Whether you’re interested in art, wine, cuisine, Polynesian life and culture, or the wonders of the deep, we have arranged for an expert in the field to join us on the designated cruises shown below, to offer insights, lectures, demonstrations, workshops, and more. Perhaps you'll have dinner with one of these special experts, view a demonstration of their craft, enjoy a wine tasting, and more. We also frequently feature limited-time exhibits of paintings and photography by respected artists.

Guy Buffet, Fine Artist: June 1; and November 2, 13, 23, 2013 Sailings (top center)
People who love food and wine are likely to own at least one of Guy Buffet’s famous whimsical portraits of chefs, waiters, and restaurant scenes that are loved by so many. Join Mr. Buffet in 2013 on the June 1; November 2, 13, and 23 sailings aboard The Gauguin and enjoy a lecture, art demonstrations, and a special reception. You will also have an opportunity to purchase artwork signed by the artist while onboard. Click here for details.

Jean-Pierre Vigato, Parisian Celebrity Chef: June 1, 2013
Chef Propriétaire of one of the finest restaurants in Paris, the two Michelin-starred Restaurant Apicius, Jean-Pierre Vigato has inspired signature menus for Paul Gauguin Cruises for several years. Join The Moana’s June 1, 2013, Roundtrip Istanbul sailing, and enjoy an exceptional culinary program led by this acclaimed chef. Click here for details.

Richard Bailey, Chairman, Paul Gauguin Cruises: June 29, 2013
With more than 25 years of experience in the French Polynesia tourism market, Richard Bailey today serves as President and CEO of Pacific Beachcomber—French Polynesia’s largest luxury hotel and cruise operator—and Chairman of Paul Gauguin Cruises. He is also a pioneer in environmental protection and sustainability. Join us as Mr. Bailey hosts a special cocktail party and “town hall” meeting for guests on the June 29, 2013, Roundtrip Venice voyage aboard the m/v Tere Moana. Click here for details.

Chef Alan Wong, Master of Hawaii Regional Cuisine: July 27, 2013 (top right)
James Beard award winner and critically acclaimed chef Alan Wong has made a highly successful career out of marrying elements of different ethnic cooking styles using the finest Island-grown ingredients. As his Asian roots combine with his French culinary background, east and west cuisines do not merely meet—they meld. Join The Gauguin’s July 27, 2013, sailing, and enjoy a lecture, question-and-answer session, and cooking demonstration by one of America’s most celebrated culinary experts. Click here for details.

Professor John E. Hay, Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Onboard Lecturer: August 17; September 21 & November 23, 2013, Sailings
Co-recipient with Al Gore of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 and recipient of a prestigious fellowship from the Guggenheim Foundation, Professor John E. Hay has devoted his life to studying the environment. Join this distinguished author and scholar aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin’s August 17, 2013, sailing to the Cook Islands & Society Islands; the September 21, 2013, sailing to the Australs & Society Islands;  and the November 23, 2013, sailing to the Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands, and benefit from his expertise during a special presentation. Click here for details.

Helen Henry, Onboard Lecturer: August 17; September 21 & November 23, 2013, Sailings
A resident of the Cook Islands since 1969, Helen Henry has been active in the development of the small island nation almost since it first became self-governing. She also operated a tourism company and organized educational programs for travel groups for many years. Now retired, she is happy to share her in-depth knowledge of the Cooks with guests aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin’s  August 17, 2013, sailing to the Cook Islands & Society Islands; the September 21, 2013, sailing to the Australs & Society Islands;  and the November 23, 2013, sailing to the Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands. Click here for details.

Whale-Watching Sailing: September 21, 2013
From July to October, humpback whales teem in the warm waters of French Polynesia. On our Australs & Society Islands cruise aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, you’ll have two opportunities to enjoy whale watching in this special paradise: breathtaking Moorea in the Society Islands and Rurutu, an island in the rarely visited Australs chain. Distinguished marine biologist Dr. Scott Baker; Cécile Gaspar, President of Te Mana O Te Moana, a nonprofit conservation organization; and renowned oceanographer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau will enhance your experience with their expertise. Click here for details.

Also available in 2013:
Join our June-August and Holiday Cruises and enjoy Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Oceanographer & Environmentalist: June 26; September 21; November 2, 2013; March 12;  June 14; August 30; October 25, 2014 Sailings
World-famous oceanographer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau will join several sailings of The Gauguin in 2013. In addition to lectures with videos of his work, he will accompany several dives from the ship. Click here for details.