Like Paul Gauguin setting out for Tahiti and Polynesia, we seek that mysterious world of light, free and beautiful, without thoughts of tomorrow. To this spirit we dedicate the 320-guest m/s Paul Gauguin. Discover a world where mind and body are in harmony with nature and the spirit soars. Where every morning, you awake refreshed in a setting where body and spirit are revitalized and rejuvenated. Sail with us aboard the new m/s Paul Gauguin and share our passion for the most beautiful islands on earth.

The origins of the m/s Paul Gauguin lie in France with the vision of a luxury vessel designed to sail in French Polynesia on a year-round basis. The owners joined forces with Radisson Seven Seas Cruises to develop this vision and dream. While remaining faithful to its French origins, the m/s Paul Gauguin incorporates the six-star standards of service and comfort for which Radisson Seven Seas is renowned, and features spacious staterooms (50% with private balconies), a state-of-the-art marina, single seating dining, an extensive spa and much more.

The ship was built in the prestigious Chantiers de l'Atlantique in St. Nazaire, France, made her inaugural Polynesian cruise in January 1998, and proudly flies the French flag.

Sailing on seven-night voyages from Papeete, Tahiti, the m/s Paul Gauguin visits five idyllic islands which the artist celebrated over and over again in his paintings. This remarkable vessel is an extension of the informal, relaxing environment of Polynesia, interpreted with American attention to luxury and comfort and French flair for casual sophistication. Designed to be in harmony with the natural beauty of the islands and its culture, the atmosphere aboard radiates warmth, informality and openness. Here, the constraints of formal wear, tuxedos and ties are forgotten and the only dress code is relaxation.

So, come join us in our island paradise which is closer than you imagined and more than you dreamed.

Staterooms and Suites feature queen beds (a limited number can be converted to a twin-bedded configuration), marble-appointed bath with full-sized tub and shower, cotton robes, hair dryer, closed circuit television and VCR, individual temperature control, a refrigerator stocked with soft drinks and mineral water, a complimentary bar set-up on your embarkation, direct dial phone and 24-hour room service, plentiful storage, and a sitting area.

Stateroom interiors are enriched by classic crown moldings and warm, cherry-colored wood. Finely-crafted furnishings include a comfortable love seat, spacious wardrobe and a vanity/desk.

In designing a ship for Polynesia, our architects had a singular vision. A vision not of enclosing space, but of
opening doors and balconies to embrace the sweet-scented tropical breezes and lush vistas of the islands.

The Tahitians, renowned for their health, physical beauty and spiritual serenity, are more than familiar with the medicinal and cosmetic benefits of the plants, flowers and trees of their islands. Aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, it is our desire to offer you an environment that is equally conducive to health, beauty and happiness. The pool invites you to an early morning dip while the Fitness Center features a full range of exercise equipment. And for the ultimate refreshment of body and soul, we chose Carita, the premier name in beauty in Paris, to create and operate our on-board spa. Watersports are a highlight of the Polynesian experience.

The ship’s small size allows it to navigate in shallow lagoons and narrow channels where larger ships may not sail. The m/s Paul Gauguin is specially designed with a retractable watersports platform, taking guests down to sea level where they may conveniently hop aboard a Windsurfer, launch a kayak, try a little waterskiing, or set out for a SCUBA diving expedition.

EVENINGS
Evenings center around relaxation and camaraderie. Entertainment might include listening to a talented soloist in Le Grand Salon, dancing on deck in the indoor-outdoor La Palette Lounge, perhaps a few hands of blackjack or bets on the roulette wheel in the Casino, or savoring French Cognac, vintage wines, and fine cigars in the intimate Connoisseur Club.

DINING
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises is delighted to announce a unique arrangement with Chef Jean-Pierre Vigato, a consummate culinary artist whose renowned Apicius restaurant has become one of the best known in Paris.

Chef Vigato is of a new generation of great chefs, and his establishment has already earned two coveted Michelin stars. In addition to adhering to traditional French cuisine, one of his fortes is to adopt characteristics of oriental and other ethnic cuisines to create new and innovative dishes. As a special consultant for the m/s Paul Gauguin, M. Vigato will work with our chefs on the overall dining experience, and two of his Apicius menus will be featured six nights per week in the alternate, reservations-only La Véranda restaurant.

In addition, menus also feature superb international cuisine, lighter fare including selections for those with special diets, and inventive adaptations of Polynesian specialties, all using the freshest tropical fruits, vegetables, seafood and other ingredients. Fine wines are as integral to dining as food. Excellent wines from the caves of France, California, and other wine-growing domains are poured with our compliments at lunch and dinner. The ship’s cellar also offers an outstanding selection of other superb wines for purchase, and a sommelier is at hand to assist with your personal selections.

Two fine restaurants offer a choice of different dining venues. Both feature open-seating dining in tasteful, understated surroundings. L'Etoile's timeless atmosphere, classic furnishings and fluted shell lighting are reminiscent of one of the refined dining establishments in Paris (sample menu here). La Véranda's curved railings and sun-infused ambience might recall leisurely dining on a yacht club terrace on the Côte d'Azur. This restaurant offers two alternating French special menus six nights per week on a reservations-only basis. Dining is unhurried and relaxed - you may enjoy the pleasures of the table without the regimentation of assigned seatings or the annoyance of having to rush through your crème brûlée. These are restaurants designed to complement and enhance the dining experience, not overwhelm it.

For those seeking a more casual dining experience the poolside Le Grill offers a tasty selection of barbecue and buffet items in an outdoor setting.