New Ship for Paul Gauguin Cruises

The best thing about deadlines is that they are fixed, immovable, and they get the job done. The worst thing about deadlines is they are fixed, immovable - and new stories crop up the minute a deadline has passed.

That was certainly the case with the latest edition of World of Cruising magazine (our Autumn issue - see it here). No sooner had we gone to print with issue 52 than Paul Gauguin Cruises announced a new ship for 2012, MV Moana.

The current Tahiti-based one-ship South Seas operation has been offering the Paul Gauguin for five years now, a deluxe one-off adventurer in this blissful region.

But now they are stepping things up with the acquisition of the sleek, 90-passenger Le Levant (above) from La Compagnie du Ponant, which will get a major makeover next year and then offer a greatly-enhanced range of cruises under the Gauguin banner, including the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Moana will begin operations in December 2012, starting with a winter season in the West Indies and Latin America before repositioning to the Med for the summer. She will offer an upmarket choice for the destinations, and add to Gauguin's reputation for a distinctive, niche style.

Diane Moore, president of Paul Gauguin Cruises, said: "We are monumentally proud to add a second ship to our Pacific Beachcomber portfolio and Paul Gauguin Cruises family. This is an incredibly huge branding achievement for the growth of our cruise line and I look forward to welcoming fans of The Gauguin onboard our latest addition."

The 332-passenger Paul Gauguin is currently undergoing a $7million refurbishment and will be back in business in January.

More Special Guests For Paul Gauguin Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises has announced an expanded line-up of renowned artists, lecturers and entertainers for its 2011-2012 sailings. The impressive roster of onboard presenters, as well as exclusive excursions and exhibits on board MS Paul Gauguin, provides guests with educational experiences to enhance their appreciation for the natural and cultural history of French Polynesia.

As part of the authentic Polynesian experience, guests are invited to sample the local cuisine and watch electrifying performances, or choose to indulge in traditional Tahitian spa treatments and experience the beauty of French Polynesia through an array of optional shore excursions.

To further enrich the onboard experience, Paul Gauguin Cruises offers lectures by special guests in art, history, ecology and Polynesian culture. Lecture topics include the history of the South Pacific, the conservation of coral reefs and marine creatures, astronomy, island formation, black pearl farming and much more. In addition, respected Polynesian artists offer regular exhibits of paintings and photography. Celebrated guests include:

Bobbie Verdegaal: The ships's onboard naturalist, Verdegaal is a trained marine biologist and environmental educator with extensive experience in the waters of French Polynesia. With her wealth of knowledge and engaging manner, she is well equipped to teach and discuss a wide range of topics associated with the marine environment of the beautiful South Pacific.

Mark Eddowes: An acknowledged authority and researcher in the field of Polynesian anthropology, this renowned archaeologist, scholas and gifted raconteur is on almost every voyage with entertaining and enlightening lectures.

Cecile Gaspar: President of Te Mana O Te Moana, a non-profit organisation dedicated to conservation, education and research, Gaspar will enlighten guests on the organisation’s efforts to rehabilitate sick and injured sea turtles and return them to the deep.

Gotz Donaghy Philippe: Appearing on the July 9 sailing, painter and artist Philippe uses his in-depth knowledge of Polynesian life to pen a humorous comic strip. Donaghy is also an expert on the Polynesian art of tattooing, having written several books on the subject. Guests will gain a unique perspective of French Polynesia through his artwork.

Jean-Pierre Vigato: Parisian Celebrity Chef Vigato - owner and Chef Propriétaire of the two-star Michelin-rated Restaurant Apicius in Paris - will join guests aboard the July 30 culinary sailing where he will personally prepare gourmet dishes and offer demonstrations of his culinary techniques.

Devlin, the Matador of Magic: A professional magician for more than 30 years, Devlin brings a Latin flair to his style of magic, which has earned him the sobriquet "Matador of Magic!" The recipient of the Society of American Magicians’ highest honour, Magician of the Year, he has appeared (and disappeared!) on stages around the world - including select sailings onboard Paul Gauguin.

For more info, visit www.pgcruises.com or contact the UK's leading luxury and adventure-cruise specialist, The Cruise Line Ltd.

A Real South Pacific Discovery

Paul Gauguin Cruises has launched a fabulous new package, the South Pacific Discovery (Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands), which allows guests to discover all the scenic splendours and fascinating cultures of the South Pacific, exploring the shores of nine distinctive islands in five archipelagos on a single voyage. Departing January 23, 2012, prices start from just £6,188 per person.

This 20-night hotel and cruise package commences in cosmopolitan Sydney, with three days at leisure in Australia’s oldest and largest city and one of the most culturally diverse in the world. Guests will stay at the Four Seasons Sydney, located in the historic Rocks area of the city. After basking in Sydney’s enviable harbour setting, guests will fly to Brisbane to board the Paul Gauguin to begin their experience of the beautiful South Pacific. The sailing includes exceptional visits to New Caledonia, Fiji and the Kingdom of Tonga, ending in French Polynesia which boasts some of the most beautiful islands in the world.

• Noumea, New Caldonia: This capital city has been named the “Paris of the Pacific” due to its French ambience, heritage and culture.
• Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji: The largest of the island chain is comprised of high mountains, lush vegetation, shimmering water and pristine white-sand beaches. Fiji’s urban culture and easy-going ambience are present in this island nation.
• Vava’u, Tonga: Never colonised by Europeans, the Polynesian culture remains strong in this South Pacific Nation. Crystal clear waters and high mountain tops offer unparalleled views of the Tonga islands.
• Aitutaki, Cook Islands: Consisting of three volcanoes and 12 coral islets, the islands offer beautiful coral reefs and pristine lagoons. The islands are nearly flat, affording ocean views from virtually any point on the island.
• Taha’a: Visit Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private island featuring white-sand beaches with swaying palms, crystal-clear waters and gentle breezes. A delicious Polynesian barbeque lunch and local entertainment will prove a highlight of any sailing.
• Bora Bora: Described as the most beautiful island in the world, guests will have the opportunity to view the famous marine life or relax on a beautiful, private beach on a motu off the coast.
• Moorea: The lush scenery is out of a dream, with green vegetation, an abundance of fresh fruit and flowers, spectacular mountain peaks and palm-fringed beaches.

While onboard Paul Gauguin, guests will experience a relaxed and elegant setting in which to enjoy the amenities of the award-winning, newly-refurbished ship. The ship will host lectures by the onboard naturalist, Scuba-diving lessons, local entertainment and a mouth-watering variety of cuisine. Special guests, activities and entertainment introduced especially for this unique voyage add to the experience of sailing on the region's most highly acclaimed luxury vessel.

Prices are from £6,188 per person, including returned scheduled flights from the UK, three nights in Sydney, 17 nights on the Paul Gauguin in an ocean-view stateroom with all meals, soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages and gratuities.

For more info, visit www.pgcruises.com or contact the UK's leading adventure cruise specialist, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Free flights on South Pacific Cruise

By guest blogger Steve Newman

There is just one week to wait until the opening of the most important Gauguin exhibition in Britain in 50 years and, to celebrate, Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering free return flights on its 14-night Polynesian cruise of the Marquesas, Tuamotus and Society Islands departing December 4, 2010.

Discover the inspiration behind many of Gauguin's greatest works on a 14-night cruise on the 332-guest Paul Gauguin departing from Papeete. One of the highlights of the cruise is a visit to the Marquesas which lie shrouded in mystery with their mist-laden mountains and untouched wilderness.

Here, wild stallions run free on Ua Huka; Fatu Hiva boasts only one road; and, on Hiva Oa, Paul Gauguin himself is buried beneath a statue of a Polynesian goddess.

This 14-night cruise departs Papeete, Tahiti on December 4 and visits Fakarava; Hanavave, Fatu Hiva; Atuona, Hiva Oa; Vaipaee, Ua Huka; Tiaohae, Nuku Hiva; Huahine; Bora Bora; Taha'a, Motu Mahana; and Moorea before finishing back in Papeete.

Prices start from £4,187 per person, including free return scheduled flights between London and Papeete, transfers, 14 nights in an ocean-view stateroom with all meals, soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages and gratuities.

For reservations and further information, visit http://www.pgcruises.com/, or, in the UK, call specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

Parlez Vous Paradise?

By guest blogger Steve Newman.

Some times the WOW! factor can be too great to bear. There are many types of cruise ships but there's only one Aranui 3. The lone passenger/sailing ship travelling from Tahiti to the Marquesas, she is the lifeline for this remote 15-island archipelago, the very epitome of French Polynesia situated in the middle of the South Pacific.

You even get two bites of the cherry here as the ship breaks the journey by calling in at the Tuamoto archipelago where you can watch the tropical fish dance in the crystal clear waters of the lagoon whilst you take your lunch on board.

The Aranui carries 2,000 tons of cargo and up to 180 passengers on a 14-day trip picking up copra, dried coconut and noni fruit. Don't think you're going to arrive at some mini Caribbean lookalike, though, as only six of the islands are inhabited, while two can only be reached by boat and don't even have a dock.

The swimming pool on deck allows you to cool down when you wish and the relaxed dining code lets you enjoy the mixture of French and Polynesian cuisine at your leisure whilst sipping something tropical against the background of mist-topped verdant mountains. All of this and the chance to learn about Marquesan culture, art and history from lecturers whilst the crew are on hand to teach you how to weave hats, learn the local dances and wear the local costume for when you arrive.

Because visitors are so rare in these islands where little has changed and there are few roads and even fewer cars, you receive one of the warmest welcomes on earth from the islanders. Islands where Paul Gauguin painted his last pictures; where horses outnumber people; and where mysterious ruins - the remnants of lost, mysterious civilisations - emerge from the jungle are the norm here.

Port times vary from a few hours to a day or more but on these islands you have the opportunity to explore by jeep, horseback, snorkel or fishing boat or simply take the hiking trail and stroll casually around to enjoy the local lifestyle. When you get back on board, the islands stay with you as the ship seems to be an actual part of the archipelago itself. Go on - you know it's what you want!

Further details are at http://www.aranui.com/