The
impressionist Paul Gauguin gave the inspiration to name the luxurious cruise vessel
PAUL GAUGUIN.
by Earl of Cruise
At the turn
of the century, impressionist Paul Gauguin (* 7. Juni 1848 in Paris; † 8. Mai 1903 in Atuona on Hiva Oa, Marquesas, French Polynesia
/ GER) traveled to the tropical shores of French Polynesia (EN) to create
some of his now most renowned masterpieces. In his days a scandal what and how he
had painted. Today, the PAUL GAUGUIN, transports discerning guests to the
same romantic Tahitian vacation paradise - to explore, experience, discover and
escape.
PAUL GAUGUIN at Bora Bora - courtesy of PAUL GAUGAIN CRUISES ©
PAUL GAUGUIN
CRUISES is committed to providing an extraordinary luxury cruise experience
uniquely tailored to the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, the Maquesas, French
Polynesia, and the South Pacific. The company’s numerous “World's Best” awards
demonstrate a dedication to guest satisfaction, excellence, quality and value.
PAUL GAUGUIN
was built in 1996 at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire,
France, for the French Services et Transport. The 332 guest PAUL GAUGUIN was
designed specifically sailing into the French Polynesian lagoons and allowing the
guests the freedom to discover the exotic ports of the South Pacific without
limitation. Further to enhence tourism in French Polynesia.
In 1997 PAUL
GAUGUIN sailed to French Polynesia and had been chartered to RADISSON SEVEN SEAS
CRUISES. As of the guidelines of financing, with state fonds, the vessel was
restricted to the French Overseas Department (POM). RADISSON changed ownership
and became REGENT. But for 2010 the charter contract was not repeated.
The PACIFICBEACHCOMBER, S.C., a luxury hotel group situated in Papeete, French Polynesia,
bought the PAUL GAUGUIN. On January 6, 2010, the luxurious ship sailed its first
voyage as a member of the Pacific Beachcomber portfolio.
PAUL GAUGUIN balcony stateroom - courtesy of PAUL GAUGAIN CRUISES ©
PAUL GAUGIN
hosts voyages ranging from 7 to 17 night itineraries, featuring such exquisite
and idyllic destinations as Tahiti and the Society Islands, Tuamotus, the Cook
Islands, Marquesas, Tonga and Fiji. Each of these exclusive voyages highlights
the utter beauty that defines the South Seas, le jardin d´Eden since de
Bougainville´s circumnavigation. Stunning islands, white-sand beaches, blue
lagoons and the vibrant Polynesian culture of this region combine to provide a
welcome tropical escape for guests yearning for the ultimate getaway.
In January
2012, the PAUL GAUGUIN completed the largest renovations in the ship’s 14 year
history. Taking place during the ship’s 10 night crossing from Tahiti to
Brisbane and 11 night drydock in Brisbane, the $7 million renovation featured
extensive enhancements to both the interiors and the exteriors of the ship.
PAUL GAUGUIN at Bora Bora - courtesy of PAUL GAUGAIN CRUISES ©
All suites
and staterooms received new flooring, refinished
furniture with new fabrics, and more. Renovations throughout the ships salons
included new flooring, elegant new furniture, new window treatments and
decorative wall panels, and new signage, providing a lighter, brighter feel.
The renovations also included updates and additions to the ship’s dining venues
– La Veranda, Le Grill and L’Etoile – as well as a new built-in banquette and
expanded casino in Le Casino.
PAUL GAUGUIN’s previous renovation, totaling $6
million, was completed in January 2009 to provide updated and more spacious accommodations
highlighting the ship’s unique Euro-Polynesian flair. The upgrades included
converting 26 oceanview staterooms to balcony staterooms – increasing the
number of suites and staterooms featuring private balconies to nearly 70
percent of the ship (previous 50%). Le Grill casual poolside dining experience
was significantly upgraded, and La Veranda restaurant’s al fresco dining
space was expanded. The Internet and Fitness Centers were improved, watersports
activities were enhanced with new sport boats, and all public areas received
extensive refurbishments to reflect the luxurious standard that is
characteristic of PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES.
PAUL GAUGUIN deck plans with stateroooms and suites - courtesy of PAUL GAUGAIN CRUISES ©
As the
longest continually operating luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, PAUL
GAUGUIN is one of the most highly awarded luxury cruise ships in the world,
regularly receiving top honors for superb luxury, quality, service, itineraries
and value. PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES was honored on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2016 Gold List,
recognized as the "N°2 Top Small Ship Cruise Line" in Condé Nast Traveler´s
2015 Readers´ Choice Awards, and received "N°2 Ocean Small-Ship Ocean
Cruise Line" in Travel + Leisure’s 2015
World´s Best Awards. Paul Gauguin Cruises was also voted "N°1 Small-Ship Cruise
Line" and "N°1 Small-Ship Cruise Line for Families" in Travel + Leisure’s 2014
World’s Best Awards, and has earned accolades for dining, entertainment,
fitness, shore excursions, value and best overall in the Small Ship Category in
the annual Cruise Critic´s Cruisers´
Choice Awards.
courtesy of PAUL GAUGAIN CRUISES ©
No other
luxury vessel in history has offered this level of single-destination focus and
expertise on a year-round basis for such an extended period of time.
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.
PAUL GAUGIN
offers spacious oceanview accommodations including balconies in select
stateroom categories, gourmet dining inspired by one of the top chefs in Paris,
a lavish spa with signature treatments, expansive deck space and pool, a
fitness center, a boutique, and a lounge with live entertainment. PAUL GAUGUIN
also offers a watersports marina for kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and
PADI SCUBA diving programs. Exclusive to PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES, is the
private beach retreats off the coast of Taha’a (Motu Mahana) and in Bora Bora. You
should discover this extraordinary value in luxury cruising and Polynesian Mana.
PAUL GAUGUIN at Motu Mahona - courtesy of PAUL GAUGAIN CRUISES ©
You will be
spoilt by the small ship as service is so much more personal (~300 passengers)
and definitely no queueing at the buffet for breakfast and trying to find a
spare table! We went to La Veranda for breakfast each morning where we You are
greeted at the entrance of each restaurant and shown to a table then you order
for coffee or tea, any other order is taken, or you make your way over to the
buffet - all very civilized, never too many people.
courtesy of PAUL GAUGAIN CRUISES ©
Embarkation
is very quick and smooth and on the last day (disembarkation) you are able to
stay in your stateroom until 09.30am and then use the public rooms until 10.00am.
There is no being rushed off the ship at 08.00am after a hasty breakfast. The
ship is to start embarkation for the next trip at 03.00pm (15:00)!
BRT/GT
|
18,799 / 19,170 since 2010
|
Length
|
156,50m
|
Width
|
021,60m
|
Draught
|
005,15m
|
Power
|
Diesel Electric
|
Speed
|
19kts
|
Passengers
|
304 (332 max, 28 passenger accomodations have
a tipple occupancy if needed)
|
Crew
|
217 since 2010
|
Pax/Crew Ratio
|
1,53 (332 guests) / 1,4 (304 guests)
|
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