Explora Journeys vs Paul Gauguin

The core difference

Explora Journeys and Paul Gauguin occupy different galaxies within the luxury cruise universe. One is a modern global ocean line built for European sophistication; the other is a destination specialist that has spent nearly three decades becoming synonymous with a single place. The comparison illuminates not which line is better, but which kind of holiday calls to you.

Explora is the contemporary vision. Launched in July 2023 by the MSC Group, it was built to reimagine luxury cruising as “ocean living” — a European residential philosophy aboard 922-guest ships. Four pools, a 7,500-square-foot complimentary thermal spa, nine dining venues including the daily-changing Anthology, and a design language of muted earth tones and natural materials. Six ships by 2028, all purpose-built. Deployments span the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, and transatlantic. The atmosphere is cosmopolitan, wellness-focused, and deliberately un-cruise-like.

Paul Gauguin is the devoted specialist. The m/s Paul Gauguin has sailed year-round from Papeete since 1998 — the longest-serving luxury ship in French Polynesia and the only one purpose-built for these waters. Her shallow draft navigates lagoons and harbours no other cruise ship can access. Carrying 332 guests with Polynesian cultural hosts (Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins), included beverages, a watersport marina deployed in turquoise waters, and the private island day on Motu Mahana, the ship is inseparable from the destination it serves. Acquired by Ponant in 2019 and refurbished in 2025, the standards have risen while the soul remains unchanged.

For Australian travellers, geography matters most. Paul Gauguin departs from Papeete — eight hours from Sydney by direct flight. Explora departs from Barcelona, Civitavecchia, and Southampton — twenty-plus hours from any Australian city. The proximity difference shapes every other consideration.

What is actually included

Both lines include premium beverages — a meaningful starting point for the comparison.

Paul Gauguin’s fare covers all meals in two restaurants, complimentary beverages including wines and spirits throughout the day and evening, the retractable watersport marina (kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling), the private island day on Motu Mahana with beachside barbecue and entertainment, and Polynesian cultural performances. Gratuities are voluntary. Shore excursions beyond basic beach and snorkelling stops are additional. The Algotherm spa is extra.

Explora’s fare includes premium spirits, wines, and cocktails, Starlink Wi-Fi, all gratuities, complimentary thermal spa access (sauna, steam room, vitality pool, snow room), and 24-hour in-suite dining. Most dining venues are included — Anthology (approximately EUR $120) and Chef’s Kitchen (approximately EUR $180) carry surcharges. Flights, shore excursions, and transfers are not included.

Both lines cover drinks comprehensively — champagne, spirits, cocktails from morning to night. Paul Gauguin adds the Motu Mahana private island day (included in every Society Islands itinerary) and watersport marina access. Explora adds the thermal spa and included gratuities. The comparison is a draw at the drinks level; the differentiators are Paul Gauguin’s unique Polynesian inclusions versus Explora’s unique wellness inclusions.

Dining and culinary experience

Scale versus specialisation — nine restaurants against two, in completely different settings.

Explora offers nine dining venues. Emporium Marketplace, Fil Rouge, Sakura, Med Yacht Club, Anthology (daily-changing destination-inspired menus), and Chef’s Kitchen. The culinary ambition is contemporary European with global influences. Anthology’s concept — a new menu every day matched to the port — creates genuine anticipation. Most venues are included; Anthology and Chef’s Kitchen are supplementary.

Paul Gauguin offers two restaurants. The main dining room serves French culinary tradition blended with Polynesian flavours — tropical fruits, fresh-caught seafood, French technique. The outdoor grill offers casual poolside meals. The 2025 refurbishment under Ponant ownership elevated the culinary standard with improved sourcing, refined presentation, and a stronger wine programme benefiting from Ponant’s Ducasse Conseil heritage. The cuisine is perfectly matched to the setting — you eat mahi-mahi and poisson cru while anchored in a Bora Bora lagoon.

Explora wins on variety, innovation, and the number of culinary experiences available each evening. Paul Gauguin wins on destination authenticity — the food is inseparable from where you are eating it. A Polynesian-inspired dinner with volcanic peaks visible through the restaurant windows creates a dining experience that no Mediterranean restaurant can replicate, regardless of how many venues are available.

Suites and accommodation

Different ship generations, different design philosophies — both serve their settings.

Explora’s entry-level Ocean Terrace Suite is 377 square feet with a private terrace — contemporary residential design with warm wood tones, natural stone bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, and Italian bed linens. The Owner’s Residence spans approximately 2,798 square feet. Every suite has a private terrace. Butler service from Prestige Suites upward.

Paul Gauguin’s staterooms and suites range from approximately 200 square feet in standard categories to over 500 square feet in the Grand Suite. Every stateroom and suite features a private balcony or veranda. The 2025 refurbishment updated soft furnishings, technology, and bathroom fittings. The ship is purpose-built for tropical waters — natural light and the turquoise lagoon visible from every balcony.

Explora’s suites are larger and more contemporary at every category. Paul Gauguin’s accommodation is smaller but perfectly designed for its tropical setting — when you wake to a Moorea sunrise filling your balcony, square footage becomes secondary. For modern design and space, Explora. For destination immersion from the moment you open your eyes, Paul Gauguin.

Pricing and value

Different price bands, but total holiday cost from Australia narrows the gap.

Explora’s per-diem runs approximately USD $450 to $750 per person per night. A seven-night Mediterranean sailing costs roughly AUD $7,000 to $11,000 per couple for the cruise. Add flights from Australia (AUD $10,000 to $18,000 per couple in business), shore excursions (AUD $2,000 to $5,000), and Anthology (AUD $500 to $800). Total: approximately AUD $19,500 to $34,800 per couple.

Paul Gauguin’s per-diem runs approximately AUD $900 to $1,500 per person per night. A seven-night Society Islands loop costs roughly AUD $13,000 to $21,000 per couple. Add flights from Sydney (AUD $3,000 to $5,000 per couple in economy; AUD $10,000 to $14,000 in business). Shore excursions beyond included stops: AUD $500 to $1,500. Total: approximately AUD $16,500 to $36,500 per couple.

The total holiday costs are remarkably similar — and Paul Gauguin’s lower flight costs from Australia are the key equaliser. For Australian travellers, Paul Gauguin frequently represents better total value thanks to the proximity advantage: eight hours versus twenty-plus hours in transit, with flights costing a fraction of European connections.

Spa and wellness

Explora has the conventional spa advantage; Paul Gauguin has the ocean.

Explora’s Helios Spa spans approximately 7,500 square feet with complimentary thermal area, four pools, and an outdoor wellness platform. The facility is among the best in ultra-luxury cruising — purpose-designed and available to all guests without charge.

Paul Gauguin’s Algotherm spa is compact but appropriate for a 332-guest ship. Treatments use island botanicals — coconut oil, vanilla, and tropical extracts. The primary wellness experience is the ocean: snorkelling over coral reefs, paddleboarding in lagoons, swimming from the watersport marina in 28-degree water, and the beach day on Motu Mahana. The tropical Pacific is the spa.

Explora’s thermal area is objectively superior as a built facility. But Paul Gauguin’s wellness is environmental — warm turquoise water, coral reefs, barefoot beach days, and the therapeutic calm of being in one of the most beautiful places on earth. If wellness means a sauna and vitality pool, Explora. If wellness means floating in a Polynesian lagoon, Paul Gauguin.

Entertainment and enrichment

Different cultural programmes reflecting different destinations.

Explora’s entertainment features intimate musical performances, DJ sets, cultural storytelling, acoustic concerts, wine tastings, and destination-focused talks. Contemporary, curated, and understated. No production shows, no cruise director.

Paul Gauguin’s entertainment is Polynesian. Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins — cultural ambassadors — perform traditional dance and music, lead craft workshops, and provide cultural context throughout. Evening shows on the pool deck feature Polynesian drumming, fire dancing, and traditional choreography. Stargazing under some of the clearest skies on earth. The Motu Mahana beach day with live Polynesian music is both entertainment and cultural immersion.

Explora’s programming is broader and more varied. Paul Gauguin’s is deeper and more destination-specific — Polynesian cultural immersion that no Mediterranean sailing can replicate. For travellers who want cultural authenticity and destination integration, Paul Gauguin’s enrichment is unmatched.

Fleet and destination coverage

Global ambition versus singular devotion.

Explora operates two ships (922 guests each) with four more by 2028. Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, transatlantic. By 2028, six uniformly modern ships covering major cruise regions. No South Pacific deployment announced.

Paul Gauguin operates one ship. Year-round from Papeete since 1998. Society Islands, Tuamotus, Marquesas, Cook Islands, Fiji, and Tonga. Ponant plans to deploy a second ship in the region from late 2026. The product is entirely South Pacific.

Explora offers geographic breadth. Paul Gauguin offers geographic depth. If you want to sail multiple regions, Explora covers Europe and the Caribbean. If you want the definitive South Pacific cruise, Paul Gauguin has been doing it for nearly three decades.

Where each line excels

Explora excels in:

• Modern design. The newest ships in ultra-luxury cruising with a consistent contemporary aesthetic.
• Wellness. The complimentary thermal spa is among the best afloat.
• Dining variety. Nine venues including the innovative Anthology concept.
• Global deployment. Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, and expanding coverage.

Paul Gauguin excels in:

• French Polynesia expertise. Twenty-eight years of continuous operation. Purpose-built for these waters.
• Proximity to Australia. Eight hours from Sydney — closer than any Explora embarkation port by a factor of three.
• Motu Mahana. The private island experience is magical and included.
• Polynesian immersion. Cultural hosts, traditional performances, and a ship inseparable from its destination.
• Included beverages. Wines, spirits, and cocktails covered throughout the day.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

Explora Journeys

Mediterranean Discovery (10 nights on Explora I or II) — The contemporary European experience. Barcelona, French Riviera, Amalfi Coast, Greek Islands. Thermal spa and four pools for warm-weather sailing. Anthology’s daily-changing menu matched to Mediterranean ports.

Transatlantic Crossing (14 nights) — Southampton to Miami or New York. Resort-style pools and spa suit long sea days. Competitive repositioning pricing.

Paul Gauguin

Society Islands (7 nights, roundtrip Papeete) — The signature itinerary. Bora Bora, Moorea, Taha’a, Raiatea, Huahine. Motu Mahana beach day included. Fly direct from Sydney on Air Tahiti Nui (approximately 8 hours). The definitive South Pacific luxury cruise.

Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands (14 nights, roundtrip Papeete) — The extended voyage reaching the remote Marquesas — dramatic volcanic islands rarely visited by cruise ships.

Cook Islands & Society Islands (11 nights, roundtrip Papeete) — Combining French Polynesia with Rarotonga and Aitutaki — two of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific.

Ship-by-ship recommendations

Explora Journeys

Explora I (922 guests, 2023) — The established ship with resolved early issues. Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

Explora II (922 guests, 2024) — Near-identical with minor refinements. Choose on itinerary preference.

Explora III–VI (arriving 2026–2028) — Fleet expansion. Later ships may introduce a larger class. Worth monitoring for launch pricing.

Paul Gauguin

m/s Paul Gauguin (332 guests, 1998, refurbished 2025) — The only ship, and the only one needed. Purpose-built for French Polynesia with a shallow draft accessing lagoons no other cruise ship can reach. The 2025 Ponant-backed refurbishment elevated the standard. Choose based on itinerary length and island preferences.

For Australian travellers specifically

Geography makes this comparison asymmetric — and Paul Gauguin wins the accessibility argument decisively.

Paul Gauguin’s Australian appeal is proximity. Sydney to Papeete is approximately eight hours on Air Tahiti Nui — comparable to flying to Bali. No jet lag adjustment needed (Papeete is GMT-10, manageable from AEST). Flight costs are a fraction of European connections — approximately AUD $1,500 to $2,500 per person return in economy. Ponant’s Australian office (1300 737 178) provides local booking support. Australian travellers represent a growing segment of the passenger base.

Explora’s Australian proposition is effectively non-existent. No Australian sailings until 2029 at the earliest. No air programme. Every departure requires international flights to Europe or the Caribbean — 20-plus hours and AUD $5,000 to $9,000 per person in business class. MSC Group has Australian infrastructure through MSC Cruises, but Explora-specific local support is limited.

The practical recommendation: For a luxury cruise holiday accessible from Australia without excessive travel, Paul Gauguin delivers a world-class experience with minimal effort. For a European luxury cruise with modern design and wellness, Explora requires significantly more planning and budget for flights and logistics. The distance calculation alone makes Paul Gauguin the more practical choice for Australian travellers seeking a quick luxury escape.

The onboard atmosphere

Mediterranean cosmopolitan versus tropical barefoot — both are luxury, both are relaxed.

Explora’s atmosphere is contemporary European. Average passenger 50 to 60, European-majority. No casino, no production shows. Elegant resort dress. Lounge DJs, acoustic sets, curated cocktail culture. The feeling is luxury boutique hotel — design-conscious, understated, and cosmopolitan.

Paul Gauguin’s atmosphere is tropical resort. Honeymooners, anniversary couples, and experienced cruisers drawn to the South Pacific. Resort casual at all times — barefoot is acceptable. Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins create cultural warmth. Evening mood: cocktails by the pool, Polynesian music, dinner under the stars. The pace is dictated by the destination — unhurried, beautiful, and utterly removed from the real world.

One ship feels like a European design hotel. The other feels like a private island resort. Both are relaxed and free of pretension. The choice is whether your ideal evening involves a curated cocktail in a minimalist lounge or a tropical cocktail under palm trees with Polynesian music drifting across the lagoon.

The bottom line

Explora Journeys and Paul Gauguin serve different dreams — and for Australian travellers, the practical considerations are as important as the philosophical ones.

Choose Explora for the newest ships in luxury cruising, contemporary European design, the best complimentary thermal spa at sea, nine dining venues, and global deployment. Choose it for a cosmopolitan atmosphere that rejects traditional cruise conventions. Accept that reaching the ship requires 20-plus hours of travel from Australia, that flights and excursions are not included, and that no South Pacific deployment exists.

Choose Paul Gauguin for the definitive South Pacific luxury cruise — a purpose-built ship in French Polynesia with included beverages, the Motu Mahana private island, Polynesian cultural immersion, and a watersport marina in the world’s most beautiful lagoons. Choose it for the eight-hour direct flight from Sydney, the lower total holiday cost, and a destination that no amount of European sophistication can replicate. Accept the limited geographic scope, the smaller onboard dining selection, and the reality that if French Polynesia does not call to you, the product has a single purpose.

For many Australian travellers, these lines answer different questions. Explora answers “Where in Europe shall I cruise?” Paul Gauguin answers “When can I escape to paradise?” Both are excellent. Both are worth your time. The distance between them — twelve thousand kilometres of Pacific Ocean — is exactly the point.