We took the Paul Gauguin on 2/28/04. I would provide a more cautious review of that ship. That is, just before we went, it somehow got rated as "Best Cruise Ship" or something similar. In our experience that statement is: 1) untrue; and 2) probably unfair to the ship. That is, it is a very nice ship and Radisson does an excellent job of including items which are an extra cost on other cruise lines. (For example, they include, in the price of the cruise, wine and beer at meals, many cocktail parties, bottles of water, room service, tips). Those extra amenities were appreciated but, in the broad perspective, they are part of the price which you pay for a better quality cruise. However, there were some negatives compared to the Golden Princess, on which we traveled just a few months before. For example: 1) there was only one swimming pool, it wasn't pretty (no tile, no fountains, no design) and there was *no* shade to be had; 2) the restaurant choices are much more limited (because it is a small ship - but it still made a poor comparison, to us); 3) the food was not spectacular (the specialty restaurant was outstanding, but the buffets were not as high-end as the Golden Princess); 4) the shore destinations in Tahiti are beautiful, but that is all - there is nothing else to do, so when you get a rain storm for 2 days (like we did in Bora Bora), you are stuck on a small ship, for 2 days, with far fewer options than other ships; 5) the entertainment was lesser (again, it is a small ship - but when you say "*Best* Cruise Ship" you set expecations).

So, when all is said and done, what is my conclusion?
If you want to see Tahiti, you should go.
If you like cruising, and you come with the proper expectations, you can have a nice time.
If you think you are going on a "dream" ship, which will exceed other cruising experiences, you might be disappointed.