Cruise Frog guide
Explora Journeys vs Paul Gauguin Cruises
Explora Journeys rates higher than Paul Gauguin Cruises on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 4.3 to 4.0 out of 5 across their rated ships. Explora Journeys leads on cabins, dining and pools & decks; Paul Gauguin Cruises on value. Pick Explora Journeys for food lovers and multigenerational groups; Paul Gauguin Cruises for families.
Comparison updated
| Fact | Explora Journeys | Paul Gauguin Cruises |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Luxury | Luxury |
| Best for | Couples, Food lovers, History and culture, Multigenerational groups | Couples, History and culture, Families |
| Fleet rating | 4.3 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Cabins | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Dining | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Entertainment | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Service | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Pools & decks | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Value | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Ships in service | 3 | 1 |
| Ships on the way | 3 | — |
| Largest ship | Explora III (72,810 GT) | Paul Gauguin (19,200 GT) |
| Newest ship | Explora III (2026) | Paul Gauguin (1998) |
| Guests per ship, average | 996 | 330 |
| Usually sails | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, Northern Europe | Asia, Australia and New Zealand, South Pacific |
| Solo cabins | None | — |
| Single supplement | A Journey of One offer: solo occupancy from 0% over the current per-person fare on select journeys, in Ocean Terrace, Ocean Grand Terrace… | — |
| Loyalty program | Explora Club | Ponant Yacht Club |
| Owner | MSC Group | Ponant Explorations Group |
| Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland | Marseille, France |
| Founded | 2021 | 1998 |
Ratings are Cruise Frog's editorial scores of each line's ships in service, 1 to 5, averaged; the higher figure is highlighted. How we rate.
Quick answers
Which is better, Explora Journeys or Paul Gauguin Cruises?
Explora Journeys rates higher than Paul Gauguin Cruises on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 4.3 to 4.0 out of 5 across their rated ships. Explora Journeys leads on cabins, dining and pools & decks; Paul Gauguin Cruises on value.
Is Explora Journeys or Paul Gauguin Cruises better value?
Paul Gauguin Cruises scores higher for value, 4.0 to 3.0 out of 5 (what you get for the fare, extras included).
Is Explora Journeys or Paul Gauguin Cruises better for dining?
Explora Journeys scores higher for dining, 5.0 to 4.0 out of 5 (good food in the main dining room and the specialty venues).
Is Explora Journeys or Paul Gauguin Cruises better for entertainment?
They score the same for entertainment, 3.0 out of 5.
Is Explora Journeys or Paul Gauguin Cruises better for cabins?
Explora Journeys scores higher for cabins, 5.0 to 4.0 out of 5 (comfortable, quiet, well kept).
Is Explora Journeys or Paul Gauguin Cruises better for families?
Paul Gauguin Cruises is the one Cruise Frog lists as suiting families; Explora Journeys is not tagged for families.
Which has bigger ships, Explora Journeys or Paul Gauguin Cruises?
Explora Journeys's largest ship, Explora III, measures 72,810 gross tons, against 19,200 for Paul Gauguin, Paul Gauguin Cruises's largest. An average Explora Journeys ship carries 996 guests, a Paul Gauguin Cruises ship 330.
How many ships do Explora Journeys and Paul Gauguin Cruises have?
Explora Journeys has 3 ships in service and 3 on the way; Paul Gauguin Cruises has 1 ship in service.
Are Explora Journeys and Paul Gauguin Cruises owned by the same company?
No. Explora Journeys is part of MSC Group; Paul Gauguin Cruises is part of Ponant Explorations Group.