PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES JOINS CRUISE LINES INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION (CLIA), REINFORCING COMMITMENT TO PROFESSIONAL TRAVEL AGENTS -- MARCH 18, 2009
Luxury small ship cruise line strengthens commitment to travel agents as it becomes the 24th member of renowned industry organization
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 18, 2009 - Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest rated and longest continually-sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, today announced it has joined the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) as part of their ongoing commitment to supporting Professional Travel Agents, and to contributing industry-wide as a quality and value leader in the luxury cruise segment. As the associations 24th member, Paul Gauguin will provide 16,000 travel agents with a unique opportunity to sell luxury cruises in Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific.
“We are very pleased to become CLIA's newest member and look forward to continuing m/s Paul Gauguin's long-established relationship with CLIA's member Travel Agents and member Lines,” said David A. Giersdorf, President and CEO of Paul Gauguin Cruises. “Professional Travel Agents are an invaluable asset industry-wide, and this membership further reinforces our steadfast commitment to their success in 2010 and beyond.”
In addition to joining CLIA, the company earlier announced that it has eliminated Non-Commissionable Cruise Fares for 2010 bookings aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin and that all current 2009 commission agreements and levels will be automatically honored for 2010 reservations, including those through National Accounts, Consortiums and Independent Agreements.
Attractive Group Rates in 2010 will provide an additional savings of 5 to 10 percent and 1-for-9 Tour Conductor Credit. Also, the m/s Paul Gauguin Society enables Travel Agents to extend additional savings of 5 percent and exclusive recognition benefits to their existing luxury cruise customers who have sailed previously on Paul Gauguin Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, The Yachts of Seabourn, Crystal Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club or Windstar Cruises.
Reservations are now open for the 2010 season, which features 38 extraordinary itineraries ranging from 7 to 15 nights, highlighting such exquisite destinations as Tahiti, the Society Islands, Tuamotus, the Cook Islands, Marquesas, Tonga, Fiji and New Zealand - spectacular cruises that cater to the tastes of discerning travelers seeking a legendary, multiple-award-winning cruise experience.
Please visit www.pgcruises.com or call 1-800-848-6172 for more information about Paul Gauguin's legendary South Pacific voyages, or for details about the 2010 Early Booking Savings promotion, which ends March 31, 2009.
About Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the award-winning luxury cruise ship m/s Paul Gauguin, providing a luxury cruise experience tailored to the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific. The m/s Paul Gauguin was built at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France. The ship is 513 feet long, 71 feet wide and has a draft of 16.9 feet. The ship can accommodate 332 guests with a staff of 215 and is one of the top Exclusive Charter and Incentive Group venues in the industry. The m/s Paul Gauguin has undergone more than $25 million in enhancements since its inaugural sail in 1998. Since 1998, the m/s Paul Gauguin has completed more than 500 South Pacific cruises and served more than 140,000 guests, including more than 12,000 honeymooners.
Please contact your Professional Travel Agent or call 1-800-848-6172 to reserve a cruise or request a brochure. For additional information, please visit www.pgcruises.com.
About CLIA
The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North America's largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 24 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations and counts as members 16,000 travel agencies. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org.