PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES ANNOUNCES 2022 VOYAGES IN TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA, FIJI & THE SOUTH PACIFIC

BELLEVUE, WASH. – January 27, 2021 – Paul Gauguin Cruises (www.pgcruises.com), operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, announces its new 2022 schedule featuring Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji, and South Pacific itineraries.

The Gauguin will be showcasing its most sought-after itineraries in 2022: the 7-night Tahiti & the Society Islands, 10-night SocietyIslands & Tuamotus, 11-night Cook Islands & Society Islands, and 14-night Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands.

The Gauguin will also be returning to Fiji in 2022, offering 12-night and 13-night Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands itineraries. These comprehensive voyages follow in the wake of explorers, encompassing the exquisite Society Islands, home waters of The Gauguin, and the Cook Islands with its unique culture and exquisite lagoons. Other highlights include sailing across the International Date Line, a rare visit to the Kingdom of Tonga, and the paradisiacal Fijian islands. Ports of call on the voyages are Papeete, Tahiti; Moorea, Society Islands; Taha’a (Motu Mahana), Society Islands; Bora Bora, Society Islands; Aitutaki, Cook Islands; Vava’u, Tonga; Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji; Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji; Beqa Island, Fiji (13-night sailing only); and Lautoka, Viti Levu, Fiji. 

Designed specifically to sail the pristine lagoons of these islands, The Gauguin provides an up-close, authentic experience of the South Seas and offers an elegant yet casual ambiance with luxurious accommodations, exceptional service, gourmet dining, trademark Polynesian hospitality, private beach retreats, and extraordinary all-inclusive value. 

To launch its 2022 voyages, Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering savings of 30% off standard cruise fares on all voyages, plus included airfare from Los Angeles.

Paul Gauguin Cruises’ top priority has always been to ensure the safety and comfort of its passengers.  The health protocols developed by Paul Gauguin Cruises and PONANT exceeds international regulations.  The Sail with Confidence booking policy is an extra effort to ensure travelers feel confident booking a well-deserved cruise vacation now without worry should they need to cancel.

For rates or more information on Paul Gauguin Cruises, please contact a Travel Professional, call 800-848-6172, or visit www.pgcruises.com.

Windstar Cruises Offers New Promotion to Islands of Tahiti

As if we needed more reasons to dream of a vacation in paradise right now, the small ship line’s popular air+hotel+cruise bundle now includes FREE DRINKS

SEATTLE, WA, November 16, 2020 – When Seattle-based small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises begins sailing again, the first destination it plans to resume operations is the storied Islands of Tahiti. And where better to forget the chaos and stress of daily life than on a small ship that glides into bays other cruise ships can’t reach, dropping anchor at some of the earth's most beautiful islands like Bora Bora and Moorea?

Windstar offers a convenient Air + Hotel package from Los Angeles International Airport that includes the round trip flight from Los Angeles, pre-cruise accommodations and a post-cruise day room, ground transfers in Tahiti, and a seven-, 10- or 11-night boutique cruise in Tahiti. Now on cruise vacations including air and hotel booked through the end of this year, guests will also receive the promise of a free beverage package (with unlimited select spirits, wine, beer, cocktails, and minibar items), guaranteeing an extra Mai Tai or three beneath a palm tree.

If guests don’t imbibe, they can alternately choose $300 in shipboard credit to put towards other experiences, like a relaxing onboard spa treatment or shore excursions such as SCUBA diving, reef snorkeling, or even harvesting Tahitian black pearls. Guests choosing to book only the cruise still receive a $100 shipboard credit.

“We expect Tahiti to be one of our first sailing destinations for our return to cruising in 2021,” said Chris Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises. “I can’t think of a better place to go after this year of reduced travel, and in fact, I plan to go with my family. We hope this promotion spurs you to make plans to reunite with friends and family on vacation.”

Windstar typically sails year-round in Tahiti, where cruises take place on Wind Spirit, a 148-guest motorized sailing ship that was specifically designed for the region and capturing the South Pacific trade winds in its billowing sails. In 2021, Windstar’s Wind Spirit will travel from Tahiti to Asia (stopping at some of the smallest island nations on the planet along the route). Starting in November, the 312-guest Star Breeze will take over cruises in Tahiti for a limited engagement (through March of 2022), giving guests a unique chance to sail on the larger, all-suite, newly renovated yacht in this destination.

Windstar offers a complimentary private event on all of their Tahiti cruises: a private beach party and locally sourced feast on one of Bora Bora’s tiny motus, followed by a kinetic fire-dancing performance.

Windstar plans to return to Tahiti when it is deemed safe, and is currently offering cruise dates starting in late March of 2021. However, should things change, Windstar’s flexible Travel Assurance Booking Policy allows for canceling 2021 cruises up to 48 hours prior to departure. Also, Windstar remains in close contact with Tahiti Tourism Officials and works to ensure guests are aware of and compliant with all travel restrictions. Windstar has announced a new Beyond Ordinary Care program, which is a multi-layered strategy with key hospital-grade elements: HEPA filters and UV-C ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to filter and disinfect the air, plus electrostatic sprayers to sanitize all surfaces throughout the yacht, among a suite of planned operational changes when the line begins sailing again.

For updated information, reservations, and itineraries, visit www.windstarcruises.com.

Paul Gauguin Cruises Offers a Two-week Sale on Select Tahiti, French Polynesia, and South Pacific Voyages

BELLEVUE, WASH. – June 24, 2020 – Paul Gauguin Cruises (www.pgcruises.com), operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, announces a Two-Week Sale on select Tahiti, French Polynesia, and South Pacific voyages.

Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering savings of up to $3,050* per person off select voyages aboard The Gauguin when booked by July 8, 2020. Roundtrip airfare between Los Angeles and Papeete, Tahiti, is also included. Additionally, deposits on these sailings have been reduced to $250 per person. On board, guests will enjoy the highest standards of luxury, quality, and all-inclusive value sailing to South Pacific destinations that are the cruise line’s specialty. Qualifying voyages are:

Tahiti & the Society Islands (7 nights):

• September 12, 2020–now from only $6,245 $5,295 per person

• September 19, 2020–now from only $6,245 $5,295 per person

Society Islands & Tahiti Iti (7 nights):

• August 22, 2020–now from only $6,395 $5,295 per person

• September 26, 2020–now from only $6,245 $5,295 per person

• December 19, 2020–now from only $5,795 $5,295 per person

Society Islands & Tuamotus (10 nights):

• November 11, 2020–now from only $6,495 $5,695 per person

On The Gauguin, nearly 70% of suites and staterooms offer balconies. Dining experiences include L’Etoile, which showcases an array of culinary creations expertly prepared each evening. The ship’s other two dining venues, La Veranda and Le Grill, serve breakfast and lunch. At night, signature dishes designed by French celebrity chef Jean-Pierre Vigato are offered in La Veranda, and Polynesian specialties are served poolside at Le Grill.

Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins—the ship’s exclusive troupe of Tahitian entertainers—provide enriching experiences of the destinations throughout each voyage. The Gauguin features expert lecturers on each voyage, and special guests on select sailings conduct presentations on topics ranging from the history of the South Pacific to conservation, culture, marine life, and the wonders of coral reefs.

One of the highlights of each sailing is exclusive access to Motu Mahana, the cruise line’s private islet off the coast of Taha’a, where guests can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, Polynesian activities, a full-service bar, and a delicious barbecue. In Bora Bora, guests can enjoy complimentary access to a private, white-sand beach with beach volleyball, sunbathing, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.

Paul Gauguin Cruises “Covid-Safe Protocol” manifesto is available online here.

For more information or reservations, contact a professional travel advisor, call 1-800-848-6172, or visit www.pgcruises.com.

Paul Gauguin Cruises Resumes Tahiti & French Polynesia Voyages Starting in July 2020

Announces Comprehensive Covid-safe Protocol

BELLEVUE, WASH. – June 16, 2020 – Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, is pleased to announce the resumption of its Tahiti and French Polynesia small-ship voyages starting in July 2020 and extensive “Covid-Safe Protocol.”

French Polynesia is officially re-opening to international tourism on July 15, 2020. Paul Gauguin Cruises will offer 7-night Tahiti & the Society Islands voyages departing July 11 and July 18, 2020, for the local French Polynesian market. The Tahiti & the Society Islands itinerary highlights the natural wonders and rich culture of the islands, departs and returns to Papeete, Tahiti, and features visits to Huahine and Motu Mahana (the line’s private islet off the coast of Taha’a), along with two days in Bora Bora (with daily access to a private beach), and two days in Moorea.

Paul Gauguin Cruises will welcome both local and international guests on its 10-night Society Islands & Tuamotus voyage departing July 29, 2020, from Papeete, Tahiti. In addition to sailing the islands of Huahine, Bora Bora, Motu Mahana, and Moorea, this itinerary also features calls at the atolls of Rangiroa and Fakarava in the Tuamotu Archipelago which are known for their stunning lagoons that teem with marine life. In August 2020 and beyond, Paul Gauguin Cruises resumes its previously scheduled 7- to 14-night Tahiti, French Polynesia, and South Pacific sailings.

As always, the safety and security of guests and crew members remains Paul Gauguin Cruises’ top priority. The small size of The Gauguin, the medical infrastructure and teams on board, protocols and the professionalism of crew, ensured that there were no cases of Covid-19 contamination.

To prepare for the resumption of activity, Paul Gauguin Cruises and PONANT are collaborating with the IHU (Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire) Méditerranée Infection of Marseilles, one of the world's leading centers in the field of infectious diseases, as well as with the Battalion of Marine Firemen of Marseilles.

The "Covid-Safe” health protocol has been developed by Paul Gauguin Cruises and PONANT and is based on health standards that exceed international regulations. This protocol is built on the principle of double protection: 100 percent monitoring of people and goods before boarding, then once on board, strict health protocols are applied.

In addition to strict cleaning procedures advised by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), implementation of social distancing requirements and enhanced employee training, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ new measures include:

Pre-Boarding

• Prior to boarding, all guests and crew members will have to present a signed doctor’s medical form, complete a health questionnaire, and undergo a health check and screening by the ship’s medical staff.

• All luggage will pass through a disinfecting zone by sanitizing mist or UV lamps.
  Surgical and cloth masks, disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer bottles will be provided to guests.

On-board experience

• 100 percent fresh air in staterooms, through non-recirculating air conditioning systems. Ventilated air will be renewed in the common areas at least five times per hour.

• Restaurant layouts have been redesigned and will only offer contactless a la carte dining options.

• Public spaces, such as the fitness room and theater will be capped at 50 percent occupancy.

• Hourly disinfecting of high-touch points, such as door handles and handrails, with EcoLab peroxide, which eliminates 100 percent of germs, bacteria and against biological contamination.

• Crew members are required to wear a mask or protective visor when in contact with guests. Guests will be asked to wear a mask in hallway corridors and will be recommended in public spaces.

• The Gauguin is equipped with advanced hospital equipment, including mobile laboratory terminals that enable testing on site for infectious or tropical diseases. Advanced diagnostic equipment such as ultrasound, radiology and blood biological analysis is available, and one doctor and one nurse are present on every sailing.

Shore excursions

• Zodiacs will be thoroughly disinfected after each stopover.

• Re-boarding after shore excursions will only be permitted after temperature check and disinfection procedures (individuals and personal belongings).

The complete “Covid-Safe Protocol” manifesto that has been developed is available online here.

Designed specifically to sail the pristine lagoons of French Polynesia, The Gauguin provides an up-close, authentic experience of the South Seas and luxurious accommodations, exceptional service, gourmet dining and trademark Polynesian hospitality.

For more information or reservations for Paul Gauguin Cruises, contact a professional travel advisor, call 1-800-848-6172, or visit www.pgcruises.com.