Paul Gauguin Cruises
“Over there, in the silence of tropical nights, I will be able to listen to the soft music whispering the motions from my heart.”
—Paul Gauguin
Getting to Know Paul Gauguin Cruises
Itineraries: Cook Islands • Fiji • Marquesas • Tahiti & Society Islands • Tonga • Tuamotus
Cruise fare includes: all-inclusive policy covering accommodations; meals; beverages, including select wines and spirits; in-suite bar setup and butler service in category B and higher; complimentary room service; private beach access on Bora Bora; private islet BBQ on Taha’a‘s Motu Mahana; and gratuities.
Gratuities: included in your all-inclusive cruise fare.
History
The brand “Paul Gauguin Cruises” may be new to you but its 513-foot, 332-passenger m/s Paul Gauguin has been sailing French Polynesia since 1998. Owned by Paul Gauguin Shipping Ltd., this intimate vessel has been operated and managed by Regent Seven Seas Cruises for the past few years. As of January 2010, Paul Gauguin Shipping Ltd. will retake control of the ship’s operation and management. Have no fear though: The experienced crew—215 strong—is staying on and past Regent guests will even continue to receive a loyalty discount when booking vacations aboard the PG. In fact, past guests of all of the following cruises lines are automatically members of the m/s Paul Gauguin Society and will receive a 5 percent discount on PG voyages: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, The Yachts of Seabourn, Crystal Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club, and Windstar Cruises.
Paul Gauguin Cruises plans to maintain the same level of service guests have come to expect from Regent Seven Seas and the ship will continue to be marketed as a luxury vessel. From January 25–February 5, 2009, the ship was in dry dock in Brisbane, Australia, where she underwent a $6 million renovation. Woodwork, carpeting, and upholstery was refreshed throughout the public areas of the ship. Internet service was enhanced and the fitness center was upgraded. Twenty-six ocean-view staterooms were also converted to Category D balcony cabins and two of the PG‘s restaurants—the poolside Le Grill and La Veranda—were also refurbished.
The first itinerary operated by Paul Gauguin Cruises will be the 10-night January 6, 2010 voyage calling on Tahiti, Huahine, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Taha’a, and Moorea. This is the President’s Cruise so guests will be sailing with the cruise line’s very own David A. Giersdorf.
Onboard Vibe
The friendliness of French Polynesia permeates the m/s Paul Gauguin and the atmosphere onboard is welcoming and casual. Boarding the ship often feels like a homecoming—even for first-time guests.
Fellow Travelers
Since the m/s Paul Gauguin is one of the other cruise ships sailing French Polynesia year-round, the passenger mix can be quite varied. One thing’s for certain though: You’re bound to meet honeymooners, those celebrating a special anniversary, retirees, and families.
Dress Code
As you can imagine, the dress code board the m/s Paul Gauguin is much more relaxed than other luxury ships sailing different itineraries. Beachwear and active wear are your best bets during the day and you’ll want to change into “country club casual” resort wear in the evenings. For men, slacks and a button-down shirt will do. No ties are needed. Women lean toward informal cocktail outfits and pantsuits. Jeans, shorts, and T-shirts are off-limits at dinner.
Food • Wine
There are three open-seating restaurants onboard the m/s Paul Gauguin:
- Enjoy casual poolside dining at Le Grill. At breakfast, you’ll find a buffet here. Lunch focuses on grilled specialties, salads, and tropical fruit. Grilled entrees are also featured at dinner and may include baby lamb chops, wok-seared beef with Chinese Five spices, or shrimp Polynesian-style marinated in coconut milk and lime juice. Just be sure to leave room for the Tahitian vanilla crème brulée.
- When you’re in the mood for French, head to La Veranda. Le Cordon Bleu chefs have designed the menu to reflect the traditional foods of Provence, Normandy, Alsace, and the Loire Valley. However, you’ll be pleased to know that the recipes have been updated to include lighter sauces and more vegetarian options. Dinner reservations are required.
- L’Etoile presents inventive Continental with a Polynesian bent. Don’t miss the Tahitian sea scallops in a coconut sauce or grilled New Zealand salmon with Béarnaise sauce.
- And, when you don’t feel like going out for dinner, you may select from an extensive, complimentary room service menu.
Paul Gauguin Cruises offers an all-inclusive experience. As such, wine—and other alcoholic beverages—are complimentary.
Entertainment
This is no megaship so don’t bother looking for the rock-climbing wall, bowling alley, or karaoke bar. But you weren’t looking for those things anyway, were you? I thought not. Instead you’ll find lower key pastimes at the Piano Bar, La Palette Lounge (with an indoor/outdoor dance floor), and Le Casino. For nightly performances, visit Le Grand Salon where you’re bound to enjoy the Polynesian revue featuring the Gauguines performers. You can also unwind at Carita Spa or work up a sweat in the fitness center.
One of the most alluring aspects of the m/s Paul Gauguin is her retractable watersports marina that offers windsurfing, kayaking, waterskiing, and a scuba-certification program.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is prohibited in all interior areas of the ship, including your stateroom and balcony. You may only smoke within designated areas: the Pool Bar, the outside area of La Palette, and the specified area of Le Grill.
Children’s Program
If you’ll be sailing with children aged 9–17, consider enrolling them in the Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program. Developed by Jean-Michel Cousteau and focusing on marine and island ecosystems, participants will hike rainforests, visit island temples, see how vanilla is grown, how black pearls develop, and how volcanic islands become coral atolls. They’ll also learn how to paddle an outrigger canoe. Parents are invited to join their kids on eco-excursions and other activities both aboard and on shore. The program operates on all itineraries June through August and on some holiday itineraries. The cost is $269 per child.
The Ships
For detailed information about the m/s Paul Gauguin, click on the link below:
- m/s Paul Gauguin (332 passengers)
- No other ships in development at this time
Book This Cruise Line If…
…your dream is to visit the exotic islands of French Polynesia.
For More Information…
…talk with your travel agent, call the cruise line at (800) 848-6172, or visit the Paul Gauguin Cruises website.