The travel industry has spoken and Paul Gauguin Cruises has perfected luxury small-ship sailing in the South Pacific. Named the best small-ship ocean cruise line by Travel + Leisure's 2022 World's Best Awards, Paul Gauguin Cruises invites travelers to experience unparalleled all-inclusive luxury while they sail to some of the planet's most idyllic destinations, participating in thrilling shore excursions and immersing themselves in the local culture for an authentic experience in Polynesia. Right now, travelers can take advantage of a special $500 per guest air credit offer and sail with confidence with Paul Gauguin Cruises' extended COVID-19 Protection. Here are some of the many reasons to book your next sailing with the industry's best.

Paul Gauguin Cruises' comprehensive all-inclusive experience includes a plethora of perks and benefits, including access to three different restaurants and 24-hour room service, a watersports marina with complimentary snorkel gear, paddleboards and kayaks, a pair of private beach experiences, onboard activities with special guest hosts on most sailings, a kid-friendly family program on select sailings and unrivaled Polynesia hospitality and entertainment.

Guests will step aboard the newly-renovated m/s Paul Gauguin, affectionately known as The Gauguin. The 330-guest vessel boasts a remarkable 1:1.5 crew-to-guest ratio, which is one of the highest of any luxury cruise ship. What's more, more than 70 percent of the ship's spacious oceanview suites and staterooms feature private balconies and there are no inside cabins. Meanwhile, The Gauguin's size and maneuverability allow it access to some of the region's most intimate ports. Other highlights include an onboard watersports marina, not one but three mouthwatering dining venues, an extensive spa and five-star service from start to finish.

Dining aboard The Gauguin is an experience all its own. Guests can enjoy a changing selection of buffet breakfast and lunch items and a la carte options inspired by their surroundings while they dine al fresco or take in wraparound ocean views at La Veranda. For a more casual experience by the pool, Le Grill features a buffet breakfast, grilled lunch favorites, salads and fresh tropical fruit. Look forward to tea with finger sandwiches, more fresh fruit, desserts, pastries and petit fours in the afternoon and, finally, delicious Polynesian specialties for evening dinner. The ship's main dining room, L'Etoile offers an exquisite fine dining experience highlighted by expertly prepared dishes paired with complimentary wines.

In addition to its restaurants, The Gauguin offers an array of exciting public spaces, including Le Grand Salon where guests can enjoy a special crew show, expert lectures and other performances; the versatile La Palette lounge hosting live music and Polynesian activities led by Les Gauguines; the outdoor pool and pool bar; Piano Bar and La Boutique where guests are certain to find the perfect souvenir, including items such as Tahitian black pearl jewelry exclusively designed just for Paul Gauguin Cruises, Tahitian vanilla, local arts and handicrafts. Guests will also find Lifecycles, treadmills, stair climbers, and weight machines at the convenient Fitness Center and can even rejuvenate both body and mind with various treatments and therapies at the Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm.

Every Paul Gauguin Cruises sailing features appearances and insight from Les Ganguins and Les Ganguines, a troupe of Tahitian hosts and entertainers who bring the islands to life through traditional songs and ancestral dances as well as guide guests during local handicraft sessions and other hands-on demonstrations. Couples celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary with the cruise line can even attend a Polynesian blessing ceremony.

The South Pacific may seem a world away but the truth is that Tahiti is within reach no matter where you are traveling from. It's only an 8.5-hour nonstop flight from Los Angeles and just a six-hour trip from Honolulu. Tahiti can be reached from Auckland in just five hours and from Sydney (9.5 hours) and Tokyo (11.5 hours) in under 12 hours. Plus, the cruise line is offering a $500 per guest air credit on select all-inclusive luxury voyages taking place May - June 2023 when booked by October 8, 2022.

The seven-night Tahiti and the Society Islands cruise sailing roundtrip from Papeete is an ideal introduction to the South Pacific with the experts who know it best. Guests can tour a local village, explore vibrant rainforests and enjoy inviting lagoons in secluded Huahine, spend an unforgettable day on Paul Gauguin's private paradise Motu Mahana and cross picturesque Bora Bora off of their bucket list with a memorable overnight call.

Another trademark itinerary, the 11-night Cook Islands and Society Islands sailing-available for two upcoming 2022 holiday voyages-brings guests up close to the spectacular landscape of the Cook Islands and the breathtaking Society Islands where captivating adventure awaits. Among the many highlights is the "Garden Island" of Huahine, where guests will discover hidden temples and fascinating ancient archeological sites. Enjoy two full days experiencing the white-sand beaches and romantic lagoons of Bora Bora and a trip to Motu Mahana for additional relaxation, a barbecue lunch and refreshing cocktails.

Guests eyeing a longer itinerary can choose from a pair of 14-night sailings, including Marquesas, Taumotus and the Society Islands. Highlights include visits to Fakarava, Motu Mahana, Bora Bora and the island of Hiva Oa, which is the burial place of artist Paul Gauguin and home to the largest stone sculptures in the Marquesas. Look forward to magnificent nature and wildlife, history and culture, relaxation and thrills both on and underneath the water.

The adventure takes on many forms with Paul Gauguin Cruises, both on and offshore. Whether you're in the mood for paddleboarding above crystal-clear lagoons or making waves with a jet ski excursion, there's no shortage of possibilities. Guests can also enjoy snorkeling, an Aquabike adventure undersea experience, off-road tours, kayaking and so much more.

There's no need to dock to enjoy water sports and shore excursions thanks to The Gauguin's specially designed watersports platform, from which guests can board kayaks and paddleboards and check out snorkel gear to explore beneath the surface. Don't forget about SCUBA. The onboard marina offers diving excursions for all experience levels and The Gauguin is the only luxury ship in French Polynesia to offer PADI certification classes for beginners who don't want to miss out.

Available on select sailings-including the aforementioned 2022 Holiday voyages-in partnership with the South Pacific marine education and conservation foundation, Te mana o te moana, the Moana Explorer program features hands-on, interactive learning for children and teens ages 7-15. The special all-inclusive program includes naturalist-led island and beach excursions as well as science activities, crafts, games and other activities like treasure hunts and stargazing.

Click here to learn more about what sets Paul Gauguin Cruises apart as Travel + Leisure's World's Best Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Line and contact your travel advisor or visit PGCruises.com for more information.