Safety at Heart
Updated September 9, 2022
At Paul Gauguin Cruises, our guests and crew have always come first. Our top priority is to safeguard their health, safety and well-being as well as the communities we visit.
Working with the latest scientific recommendations, Paul Gauguin Cruises has developed a robust set of multi-layered measures to address COVID-19 that are continually updated as new health recommendations are issued.
If you have any questions regarding an upcoming cruise, please contact your Travel Advisor. Our team is also available to assist you, Monday-Friday, from 7 am to 5 pm Pacific Time, at 800-848-6172 and by email at customerservice@pgcruises.com.
Our cruise schedule can also be found on our website.
We look forward to welcoming our guests onboard and providing them peace of mind with exceptional cruise experiences in Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific. Māuruuru roa! — Paul Gauguin Cruises.
As needed, we will update our advisory, so please check back frequently.
Working with the latest scientific recommendations, Paul Gauguin Cruises has developed a robust set of multi-layered measures to address COVID-19 that are continually updated as new health recommendations are issued. customerservice@pgcruises.com
Ready to Explore French Polynesia on The Gauguin?
As countries around the world relax Covid-19 testing requirements, beginning September 9, 2022, Paul Gauguin Cruises will no longer require Covid-19 pre-embarkation testing. The company will continue to require that all guests have completed a full vaccination program.* Guests must present their valid proof of vaccination and their completed health questionnaire, which they will have received with their cruise documents, at check-in. A test will only be mandatory if it is required by local authorities. Guests will have the opportunity to do the test on board.
- The Islands of Tahiti, effective May 18, 2022, no longer requires Covid-19 tests for vaccinated travelers departing from Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Noumea and Auckland to French Polynesia. Individuals with a completed vaccination schedule are now exempt from the requirement to take an antigen or RT-PCR test prior to arrival.
While sailing on the m/s Paul Gauguin: In the event of a Covid case being detected on board, the quarantine measures may be reduced depending on the diagnosis of the ship’s doctor regarding the risk of infection. Those diagnosed as being of low risk will no longer be automatically required to isolate and will be able to take part in activities, but under supervision and in compliance with instructions, to ensure all those on board remain safe.
However, if the risk on board were to increase, the ship’s Captain may need to re-introduce more extensive measures with regards to tests, mask wearing and quarantine. In all cases, the company will increase its measures to the level required by countries visited where they may be more restrictive.
- Return Flights: Beginning June 12, 2022, there are no Covid-19 testing requirements for travelers entering or connecting through the U.S., including U.S. citizens. Guests should continue to check their country’s website for requirements as some countries may require a Covid-19 test to be taken prior to the return flight to the country of residence (the time limit can vary depending on the country). If there is no solution ashore, the ship's medical service may be able to carry out an antigen test (for which a fee is charged) before disembarkation.
- Please read the following notes concerning mandatory, complete, and authorized vaccination:
*Mandatory and complete vaccination:
A full vaccination path counts 3 doses of mRNA vaccine (authorized vaccines below). A contamination(1) can replace one of these three doses.
Other vaccination path also accepted (medical crew may ask for follow up tests regularly during the cruise, these tests will be charged):
- 2 doses of vaccine : the 2nd dose being less than 9 months before boarding. A contamination(1) can replace one of these three doses.
- 1 dose of vaccine, or 1 immunity(1) of more than 2 weeks and less than 4 months at time of boarding.
(1)Immunity is considered valid from the 11th day after contamination, with justification of a RT PCR or antigen test(home test is NOT valid); guest must provide a letter from a Doctor signifying the contamination.
Children from 1 to 11 are not required to be vaccinated, but it is recommended.
Vaccination is mandatory for teenagers from 12 to 16. A full vaccination path is recommended, but a one dose only injection of an approved vaccine will grant access to board (considering there are no other requirements by the destination countries (2)).
17 years old guests and above need to refer to adults’ requirements.
Authorised vaccines (2): Cominarty (BioNTech et Pfizer) / Spikevax (Moderna) / Janssen (Jonhson & Jonhson)* / Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca & Covishield) / Nuvaxovid (Novavax) / Sinopharm* / Sinovac-CoronaVac* / Covaxin / Covovax
*For vaccinal path including Janssen, it must be completed with a dose of an mRNA vaccine. To complete a vaccinal paths including Sinovac or Sinopharm, the 3rd dose must be of an mRNA vaccine.
(2) Please note: these rules only apply to board a Paul Gauguin Cruises’ voyage. Some countries may require a different vaccinal path, in terms of doses, authorized vaccine, or dates. Please carefully read the rules of government websites (destination or transit only) to learn more.
Please continue to review the link Tahiti Tourism website as requirements are likely to change. For guests traveling to or through Fiji, please visit FAQ's about Travelling to Fiji | Things to Know | The Official Travel Site of the Fiji Islands. Beginning, September 5, 2022, Fiji announced that international travelers are no longer required to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival into Fiji.
Country requirements may change at any time. Please continue to check destination websites for the most updated information.Safety On Board the m/s Paul Gauguin
Whether on land or on board, your safety is our primary concern. As scientific advances are made, Paul Gauguin Cruises continues to hone its robust protocol to guarantee an optimal experience by integrating all the technological, personal, and physical (material) measures to ensure the provision and maintenance of an uncontaminated zone. This reinforced protection is based on three “shields” designed to guarantee solid onboard access conditions, strict hygienic protocol, and daily regulation and monitoring of guests, equipment, and the ship in general.
Conditions of access to board The Gauguin
All guests and crew are checked and subject to this hygienic safe zone protocol
At Boarding
Present valid proof of vaccination (any guest joining the ship must have completed the vaccination process), and a completed health declaration and questionnaire form to ship staff
Boarding, or refusal if:
Traveler will be denied if: 1.) unable to provide valid proof of vaccination 2.) vaccine is not in accordance with HAS recommendations 3.) they have come into contact with a Covid-19 case in the previous 14 days 4.) their temperature is over 100.4° F / 38° C or 5.) symptoms are detected.
Preservation of the onboard hygienic safety zone
All guests and crew are subject to health protocol and all onboard spaces are disinfected on a regular basis
Disinfection
of baggage and cargo
Guests
Utilize provided safety kits; masks are optional but recommended
Cleaning
of all spaces and disinfection of the renewed air
Barrier Gestures
Physical distancing and systematic temperature monitoring
Crew
Mandatory wearing of a mask or visor
Isolation Zone
available if necessary (3 cabins)
Shore Visits(1)
The ship tender will be disinfected, and guests will observe reinforced health instructions: social distancing, wearing a mask, barrier gestures, hand disinfection and temperature measurement in order to reboard The Gauguin.
Control of the hygienic safety zone
We have a highly-developed system for monitoring and controlling the health status on board The Gauguin in order to guarantee you a safe visit to the islands
Medical Team
Doctor and nurse on board
Onboard Hospital
Daily monitoring and rapid diagnosis with the ability to conduct Covid-19 RT-PCR and/or antigen rapid testing on board
Sampling
of high-traffic surfaces on a regular basis
Continuous Monitoring
of guests and ship
After Disembarkation
Medical questionnaire to be completed 3 weeks after cruise
Paul Gauguin Cruises is Part of the PONANT Family
PONANT has combined small-capacity ships, eco-design, and health protocols — and has collaborated with exceptional partners, to offer responsible travel that promotes sustainable tourism. Due to this exceptional business model, PONANT is adept at rolling out protocols rigorously, quickly, and efficiently.
For many years the company has invested in state-of-the-art medical facilities on board its ships (ultrasound and radiography equipment, testing on-site, resuscitation equipment, etc.) that go well beyond what current standards for tourism require. A medical team comprising of at least one doctor and a nurse are available 24/7.
Should anyone on board show symptoms of Covid-19, they will be immediately treated by our medical team and a specific protocol will apply including immediate search and isolation of contact cases and disinfection of potentially infected areas.
(1)Wearing a mask on land is subject to local administrative decisions. Social distancing measures are adjusted according to the health regulations in force in the jurisdiction where we are sailing.