Paul Gauguin Remaining in French Polynesia!

As many of you know, one of my favorite ships is the Paul Gauguin, currently operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises in French Polynesia. I think it's the perfect marriage of ship and surroundings, not to mention the fact that Tahiti and all of French Polynesia is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

It was announced a couple weeks ago that the owners of the Paul Gauguin, Grand Circle Travel, were terminating their operations agreement with Regent (Regent to No Longer Operate Paul Gauguin). At the time, it was uncertain the future cruising territory for the Paul Gauguin. No longer!

Gauguin Shipping Ltd., a subsidiary of Grand Circle Corp., will continue to operate the Paul Gauguin in French Polynesia and the region “well into 2010 and beyond,” said Executive Vice President Roy Grimsland. Grand Circle now is setting up a separate company to operate and market the 330-passenger Paul Gauguin, which has operated in Tahiti since 1998. Paul Gauguin Shipping Ltd. recently hired Grimsland, a top sales veteran of several cruise lines, including RSSC.

Grimsland announced the Paul Gauguin’s 2010 South Pacific and French Polynesia itineraries for charter and incentive sales. Rates will be held at 2009 prices for bookings made by Dec. 31, 2008. In 2010, Paul Gauguin will offer its signature seven-night cruises to the Society Islands plus a range of longer cruises throughout the South Pacific. The seven-night cruises operate year-round and depart from Papeete to Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora and Moorea. Itineraries include a day exploring Paul Gauguin’s private island retreat of Motu Mahana and overnight stays at the islands of Moorea and Bora Bora, where Paul Gauguin offers a private beach. In addition to the Society Island itineraries, Paul Gauguin offers several nine- to 17-night cruises visiting Fiji, Tonga, New Caledonia, Australia, Cook Islands, Marquesas, Tuamotus, Australs and the Society Islands.

It does appear that the new operating group may be seeking more charter cruises, and de-emphasizing the traditional individual passenger, but if this iconic ship and itinerary is on your "must do" list, we can still work together to make your dream a reality.

I, for one, am one happy Paul Gauguin lover!