INDUSTRY VETERANS JOYCE SIMON AND CHRISTINE ANDERSON JOIN PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES -- AUGUST 2009
With significant experience in the luxury cruise and travel industry, Simon and Anderson further solidify steadfast commitment to Travel Agents
Bellevue, Wash., August 20, 2009 – Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest rated and longest continually-sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, today announced that industry veterans Joyce Simon and Christine Anderson will join the company’s deeply talented sales team, each bringing invaluable and trusted expertise in promoting the best that French Polynesia has to offer. Recently acquired by luxury resort expert Pacific Beachcomber, Paul Gauguin Cruises also has joined forces with David Morris International (DMI) to enhance the cruise line’s worldwide sales and distribution efforts, and the addition of Simon and Anderson will be an incredible asset in further strengthening Travel Agent relationships.
“We are very pleased to announce the appointment of these two top professionals and to demonstrate our commitment to providing our Travel Agent partners with the highest levels of expertise, relationship and support,” said David A. Giersdorf, President and CEO of Paul Gauguin Cruises.
Ms. Simon, well-known for her intimate involvement in the start-up of industry greats Crystal Cruises and Silversea Cruises, will serve as Director of the Northwestern Region and Vice President of International Sales for Paul Gauguin, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the luxury cruise sector. Having most recently served as the Vice President of Sales/Western Region for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, she is very familiar with the Paul Gauguin product.
Originally from New Zealand, Ms. Anderson will now serve as the company’s Director of the Southwest Region and Vice President of National Accounts. Beginning her career as a Sales Manager for the Hotel Tahara’a and Hotel Bora Bora, and then serving as an Account Executive at Air France/UTA French Airlines, she then moved on as Director of National Accounts for Crystal Cruises. Most recently the Director of Sales and National Accounts for the Western Region at Silversea, Ms. Anderson brings with her incredible experience in national and international sales and marketing for numerous six-star cruise lines, luxury resorts and airlines.
Ms. Simon and Ms. Anderson join an already seasoned Paul Gauguin sales team, which includes: Jim Applebaum, Director of Sales for the Southeast Region; Liz Coleman, Director of Sales for the Northeastern Region; and Michael Beale, Director of Charter and Incentive Sales.
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 current Early Booking Savings promotion, which ends September 30, 2009.
About Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the award-winning luxury cruise ship m/s Paul Gauguin, providing the best value in luxury small ship cruising tailored to the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific. Voted 2008’s highest ranked small luxury cruise ship by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, Paul Gauguin’s all-inclusive pricing includes everything from delicious cuisine and beverages to the state-of-the-art retractable watersports marina, as well as exclusive access to the private islet of Motu Mahana, off the coast of Taha’a. The extraordinary 1 to 1.5 crew-to-guest ratio ensures the most exquisite service available at sea, allowing ultimate luxury and relaxation for each and every guest. 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, making it a premier destination for toasting a host of special milestones.
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 Pacific Beachcomber
Pacific Beachcomber is the leader in French Polynesia destination resorts with 630 rooms. The company owns the four InterContinental Resorts in French Polynesia: Intercontinental Tahiti Resort, Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, and Intercontinental Moorea Resort and Spa. The company also owns and manages the Maitai Hotel on Bora Bora. The company employs 850 Polynesians. Pacific Beachcomber is developing a luxury eco-resort, "The Brando" on the eponymous actor's private island.