NEW YORK, NY – August 8, 2023 – On Saturday, July 29, 2023, Hervé Gastinel, CEO of PONANT (parent company of Paul Gauguin Cruises) and Captain Michel Quioc, hosted more than 50 dignitaries aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin to celebrate 25 years of The Gauguin Experience in French Polynesia. They welcomed French Polynesia Minister of Health Cédric Mercadal, attending on behalf of the President of French Polynesia and Minister of Tourism Moetai Brotherson; High-Commissioner of the Republic in French Polynesia Eric Spitz; global tourism partners; as well as port, maritime, local officials, and partners.
Ceremony attendees and guests sailing on the current voyage also enjoyed a traditional show by O Tahiti E under the direction of Marguerite Lai, followed by a fireworks display commemorating the milestone.
“We are immensely grateful to all our partners, both within and outside of French Polynesia, whose unwavering support have led to the continued success of the beloved m/s Paul Gauguin,” Gastinel said. “Together, we have brought 250,000 travelers to this beautifully unique destination that we have called home year-round for the past 25 years contributing more than $26 million annually in the development and the economy of these islands.”
Minister of Health Mercadal remarked on the long-term partnership: “Thanks to your combined efforts, each island visited was able to benefit from many economic benefits and in this we would like to thank the shipowner, PONANT, who continues to believe in our destination,” Mercadal said. “In short, the 25th anniversary of the ship The Gauguin is an exceptional opportunity to celebrate a long history of exotic voyages and discoveries in one of the most beautiful and fascinating places on the planet: our country.”
The Gauguin remains the region’s gold standard in small-ship luxury cruising, known for its immersive experiences, carefree ambience, excellent cuisine and exceptional staff. Captain Quioc, who praised the ship's crew during the ceremony said, “It is the dedication of our devoted onboard family who bring The Gauguin Experience to life every day with heartfelt passion, and it was an honor to use this special milestone occasion to recognize five crewmembers for their 25 years of exemplary hospitality.”
Paul Gauguin Cruises offers all-inclusive voyages of 7 to 20 nights throughout French Polynesia and the South Pacific. Itineraries feature multiple overnights in legendary isles such as Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti. Voyages through 2025 are available to reserve with fares starting at $2,990 per person.
For more information on Paul Gauguin Cruises, please contact a Travel Professional, call 800- 848-6172, or visit www.pgcruises.com.
About Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the 330-guest m/s Paul Gauguin, providing a luxury cruise experience tailored to the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific. Paul Gauguin Cruises has been recognized by notable publications in travel and lifestyle including voted most recently as the “World’s Best Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Line” in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2022; one of the “Top 2 Small Cruise Lines” in the Condé Nast Traveler 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards as well as named on the publication’s 2021 “Gold List.” The line was also recognized for the 4th time for having the “Best French Polynesia Cruises” in the AFAR Travelers’ Choice Awards. In September 2019, Paul Gauguin Cruises joined PONANT’s family, a designer of inspiring voyages on board small exploration ships.