of the most popular small-ship options are Windstar Cruises and Paul Gauguin Cruises—but they offer quite different experiences. Here’s a helpful comparison to guide your choice.

Windstar Cruises – Boutique Yacht Adventure

Sailing aboard the elegant Star Breeze (312 guests), Windstar offers a relaxed, yacht-style experience ideal for travellers who want a mix of comfort, activity, and freedom.

It’s perfect for those who prefer casual luxury, modern suites, and immersive island stops.

• Cruise Style: Boutique small-ship exploring hidden lagoons and off-the-beaten-track islands

• Cabins: All-suite, oceanview accommodations – many with balconies

• Dining: Multiple venues with menus crafted by James Beard Foundation chefs

• Inclusions: Meals, non-alcoholic drinks, water sports; excursions and alcohol extra

• Vibe: Active, stylish, social – great for couples and adventurous travellers

• Itineraries: Society Islands, Tuamotus, and Marquesas (7–11 nights)

Paul Gauguin Cruises – All-Inclusive Polynesian Elegance

Purpose-built for South Pacific cruising, the MS Paul Gauguin (330 guests) delivers an elegant, all-inclusive experience with a strong cultural focus.

Onboard, you’ll meet the Gauguines—local hosts who share Polynesian music, dance, and warmth.

• Cruise Style: Luxury floating resort with a distinctly Polynesian heart

• Cabins: All oceanview – 70% with balconies; refined and spacious

• Dining: French and Polynesian cuisine by a Parisian Michelin-starred chef

• Inclusions: All meals, alcohol, tips, water sports, and select shore excursions

• Vibe: Laid-back luxury, perfect for honeymoons or special occasions

• Itineraries: Focused on the Society Islands with select voyages to Tuamotus or the Cook Islands (7–14 nights)

Which One Should You Choose

• Windstar is ideal for travellers who want a modern yacht luxury, a bit of independence, and access to more remote islands. It's a bit more North American style. Lower cost but fewer inclusions.

  
  

• Paul Gauguin is perfect for those looking for a seamless luxury escape, where everything is included and Polynesian culture is woven into the experience. Paul Gauguin was built for Tahiti.

Still not sure which is right for you? Contact Red Dragonfly Travel, and we’ll help match you with the perfect cruise to suit your style, interests, and budget.

Our Pick of Paul Gauguin's Tahiti Cruises

1. Tahiti & the Society Islands – 7 Nights

This is Paul Gauguin’s signature cruise—an effortlessly luxurious journey through French Polynesia’s most iconic islands.

Sail roundtrip from Papeete to Huahine’s lush rainforest interior, the coral gardens and vanilla plantations of Taha’a, and the breathtaking lagoon of Bora Bora, where the ship anchors overnight for full exploration.

You’ll also enjoy two nights in Moorea, famous for dramatic peaks and dolphin-filled bays, plus a full day of barefoot bliss on Paul Gauguin’s exclusive Motu Mahana.

With fine dining, all-inclusive service, Polynesian hosts, and no need to repack, this is an ideal option for first-time visitors, honeymooners, and anyone seeking paradise with ease and comfort.

Cultural experiences, watersports, and snorkelling are included, with optional diving and excursions available.

It’s a perfect week-long introduction to the rhythm and romance of Tahiti, combining natural beauty, island culture, and five-star indulgence aboard a boutique ship purpose-built for these tranquil waters.

2. Society Islands & Tuamotus – 10 Nights

For travellers wanting more time in the water and fewer crowds on land, this 10-night itinerary is a perfect upgrade. Alongside the beloved Society Islands—Huahine, Bora Bora (overnight), Moorea (overnight), and Motu Mahana—this journey adds the pristine Tuamotu atolls of Rangiroa and Fakarava.

Here, divers and snorkellers will find some of the world’s best coral reefs and drift dives. Fakarava, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is especially prized for its sharks, rare corals, and untouched marine biodiversity.

The itinerary offers a superb mix of lush volcanic islands and low-lying atolls, giving guests a deeper appreciation of French Polynesia’s diversity.

With the Paul Gauguin’s signature all-inclusive style, you’ll enjoy exceptional cuisine, open-bar indulgence, and warm Polynesian hospitality at every step.

This cruise is ideal for active couples, underwater enthusiasts, and returning travellers who want to go beyond the usual island loop while still enjoying the comfort of a luxury small ship.

3. Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands – 14 Nights

This two-week odyssey offers the ultimate French Polynesia adventure—remote, rich in culture, and remarkably scenic.

Sailing from Papeete, the Paul Gauguin heads far north to the dramatic Marquesas Islands: Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Tahuata, and Nuku Hiva.

These rugged islands are steeped in legend and history, home to towering cliffs, wild horses, ancient tikis, and Paul Gauguin’s final resting place. The journey continues to Fakarava in the Tuamotus, a diver’s dream with its stunning lagoon and rare marine life.

Then unwind in the classic Society Islands - Huahine, Bora Bora, Taha’a (with a full day on Motu Mahana), and Moorea. Throughout, enjoy gourmet dining, included shore excursions, watersports, cultural performances, and all the comforts of this intimate, all-inclusive ship.

This itinerary is perfect for well-travelled couples and curious explorers who want to experience the full breadth of Polynesia—from wild volcanic peaks to serene coral atolls.

4. Cook Islands & Society Islands – 11 Nights

This unique cruise adds an exciting international dimension to your Polynesian escape.

You’ll begin in Tahiti, then sail through the heart of the Society Islands—Huahine, Taha’a (with Motu Mahana), Bora Bora (overnight), and Moorea (overnight) - before crossing to the Cook Islands.

Visit Aitutaki, famed for its blue lagoon and sandbars, and Rarotonga, the cultural heart of the Cooks.

These destinations bring a different rhythm and culture into the mix, making the itinerary ideal for those who want variety with their sunshine.

Enjoy traditional dance, market visits, snorkelling, or simply take in the lush landscapes from the comfort of your balcony.

Onboard Paul Gauguin, the relaxed yet elegant atmosphere continues with fine dining, Polynesian hosts, and inclusive service. It’s an enriching cruise that spans multiple island groups and two nations - ideal for those looking for something more than the classic Tahiti circuit, with just the right balance of discovery and relaxation.