As a NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador since 2003, Greg Redfern has brought the wonder, beauty, and excitement of our universe to audiences for decades. His one-on-one style resonates with his passion and knowledge. Join us aboard The Gauguin as he shares that passion during lectures on astronomy.
m/s Paul Gauguin
Guest Hosts
Richard Somerville
Oceanographer & Meteorologist
Richard Somerville is a world-renowned climate scientist and an expert on communicating clearly to the public what scientists have learned about climate change. His broader interests include the interface between science and public policy. He comments frequently on climate and environmental issues for the media.
In 2015, Richard was awarded the Climate Communication Prize of the American Geophysical Union. The prize recognized him for his career-long record of climate science communication, which has involved public talks and lectures, TV interviews, articles, op-eds, and books. His work has embodied what the prize was created to highlight: “promoting scientific literacy, clarity of message, and efforts to foster respect and understanding of science-based values as they relate to the implications of climate change.”
Richard is Distinguished Professor Emeritus and Research Professor at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego. Experience Richard’s skill in articulating the challenges of climate change as he lectures on the subject aboard The Gauguin.
other guest hosts appearing on the m/s Paul Gauguin
Guest Hosts
Maritime Historian & Writer
Multiple sailings
Joan Druett’s accidental discovery of the grave of a young American whaling wife sparked her interest in the history of life at sea and inspired her to write several acclaimed books on the subject. Join us aboard The Gauguin as this expert in maritime history shares fascinating stories of life on the high seas.
Academia
Championship Dancers
Multiple sailings
Accomplished Latin and ballroom dancers Ryno Van Den Berg and Elena Tokarenko have won high scores in prestigious competitions in Hong Kong, Russia, England, Taipei, South Africa, France, and beyond. Join us aboard The Gauguin for a performance by these highly accomplished and charismatic entertainers.
Entertainment
Magician & Mentalist
Multiple sailings
A professional magician since 1998 and TV Star Magician in Brazil, Gustavo Vierini is skilled in illusion in all its forms. Be sure to be aboard as he brings his unique blend of magic and humor aboard select sailings of The Gauguin.
Entertainment
Winemakers, Complant Wines
February 15, 2020
Daniel and Sam Baron bring a combined 60 years of grape growing and winemaking experience on three continents to their approach to making Complant wines. Their goal is to use artisanal practices and minimal intervention to produce delicious wines of vibrancy that seamlessly express time, place, and the cultivated vine. Join us aboard The Gauguin for a wine tasting and lecture by these passionate winemakers.
Food & Wine
Astrologer
February 22, 2020
A professional astrologer with more than 30 years’ experience, Leslie McGuirk has appeared on radio and television and in magazines, and is a popular presenter and author. Join us aboard The Gauguin to discover the evolution of astrology, its place in history—and how it pertains to you.
Science
Illusionist
Multiple sailings
A rising star among French magicians, Nicolas del Pozo perfected his skills in Las Vegas, where he met the greatest illusionists in the world. He since has dazzled audiences around the globe. See this mesmerizing show from this master of illusion aboard The Gauguin.
Entertainment
Musicians
Multiple sailings
Expect an extremely fun evening of dancing and singing when Marc and Abi come aboard! Don’t miss very special sailings of The Gauguin, as this talented duo performs an exciting musical explosion of upbeat classics through the decades.
Entertainment
Coral Reef Ecologist
March 7, 2020
Robert Carpenter has been conducting research on coral reefs for the past 30 years in locations throughout the world, including the Caribbean, Hawaii, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Guam, Palau, and French Polynesia. Join us aboard The Gauguin for informative lectures by this leading coral reef expert.
Science
Nobel Peace Prize Winner & Onboard Lecturer
Multiple 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 Gauguin, and benefit from his expertise during a special presentation.
Science
Photographer
Multiple sailings
Douglas Peebles has been photographing the South Pacific and Hawaii for about 40 years, and his work has been published in nearly 70 books and several other publications, including National Geographic Traveler, Islands, Travel Holiday, GEO, Hawaii, and the UK’s Traveller magazine. Join us when Douglas comes aboard for photography presentations, small-group excursions, and a critique of your photographs.
Special Interest
Oceanographer & Maritime Historian
March 28, 2020
As a museum director, scientist, and explorer Edwin Sobey has traveled the world. Along the way, he has lectured and conducted research on seven continents and all the oceans. Join us aboard The Gauguin as Ed presents a series of lectures on marine topics including whales, coral reefs, ocean acidification, plastics in the sea, and renewable energy.
Science
Onboard Lecturer
Multiple 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 of The Gauguin.
Special Interest
Musicians
Multiple sailings
The Rolling Keys Duo (Sarah Watson and Will Stead) are two session musicians who have crafted a sound that has proven successful all over the world. Join us aboard select sailings of The Gauguin for a toe-tapping performance of popular classics from the Fifties to current chart hits.
Entertainment
Singer & Guitarist
Multiple sailings
One of the UK’s most in-demand singers, Jonny Ross performs a varied repertoire designed to delight audiences of all ages. Join us aboard The Gauguin for live performances by this talented singer.
Entertainment
Military Historian
April 11, 2020
A television executive for nearly two decades and later a corporate board member, Chrisopher Kelly has dedicated his retirement to pursuing his lifelong passion for military history. Join us aboard The Gauguin as this award-winning author and presenter provides a lecture series on military history and WWII in the Pacific.
Academia
Historian
June 6, 2020
The Director of Translation and Interpreting at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Scott Homler interprets, translates, and lectures on a variety of subjects and often incorporates art as a primary resource for discussions on cultural identity. Join us aboard The Gauguin for a series of lectures offering insights into the life and work of artist Paul Gauguin.
Academia
Cabaret Singer
June 6, 2020
Minda Larsen has performed in New York City, across the country, and in more than 80 countries across all seven seas. Come aboard select sailings of The Gauguin, and enjoy a performance by the vocalist named “Best Cabaret Singer 2015” in New York City and nominated for “Best Female Vocalist 2015” by Broadway World.
Entertainment
Anthropologist & Sociologist
June 6, 2020
A native of New Zealand, Cluny Macpherson spent 45 years of his professional life living, teaching, and carrying out research in the Pacific. Join us aboard The Gauguin for a series of lectures that summarize the history of the Pacific region, with examples from the islands visited on this cruise.
Science
Owners, Batch 206 Distillery
June 17, 2020
Jeff and Daleen Steichen are the creators and owners of Batch 206 Distillery located in downtown Seattle, Washington. Batch 206 Distillery is a true, small-batch artisan facility, handcrafting products in small batches on a 1,000-liter, handmade custom Kothe still. They will join The Gauguin on the June 17, 2020, Society Islands & Tuamotus voyage and present seminars and tastings of their Pacific Northwest handcrafted spirits.
Food & Wine
Chef
July 11, 2020
Award-winning chef Jean-Robert de Cavel has maintained a Mobil 5-star restaurant, opened several restaurants in the Cincinnati area, served as Chef-in-Residence at the Midwest Culinary Institute at Cincinnati State, and been named a Master Chef by Maîtres Cuisiniers de France. Join us aboard The Gauguin for a lecture and culinary demonstration by this acclaimed chef and entrepreneur.
Food & Wine
Broadway Star
Multiple sailings
A star of musical stages across North America, Josh Young has charmed audiences and won numerous awards for his work. Join us aboard The Gauguin for a thrilling performance by this acclaimed Broadway star.
Entertainment
Magician
Multiple sailings
A strolling magician and elite member of the Magic Castle—the legendary private club for magicians in Hollywood—Patricia Magicia delights audiences with her skill and charm, always with French flair. Join us aboard The Gauguin for a dazzling demonstration of Patricia’s unique talents.
Entertainment
Pacific Island Cultural Arts Expert
Multiple sailings
A dynamic speaker who specializes in Pacific Island cultural arts, Dr. Teri Sowell is a distinguished researcher, author, and teacher. She also has curated many art exhibitions nationwide. Join us aboard The Gauguin as Teri weaves together threads of past and present traditions in a series of lively lectures that will enrich your cultural experience.
Arts
Owner/Winemakers, Pfeiffer Winery and Vineyards
July 29, 2020
Robin and Danuta Pfeiffer are the owners and winemakers of Pfeiffer Winery and Vineyards, an ultra-premium, sustainable, 70-acre vineyard with an international reputation for producing world-class Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Enjoy a wine lecture and a tasting of Pfeiffer Winery wines when Robin and Danuta join us aboard The Gauguin.
Food & Wine
Motivational Author & Speaker
August 29, 2020
Tom O’Neil has helped a wide range of people, from students to CEOs, achieve their goals through his best-selling books, motivational speeches, and one-on-one coaching. Let this internationally recognized expert in personal development and career management inspire you with his live presentations on board the m/s Paul Gauguin.
Special Interest
Inventor, Historian, Descendant of "Captain" Bligh
August 29, 2020
Maurice Bligh is a man with mission: to set the record straight about his famous forebear, who is widely known as “Captain Bligh” of the legendary HMS Bounty. Join Maurice aboard The Gauguin as he reveals historic truths about Admiral William Bligh — and explains how Hollywood got it all wrong: there never was a ship called HMS Bounty!
Singer
August 29, 2020
A native of Montréal, Canada, Pascale Guertin is a well-rounded musician who was born to sing. Join us aboard The Gauguin, as this talented artist performs Remembering Edith Piaf and From Argentina with Love.
Entertainment
President & Partner, Dry Creek Vineyard
October 14, 2020
Kim Stare Wallace has been passionate about the wine industry since her father founded Dry Creek Vineyard in 1972. Don quickly learned every aspect of the business upon marrying Kim. Join us aboard The Gauguin for the couple’s presentation on Dry Creek Vineyard and a tasting of their excellent wines.
Food & Wine
Journalist
November 11, 2020
A journalist and educator specializing in astronomy, Dan Benedict has been introducing cruise passengers with an interest in stargazing to the wonders of the night sky since 1998. Join us for a series of presentations and nighttime star watches led by this fascinating expert.
Art History Professor
November 21, 2020
Acclaimed academic, Fulbright scholar, author, teacher, lecturer, and art historian and curator Caroline Boyle-Turner is a perennially popular guest host aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin. Join us aboard as she enriches your appreciation for our ship’s namesake and his circle of friends.
Arts
January 23, 2021
Come sail with us on our 2021 Reunion Cruise—a reunion for past guests of Paul Gauguin Cruises and a gala welcome for newcomers which presents a number of unique events, including special guests, a festive dinner, cocktail and block parties, opportunities to mingle with senior staff and crew, and more. This 11-night Tuamotus & Society Islands voyage includes two visits to Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private islet.
Entertainment
Distinguished Professor of Cultural Geography
May 22, 2021
The University Distinguished Professor of Cultural Geography at Western Kentucky University, Dr. David Keeling has visited more than 185 countries and studied a wide range of topics, from the geography of exploration and discovery to socio-economic change. Join us aboard The Gauguin as he shares his expertise in a series of fascinating lectures.