Line/Cruise line: Paul Gauguin / Regent Seven Seas Cruise
Passengers: 330
Crew: 215
Tonnage: 19,200
Guest decks: 7
Entered Service: 1998

The ship entered service in 1998 and underwent a multi-million dollar overhaul in 2009 when 26 balconies were added to some outside cabins. The poolside restaurant was completely refurbished, as were the fitness suites and other public areas. The ship cruises the South Pacific and the atmosphere aboard reflects the laid-back attitude of the islands it visits.

The ship is laid out on a simple pattern and is easy to get around in. It is large enough to feel substantial, but small enough to give passengers the feeling of being an individual rather than one of a large crowd. The size of cabins and staterooms varies but all are spacious and do not give the feeling of being crowded. Staterooms enjoy a butler’s service and the bar fridges in cabins are fully stocked. As can be expected of a Regent ship, all cabins are maintained to a very high standard.

The standard of food on the ship is outstanding in all three restaurants and in the bars, as is the service provided. Many of the staff have been with the ship since it was taken into service and pride themselves on the excellence of the service they provide. They try to make sure that passengers never wait for anything. The extensive menu is changed every four days so there is never any boredom with the range of food on offer. The restaurant on the pool deck changes character in the evenings. It serves breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day, but converts to a classy restaurant at night. There are two other restaurants with Le Veranda, the main restaurant, emphasising French cuisine whilst Le Grill offers many dishes of the South Pacific.

There is plenty of entertainment available on the ship. Somewhat unusually, it has a marina at the stern containing sports boats, diving boats and other equipment including kayaks and wind surfing boards. Interested passengers can learn to scuba dive on board and then visit some of the many reefs on the islands that are visited during the cruise.

This ship attracts more mature people because of its mixture of sophisticated comfort combined with laid-back lifestyle. However, many honeymooners are also attracted to it, so not all passengers are in the second half of their lives.