Paul Gauguin Cruises is closely identified with French Polynesia, and for good reason. Its 332-passenger luxury ship, the Paul Gauguin, has been based there for years, and the company is now owned by Tahiti-based Pacific Beachcomber, an operator of upscale resorts in the islands, including the luxury eco-resort that will open this summer on Marlon Brando’s private island.

But the cruise line in late December 2012 introduced its second ship, the 88-passenger Tere Moana, which was built in 1998 and formerly operated as Le Levant by the French cruise line Compagnie du Ponant. It makes sense, because those who enjoy the upscale, relaxed, no-ties-required atmosphere would most likely want to sail again with Paul Gauguin Cruises — but how often do most people fly to Tahiti?

Now the company is offering many more options to attract past passengers and new travelers. The Paul Gauguin is sailing farther afield this year — Australia, Southeast Asia, Fiji, Tonga and more — to give its fans other destinations to explore. And Tere Moana — the name is Tahitian for “ocean traveler” — sails in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and Greek Isles, and Central America, primarily Panama and Costa Rica.

Tere Moana is simply lovely. The extensive renovation spruced up virtually every stateroom and public room on the ship with new furniture, upholstery, art, lighting, wall coverings, carpeting and window treatments. The ship has three passenger decks and is 330 feet long, which means it takes just minutes to get from your room to the gangway, the restaurants, the quiet library or the Balinese beds on the sun deck. Those who love small-ship cruising will appreciate this gem. Another plus is the crew, who you get to know well — and they very quickly address you by name. The crew was, quite simply, exceedingly cheerful, accommodating and friendly.

A few caveats: As you’d expect on a 3,500-ton ship, passengers can feel the movement when seas are rough. During unpleasant weather, the front desk puts out a big bowl of meclizine gum that can be chewed to avoid motion sickness. Also, a ship of this size is very popular with groups, and very often the entire ship is chartered, so availability is extremely limited; even into 2015, most dates are already sold out. But if you’re interested in a charter, this is a ship to examine closely.

Here is a summary of the Tere Moana’s features.

STATEROOMS

Tere Moana has 44 oceanview staterooms in three categories. All have a fresh, sophisticated look after the renovation, with a down duvet and luxury sheets. The new king-size beds are high enough to store luggage underneath them so it no longer needs to be stored elsewhere on the ship, explains Hotel Director Nelson Trindade. They’re also extremely comfortable, with luxury linens and feather pillows (non-feather pillows are available upon request).

There are eight Category A staterooms on Deck 5 that measure 298 square feet total, including 93-square-foot private balconies added during the renovation. Category B and C staterooms are 194 square feet in size and are located on Deck 4 and Deck 3, respectively. Some staterooms can accommodate a third guest in a sofa bed.

The non-balcony staterooms have a window that just takes up part of the wall. They have a bathroom with shower, as well as individual temperature control, convertible king-size beds, bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer, a flat-screen TV, CD/DVD player, iPod docking station, a clock, a safe, armchair and table, vanity table and chair, fresh fruit and a refrigerator stocked with soft drinks, beer and bottled water.

With their round showers, bathrooms are similar to those on Windstar Cruises’ three sail-motor ships, which is a good thing as there is room to move around and more than enough storage for toiletries. Bathrooms are stocked with luxurious L’Occitane products.

DINING

Tere Moana has two restaurants — the main dining room L’Etoile and the more casual La Veranda with indoor-outdoor seating. Complimentary red and white wines are poured at lunch and dinner, although premium vintages are available at additional cost.

L’Etoile is only open for dinner and can seat every single passenger if need be, so guests can sit wherever and with whomever they choose. L’Etoile is more formal, although the dress code is described as “country club casual” and ties are optional.

The international cuisine served includes appetizers, soups, salads, main courses, a cheese course and sweet desserts. Several selections are the French-style recipes of Chef Jean-Pierre Vigato, who earned two Michelin stars for his restaurant Apicius in Paris. For example, appetizer choices might include Vigato’s asparagus salad with a mascarpone quenelle and touch of white truffle, or escargots with shallot, garlic, parsley and pernod butter. Soup might be a cauliflower cream or green lentil. Main courses include braised short ribs with polenta, grilled tandoori chicken, rare seared swordfish steak, aged prime rib or chicken Alfredo. Vegetarian choices are offered daily, and light-and-healthy options are highlighted. Trindade says he and the chef regularly visit local markets to offer a taste of the destination — such as curried chicken with toasted coconut and pineapple-raisin salsa or the Caribbean seafood risotto.

Always-available selections include Caesar salad, grilled fish of the day, salmon, sirloin steak, chicken breast, and pasta — either the special of the day or served with tomato sauce or cream sauce.

La Veranda, which accommodates 66 inside and 26 outdoors, offers a breakfast and lunch buffet. The selection is small, but there’s always a freshly prepared option, whether it be an omelet bar or your customized salad Niçoise. Fruits and vegetables are freshly squeezed.

In the evening, the restaurant is transformed into La Veranda Steakhouse, with some of the same appetizers and soups also served at L’Etoile and prepared in the galley on Deck 2, but main courses are grilled to order outside. Choices vary from day to day and might include veal chops, Atlantic salmon, seafood brochettes, New York steak, swordfish steaks or a Cajun-spiced rib-eye. Reservations are requested for La Veranda Steakhouse. On the first and final night of the cruise, dinner is served only in La Veranda and offers more traditional selections.

On a night when conditions allow and the port stay is late, dinner is a deck barbecue with a wide selection of antipasto, grilled entrées and a live pasta station. The first course can include marinated Tiger shrimps, salad with artichokes and roasted vegetables, marinated Green Lip mussels, eggplant caponata bruschetta and tropical fruit skewer with a sprinkling of coconut. Main course options include minute steaks, sea bream, chicken and lobster tail. Room service is available 24 hours.

It’s also nice to see that Tere Moana still offers dinner with the captain and officers — the tradition seems to be disappearing as cruise ships became more massive. Here, the captain, hotel director, chief engineer, doctor, safety officer and staff captain each host a table for two nights, Trindade explains. That way, all 88 passengers dine with an officer at least once.

PUBLIC AREAS

The main gathering place, Le Salon is inviting and comfortable, with light wood panels and furnishings, crystal lamps and some Polynesian paintings to reinforce kinship with the Tahiti-based ship. It’s the spot for pre- and after-dinner cocktails and afternoon tea with delicious pastries and sandwiches. The entertainment includes live piano music, a crew talent show and some dancing. This is not the ship for cruisers who want Broadway productions or circus acts. There’s also no casino on board.

The ship also has a small, restful library and a sun deck with a small pool, deck chairs and Balinese beds. The Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm offers massage, skin care and facial treatments, while the small fitness center has treadmills, stationary bikes and a rowing machine. The marina can be lowered when the seas are calm, and snorkel gear is distributed at no cost to guests who wish to swim at destination beaches.

Overall, the ship has a quiet, casually elegant atmosphere for adults who don’t want all the bells and whistles of the mega-ships. For those who want to explore the nooks and crannies of the world in an upscale, intimate environment, the Tere Moana is a perfect fit.