Paul Gauguin Cruises is pleased to celebrate the one-year anniversary of being a member of the Pacific Beachcomber family. With more than 25 years of experience in the French Polynesian tourism market, Pacific Beachcomber has continued to prove its destination expertise with the success of the m/s Paul Gauguin.

“I am proud to have welcomed The Gauguin – now in her 14th year – into the Pacific Beachcomber family. Her first year with us has been a success, and we look forward to continuing to welcome our guests aboard,” comments Richard Bailey, President of Pacific Beachcomber, S.C. With more than 25 years of experience in the French Polynesian tourism market, the Pacific Beachcomber group is the country’s largest luxury hotel and cruise operator, managing The Gauguin in addition to six award-winning hotels: InterContinental Tahiti Resort, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa, the Maitai Bora Bora and the Maitai Rangiroa.

Lauched in January 2010, the luxury Deep Nature Spa combines gentle pampering with a range of physical regimens, including health and revitalization. Unrivalled in its approach to spa and beauty, the services cater to the needs of each individual. Treatments include skin care therapies, skin exfoliating, body wrap, massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, facials, and beauty treatments.

In May 2010, Paul Gauguin Cruises offered an exlusive sailing with explorer and enviornmentalist Jean-Micheal Costeau. Mr. Costeau joined guests as the ship sailed for 16 days to Fiji, Tonga and the Cook and Society Islands, offering a series of lectures on his work in the oceans of the world. Mr. Costeau pioneered the ship’s Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program, which aims to introduce young travelers an interactive experience of the extraordinary natural wonders of French Polynesia. Mr. Costeau will again join The Gauguin on the January 5, May 25 and June 29, 2011 departures, sailing to Society Islands and Tuamotus.

Also in May 2010, Paul Gauguin Cruises launched a culinary education program hosted by celebrated chef, Dean Max. Chef Max educated guests on his sophisticated yet simple modern American creations, full of fresh-from-the-ocean oysters, clams, fish, and crabs. While onboard, Chef Max hosted cooking classes, culinary seminars, and fishing excursions to enlighten guests on the benefits of a seafood-rich diet while quelling their fears of cooking seafood.

Beginning in 2011, The Gauguin is honored to offer the culinary delights of Jean-Pierre Vigato, owner and Chef Propriétaire of the world-renowned, two Michelin-starred Restaurant Apicius in Paris. Chef Vigato’s menu will be featured in The Gauguin’s La Veranda restaurant. Additionally, Chef Vigato will join The Gauguin on the July 30, 2011 departure, sailing to the Cook Islands and Society Islands.

Throughout the year, Paul Gauguin Cruises offered a number of sailings and incentives catering to both singles and couples. The Gauguin featured several sailings during which the single supplement fee was waived for passengers traveling solo. The ship also introduced several “romantic escapades” in conjunction with the InterContinental Resorts in French Polynesia, providing an idyllic sailing experience for any romantic occasion

Most recently, Paul Gauguin Cruises introduced a photography-themed sailing with award-winning commercial photographer Roger Paperno and fine-art photographer Jesse Kalisher. Guests aboard The Gauguin during the August 7th and August 14th sailings were invited to participate in a learning opportunity that covers an incredible range of photographic challenges and lessons through an elite photographic tour of the paradise that is French Polynesia. The Gauguin will also feature two photography-themed sailings in 2011.

On the horizon — accompanied by President & CEO Richard Bailey — Paul Gauguin Cruises will sail to New Zealand for the very first time. Departing November 6th and November 21st, the inaugural sailings will allow guests to immerse themselves fully in the French sophistication of Tahiti, the rugged terrain of Rarotonga, and finally the lively harbor of Auckland.