Named after the famous French painter, Paul Gauguin's voyages are pieces of art in themselves, starring sun-kissed islands, sparkling lagoons with crystal-clear waters, private beach retreats, friendly locals and on-board luxury. Its new-look ship, tempting itineraries and exotic locations allow it to be an irresistible choice for your next cruise.
Mention what South Pacific and Paul Gauguin Cruises inside the same breath and you will conjure images of immersive cultural experiences, stunning tropical islands lapped by turquoise waters, an extravagance small-ship and fabulous food.
If you've always aspired to experience the South Pacific in all its glory, Paul Gauguin Cruises is placed to welcome passengers having a new-look ship and fabulous itineraries.
There are 39 exciting voyages planned for that coming year featuring Tahiti, the Society islands, the Tuamotus, the Marquesas, the Cook Islands, Tonga and Fiji. The South Pacific-based luxury small-ship operator is fantastic for Nz and Australian cruise lovers as it's much less not even close to home.
Chairman of PONANT Asia Pacific and Paul Gauguin Cruises, Sarina Bratton says bookings are strong for your 2022 South Pacific voyages. “In a post-pandemic world, small , non-crowded environments are what travellers are seeking. More meaningful and sustainable methods for exploring by small ships is definitely a trend that's increasingly evident, appealing to those people who are curious, having a feeling of adventure.”
Cruises started again in August using the US and European markets stepping aboard.
Senior Business Development Executive for PONANT and Paul Gauguin, Bianca Bratton, who's based in Nz, says there's a trend for booking longer cruises.
“I think once the borders all open people wish to enjoy themselves making the most of the gorgeous destinations, so they are thinking about longer cruises,” she says.
“The Paul Gauguin voyages are very special and combine cultural immersion most abundant in beautiful scenery such as white sandy beaches, pretty islands, swaying palms and blue waters.”
Bratton says her South Pacific cruise is one of the most memorable ever. “The Tahitian landscapes and surrounding islands would be best appreciated within the sea. A brand new day dawns, along with a new and various discovery from the interesting culture, friendly locals, lush rainforests or underwater scenery as you venture between islands,” she says.
“It's this kind of welcoming environment for families, couples celebrating a milestone anniversary or honeymoon and adventure travellers alike. The relaxed setting offers the perfect chance to kick back, benefit from the temperate Tahitian climate and like the wonders in the South Pacific – it's the best destination holiday experience.”
Revamped Ship
The luxurious 332-guest Le Paul Gauguin, that is area of the PONANT family, features seven decks and 166 spacious stateroom and suites: all with sea views and many with balconies. Passengers might find changes to staterooms, suites and public spaces plus Le Grand Salon, three restaurants, Piano Bar, La Palette Lounge, spa and salon, boutique, pool deck, and reception area.
Bratton states that the new refurbishment is impressive using its completely new colour and texture palette which includes lagoon shades, a number of green and natural tones, warm colour touches, vegetal patterns and traditional woven textiles. “Exotic panoramic prints and artworks inside seamlessly complement the captivating big plus with the lagoons, mountains, turquoise waters and coral atolls outside.”
Renovations specified for by Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel and carried out dry dock in Singapore. The décor evokes South Seas elegance that's reflective from the narrative the hawaiian islands and sea.
Bratton states that the voyages provide an intimate experience, offering an elegant yet casual ambience with luxurious accommodations, exceptional service, gourmet dining, trademark Polynesian hospitality, private beach retreats and all-inclusive value. Complimentary outdoor activities embracing the natural wonders of the South Pacific include snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding and diving excursions (surcharge applies). There's exclusive accessibility line's private island, Motu Mahana and a private beach on Bora Bora.
Bratton says amenities are also enhanced to accomplish the onboard experience with inclusive unlimited wi-fi and a tribute memorial more than 150 paintings by artist Paul Gauguin.
There's a range of dining in all three of the ship's restaurants along with a 24-hour room service, complimentary open bar including select wines, beer and spirits and onboard gratuities for room stewards and dining staff.
Future Voyages
The 39 South Pacific voyages available throughout 2022 include options of seven, 10, 11 and 14-night itineraries. Highlights include a 10-night Society Islands and Tuamotus, 7-night Tahiti as well as the Society islands, 14-night Marquesas, Tuamotus and Society Islands voyages, 11-night Cook and Society Islands and 11, 12- or 13-night Fiji, Tonga, Cook and Society islands voyage. Bratton states that the popular 7-night Tahiti and Society Island voyage focuses on the long-lasting Polynesian highlights of Moorea and Bora Bora including an overnight stay at each, in addition to Huahine and Taha'a (Motu Mahanu). You will find 17 departures in 2022.
The 10-night Society Islands and Tuamotus itinerary features visits to the non-public island Motu Mahana where guests can take advantage of each day of water sports, Polynesian activities, a regular barbecue feast and cocktails in the floating bar. You will find six stops, from Huahine, Taha'a (Motu Mahana), Bora Bora and Moorea, within the Society islands, plus Fakarava and Rangiora in Tuamotu before going to Papeete.
The 14-night Marquesas, Tuamotus and Society Islands itinerary is regarded as the comprehensive Paul Gauguin cruise. “It captures the most popular features of the 2 previous itineraries plus voyaging further afield and adding Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Tahuata and Nuka Hiva inside the Marquesas,” says Bratton.
“It's an enthralling adventure in paradise, taking in the luscious landscapes, world-class snorkelling and also the picturesque white-sand beaches that Tahiti is recognized for.”
There are five departures of the cruise from April to December 2022.
The two 12-13-night Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands and Society islands voyages in September and October 2022 showcase the French Polynesian Islands and stunning Cook Islands, Vava'u in Tonga and the delightful Savusavu, Suva and Beqa Islands in Fiji. Bratton says the cruises are meant to provide enjoyable, meaningful and authentic experiences while using island communities, cultures and natural wonders which make Tahiti, French Polynesia and the entire South Pacific so alluring.
“Every detail of Le Paul Gauguin's renovations reflects her islands-home base such as the ships' décor, artwork, special Polynesian dishes within the restaurants, enrichment programs and cultural activities led by Les Gauguines and Les Gaugins, the ship's talented number of Tahitian ambassadors and entertainers,” says Bratton. The real spirit of Paul Gauguin Cruises, the Gauguines and Gaugins love sharing this wonderful time in the Polynesian lifestyle via songs, dances, stories, language and culture.
Guests' experiences are enriched by their knowledge of the enchanted South Pacific.
Le Paul Gauguin was designed specially to sail the sea and pristine lagoons from the South Pacific. “It's a little ship with shallow draft that allows for convenient, intimate accessibility islands and lagoons,” says Bratton. There is a great concentrate on minimising the impact around the environment, one of the company's high priorities. In 2022 Paul Gauguin took two major measures within the sustainability field. The road completely eliminated using heavy fuel oil by using a considerably cleaner fuel and undertook to offset 150 percent of the carbon emissions.
“Le Paul Gauguin's environmental upgrades follow this path which also includes water treatment and consumption optimisation together with energy-saving initiatives,” she says.
Points of Difference
Bratton states that there's a stating that Tahiti sees the same quantity of tourists each year that Hawaii sees per day which is a perfect destination for a relaxed holiday.
“Paul Gauguin cruises offer extraordinary value in luxury cruising with all-inclusive pricing, exceptional service with a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.5, that's one of the highest on the ocean, and includes their very own troupe of Tahitian entertainers.
“The convivial atmosphere helps make the perfect setting to make new friends onboard, while expansive deck space means there is always a basic corner to wind down and unwind.”
Enrichment programmes include presentations by local naturalists, and select sailings feature special guests. Longer port stays supply the opportunity to experience island life with full days in port and overnight calls on Bora Bora and Moorea of all itineraries.
For the children, the Moana Explorer Program is available during select school holiday sailings, which introduces young travellers to the natural wonders of French Polynesia. Children might learn about marine life through games, craft natural jewellery, conduct water experiments, make use of a treasure hunt, play water games, go stargazing and style a Polynesian tattoo.
Top Cruise Destination Selections
Bianca Bratton reveals her top chioces with regards to Paul Gauguin's itineraries:
BORA BORA
Mythical Bora Bora offers a natural spectacle of captivating beauty, with white sandy beaches, famous lagoons and colourful fish in waters of incomparable turquoise. The island is covered with tropical vegetation and covered with the majestic outline of Mount Otemanu.
HUAHINE
The secluded Huahine, known as the flower island, is amazing. Guests can explore the local village when walking, wander through lush rainforests, float in crystal-clear lagoons and explore hidden coves, remote creeks and archaeological remains.
MARQUESAS ISLANDS
Bathing within the beautiful waters from the Gulf of mexico, this phenomenal chain of islands hosts exceptional plants and creatures, black-sand beaches, cultural experiences and stone sculptures considered in the famous statues of Easter Island.
FAKARAVA
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Fakarava can be a biosphere reserve that's where you can unique plants and creatures, grey sharks and untouched coral reefs. Take full advantage of the warm waters and snorkel or scuba dive among the coral.
MOTU MAHANA
This is Paul Gauguin Cruises' private beach. A jewel in the Taha'a lagoon, Motu Mahana can be a sumptuous little private island paradise purely available by Paul Gauguin guests.
To learn more, visit pgcruises.com
