Paul Gauguin Cruises uses a sliding scale: the closer to departure you cancel, the more of the fare you lose, and from 90 days out the full fare is at risk. Below is how the published terms work for bookings made from October 7, 2024 onward, plus what I'd do to protect a booking. Terms can change, so always confirm the current version with us or on the cruise line's own terms page before you commit.
Deposit and final payment
To confirm a reservation, the cruise line asks for a 25% deposit within 72 hours of booking. The balance, or final payment, is due 90 days before the voyage departs. The cruise line states there is no grace period after that date, and a booking not paid in full at 90 days can be cancelled with a 100% penalty. These are the terms published on the Paul Gauguin Cruises terms and conditions page for new bookings, including groups, from October 7, 2024.
Cancellation charges by days before departure
If you cancel a deposited reservation, the published charges are per person:
| When you cancel | Charge |
|---|---|
| Within 15 days of paying the deposit | No fee |
| 365 days or more before departure | $250 administration fee; can be applied to a future booking within 12 months |
| 364 to 211 days before departure | 10% of the full fare; can be applied to a future booking within 12 months |
| 210 to 91 days before departure | 25% of the full fare |
| 90 days or less before departure | 100% of the full fare |
Source: Paul Gauguin Cruises cancellations and refunds terms. Fares are quoted in US dollars by the cruise line; check current rates and terms when you book.
How to cancel
Cancellations go through the cruise line's reservations team, by phone or in writing to customer service, as explained in the cruise line's frequently asked questions. If you booked with Far & Away Adventures, call or email us first and we'll handle it with the cruise line, confirm the charge that applies on the day you cancel, and get it in writing.
Flights, hotels and add-ons follow their own rules
The cruise fare is only part of most Tahiti trips. Airline tickets, Air Tahiti inter-island flights, and pre- or post-cruise hotel stays usually have their own change and cancellation rules, which can be stricter than the cruise line's. The cruise line's terms note that airline change or rebooking charges are the guest's responsibility. Before booking, ask which parts of your package are refundable, which can be credited to a future trip, and which are lost if plans change.
Protecting your booking
Because the penalty climbs to 100% at 90 days, the period from final payment to departure is when you're most exposed. Ways to reduce the risk:
- Book early enough to sit in the lower-penalty windows while you firm up plans.
- Put the key dates (15 days after deposit, 211 days and 91 days before departure) in your calendar.
- Look at trip cancellation and interruption coverage when you pay your deposit, since some benefits depend on buying early. I'm not a licensed insurance advisor, so compare plans with the insurer directly. The cruise line's FAQ mentions the Allianz plan it recommends.
- Keep written confirmation of every booking, payment and change.
For more on coverage, see do you need travel insurance for a Paul Gauguin cruise and our travel insurance planning page.
Planning notes
Read the current terms before you pay a deposit, note your deadline dates, and decide on cancellation coverage early. If you'd like us to walk through the rules for a specific sailing, tell us your dates and we'll confirm the terms that apply.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Paul Gauguin deposit refundable?
According to the published terms for bookings from October 7, 2024, there is no fee if you cancel within 15 days of paying the deposit. After that, the charge depends on how many days before departure you cancel.
What happens if I cancel within 90 days of the cruise?
The published terms charge 100% of the full fare per person for cancellations 90 days or less before departure, so trip cancellation coverage matters most in that window.
Do these rules apply to my flights and hotels?
Not necessarily. Airline tickets, Air Tahiti flights and hotel stays usually have their own rules, so check each part of your trip separately.