Paul Gauguin vs Windstar?

[Sistersinlaw]

Hi,

 

My husband and I are booking a cruise for April 2022 (fingers crossed).  We are looking at PG and at Windstar.  The PG cruise is an extra $500.  We are not big drinkers (probably would drink 2-3 drinks per day each).  Looking for Pros/Cons of each and recommendations?  We are late 40s, looking to dive, snorkel, etc.  We are staying in an OWB for 5 days in Moorea prior to the cruise.  Itineraries are pretty much the same:

 

Windstar (Windspirit):

Moorea: 1 day

Raiatea: 2 days

Motu Mahana: 1 day

Bora Bora: 2 days

Huahine: 1 day

 

Paul Gauguin:

Huahine: 1 day

Motu Mahana: 1 day

Bora Bora: 2 days

Moorea: 2 days

 

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

Depends who answers your question  ...

 

Windstar faithful will say Windstar.

PG faithful will say PG.

 

However  .... I would prefer 2 days on Moorea verses 2 days on Raiatea any time ... that is a no brainer. 

 

2.5 drinks per day per person = 5X7 = 35.  35 drinks over the week can add you to $500 or more if your paying for them. PG is inclusive on the bar tab & tips 😉

Edited February 11, 2021 by Tahitianbigkahuna

[Petoonya]

@Sistersinlaw

TBK is right, depends on who you ask. I'm a Windstar person myself and have sailed both cruise lines. I experienced WS as more of an active people's cruise line and more diehard snorkelers/divers like yourselves. The sailing vessel is the best way to see Tahiti as you truly feel one with the sky and water. Sounds cornball but it is true. Both lines have outstanding dining but I give the edge to WS having sailed both.

 

The extra day on Moorea is quite nice with PG, but the other factors and your interests I still give the edge to WS. On the two days in Raiatea you can jet ski all around Tahaa (the dolphins nearly catapulted over the jet ski) and do the Coral Gardens and the private motu on the next. Need to be aware that there is no casino, negligible entertainment and enrichment programs, very small exercise room,, but daily yoga.

 

You can't get away from the exhilarating feeling of being on a sailing ship in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

 

I was last on Wind Spirit for an 18 day in Nov 2019, and trying to get back on her ever since. Had May 2020 booked, then this April 2021 (canceled) and now Nov 2021 (Star Breeze), and Aug 2022. WS has been outstanding with their cancellations, every time giving us credit or refund, and throwing in extra $.

 

TBK has 3-4 cruises booked on PG so you'll get the same enthusiasm from him about PG 🙂

Edited February 12, 2021 by Petoonya

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

42 minutes ago, Petoonya said:

@Sistersinlaw

.

TBK has 3-4 cruises booked on PG so you'll get the same enthusiasm from him about PG 🙂

 

There is something to be said about the size difference ... I find the PG large enough to have many amenities people like on a ship but small enough that it's very personal. The crew on the PG has one of the highest ratios of any cruise ship for being on-board for more than 10 years. There is also a very Polynesian vibe on-board as the ship is based in FP for over 20 years. The crew members are a world of great info as they've been on-board for years. There is also the large fold out marina on the PG, very unique for a ship and is really nice for FP. 

 

Hard to beat the crew on-board the Paul Gauguin ... a fun little video I helped create showing this fun crew which is one of the reasons so many pick the PG for the trip of a lifetime. And of course the famous floating bar on Motu Mahana  ... all inclusive on the PG.

 

 

Honestly you can't go wrong with either  ... it's a personal preference thing.

Edited February 12, 2021 by Tahitianbigkahuna

[dandee2]

On 2/11/2021 at 12:33 PM, Tahitianbigkahuna said:

However  .... I would prefer 2 days on Moorea verses 2 days on Raiatea any time ... that is a no brainer. 

 

2.5 drinks per day per person = 5X7 = 35.  35 drinks over the week can add you to $500 or more if your paying for them. PG is inclusive on the bar tab & tips 😉

It would also depends when - We were in Raiatea during their Heiva - Went to the Marea Taputapuatea and around the island with a taxi driver then on returning to the ship he explained if we wanted to go to the Heiva Festival in Avera. He told us to wait for him at the dock at 6PM. He never showed up but he sent his wife for the trip and she was gracious enough to spend the evening with us (chaperonned !!). She dropped us back at the ship late at night - we missed the deck BBQ but are so glad we did.

We,re going back in 2022 in July (Heiva season).

That's the one we went to: 

Cheers.

[6rugrats]

This has been discussed often on the PG board; try a search and you can pull up the threads.  I've cruised both lines and wouldn't even consider taking PG again.  I am in the Windstar camp.