First of all, my wife and I are not big fans of cruising. We've been on a few "large" cruise ships and we just did not rate our experiences very highly. We especially disliked being amongst the large crowds and we had vowed never again. Our 25th wedding anniversary was approaching and several friends recommended the Paul Gaguin French Polynesia cruise. We were familiar with the cruise line and liked the idea of a smaller ship, a more intimate environment, and of course the appeal of seeing some of the Tahitian islands.
We loved our Paul Gaguin experience. We have traveled extensively and we can categorically state that the service from the professional and extremely personable staff was amongst the best we have ever experienced. By Day 2 of the cruise, we were amazed at how many of the bar and wait staff knew our names and our preferred beverage of choice. By the end of the cruise, the staff were more like close friends. At the fairwell party on the last night, we witnessed many tears shed by many of the passengers as hugs were exchanged with the staff favorites.
I read some of the reviews where other travelers disparaged the "aging" of the ship, it's deteriorating public spaces and rooms, it's lack of elegance, etc. All I can say in rebutal is that my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the intimate and classy style of the ship, enjoyed our small but yet efficient cabin ( our bed was just the right firmness), we were always made to feel as valued customers, always greeted with a smile, and believed we received excellent value for the expenditure. So much so, that these two cruise-adverse travelers would eagerly plan a return voyage with PG.
Amazing experience
We took a taxi which we shared with another couple to a beautiful beach.