Top 5 things
honeymooners,
anniversary celebrants,
& other amorous couples
like best about the
cruise ship Paul Gauguin

My list reflects my onboard interviews with fellow passengers.

You sail romantic islands

To most seasoned travelers, the French Polynesian islands are the most romantic on earth. They are the tropical paradise in our dreams - and make the perfect romantic cruise destination.

The natural beauty is staggering. Lushly draped rugged peaks descend into turquoise tropical lagoons rimmed by coral reefs.

The islanders are warm, gentle and hospitable - and their dancers are sensuous.

You're away from the crowd
on a romantic cruise ship

Why be in a crowded or cramped environment during a honeymoon or anniversary getaway? The Paul Gauguin doesn't feel that way because it accommodates only 330 passengers (similar-sized ships typically carry 500 or more).

Most Paul Gauguin cabins have private balconies. These romantic cruise ship verandas are ideal for intimate chats, cocktails, and moonlight dinners-for-two.

The dining rooms have well-spaced tables for two.

You sail in style

The romantic cruise ship Paul Gauguin is luxurious with an understated elegance.

The cruise-style is upmarket, not  uptight. The unpretentious, hassle-free atmosphere of this romantic cruise ship is ideal for honeymooning and anniversary celebrating.

Your cruisemates are congenial, well-traveled and sophisticated, not boisterous.

The Paul Gauguin crew eagerly pampers passengers.

Each night you have a choice of two quality restaurants plus an open-air grill - plus two atmospheric cocktail lounges.

Cabins are tastefully spiffy and well-appointed. All are outside cabins with ocean views.

Your fare is all-inclusive

On a honeymoon or anniversary, you do not want to sign and keep track of an endless parade of chit sheets. Your Paul Gauguin cruise fare covers almost everything aboard the ship including tips, dining, drinks, and entertainment.

Although the Paul Gauguin cruise fare is higher than mainstream-ship fares, it's a value. The ship has a desirable ambiance for lovers - and you don't pay extra for food and beverages.

You'll have lasting memories

All the honeymooners and anniversary celebrants I interviewed said they would be fondly reminiscing their romantic cruise on the Paul Gauguin for years to come.

A romantic cruise ship
would not be right
for your honeymoon
or anniversary if ...

You prefer big ships, people-filled public spaces, and partying till dawn.

You love glitzy decor, big casinos, and flashy entertainment.

You are not bothered by mass-market cruise inconveniences such as being herded, waiting in lines, and hearing frequent public address announcements.

Is the Paul Gauguin
cruise ship flawless?

No. Operating any cruise ship is a complex endeavor, so one should not expect perfection. There will always be facility, service and food shortcomings if you look for them. For example, one reception staffer sometimes treated guests indifferently. But that was a rare occurrence of a service deficiency during my cruise on the romantic Paul Gauguin.

Awards

The Regent Seven Seas Cruise Line and its ships (including the Paul Gauguin) have won coveted awards from leading print and online travel publications, including Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure.

Other romantic cruise ships

Although I believe the Paul Gauguin is the ideal romantic cruise ship for most sophisticated lovers, there are others I also recommend, including the Sea Dream II, Silver Whisper, Star Flyer, and Wind Star.

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and insights on a romantic
cruise on the Paul Gauguin

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Click the button below for Regent's website for Paul Gauguin itineraries with maps, a list of cruise-specialist travel agents near you, plus other useful trip-planning information.