Paul Gauguin Cruise Review, Luxury Tahiti Cruise

Best For People Who Want: To see the best of Tahiti and the Polynesian Society Islands in the lap of luxury. Should Be Avoided By People Who Prefer: Big casinos or production shows, big ship onboard activities Onboard Experience: Designed to resemble a large private yacht and to negotiate the shallow waters within Polynesia's reefs, the Gauguin entered service in January 1998, cruising year-round in French Polynesia. In the spring of 2006, the ship emerged quite handsomely from a $6 million makeover with a new piano bar, a new casino, five new balcony cabins, and new carpeting and seating. Understated elegance surround you as step aboard this beautiful ship, which abounds with such distinctive touches as specially bottled water with a Gauguin label at the gangway, and the stone Tiki god set in its own special niche in each of the mahogany-paneled cabins. Entertainment is minimal, but the Paul Gauguin is not really about either entertainment or food. It is about unwinding, enjoying the magnificent scenery and abundant underwater experiences native to the South Seas. There are a well-stocked library, a boutique stocked with South Seas black pearls and other jewelry, designer gifts, and plenty of Paul Gauguin-themed logowear. Decor: Each public room has its own special flavor. Le Grand Salon, the main lounge, has comfortably spaced seating which follows through with light blond wood trim and pastel colors. The Connoisseur Club, on the other hand, has an authentic "club" atmosphere. The pale blond wood passageway walls are decorated with framed photographs of old Tahiti. And the "Fare," sort of a mini-museum, has manuscripts and exquisitely carved Polynesian artifacts. Cuisine: Restaurant L'Etoile, the main dining room, features continental and French cuisine, with dishes inspired by Michelin chef Jean-Pierre Vigato, as well as heart-healthy and vegetarian options. There are also an outdoor bistro/grill and 24-hour room service. Complimentary wine from the ship's marvelous wine list and/or liquor-based cocktails are served at both lunch and dinner. Note to adventurous diners: The ostrich tenderloin, purchased from American ostrich farms, is especially good. Restaurants: All of the dining rooms serve a single meal only at which you may be seated at any time the dining room open. If you arrive late you should be seated with others who have done the same, or get a separate table. The dress code is described as "Country Club Casual" which basically means no ties required. Restaurant l'???toile is open only for dinner. La Veranda serves breakfast and lunch and then, in the evening, becomes an alternative restaurant seating 80 by reservation only and featuring Le Cordon Bleu menus. The bistro/grill Le Grill operates from breakfast through dinner just behind the pool; you could, in theory take all three meals out in the open. Both waiter service and self-service are available. Dinner is by reservation only. With Le Grill, just behind the pool, both waiter service and self-service are available for breakfast and lunch. At night it is transformed into La Veranda, a French Restaurant inspired by Le Cordon Bleu, for dinner by reservation only. The menu is decidedly French, in keeping with the culture of Tahiti, with the cuisine of Provence to the Normandy and from Alsace to the Valley of the Loire. The wine, naturally, also features mostly French varieties. Service: From the moment a white-gloved steward warmly greets you as you board, and then escorts you personally to your cabin, you're apt to feel as much a guest on a friend's private yacht than a paying customer. Attentive yet unobtrusive, the Europeans staff is friendly and efficient, and always willing to go the extra mile. Tipping Though not banned, tipping is neither encouraged nor expected. Entertainment: Of all the main stage show entertainment, the most popular is the weekly Polynesian folkloric show where locals are brought on shore. In the La Palette lounge the lovely Gauguines, a quartet of Polynesian girls, sing quite agreeably. A gifted pianist/songstress entertains there before dinr. In the Le Grand Salon, a swinging little band plays dance music before dinner, and again later, until 11:30, when the venue is transformed as though by magic into a disco. The small casino boasts three blackjack tables, roulette, and slot machines, though the slot machines are for show only. A guest lecturer aboard all cruises discusses the region's history and attractions. Three movies are offered each day on the closed-circuit in-cabin system. There are a card room, board games and videos available at reception. A terrifically enjoyable beach party is staged weekly on RSSC's secluded Motu Mahana (tiny island) in Taha'a; you can swim or snorkel in tepid water while the ship sets up a luncheon grill and open bar. Cabins: All cabins are outside. Half have private balconies; all have twin or queen bed configurations, TV/VCR, refrigerators stocked with soft drinks, three pint bottles of complimentary liquor on arrival, a safe, telephone, and separate sitting area. One wall has a large mirror that makes the cabin seem much larger. The roomy bathrooms have a full tub, hair dryer, and plush terry cloth towels and robes, as well as an assortment of lotions, shampoos, soaps, unguents, ointments, and bath gels. Minimum staterooms with picture window or portholes are 202 sq. feet; Veranda Staterooms are 249 sq. feet inside, with a 56 sq. ft. balcony; deluxe Ocean View Suites are 300 sq. feet with a 58 sq. ft. balcony and Grand Suites measure 332 sq. feet and have a 197 sq. ft. veranda. The Owner's Suite is 457 sq. ft. with a 77 sq. ft. veranda. There is ample storage space with two closets and drawers built-in below the Tiki niche, as well as in the entertainment unit. Fitness/Spa: The Fitness Center, constantly in use, has free weights and a full complement of exercise machines. More organized activities includes aerobics classes offered on a regular basis, or a dip in the pool for hydro-calisthenics. early bird? try the morning walkathon around the Sun Deck. The first Carita of Paris's aboard any cruise ship offers its won specialized versions of such beauty treatments as aromatherapy, body wraps, thalassotherapy, and facials. Save money by purchasing a three to six-day spa packages. A highlight of the ship is the fold-down watersports platform where you can do kayaking, snorkeling, scuba-diving and wind-surfing right from the ship. The Paul Gauguin has its own PADI certified instructors, dive-master and special dive boats. Snorkeling equipment can be signed out at the beginning of the cruise and returned at the end. Attire: During the day shorts and cotton shirts, at night a Euro-style blazer and fitted trousers trumps and suit and tie. For ladies, bright colors or sequins and a little skin. These ship is elegant, but not at all stuffy. Shore Excursions: Since this is Polynesia, shore excursions are geared to aquatic experiences, and include an outrigger/jeep combination tour, a jet-ski tour of Bora Bora, and a shark feeding tour. You can also go up in a helicopter. Packages: A wide variety of land options are on offer, including a honeymoon package that allows guests to extend their stays in Polynesia with both pre- and post-cruise hotel packages on three different islands. An air program is available from selected cities across the US and Canada. Tipping: Gratuities are included in your cruise fare.

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