So much of what sets Paul Gauguin Cruises apart are the authentic, often intimate glimpses into Polynesian culture that unfold throughout the voyage. On Taha’a, Schadler visited family-run vanilla farms and witnessed the care and skill behind one of the region’s most treasured exports. “It was humbling to see how much effort and history go into it,” she says. “It’s more than a crop — it’s a story.”

A similar reverence surrounds the cultivation of Tahitian pearls. In Rangiroa, Schadler toured a pearl farm and was

struck by the blend of natural beauty and cultural meaning behind each gem. “The craftsmanship was stunning,” she recalls. “It’s deeply moving how they protect their traditions, even as the world tries to copy them.”

Through these experiences, Schadler saw how Polynesians live in deep relationship with their environment. “They hold their heritage close without compromising it,” she says. “That balance — between preserving the past and welcoming visitors — is truly rare.”

Throughout the journey, island excursions delivered both adrenaline and insight. On Fatu Hiva, part of the remote Marquesas Islands, a scenic drive to Hanavave traced a narrow mountain road through unspoiled landscapes. “Each turn revealed a new perspective, more breathtaking than the last,” Schadler recalls. “The dramatic terrain of the Marquesas shaped my first impression immediately — rugged and untouched.” In Nuku Hiva’s Taipivai Valley, a 4x4 tour brought her through hillsides and into the capital, offering a powerful glimpse into Marquesan identity.

Huahine, often called the “Garden Island,” offered a different kind of thrill: a land-and-sea adventure that moved between reef-lined waters and centuries-old traditions. Schadler snorkeled beneath the bridge that links the island’s two halves, then paused at a revered stream to observe Huahine’s sacred freshwater eels — believed to embody ancestral spirits — gliding silently through the water. “There’s something deeply grounding about seeing how connected these communities remain to their land and sea,” she says.

At every stop along the way, French Polynesia’s biodiversity came to life. In Rangiroa, Schadler snorkeled through a vibrant underwater world. “It was a kaleidoscope of colorful, unique fish darting around in every direction,” she says. She swam above three blacktip reef sharks — graceful and completely at ease — and came face to face with two unexpectedly large moray eels. “It was thrilling, but never scary,” she recalls. “Just pure awe.”

The Tuamotus offered adventure wrapped in remoteness. “You feel like you’re on the edge of the Earth,” she says. “Even arriving by ship feels surreal.”

In Moorea, a dolphin-watching tour made a lasting impact on Schadler. “We were incredibly lucky to witness a ‘superpod’ of around 70 to 100 dolphins. It was a powerful reminder of how science, respect for nature, and cultural stewardship can come together to protect something truly extraordinary.” And on Ua Pou, an impromptu uphill hike led Schadler to a serene, secluded waterfall. “It felt like a reward from the island itself.”

Artfully designed for South Pacific exploration, the m/s Paul Gauguin reflects the elegance and warmth of the islands it sails. Polynesian heritage infuses every detail, from curated local art to the ship’s seamless indoor-outdoor flow. At the heart of the experience are Les Gauguines — Tahitian hosts who share traditional songs, dances, crafts, and stories, creating an atmosphere that feels deeply personal and celebratory. “Their warmth and joy stayed with us every day,” Schadler recalls.

At Motu Mahana — Paul Gauguin Cruises’ exclusive island sanctuary — Schadler sipped from a freshly cut coconut

surrounded by clear, shallow waters. Loungers lined the shore, cocktails flowed from a floating bar, and a beachside BBQ brought festive flavor. “It was everything we loved onboard, seamlessly recreated in nature,” she says.

For her, luxury aboard The Gauguin went beyond fine cuisine and polished service — it was the feeling of being welcomed like family, of connecting with something real. “This wasn’t just a trip to paradise. It was an experience that changed me — a deeper connection to a place that doesn’t try to impress, but simply invites you in.”