One of the finer things in life is being able to stay and play on a luxury ship in the middle of some of the most serene locales on the planet.
Companies like Paul Gauguin Cruises makes those recreational dreams realities, taking passengers from around the world on idyllic voyages to destinations like Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji and the South Pacific.
Offering seven-to-17 night itineraries, Paul Gauguin is recognized as the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury ship in the South Pacific.
Vanessa Bloy, director of public relations, talked with RewardExpert about what makes Paul Gauguin Cruises a notch above the rest.
A motor ship bred from a dream
The 332-guest motor ship was built in 1998 at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint Nazaire, France. Designed specifically to allow guests the freedom to discover exotic ports of the South Pacific without limitations, the ship sailed its first voyage as a member of the Pacific Beachcomber, S.C. portfolio on Jan. 6, 2010.
Pacific Beachcomber possesses more than 25 years of experience in the French Polynesian tourism market, she said, and is the country’s largest luxury hotel and cruise operator. In addition to cruises, it operates seven award-winning hotels: InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa; InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort; InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa; InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa; the Maitai Bora Bora; the Maitai Rangiroa; the Maitai Lapita Village Huahine and the Pacific Beachcomber eco-luxury resort, The Brando, on the private island of Tetiaroa.
Endless fun in the sun
“Paul Gauguin Cruises is known for exceptional service that is distinguished by Polynesian hospitality, and by one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios at sea,” Bloy said.
The ship features spacious ocean-view accommodations, including: balconies in nearly 70 percent of stateroom categories; gourmet dining inspired by one of Paris’ best chefs; a lavish spa with signature treatments; an expansive deck space; a pool; a fitness center; a boutique; and a lounge that features live entertainment.
The service also provides a water sports marina for kayaking, windsurfing, paddle boarding and Professional Association of Diving Instructors’ scuba programs.
This is just the beginning
Paul Gauguin cruises includes round-trip economy airfare from Los Angeles. “Paul Gauguin Cruises is in a unique position — which is different from most cruise lines, since we specialize in the destination,” Bloy said. “We bring the destination alive authentically on board.”
In 2018 it will be the first cruise line to visit the port city of Vairao in Tahiti Iti — the smaller of two landmasses that comprise Tahiti. It offers a wild coastline, ancient petroglyphs, temples and surfing opportunities. It is scheduled on seven-night Society Islands and Tahiti Iti voyages, and a special sailing of the 10-night Society Islands and Tuamotus itinerary.
Also next year, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society will offer two interactive, educational programs to enrich guests’ experiences. During the summer months and holiday seasons, Stewards of Nature will be offered to encourage children ages seven to 17 to discover the beauty of nature.
On all 2018 sailings, guests will receive complimentary access to Paul Gauguin Cruises’ two exclusive retreats: Motu Mahana, where guests can eat barbecue and sip from cocktails on a floating bar; or Bora Bora, where volleyball and snorkeling are all the rage.
“Designed specifically to sail the pristine lagoons of these islands, The Gauguin provides an up-close, authentic experience of the South Seas,” Bloy said, “and offers an elegant yet casual ambiance with luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, trademark Polynesian hospitality, and extraordinary all-inclusive value.”
For more information visit Paul Gauguin Cruises or search for Paul Gauguin or PG Cruises on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.