Honeymooning on a cruise ship in French Polynesia – it’s a job

There is no place more paradise than the Pacific Islands of Polynesia. Even the names are full of romance – Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea. The crystal clear waters are a dazzling blue beyond your imagination. Lush, dormant volcanoes rising from white sand beaches remain untouched by development or millionaire mansions.

The locals, with their tribal tattoos, shell jewelry, palm leaf headdresses and colorful shawls, welcome you with sincerity and the food (all tropical fruits and fresh fish) has character and flavour. In other words, it’s the perfect location for a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon and well worth the eight-hour flight from the West Coast.

But be warned, visitors to French Polynesia never want to go home. In 1789, hordes of dirty British sailors arrived in Tahiti, eventually triggering an infamous mutiny instead of returning to Blighty.

Marlon Brando, who filmed 1962’s version of the event, Mutiny on the Bounty, fell in love with Tahitian actress Tarita Teriipaia, fell in love with the country, and seized the small atoll of Tetiaroa as his own.

In 1891, French Impressionist painter Paul Gauguin became fascinated and inspired by the islanders and stunning landscapes, making beautiful women and lazy street dogs famous. Many American soldiers stationed in Bora Bora during World War II experienced their own “South Pacific” stories.

The vast central Pacific Ocean has 121 islands within an area of ​​1,200 square miles, consisting of five island groups: Society Islands, Society Islands, Ostara Islands; Marquesas Islands; Gambier Islands and Tuamotu Islands.

Most tourist centers are located in France on the Society Islands – Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatee, Bora Bora and Huahine. This stunning area is famous for its thatched overwater bungalows and coral-fringed lagoons, but a cruise gives you even more opportunities to visit the various islands, admire idyllic scenery and swim with wildlife. (Think colorful schools of fish, sharks, stingrays, octopuses and manta rays).

Paul Gauguin Cruise Lines, named after Tahiti’s adopted son, is one of the few cruise lines operating here. It has just one ship in its fleet, the 330-passenger, 165-cabin Gauguin, launched in 1997 and specifically designed to cruise in these shallow waters. Her work style is outstanding and has earned her travel awards and legions of repeat clients.

The ship was acquired by French luxury cruise line Ponant in 2019 and underwent a multi-million-dollar dry-dock partial refurbishment in spring 2025 as part of a “thoughtful evolution,” said Sam Chamberlain, Ponant CEO for the Americas. He noted that as new owners, they will “enhance the onboard experience without losing the effortless elegance and destination focus that makes Gauguin so special.”

She is indeed elegant and has a tropical taste. There is no doubt that this is an old boat, but it has charm and elegance, and the refreshed decor is classic and understated. The cabins are spacious and comfortable, in teal and taupe colors (although, ahem, they could lose the mirrored walls and alleviate the lack of sockets). The newly renovated pool area is very inviting with super comfortable lounge chairs, shaded areas and attentive staff serving you the cocktail of the day.

In fact, what really stands out is the staff, especially the so-called “Gauguins and Gauguins” – multi-talented locals who serve in multiple roles as ambassadors, consultants, ukulele instructors and performers (yes, you get to walk on stage, try to imitate a Tahitian twerk, and then try to delete all the videos). They even take care of the water coolers in the harbor.

If you want all-inclusive entertainment, this is not the cruise for you. There are the usual activities like arts and crafts, bingo and (not really enough) karaoke, as well as Polynesian nights, but the piano bar often rocks, and Le Palette Bar on the back deck features a house band and is a great spot after dark.

But there is so much natural beauty to see during the day, and plenty to keep you busy.

All trips ashore are by small boat, and most of the excursions are water-based – cruise from Raiatee to sister island Taha’a, visit a black pearl farm, see blind blue-eyed eels on Huahine, or snorkel in the coral gardens and paddle an outrigger canoe on Bora Bora.

If you don’t want to leave the boat, you can kayak or paddleboard directly from the lower deck. Or enjoy a couple’s spa package, including a scrub and Taurumi massage.

One of the highlights was spending a day at Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin’s private motu (coral island), where a large barbecue and deck chairs on the shore await you, not to mention a floating bar serving coconut drinks.

Free Polynesian wedding blessings or vow renewals can also be held here. The loving couple will be ceremoniously wrapped in a tifaifai (handwoven quilt) symbolizing love, royalty and acceptance.

Flavor is key on this cruise, given its French origins, and the responsibility lies with the selection of food served in the three restaurants. The newly upgraded Le Grill restaurant on the pool level, now decorated with wood and bamboo, offers signature dishes such as classic poisson au coco (fresh tuna in lime and coconut). La Veranda offers a fine dining experience, while L’Etoile is the largest restaurant and the only one offering open seating in the evenings. Wine, of course, is French.

While there are no pop-up buffets or late-night snacks, there is 24-hour room service — all included in the ticket price, as well as drinks, Wi-Fi, taxes and gratuities — which is a great way to relax and forget about the bill.

If you need some exercise, you can go to a small gym or stretch out with yoga. Namaste at dawn is perfect for contemplating tranquility. In fact, the cruise line is now leaning toward wellness-focused cruises, with sailings curated by onboard experts. “French Polynesia is made for mindfulness, movement and recovery,” Chamberlain said.

In addition, Ponant is currently providing additional services to the must-see luxury private island resort Brando (pictured left), and will launch a “Boutique Crossing Series” in 2027, extending cruises to Komodo Island, Darwin, Bali, Niue, Tonga and Fiji.

“This is an extraordinary way to experience the pristine beauty of the area,” Chamberlain said.

Seven-night sailings from $4,760, all-inclusive; Paul Gauguin Cruise