[1] The cruise line is named after the 19th century painter Paul Gauguin, who spent ten years living with and painting the people and nature of the Polynesia area.

The parent company, Beachcomber Croisieres Limited, had previously acquired the cruise line in 2009.

In June 2015, the company announced the sale of the Tere Moana, leaving the Paul Gauguin as its only ship.

[4] In late 2019, Ponant finalised a contract with Fincantieri's VARD yards to construct two hybrid vessels scheduled for delivery in 2022.

[7] Paul Gauguin currently sails year-round to Tahiti & Society Islands, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Fiji, Marquesas, Tonga, Tuamotus, Australia & New Zealand.