Solo at Rangiroa Kia Ora Resort. (Photo by Suzanne Stauffer @PONANT Tim Mckenna)

Women Travelers Find New Freedom with Paul Gauguin Cruises

Solo at Rangiroa Kia Ora Resort. (Photo by Suzanne Stauffer @PONANT Tim Mckenna)
 
 

On March 1, 2026, “Plan a Solo Vacation Day” arrives at a time when solo travel, especially among women, continues to gain traction. In recognition of this trend, Paul Gauguin Cruises is introducing Zero Single Supplement offers on seven itineraries through French Polynesia and the South Pacific, available on departures from March 2026 to November 2027.

Gauguin for One

These sailings highlight destinations long associated with couples and families but now drawing independent travelers seeking meaningful experiences in safe, accessible environments. The m/s Paul Gauguin, carrying up to 330 guests, calls at ports across Tahiti, the Society Islands, the Tuamotus, the Cook Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Australia and Bali. Each itinerary under the Zero Single Supplement program offers a combination of remote atolls, cultural exploration, and opportunities for personal discovery within a compact, small-ship setting.

The 165-stateroom ship was designed to navigate the shallow lagoons of French Polynesia and underwent a refurbishment inspired by the region’s textures and tones. Nearly all accommodations feature private balconies, giving guests views of coral reefs and volcanic peaks. Recent updates include a refreshed pool deck with shaded cabanas and a redesigned Le Grill dining venue, complementing the two other onboard restaurants.

Paul Gauguin Cruises has served the South Pacific for more than 28 years, maintaining year-round operations that emphasize local connection and maritime expertise. Dedicated onboard programming for solo travelers includes curated meetups and hosted gatherings, structured to encourage interaction while allowing ample room for independent exploration.

Eligible sailings include:

  •  Tahiti & the Society Islands (7 nights)  Jun. 19, 2027 | Jun. 26, 2027 | Aug. 14, 2027 | Aug. 21, 2027 | Sep. 18, 2027 | Oct. 16, 2027 | Oct. 30, 2027
  • More Society Islands & Tahiti (7 nights) May 22, 2027 | Jul. 17, 2027 | Sep. 11, 2027 | Oct. 23, 2027
  • More Tuamotus & Society Islands (10 nights) – Dec. 2, 2026 | Apr. 28, 2027 | Nov. 17, 2027
  • Cook Islands & Society Islands (11 nights) – March 28, 2026 | Jan. 2, 2027 | Nov. 6, 2027
  • Society Islands & Tuamotus (11 nights) – May 29, 2027
  • Crossing Oceania: Fiji to Bali (20 nights) – Jan. 28, 2027
  • Crossing Melanesia: Australia to Fiji (17 nights) – March 29, 2027

Solo Women’s Travel is on the Rise

According to a 2025 analysis by Atlys, women continue to drive the solo travel market, making approximately 82 percent of all travel decisions. Interest in solo travel is particularly strong, with 45 percent of women planning to take a solo trip in 2025, up notably from the prior year. Online searches for “solo female travel” have more than tripled since pre-pandemic levels, reflecting both growing comfort with independent exploration and greater financial autonomy. Nearly half of female solo travelers book their trips at least a month in advance, and 86 percent report feeling confident traveling alone—even amid international uncertainties.

For more information, visit pgcruises.com.