French Polynesia-Based Resort Leader 'Pacific Beachcomber' Acquires Paul Gauguin Cruises

Bellevue, Wash. (PRNewswire / WorldTourismNews)  - Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest rated and longest continually-sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, today announced that the company has been acquired by Pacific Beachcomber, the leader in French Polynesia luxury destination resorts. Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the award-winning luxury cruise ship m/s Paul Gauguin, featuring itineraries among the islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific.

"The acquisition of Paul Gauguin Cruises by Pacific Beachcomber is a most positive development for our company, our Travel Agent partners and valued guests, and for the tourism industry of French Polynesia," said David A. Giersdorf, President and CEO of Paul Gauguin Cruises. "The m/s Paul Gauguin is a very successful ship, sailing at full occupancy the past three years, and with only 5 percent of capacity remaining in 2009. As we approach 2010, it will be business as usual, with no changes to our award-winning inclusive product, our dedicated officers and crew members, or our support of travel sellers worldwide, and we see many opportunities to enhance an already world-class experience for our guests."

As the largest luxury hotel operator in the destination the m/s Paul Gauguin calls home, Pacific Beachcomber's successful business model will be a valuable asset as Paul Gauguin Cruises continues its legacy as the year-round leader in luxury small ship cruising in the South Pacific. The joining of these renowned travel companies will provide compelling opportunities to connect extraordinary cruise itineraries with some of the world's most premier resorts, serving discerning guests as they create lifetime memories among the exquisite beauty and rich culture of French Polynesia.

Richard Bailey, President of Pacific Beachcomber said, "We are honored to carry on Paul Gauguin Cruises' excellent record as the leading cruise operator in French Polynesia. This legacy, 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 2010 Paul Gauguin season features 38 extraordinary itineraries ranging from 7 to 15 nights, highlighting such exquisite destinations as Tahiti, the Society Islands, Tuamotus, the Cook Islands, Marquesas, Tonga, Fiji and New Zealand - spectacular cruises that cater to the tastes of discerning travelers seeking a legendary, multiple-award-winning cruise and destination experience. Having recently enjoyed a multi-million dollar enhancement, the intimate, Polynesian-themed m/s Paul Gauguin features world-class cruise ship appointments, including private balconies in nearly 70 percent of suites and staterooms and an expanded al fresco dining experience.

Early Booking Promotions provide unprecedented value. Guests who reserve and deposit by September 30, 2009 will receive up to 50 percent off Standard Cruise Fares for January-March departures and up to 45 percent off Standard Cruise Fares for April-December departures, as well as Free Roundtrip Airfare between Los Angeles and Papeete for 2010 departures of 10 or more nights, or for 2010 departures of 7 to 9 nights Two-for-One Roundtrip Airfare between Los Angeles and Papeete, an additional savings of up to $2,500 or $1,250, respectively, based upon two persons sharing a stateroom. All Early Booking Savings are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Guests should reserve as early as possible to ensure selection of departure date and stateroom category.

The m/s Paul Gauguin Society benefits of 5 percent additional savings and exclusive recognition are being extended to guests who have previously sailed on Paul Gauguin Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, The Yachts of Seabourn, Crystal Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club or Windstar Cruises. Additionally, attractive group rates may be available.

Please contact your Travel Professional, visit www.pgcruises.com or call 1-800-848-6172 for more information about Paul Gauguin's legendary South Pacific voyages, or for details about the 2010 Early Booking Savings promotion, which ends September 30, 2009.
 

About Paul Gauguin Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the award-winning luxury cruise ship m/s Paul Gauguin, providing the best value in luxury small ship cruising tailored to the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific. Voted 2008's highest ranked small luxury cruise ship by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, Paul Gauguin's all-inclusive pricing includes everything from delicious cuisine and beverages to the state-of-the-art retractable watersports marina, as well as exclusive access to the private islet of Motu Mahana, off the coast of Taha'a. The extraordinary 1 to 1.5 crew-to-guest ratio ensures the most exquisite service available at sea, allowing ultimate luxury and relaxation for each and every guest. The m/s Paul Gauguin was built at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France. The ship is 513 feet long, 71 feet wide and has a draft of 16.9 feet. The ship can accommodate 332 guests with a staff of 215 and is one of the top Exclusive Charter and Incentive Group venues in the industry. The m/s Paul Gauguin has undergone more than $25 million in enhancements since its inaugural sail in 1998. Since 1998, the m/s Paul Gauguin has completed more than 500 South Pacific cruises and served more than 140,000 guests, including more than 12,000 honeymooners, making it a premier destination for toasting a host of special milestones. Paul Gauguin Cruises is a member of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Please contact your Professional Travel Agent or call 1-800-848-6172 to reserve a cruise or request a brochure. For additional information, please visit www.pgcruises.com.
 

About Pacific Beachcomber

Pacific Beachcomber is the leader in French Polynesia destination resorts with 630 rooms. The company owns the four InterContinental Resorts in French Polynesia: Intercontinental Tahiti Resort, Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, and Intercontinental Moorea Resort and Spa. The company also owns and manages the Maitai Hotel on Bora Bora. The company employs 850 Polynesians. Pacific Beachcomber is developing a luxury eco-resort, "The Brando" on the eponymous actor's private island.
 

For more information contact: 

Jennifer Gamelin of DDB Public Relations

Tel.:  +1-206-344-2496,
Email: jennifer.gamelin@sea.ddb.com