The Regent Paul Gauguin was designed specifically for sailing French Polynesia year-round. She offers an extension of the informal, relaxing environment of the islands, with Regent Seven Seas Cruises' interpretation of six-star service, comfort and luxury. Spacious staterooms (50% with private balconies), a watersports marina, a choice of three single seating dining venues and an extensive spa are among her six-star attributes. The atmosphere aboard radiates warmth and informality. And her beloved troupe of Gauguines - part cruise staff, part entertainers, part storytellers, add the unique personality of French Polynesia to every cruise.

Is there any group of islands in the world as romantic as the Society Islands? Or as beautiful, for that matter? Doubtful. They inspired a mutiny on the infamous Bounty. They captured the imagination of Paul Gauguin. They've been immortalized by some of the world's great writers from Herman Melville, Robert Louis Stevenson and James Michener to Somerset Maugham. These sirens of the South Pacific evoke balmy days, sultry nights and panoramas that could only have been created by Nature in her finest hour. Here giant curls of turquoise break onto reefs that protect blue lagoons and white beaches. Jagged peaks crown emerald rain forests, while some islands appear barely to float above the breaking waves. But what truly distinguishes French Polynesia is the people . On our South Pacific cruises, you'll see their love for these islands through music, dance and flowers. Their hospitality is legend.