Travelore Cruise News: Ponant Purchases Paul Gauguin #Cruise #CruiseNews

Ponant has confirmed it has reached a deal to purchase Paul Gauguin Cruises, which will continue operating under its own brand. 

Paul Gauguin will remain an independent company, headquartered in Washington State and under the leadership of Diane Moore, president, according to sources.

Ponant, which has been on an expansion track, adds another company and cruise brand into its portfolio under the ownership of the Pinault family and Groupe Artémis.

In addition, by 2021, French-flagged Ponant will have a strong luxury expedition fleet of four Boreal-class vessels; six Explorer-class vessels; Le Commandant-Charcot, a polar exploration vessel with hybrid propulsion; and Le Ponant, a niche sailing vessel.

Based year-round in Tahiti, Paul Gauguin offers a luxury product and a number of adventurous itineraries, starting at seven days.

A new call introduced last year and being expanded for 2019 and beyond is Tahiti Iti, which is an exclusive destination for the brand. The vessel is generally welcomed by the entire town on port days.

A new children’s program was launched earlier summer, as the Moana Explorer program is a now complementary and replaces a previous for-charge program. Families can opt for additional shore excursions. The hands-on programming focuses on education and environment.

In line with its sustainability commitment, the company has removed plastic straws and other items, as well as mini shampoo and conditioner bottles in staterooms, replacing them with dispensers.

The Seattle-based company is also adding to its culinary line-up with more sailings featuring experts representing wineries and delivering lectures and hosting tastings. In 2020, celebrity chefs will join select voyages.

The biggest market for the line is North America, with most business coming in through the major travel agent networks. International sourcing is limited, reaching Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, the UK and Japan. 

The 332-guest Paul Gauguin was launched in 1997 by Chantiers de l'Atlantique and has sailed for Radisson Seven Seas and Regent Seven Seas. In 2009, Pacific Beachcomber acquired the vessel.

Source: https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com

Paul Gauguin Debuts 2017 Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji & The South Pacific Cruises

BELLEVUE, WA - Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, debuts its 2017 Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji & the South Pacific brochure.

The Gauguin's 2017 sailings feature its most popular voyages and showcase a host of exquisite islands with white-sand beaches, aqua lagoons, mist-laden mountains, and warm Polynesian culture. Itineraries include: 7-night Tahiti & the Society Islands; 7-night Tahiti, the Society Islands & Tuamotus; 10-night Society Islands & Tuamotus; 10-night Cook Islands & Society Islands Reunion Cruise; 11-night Cook Islands & Society Islands; 14-night Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands; and 12- and 13-night Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands.

New for 2017 are exotic 16- and 17-night Fiji & Bali itineraries. The 16-night Fiji to Bali voyage departs April 29, 2017, from Lautoka, Fiji, and visits Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu; Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands; Samarai Island, Papua New Guinea; Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; Thursday Island, Australia; Dili, Timor-Leste; Komodo Island, Indonesia; Lembar, Lombok Island, Indonesia; and Benoa, Bali, Indonesia. The reverse itinerary, Bali to Fiji, departs on June 7, 2017, is 17 nights in length, and stays overnight in Lautoka instead of Bali.

In addition to new itineraries in 2017, Paul Gauguin Cruises' new partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) provides two interactive, educational programs to enrich guests' experience on board. During the summer months and holiday season, Stewards of Nature is offered and invites children ages 7 to 17, as well as their families, to discover and value nature through hands-on interactive learning. The Wildlife Discovery Series is an onboard lecture program focusing on the environment and wildlife of our planet presented by some of the world's most fascinating conservationists, scientists, and oceanographers. Paul Gauguin Cruises is proud to collaborate with WCS in support of a healthy and sustainable planet.

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, gourmet dining, trademark Polynesian hospitality, and extraordinary all-inclusive value. On sailings in French Polynesia, guests also receive complimentary access to Paul Gauguin Cruises' two exclusive retreats. Off the coast of Taha'a lies the islet of Motu Mahana for enjoying a day of watersports, Polynesian activities, a sumptuous barbecue feast, and cocktails from a floating bar. In Bora Bora, guests can relax on a private, white-sand beach and enjoy refreshments, a game of volleyball, and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.

Paul Gauguin Cruises Announces 2016 Voyages

Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, m/s Paul Gauguin, and the 88-guest m/v Tere Moana, announces 2016 voyages that feature popular favorites along with a new 7-night Tahiti, the Society Islands & Tuamotus itinerary and an 11-night Society Islands & Tuamotus voyage on The Gauguin, as well as a new 7-night Roundtrip Athens, Greece, sailing and 7-night Roundtrip Philipsburg, St. Maarten, voyage on The Moana.

Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering savings of 50% off standard cruise fares on all 2016 voyages of both ships, plus included airfare from Los Angeles on m/s Paul Gauguin itineraries.

The Gauguin

New for 2016 on The Gauguin is a 7-night Tahiti, the Society Islands & Tuamotus voyage that adds the Tuamotus archipelago to the line's most popular Polynesian itinerary with visits to Papeete, Tahiti; Huahine, Society Islands; Fakarava, Tuamotus; Rangiroa, Tuamotus; Taha'a (Motu Mahana), Society Islands; Bora Bora, Society Islands; Moorea, Society Islands; and Papeete, Tahiti. The sailing departs February 6, 2016, with cruise fares from $5,345 per person, including airfare from Los Angeles.

The Gauguin is also offering a new 11-night Society Islands & Tuamotus sailing featuring a second full day on the line's private island paradise of Motu Mahana. Ports include: Papeete, Tahiti; Huahine, Society Islands; Taha'a (Motu Mahana), Society Islands; Bora Bora, Society Islands (overnight); Rangiroa, Tuamotus; Fakarava, Tuamotus; Taha'a (Motu Mahana), Society Islands; Moorea, Society Islands (overnight); and Papeete, Tahiti (overnight). The December 3, 2016, voyage offers cruise fares from $5,845 per person, including airfare from Los Angeles.

The Gauguin will also be featuring its most sought-after itineraries in 2016: the 7-night Tahiti & the Society Islands; 10-night Society Islands & Tuamotus; 11-night Cook Islands & Society Islands; and 14-night Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands, which all feature complimentary access to Paul Gauguin Cruises' two exclusive retreats—Motu Mahana and a private beach in Bora Bora. At Motu Mahana, guests enjoy a day of watersports, Polynesian activities, a sumptuous barbecue feast, and cocktails from full-service and floating bars. In Bora Bora, guests can relax on a white-sand beach and enjoy refreshments, a game of volleyball, and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.

The Moana

The Moana will again offer sailings in Europe during spring, summer, and fall, along with cruises in the Caribbean and Latin America during the fall and winter.

Two 14-night transatlantic crossings are available between Philipsburg, St. Maarten, and Lisbon, Portugal, departing March 26 and November 12, 2016.

European voyages showcase the best of southern Europe, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sea of Marmara. New for 2016 is a 7-night Roundtrip Athens, Greece, voyage which visits: Santorini, Rhodes, Symi, Patmos, and Mykonos, Greece, along with Kusadasi, Turkey, departing June 4, 2016.

The Moana's 7-night Barcelona, Spain, to Lisbon, Portugal, itinerary also features several new ports including Valencia, Cartagena, and Malaga, Spain. The ship also visits Cadiz, Spain; Gibraltar, United Kingdom; and Portimao and Lisbon, Portugal, departing November 5, 2016.

The Moana offers a new highlight on its 7-night Rome, Italy, to Barcelona, Spain, itinerary—a port call at Livorno for excursions to Florence, Italy. The voyage, which departs August 27, 2016, also visits Monte Carlo, Monaco; Nice, France; Cannes, France; Cassis, France; Sete, France; and Barcelona, Spain.

The Moana's 7-night Athens, Greece, to Istanbul, Turkey, voyage features Athens (Piraeus), Delos, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, and Patmos, Greece, as well as Canakkale and Istanbul, Turkey, departing June 11, 2016.

An August 13, 2016, Rome, Italy, to Venice, Italy, voyage visits Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Lipari, Italy; Taormina (Giardini Naxos), Italy; Corfu, Greece; Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Hvar, Croatia; and Venice, Italy, with a reverse itinerary departing August 20, 2016.

A 7-night Roundtrip Rome, Italy, voyage features the Italian ports of Rome (Civitavecchia), Amalfi, Sorrento, Lipari, Capri, Ponza, and Golfo di Aranci along with Porto-Vecchio (Corsica), France, and departs October 15, 2016, with cruise fares from $4,295 per person.
A 7-night cruise departing October 22, 2016, on The Moana sails Rome, Italy, to Nice, France, visiting Elba, Porto Venere, Florence (Livorno), and Portofino, Italy; Monte Carlo, Monaco (overnight); Villefranche, France, and overnights in Nice, France.

The 7-night Nice, France, to Barcelona, Spain, itinerary features Nice, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; St. Tropez, France; and Sete, France, along with Palamos, Mahon, Palma de Mallorca, and Barcelona, Spain, and departs October 29, 2016.

In the Caribbean, The Moana introduces a new, 7-night "Yachtsman's Paradise" voyage sailing Roundtrip Philipsburg, St. Maarten. The itinerary features overnights in each Caribbean port allowing guests to immerse themselves in the rich island culture. Tortola, B.V.I. (2 days); Jost Van Dyke, B.V.I. (overnight); Virgin Gorda, B.V.I. (overnight); Anguilla, U.K. (overnight); and St. Barts, F.W.I. (overnight). Departures include: March 19, 2016.

In Latin America, The Moana features an 8-night Colon, Panama, to Philipsburg, St. Maarten, voyage visiting Colon, Panama; Cartagena, Colombia; Oranjestad, Aruba; Les Saintes, F.W.I.; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten, and departing March 11, 2016.

The 14-night Philipsburg, St. Maarten, to Puerto, Caldero, Costa Rica, voyage departs December 3, 2016, includes a Panama Canal evening transit and visits St. Barts, F.W.I.; St. John's, Antigua; Les Saintes, F.W.I.; Willemstad, Curaçao; Oranjestad, Aruba; Cartagena, Columbia; Isla de Coiba, Panama; Golfito and Marenco, Costa Rica.

The Moana's 7-night Roundtrip Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, voyages visits Isla Parida, Panama, along with the Costa Rican ports of Granito de Oro, Isla de Coiba, Casa Orquideas, Casa Saladero, Drake Bay, Quepos, Curu, and Puerto Caldera, with holiday departures December 23 and 30, 2016.

The 6-night voyage departs December 17, 2016, and visits Isla Gamez, Panama, in lieu of Isla Parida, Panama, and Curu, Costa Rica.

Paul Gauguin Cruises Reveals Exciting 2015 Line-Up Of Special Guests

 Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, and the 88-guest m/v Tere Moana, proudly presents its 2015 line-up of special guests who are experts in the culinary arts, wine, photography, fine art, history, music, astronomy, and the wonders of the deep.

Gary Eberle is the founder of Eberle Winery, one of the highest award-winning wineries in the United States and which was singled out as "Winery of the Year" by the Sommelier Challenge in 2011. He will offer a lecture, Q&A session, and tasting of his estate's award-winning wines on the January 17, 2015, Tahiti & the Society Islands sailing.

A mainstay of Hawaii's music scene for more than 30 years, Jamie Lawrence has appeared on Grammy Award-nominated works, recorded CDs of his own, and delighted audiences around the globe. This talented singer will be aboard The Gauguin's January 24, 2015, sailing to the Cook Islands & Society Islands and the October 17, 2015, sailing to Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands, to perform some of his trademark songs.

World-famous oceanographer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau joins several sailings aboard The Gauguin in 2015: February 4 and July 29 to the Society Islands & Tuamotus Marquesas; April 11 to the Cook Islands & Society Islands; and November 21 to the Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands. In addition to presenting lectures and videos of his work, he will accompany several dives from the ship.
An expert on the effects of Western exploration and expansion on the cultures of the Americas, Africa, and Asia, historian Dr. Robert Gallacher offers a series of five fascinating lectures on The Gauguin's February 4, 2015, Society Islands & Tuamotus voyage.

Dan Benedict, a journalist and speaker specializing in astronomy, has been introducing cruise passengers to the wonders of the night sky since 1998. He joins The Gauguin for the March 7, 2015, sailing to the Cook Islands & Society Islands; the March 18, 2015, sailing to the Society Islands & Tuamotus; and the March 28, 2015, sailing to Tahiti & the Society Islands, and will offer a series of presentations and lead nighttime star watches.

Chef Proprietaire of one of the finest restaurants in Paris, the Michelin-starred Restaurant Apicius, Jean-Pierre Vigato has inspired signature menus for Paul Gauguin Cruises for several years. This celebrated chef will be aboard The Gauguin's April 29, 2015, Society Islands & Tuamotus voyage and will provide culinary demonstrations featuring his gastronomic techniques.

Paul Gauguin Cruises is pleased to welcome Catherine Cook and Kristin Clayton, two distinguished musicians who have performed on prestigious stages around the world. The opera singers will perform two live concerts on The Gauguin's July 29, 2015, sailing to the Society Islands & Tuamotus.

A popular guest lecturer aboard The Gauguin, art history professor Caroline Boyle-Turner returns for the January 24, 2015, sailing to the Cook Islands & Society Islands, and the August 29 and November 21, 2015, sailings to the Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands. An acclaimed expert on Paul Gauguin and his circle of artists, she enriches the appreciation of The Gauguin's namesake through a series of lectures.

Another returning favorite is Nancy Gregory, a contemporary artist who has exhibited widely in the United States and Europe. She will conduct lectures and workshops during The Gauguin's November 21, 2015, sailing to the Marquesas, Tuamotus, & Society Islands and the December 5, 2015, sailing to the Cook Islands & Society Islands.
Diane Moore, President of Paul Gauguin Cruises, will host a special cocktail party and "town hall" meeting for guests on The Gauguin's February 28, 2015, Tahiti & the Society Islands voyage. Moore will also host an August 1, 2015, Reunion Cruise for past guests on The Moana, showcasing a unique Roundtrip Venice itinerary and a variety of special events.

Photographer Jesse Kalisher's work is in the permanent collections of many of the world's leading museums. This celebrated photographer shares his expertise during onboard lectures and hands-on photo-expeditions during The Gauguin's October 17, 2015, sailing to Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands.

Best Cruises For Wine Lovers

On these theme cruises you can get a wine education. Enjoy fine sups and hear from winemakers and other experts, including at lectures, shore excursions and wine tastings.

Check out these special cruises designed for wine lovers.

Un-Cruise Adventures: Sipping and glaciers combine on this seven-day Alaska cruise aboard the 84-passenger sailing yacht Safari Endeavour. Onboard the June 15 sailing, round-trip from Juneau, will be Kevin Correll of Barrage Cellars boutique winery in Woodinville, Wash. The focus is on the vineyards of Washington State, along with fine barrels from France.

AmaWaterways: This river cruise line has a whole series of wine cruises featuring noted vintners — 17 total this year. Most of the sailings are in the fall and spring, including on the Danube, Mosel, Rhine, Mosel, Douro and Seine rivers. Onboard the "Celebration of Wine" cruises, top wine experts including Peter Marks, Master of Wine, Constellation Brands, one of only 24 Masters of Wine in the U.S., lecture and lead tastings on a Paris & Normandy cruise embarking November 13.

Avalon Waterways: Wine Appreciation Cruises, including eight itineraries on the Danube and in France next year, are designed to be wine-education adventures. A wine authority is onboard each cruise to offer expertise, tastings are held at local wineries, and a special dinner is offered with food and wine pairings. Itineraries include 16-day Paris to the Cote d'Azur and 11-day Burgundy & Provence, both in March and October.

SeaDream: Four cruises in Europe in the fall on this line's intimate, 112-passenger yachts, get you to high quality vineyards where you spend time with winemakers – such as at a dinner with the owners of Portugal's oldest table wine producer, José Maria da Fonseca. Activities shipboard – run by world-renowned wine experts – include both wine tastings and master classes – with opportunity to take a blind-tasting test and receive a SeaDream wine diploma based on your knowledge.

Crystal Cruises: Wine & Food Festival theme cruises take place several times a year, including on an upcoming 12-day sailing on the Crystal Symphony from Singapore to Bali, embarking January 15. Wine educations are onboard – on the Asia sailing Fongyee Walker and Edward Ragg, co-founders of Dragon Phoenix Fine Wine Consulting, Beijing's first and fully independent wine consulting and education service.

Norwegian Pearl: This Norwegian Cruise Line ship is the scene for a Wine, Dine & Music theme cruise, organized by Flying Dutchmen Travel. The five-day Bahamas sailing, embarking on October 25, will have onboard winemakers and sommeliers from the Kendall-Jackson family of wines, educating guests about pairing wine and food. Others onboard include celebrity Chef John Ash and Grammy Award-winning duo America.

American Cruise Lines: Cruise for a week on the Columbia & Snake rivers with Regina Daigneault, a Master Sommelier and wine pairing expert. Visit vineyards including Barnard Griffin and Domaine Pouillon. The sailing is October 18 on the 120-passenger paddlewheeler Queen of the West, from Clarkston, Wash. to Portland. There are also other wine cruises on the small ship line's calendar including on the Puget Sound and San Juan Islands in the fall and spring.

Paul Gauguin Cruises: Cruise through paradise in the Society Islands and Tuamotus while hearing from Daniel Baron, winemaker at Sonoma's Silver Oak Cellars. The 10-day cruise on the Paul Gauguin, embarks from Papeete, Tahiti on December 3. Baron will lead lectures and wine tastings.

Windstar Cruises: Explore the wines of Spain on an eight-day cruise on the Wind Surf, embarking on November 15. Sailing from Barcelona to Lisbon, passengers will have opportunity to sip their way through regions such as Andalucía and Catalonia, visiting places including Jerez de la Frontera, the "Sherry Capital of the World," and the Museo de Vino in Mijas, Spain. Two complimentary themed excursions are included in the cruise fare. Offering expert commentary onboard will be Stephen Metzler and Almudena de Llaguno, founders of Classical Wines.

Oceania Cruises: Food and Wine Trails is hosting several theme cruises on Oceania ships. For instance, vintners from New York's Paumanok Vineyards and Maryland's Black Ankle Vineyards will be on the Insignia on a 10-day Barcelona to Lisbon cruise, embarking August 5. Group activities include private parties and tastings and a winemakers dinner.

Contributed by Fran Golden,  USA TODAY

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