Last month, I sailed on Paul Gauguin’s 14-day itinerary to the Society, Marquesas and Tuamotus Islands. I have sailed on Seabourn many times in the past 5 years, and this was our first cruise on Paul Gauguin.

It’s difficult not to enjoy oneself on this itinerary, with the breathtaking and majestic scenery, especially on the Marquesas Islands. It’s also difficult not to enjoy the hospitality and talents of Les Gauguins et Les Gauguines, Paul Gauguin’s onboard Tahitian hosts/hostesses and entertainers, who are the line’s true brand ambassadors and unique selling points.

However, Paul Gauguin has no business boasting its self-proclaimed “5+ star” luxury – in fact, almost every page on its brochure contains over-the-top superlatives that over-promised but under-delivered. It is priced similarly as a true 5+ star cruise line but does not deliver in many aspects. Read more