Overview
If you've never been to French Polynesia, this spiffy, little luxury liner is the way to go. Stunningly crafted, and specially designed to navigate the coral-filled, shallow waters of the area, the Gauguin has a magical feel about her from the moment your jet-lagged body reaches the gangplank.

A floating tribute to the culture-rich area, photos of ancient Tahiti line the walls while "Fare Tahiti," a mini museum holds exhibits of manuscripts and finitely carved Polynesian artifacts. Homey with a controlled elegance, life onboard is laid back, casual, and passenger-pampering, from the bottles of water provided to take ashore to complimentary poured wine and beer at lunch and dinner.

One note: Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, which only ever chartered the ship, has announced that as of January 2007 Paul Gauguin will leave its fleet. It was acquired by Grand Circle Corporation and Vantage Deluxe World Travel and beginning in January 2007 will be deployed on a range of itineraries around the world.

In the meantime, try to squeeze in a Paul Gauguin experience if you can. I can think of no better way to cruise the islands of French Polynesia.

Fitness and Recreation
The Paris-based Carita Spa performs the gamut of salubrious face and body treatments from facials to exotic thalassotherapy and is worth the splurge. There's a small, well-used, fitness center that does the trick with just enough equipment to keep you fit. Every morning there's an organized walk-a-thon on the sun deck (13 times around equals a mile).

The biggest onboard treat is the ability to dive from the retractable water sports platform to go snorkeling, paddle a kayak, or go scuba diving with a pro dive master. But: for now, due to enhanced security measures, the ship has closed the platform and in destinations without private islands sets up a floating marina. All nautical gear is free except for scuba gear. Guest lecturers provide more cerebral diversions with talks on the local customs, history and attractions. Movies are also shown daily on stateroom televisions.

While it's fun to explore each island on your own -- there are plenty of cabs, local busses and good swimming or snorkeling and restaurants to sample nearby most of the ports, there is an extensive shore excursion menu available. Many options relate to the water and include snorkeling, scuba diving with PADI certified instructors and special dive boats, jet skis, windsurfing and kayaking. Many passengers get their PADI certification on the ship. There are also outrigger/jeep combination tours, a shark feeding excursion, parasailing and helicopter tours. Snorkeling equipment can be signed out at the beginning of the cruise and returned at the end and is free-of-charge.

Family
No children's programs available.

Entertainment
Once a week a fun beach party is staged on secluded Motu Mahana (tiny island) in Taha'a, where you can swim or snorkel in crystal clear waters; the ship sets up a luncheon grill and offers an open bar. Nighttime is intentionally sedate -- no big Broadway-style revues here-- a singer/pianist performs before dinner in La Palette and dance music is provided by the ship's band in various venues, from pool side to Le Grand Salon. The highlight of the cruise is the colorful performances by local Polynesian entertainers/young hula dancers or folk troupes. La Palette, on top of the ship, transforms into a nightclub disco after midnight that attracts youngish couples and honeymooners.

Cabins
All the pretty cabins face outside with 50% sporting private verandahs. Comfort level is high with twin beds that convert to queens, TV/VCR (videos are loaned out, on a complimentary basis, from the reception desk), mini fridges stocked with free soft drinks and a one-time booze setup. There's also a safe, telephone and separate sitting area. Big marble bathrooms feature large tubs, hair dryer, skimpy terry cloth towels and waffle robes along with assorted lotions, shampoos, soaps and bath gels.

Outside staterooms, with picture window or portholes, span 202 square feet while Verandah Staterooms measure 249 square feet and come with a 56 square foot balcony. Deluxe Ocean View Suites are 300 square feet with a 58 square foot balcony and Grand Suites take up 332 square feet and have a really big, 197 square foot verandah. The Owner's Suite offers 457 square feet of space with a 77 square foot balcony. All staterooms provide sufficient storage.

Public Rooms
The interior design reflects a nautical theme with wood paneling, wide windows and beautiful blended colors of gray, purple and salmon. Le Grand Salon sets the stage for daytime lectures, pre-dinner dancing and evening entertainment. The Connoisseur Club opens after dinner for drinks and cigars while the indoor/outdoor La Palette Lounge serves as a setting for afternoon tea and cocktails and a late night disco. There's a small casino with three black jack tables and roulette (due to local regulations slot machines are not allowed). Other passenger areas include a card room, a well-stocked library, a boutique stocked with jewelry (South Seas black pearl jewelry is a big seller), designer gifts and a trove of Paul Gauguin-themed logo-wear.

Dining
Wonderful dinners are served in a relaxed open seating style that allows you to dine when you want and with whom in two different venues: the Paris-style L'Etoile, serving classic French cuisine, fused with Oriental and ethnic flavors created by Paris chef/restaurant owner Jean-Pierre Vigato, and La Verandah which offers two alternating French menus, also inspired by Vigato, six nights a week on a reservation-only basis. Le Grill, the pool deck's casual eatery, is also open for casual dining and reservations are required.

Daytime there are also numerous options. Early risers will find a continental breakfast in La Palette as well as buffet fare in Le Grill, which also serves up casual lunches. La Veranda serves outstanding breakfasts and lunches; you can order off a menu, choose from a well-prepared buffet outlay, or sample a bit of both.

Decent complimentary wines are poured at lunch and dinner. Beer and soda are also complimentary at meals.

Dress Code
Dress is resort casual. The only night passengers tend to get a little bit more dressed (i.e. men wear jackets and even, sometimes, ties) is the captain's welcome dinner.

Gratuity
Gratuities are included in the cruise fare.

Fellow Passengers
An interesting range of ages, this cruise attracts not only numerous honeymooners but also mixed bag of honeymooners coupled with well-traveled 40-somethings and senior citizens.