Karen, maybe this thread should be under
PG cruise thread vs Regent?

1/13/09 - m/s Paul Gauguin 's 2010 Sailing Season
Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest rated and longest continually-sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, today announced an alluring menu of voyages for the m/s Paul Gauguin 's 2010 season, along with Early Booking Savings of up to 45 percent plus Free Roundtrip Air between Los Angeles and Tahiti when booked by March 31, 2009. Reservations are now open for the season, which 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 experience.

“It is a pleasure to open m/s Paul Gauguin 's 2010 season for advance reservations, as we are very enthusiastic about the innovative new cruise itineraries, fascinating ports of call and special events that are included in our 2010 calendar,” said David A. Giersdorf, President and CEO of Paul Gauguin Cruises. “Our exceptional officers and crew look forward to welcoming back many loyal past guests and introducing the magic and romance of m/s Paul Gauguin to first time guests, as well.”

m/s Paul Gauguin 's 2010 Sailing Season

The 2010 season marks the twelfth year of m/s Paul Gauguin 's unequalled expertise cruising among the idyllic islands and ports of the South Pacific. The intimate 332-guest ship will add two new itineraries in 2010, including five 11-night adventures amidst the beautiful and culture-rich Cook Islands, as well as two exclusive 14-night cruises featuring New Zealand, Tonga and the Cook and Society Islands.

Awarded the “Highest Rated Small Luxury Cruise Ship” in the 2008 Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Poll and consistently receiving top honors worldwide for superb luxury, quality and service, the m/s Paul Gauguin will continue to offer time-tested itineraries that allow guests to discover and explore the enchanting islands of the South Pacific like never before. From the verdant peaks and pristine beaches of the Society Islands to the vibrant culture of New Zealand and the exotic and endlessly lush islands of Fiji, the 2010 season showcases the most coveted destinations in this unique corner of the world. Highlights of the 2010 sailing season include:

· Sixteen classic 7-night departures featuring Tahiti and Society Islands;
· Six 10-night and two 9-night voyages of Tuamotus and Society Islands;
· Five 11-night Cook Islands adventures;
· Four 14-night sailings featuring the Marquesas Islands;
· In-depth 13- and 15-night discoveries of Fiji, Tonga and the Cook and Society Islands; and
· Two exclusive 14-night cruises featuring New Zealand, Tonga and the Cook and Society Islands

Special Departures accenting the 2010 schedule include:

· The President's Cruise on January 6, 2010, where guests can sail with Paul Gauguin Cruises President David A. Giersdorf;
· The Jean-Michel Cousteau Cruise, featuring environmental advocate and son of the legendary Jacques Cousteau, on May 22, 2010;
· Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program is available on all departures June through August, as well as December 18 and 27, 2010, introducing young travelers to the breathtaking natural wonders of French Polynesia - perfect for families traveling during these months; and
· In keeping with its longstanding tradition, the ship will embark on two special Holiday Cruises on December 18 and 27, 2010, where guests will savor a different kind of “White Christmas” on the white sand beaches of the Society Islands and Tuamotu Atolls.

A Unique Experience, Every Time
Regardless of which departure guests choose, they are always promised an extraordinary experience - both onboard and off. Each voyage is highlighted by unparalleled, five-star service, with the freedom to discover the wonders of each destination without limitation. From an extensive selection of optional shore excursions to flexible hotel options, Paul Gauguin Cruises allows guests to tailor their vacation to satisfy their own desires.

Adding to the unique experience that comes aboard a Paul Gauguin Cruise, the Special Occasions programs allow guests to commemorate new beginnings and unique celebrations - whether whisking away on a honeymoon, toasting a milestone or simply planning a romantic escape for two, the enchanting Tahitian backdrop will create an experience unlike any other. Paul Gauguin's Hotel and Air/Sea programs only further enhance the ease of personalizing and extending the guest travel experience as they forge unforgettable memories.

Aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin

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. The spacious and elegantly adorned staterooms feature deluxe European linens, feather-down duvets, robes and cotton slippers as well as other amenities found only in the most luxurious of travel destinations.

When not relishing the lavish comforts of their individual staterooms, guests can pamper themselves in the onboard spa, enjoy the multiple dining venues, lounges, entertainment, casino, Internet area and Fitness Center, or lose themselves in an unforgettable adventure at the newly-enhanced retractable Watersports Marina. Here, explorers-at-heart can choose from complimentary windsurfing, kayaking, waterskiing or optional scuba diving - and because of its size, the m/s Paul Gauguin brings the mystic beauty of the crystalline South Pacific waters closer to her guests than most any other cruise ship.

“Due to the intimate capacity of the vessel, we are able to create a more private, more personal and more exclusive travel experience for our guests - in fact, we have one of the best crew-to-guest ratios at sea at nearly 1-to-1.5, as well as one of the highest onboard space ratios,” said Giersdorf. “Whether our guests are seeking romance or adventure - or both - we pride ourselves on providing the ultimate dream vacation for each and every guest. However, the smaller size also creates limited availability. For this reason we are announcing the 2010 program earlier than ever before and offering significant incentives to encourage early booking.”

Early Booking Ensures the Best Deals

Guests planning a vacation with Paul Gauguin Cruises can currently take advantage of several opportunities to save, including Early Booking Savings of up to 45 percent, representing savings from $2,500 to $18,650 per person, when booked by specified Early Booking Date. Further savings of $1,250 to $2,500 per couple are available on select sailings when booked by March 31, 2009 as a result of Free or Two-for-One Roundtrip Airfare between Los Angeles and Tahiti. Also, families planning a voyage on m/s Paul Gauguin may take advantage of the third person in stateroom sails free promotion when booked by March 31, 2009. All Early Booking Promotional Savings are capacity-controlled, and subject to availability at time of booking.

Additionally, recognizing the value of experienced and loyal travelers, Paul Gauguin Cruises welcomes all past guests of an elite collection of luxury small ship cruise lines into the m/s Paul Gauguin Society. Any past guest of Paul Gauguin Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, The Yachts of Seabourn, Crystal Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club or Windstar Cruises will receive an additional 5 percent off any m/s Paul Gauguin cruise fare.

Reservations are being accepted now and guests are encouraged to book early for the best values, choices of departures and accommodations. Reservations must be made by March 31, 2009 to receive special air promotions from Los Angeles or the third person in stateroom sails free promotion. A new 68-page catalog detailing the m/s Paul Gauguin 's superb collection of experiences is also now available. Guests should contact their 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.

Thanks for posting this! The July 6, 2010 "eclipse" cruise looks good.

Andrea

I wonder:

• Will the PG still be all-inclusive, or what will the policy be re drinks, including coffee, water, soft drinks, set-ups, etc.?
• Will the new owners honor or give any recognition to Seven Seas Society tier status, discounts, etc.

The increase in the number of longer cruises makes a trip to Fr. Polynesia more attractive to us on the east coast who has to go an extra long way by air to get there. The way airlines treat people and the cost of a decent seat is a real downer for us, a real impediment to our vacation plans. I wish Regent would contract for more "premium economy" flights; they did it once, from Scandinavia, so they can do it.

Here's what the website says on "all-inclusive":

* Spacious, all-oceanview suites and staterooms, nearly 70% with balconies
* All onboard gratuities included
* Complimentary beverages including select wines and spirits, soft drinks, bottled water and hot beverages served throughout the ship
* In-suite bar setup and butler service in categories B and above
* Complimentary 24-hour room service
* Refrigerator replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and bottled water
* Space ratio of 58 – among the highest at sea
* Complimentary use of our exclusive, private white sand beach in Bora Bora with bar service, volleyball, and great snorkeling.
* Complimentary day on our private islet, Motu Mahana—off the coast of Taha'a featuring snorkeling, watersports, barbecue with full bar service, and Polynesian hospitality.

Count Florida: There will be a 5% discount for Regent passengers (as well as passengers from a few other cruise lines).

I tried to book the July "eclipse" cruise but it is currently unavailable due to possible charter!

Yes it is true you will receive the 5% discount and it is all inclusive. My favorite dive instructor will be onboard, Dominique, and from what I understand so will most of our favorite staff. It is open to reservations and all the policies at least for the time being appear to be the same. Regent has had promotions where the 3rd person sails free but it nice to see Paul Gauguin Shipping is also offering this for a limited time.

EnglishUSA: you might want to try giving these people a call and see if they have any availability on the Eclipse cruise. They list it on their website. Also, the Starflyer is doing the Eclipse cruise too. Travelquest no longer seems to hold the charter as they have in previous eclipse years on the PG. I've been following these for a while as we were interested in an eclipse cruise too.
http://www.wildernesstravel.com

Pat

FYI - They are taking a waitlist for the PG Eclipse criuse. This may or may not be chartered. Even if it is chartered it may be still available to be booked. This would be like me chartering it for LCT but allowing other guests on as well if they booked through me. So it may all still be fine for David. He is "on the list".

Are Les Gaugines still part of the crew? Nothing on the website seems to indicate this...It would be a huge loss to the character of the ship if they did not have these wonderful cultural ambassadors!

Did some further digging around...this was the only reference "in passing" about them


http://www.pgcruises.com/onboard/entertainment


Later in your cruise, you'll have a chance to learn how to dance in true Polynesian style from our wonderful Gauguines performers.

It really doesnt call out specifically if they have the same level of passenger interface they had in the past.

Yes they are still on the ship. Mentioned specifically in agent materials.

This is excellent news, Ngaire! I'm glad to hear this...but the question is why are they not being highlighted in the current website?

I have no idea but they are mentioned in the new brochure that is coming out.

They're mentioned under Entertainment, i.e.:

"...you'll have a chance to learn how to dance in true Polynesian style from our wonderful Gauguines performers."