Luxurious discovery in French Polynesia with PAUL GAUGUIN

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.

PAUL GAUGUIN at Motu Mahana - courtesy of PAUL GAUGAIN CRUISES ©

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 - PAUL GAUGAIN CRUISES

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 - PAUL GAUGAIN CRUISES

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 - PAUL GAUGAIN 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)

http://www.tahiti-tourisme.fr/ - http://www.tahiti-tourisme.de/ - http://www.tahiti-tourisme.com/

Cruise ARANUI, a genuine Polynesian Mana

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