Luxury Cruise Bible

m/s Paul Gauguin

Itineraries

Cook Islands • Fiji • Marquesas • New Zealand • Tahiti & Society Islands • Tonga • Tuamotus

About This Ship

The m/s Paul Gauguin is so closely associated with Tahiti and the Society Islands that a certain type of mystique has developed around her. While she’s not the newest or most luxurious ship out there, she is definitely one of the most romantic.

At 513 feet long and 71 feet wide, the PG is an intimate ship that hosts 332-passengers per voyage. Seven passenger decks provide plenty of space for guests to spread out and relax while a crew of 215 see to their every wish.

The m/s Paul Gauguin has been sailing these waters since 1998 and during that time she’s undergone over $25 million worth of enhancements. Her most recent dry dock occurred in January 2009. Paul Gauguin Cruises invested $6 million for refreshed woodwork, carpeting, and upholstery 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.

From 1998–2009, Regent Seven Seas Cruises managed the PG on behalf of Paul Gauguin Cruises. As of January 6, 2010, Paul Gauguin Cruises will take over full control of the ship and will offer the following itineraries:

• Sixteen 7-night departures featuring Tahiti and Society Islands
• Six 10-night and two 9-night voyages of Tuamotus and Society Islands
• Five 11-night sailings focusing on the Cook Islands
• Four 14-nighters featuring the Marquesas Islands
• 13- and 15-night discoveries of Fiji, Tonga, and the Cook and Society Islands
• Two unique 14-night itineraries calling upon New Zealand, Tonga, and the Cook and Society Islands

Watch for special sailings such as the January 6, 2010 President’s Cruise or the Solar Eclipse sailing on July 6, 2010.

Staterooms & Amenities

Every cabin aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin features a queen-size bed (some staterooms may be configured with twin beds), air-conditioning, bathroom with tub and shower, TV, CD/DVD player, safe, bathrobes and slippers, and a refrigerator stocked with soft drinks. There is only one wheelchair-accessible stateroom (cabin 415).

• Owner’s Suites. There are two Cateogry OS Owner’s Suites (cabin 701 and 7002) with different layouts. Both benefit from butler service. Suite 701 features a 457-square-foot stateroom and a 77-square-foot veranda. The bathroom includes a separate shower and dressing area. The stateroom portion of Suite 7002 is 588 square feet with a 57-square-foot veranda. The bathroom includes a full-size tub and dressing area.

• Grand Suites. The Paul Gauguin Suite (801) and the Flora Tristan Suite (802) are both Category GS Grand Suites and are laid out with a 332-square-foot stateroom and 197-square-foot veranda. Butler service is included.

• Veranda Suites. Category A Verdana Suites are either laid out as a 300-square-foot stateroom with a 58-square-foot veranda or 296 square feet with a 53-square-foot veranda. Category A suites include the Tahiti Suite (709), Pont Avent Suite (710), Atunona Suite (711), Arles Suite (712), and 7004. Butler service is included.

• Veranda Staterooms. Category B Veranda Staterooms are between 249 and 256 square feet with verandas ranging from 47 to 56 square feet. Stateroom 7003 does not have a tub; just a shower stall. Butler service is included.

• Balcony Staterooms. There are two categories of Balcony Staterooms: Category C and D on decks 6 and 7. The staterooms vary in size from 186 to 229 square feet with balconies ranging from 37 to 74 square feet. A handful of Balcony Staterooms only have a shower stall and no tub.

• Window Stateroom. The 200-square-foot Category E Window Staterooms feature a picture window. Stateroom 415 is slightly larger (225 square feet) and is wheelchair accessible.

• Porthole Stateroom. Category F Porthole Staterooms are 200 square feet and feature two portholes.

Public Rooms

Many cruisers feel no need to book a balcony or veranda cabin on the PG since the public areas are so lovely and spacious. Here are the favorite hang-out spots on the ship:

• The Sun Deck, on Deck 9, is the place to sun bathe and watch the world go by.
• On Deck 8 you’ll enjoy the pool and pool bar, Le Grill, and La Palette Lounge.
• Fitness and spa buffs hit Deck 6 to enjoy the gym and enjoy a spa treatment. La Boutique calls all shoppers and La Veranda Restaurant is also located on this deck.
• Deck 5 is where you’ll find most entertainment options, such as Le Grand Salon, Casino, Piano Bar, and Card Room. L’Etoile Restaurant is also on Deck 5.
• And finally, you’ll find Reception on Deck 4.

Dining

There are three open-seating restaurants onboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, plus 24-hour complimentary room service. A selection of wine and spirits are complimentary throughout your stay. Premium bottles may be purchased from the PG‘s wine cellar.

• 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.

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.

Spa, Beauty & Fitness

For many travelers, a vacation just isn’t complete with a few relaxing spa treatments. The PG offers a variety of options, including skin care therapies, skin exfoliating, massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, body wraps, facials, and other beauty treatments. A hair stylist is also onboard for your convenience.

The PG‘s fitness center contains state-of-the-art equipment like Stairmasters, treadmills, Lifecycles, and weight machines.

Internet Access

Internet access is available onboard in the Card Room and there are some wi-fi hotspots throughout the ship. Prior to the January 2009 dry dock, the Internet was quite slow and many guests would seek out an on-island cybercafe to check their e-mail rather than use the services on the m/s Paul Gauguin. During the dry dock, however, Internet services were upgraded so we hope to hear some favorable reports regarding improved access soon.

Recreation

French Polynesia is heaven on earth for those who love watersports such as scuba, snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. To take advantage of all the area has to offer, the m/s Paul Gauguin was built with a fabulous retractable marina. Just head to the aft of the ship and you’ll find the launch point for windsurfing, kayaking, waterskiing, and much more. You’ll also be able to hop on a Zodiac in order to head out for a scuba expedition. (PADI certification is offered for beginner divers.)

Whether you’re an advanced diver or have never tried snorkeling before, onboard PADI dive masters offer lessons at all levels. Don’t be afraid to try something new! The sea life is breathtaking here so be sure to get out on the water and enjoy it!

Accessibility

Cabin 415, a Category E Window Stateroom, is the only wheelchair-accessible room on the m/s Paul Gauguin. While Paul Gauguin Cruises does its best to accommodate those with physical disabilities, this intinerary—which requires passengers to be able to step in and out of a tender to get from ship to island—may not be the best choice for those with mobility issues.

For More Information…

…talk with your travel agent, call the cruise line at (800) 848-6172, or visit the Paul Gauguin Cruises website.