No Changes Planned for Paul Gauguin in 2010- OCTOBER 28, 2008
5+-Star Ship Will Remain in French Polynesia & the South Pacific With No Changes Planned in Deployment, Staffing, or Travel Agent Relationships
FT. LAUDERDALE - October 28, 2008 - Roy Grimsland, Executive Vice President, Paul Gauguin Shipping Limited, today announced that Paul Gauguin, French Polynesia's premier luxury ship, will continue to operate as usual its high-end itineraries in French Polynesia and the South Pacific in 2010 and beyond after the ship leaves Regent Seven Seas' fleet on January 6, 2010. The five-plus star, award-winning ship will continue to operate as one of the most successful small ships in the world and as the region's longest continually operating luxury ship. Specific itineraries, retail pricing information, and customer service and support for 2010 products will be available by January 31, 2009.”
Although our ship will leave Regent's fleet, we expect no changes to Paul Gauguin's deployment, staffing, and travel agent relationships,” said Grimsland. “For travel agents and for our guests, it will be business as usual. In fact, the only changes travel agents will notice will be our efforts to enhance our relationships with these vital partners, while our guests will experience an even more luxurious ship experience following our planned $6 million refit this January. We will even honor Seven Seas Society Savings for our guests.”
Beginning in 2010, Paul Gauguin Shipping Limited, which has owned Paul Gauguin since 2004, will fully operate the Paul Gauguin after Regent Seven Seas completes its contract in January 2010. “Regent has been a highly valued partner, and we wish them all the best,” said Grimsland. “As we move ahead, we will continue to provide the same luxury product for which Paul Gauguin is known worldwide. V. Ships, which serves such luxury cruise lines as Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent, currently provides Paul Gauguin with staffing and will provide hospitality, nautical, and technical services for us in 2010. We've worked closely with Regent on the onboard product for the past four years, and this experience-plus a planned 2009 refit to the ship that has been named the best small ship in the world, means that our valued guests will continue to enjoy one of the most luxurious ships, experiences, and destinations imaginable.”
About Paul Gauguin
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 passengers with a staff of 215, one of the highest guest-per-staff ratios at sea (1.5:1). By 2010, Paul Gauguin will have undergone more than $25M in refurbishments since its inaugural sail in 1998, including the planned 2009 refit.