Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced today that 2009 will be the Farewell Season for the 332-guest luxury cruise ship Paul Gauguin, which will depart the RSSC fleet in January 2010 upon completion of the current management agreement with Paul Gauguin Shipping Limited (PGSL), the owners of the vessel.

“We are extremely proud of the incredible product we created in French Polynesia. For more than ten years, the magical and unique qualities of the Regent Tahiti experience has provided countless indelible memories for discerning travelers of all ages,” said Mark Conroy, President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “As we look to the future and consider our position as the leader in the luxury cruise segment, we have chosen to focus on the all-suite ships that are the core of our fleet, which are undergoing a $40 million dollar refurbishment project beginning December 2008.”

“We look forward to celebrating one last year on the Paul Gauguin in 2009, bringing more than 10,000 guests to Tahiti and providing them with the same luxury experience and six-star service levels that have won RSSC countless awards,” he added.

For the final year under the RSSC flag, guests will benefit from a host of dramatic cosmetic and physical upgrades which will be performed during the ship’s scheduled 12-day dry-dock in January 2009. The ship will receive all new upholstery and carpeting and will see the addition of 26 private balconies to existing staterooms.

Special offers for remaining Regent Tahiti sailings in 2009 are available on select sailings, including Free Air from Los Angeles, third guest sailing free, category upgrades, inclusive hotel packages and Seven Seas Society savings.

PGSL will shortly be announcing reservations and sales information for the ship for departures in January 2010 and beyond in French Polynesia and the South Pacific.