Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the Paul Gauguin, sails its inaugural voyage under the Pacific Beachcomber umbrella. From Jan. 6 to Jan. 16, an exclusive 10-day President’s Cruise, hosted by Richard Bailey, President of Pacific Beachcomber, S.C., will visit the islands of Tahiti, Huahine, Raiatea, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Taha’a, and Moorea.

The itinerary will feature a variety of enriching travel experiences and excursions, including:

–  Dolphin watching with marine biologist Dr. Michael Poole (or his assistant), following schools of spinner dolphins.
–  Visiting the Motu Pearl Farm, where guests learn all about the black pearl, as well as snorkeling in the crystal clear lagoon of Taha’a.
–  Exploring Tahiti “off the beaten path,” visiting areas of the island not commonly seen by visitors, traveling in an off-road vehicle during a scenic journey, passing by waterfalls, tropical vegetation, exotic flowers, and lush valleys offering wonderful views and photo opportunities.
–  Discovering an ancient side of Tahiti via a journey through the Opunohu Valley with resident archaeologist Mark Eddowes, visiting an ancient temple at the edge of the native forest along with a guided walk along the ancient trails.

About acquiring the cruise line and the ship, Bailey said, “We at Pacific Beachcomber were truly honored to recently welcome Paul Gauguin Cruises into our portfolio. The ship’s reputation in French Polynesia combined with our 25 years of luxury resort hotel experience in the Tahitian islands will ensure that all our guests enjoy a seamless island vacation experience of the highest caliber.”

The Paul Gauguin will embark on 38 cruises in 2010 to destinations including Tahiti, the Society Islands, the Tuamotus, the Cook Islands, the Marquesas, Tonga, Fiji, and New Zealand.

Owned by Pacific Beachcomber S.C., a leader in French Polynesia luxury destination resorts, Paul Gauguin Cruises operates Paul Guaguin, which was built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique in 1998. The ship is 513 feet long, 71 feet wide and has a draft of 16.9 feet. It can accommodate 332 guests with a staff of 215 and has undergone more than $25 million in enhancements since its introduction.

Since 1998, the Paul Gauguin has completed more than 500 South Pacific cruises and served more than 140,000 guests, including more than 12,000 honeymooners.