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Welcome Aboard the 6-Star Deluxe Paul
Gauguin [top]
The tradition continues! In 2010, the m/s Paul Gauguin, one of the most
highly awarded luxury cruise ships in the world, embarks on it's 12th
consecutive year cruising the waters of Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South
Pacific! The m/s Paul Gauguin is now owned by Pacific beachcomber, the
leading luxury hotel operator in French Polynesia.
Aboard the award-winning m/s Paul Gauguin, you'll enjoy exclusive
itineraries, luxurious amenities and superb attention to detail as you cruise
the South Pacific.
Here are just some of the m/s Paul Gauguin's awards and accolades:
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One of the "Top Ten Best Small Ships" - Condé Nast Traveler's
(2007)
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Highest Ranked Small Luxury Cruise Ship - Condé Nast Traveler's
(2008)
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5+ Stars Rating - Stern's Guide to Cruise Vacation
(2009)
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Best South Pacific Itinerary - Porthole Readers' Choice Award
(2006, 2007)
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Rated Top Three Small Luxury Cruise Ships - Condé Nast Traveler's (2009)
The atmosphere aboard the Paul Gauguin radiates warmth and informality,
and the ship's beloved troupe of Les Gauguines - part cruise staff, part
entertainers, part storytellers - add the unique personality of French
Polynesia to every cruise.
The 6-Star Deluxe Paul Gauguin provides an ultra-luxury cruise
experience that also represents true value. In keeping with this philosophy,
voyages feature many enhancements, benefits, or special events on a
complimentary basis or at a minimal cost. And fares also include many features
normally considered "extras," such as gratuities, non-alcoholic beverages and
complimentary select fine wines and spirits throughout your voyage, wines at
dinner, and an in-suite minibar stocked once with soft drinks, beer and bottled
water, replenished daily.
You will be sailing on the award-winning, 6-Star m/s Paul Gauguin.
Specifically designed for sailing French Polynesia year-round, she is the most
deluxe cruise ship ever to be based there year-round and offers an extension of
the informal, relaxing environment of the islands. Spacious oceanview
staterooms (nearly 70% with private balconies), a choice of three
single-seating dining venues, included watersports, her own retractable marina,
and a spa are among her many attributes.
Dining Information [top]
All meals are included on board, and dining aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin is
unhurried and relaxed - you may enjoy the pleasures of the table without the
regimentation of assigned seating or having to rush through your dessert.
Country club casual (resort casual dress) is always appropriate. Included
select fine wines and spirits are served with dinner. During normal dining
hours, you may choose from the restaurants' menus and enjoy dinner in your
stateroom or suite. A special 24-hour room service menu is also available. The
three onboard restaurants, all with single, open seating, are:
L'Étoile
Enjoy cuisine amid the classic furnishings and fluted shell lighting
reminiscent of one of the refined dining establishments in Paris. Here
delectable cuisine is artfully presented and guests receive the most diligent
attention. L'étoile is only open for lunch and dinner.
La Veranda
This restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a setting whose
sun-infused ambience might recall leisurely dining on a yacht club terrace on
the Côte d'Azur. For dinner, it is a reservations-only French Bistro.
Le Grill
Greet the sun with a buffet breakfast at Le Grill. Or enjoy lunch by the pool
on a choice of grilled favorites, salads, and fresh tropical fruits. At night
Le Grill is transformed into a cozy indoor/outdoor restaurant serving grilled
specialties in a more casual atmosphere. Dinner reservations are required at Le
Grill.
Dinner Attire
Evenings on board are elegant, yet they are not formal. "Country club casual" or
elegant resort wear are appropriate for all evenings on board. No ties are
required at any time, although gentlemen may wish to bring one blazer to wear
on the evening of the Captain's Welcome Reception. For ladies, pantsuits or
informal cocktail attire are recommended. Please note that jeans, shorts, and
tee-shirts are not appropriate for evening wear on board.
Cruise Line Special Meal Requests
The ship may be able to accommodate special dietary requirements, provided
requests are received one month prior to your sailing date. This is
particularly important if specially purchased food items are required. Please
confirm any dietary requests with your Vantage Program Manager once on board.
Money Matters While On Board [top]
The official currency aboard ship is the U.S. dollar. At the time of
embarkation, the ship requests a confidential registration of an accepted
credit card. The night prior to your final disembarkation from the ship, a
detailed statement of your shipboard charges for onboard services and products
will be delivered to your suite or stateroom. All such charges must be paid in
full by cash, travelers' check, or accepted credit card (Visa, MasterCard,
American Express).
Currency Exchange
The U.S. dollar is the standard currency aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin. The
currency in French Polynesia is the French Pacific franc (XPF). The ship does
not handle currency exchange on board. U.S. dollars are accepted for exchange
at most ports-of-call, as are travelers' checks and major credit cards.
Gratuities
Gratuities are included in the cruise fares.
NOTE: There is no Vantage Program Manager aboard the M/S Paul Gauguin.
A Vantage local representative will assist you in Papeete, Tahiti.
General Information About Your Ship [top]
Air Conditioning
All cabins and public rooms on board are fully air-conditioned. Individual cabin
temperature can be regulated by passengers.
Electrical Current
The standard electrical voltage on board is 220 volts. In the bathrooms you will
find a 110-volt AC outlet to accommodate most U.S. standard shavers. There are
both 220 and 110-volt AC outlets in the stateroom beside the dressing table
mirror. Hair dryers are provided in all staterooms.
Keeping in Touch
The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art worldwide communications systems. You
may make telephone calls directly from your stateroom using a major credit
card. Faxes can be sent from the Reception Desk. Please note that charges for
maritime satellite communications are significantly more than land systems.
E-mail can be sent for a nominal fee, 24 hours a day, through onboard
workstations located on Deck 5.
E-mail: E-mail services for sending and receiving messages are available for a
fee, 24 hours a day.
Telephone/Fax: Ship-to-shore phone calls and fax transmissions are available at
standard tariffs. Fax reception is complimentary; fax messages are received and
sent through the reception desk. Should your friends, relatives, or business
associates wish to reach you aboard ship, they can. The most economical way for
someone to contact you by phone when the ship is sailing is to call
1-800-MARISAT. A satellite telex will be delivered to your cabin, and you can
then call the party via satellite. At a more expensive rate, you may be
contacted direct via the High Seas Operator 1-800-SEA-CALL.
Laundry
Laundry and valet services including pressing and dry cleaning are available
with charge and may be arranged through your Stewardess.
Medical Facilities
The ship has a licensed and registered doctor and nurse for professional and
emergency services, which are available at customary charges. The ship's
medical center is designed to provide medical care for certain temporary
illnesses and accidents, and are not intended or capable of providing on-going
treatment of pre-existing medical conditions. For guests requiring oxygen
equipment, an oxygen concentrator is the only form of oxygen equipment allowed
aboard ship, and it must be provided by the passenger. Wheelchairs on board are
for emergency purposes only.
Please note that Medicare and U.S. health insurance are generally not accepted
on board ships or in foreign destinations. Claims made upon return to the USA
should be filed through your health insurance provider or through the Travel
Protection Plan if you have purchased it. All receipts and doctors reports are
required to process claims.
Smoking Policy
While Paul Gauguin Cruises will always give smokers a warm welcome on
their ships, we also recognize the need to restrict where smoking is permitted
so as not to cause discomfort to, or provide a health or safety hazard for, the
majority of our guests who do not smoke. Although smoking is prohibited in all
suites, staterooms and private balconies, there are multiple areas on each
vessel where smoking is permitted.
Special Cabin Requests
Although the special group rate you have taken advantage of on your Vantage
cruise does not guarantee cabin selection, we will be happy to advise the
cruise line of any special requests. We must receive your request at the time
of booking.
Special Occasions At Sea
If you will be celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or honeymoon during your
cruise, the cruise line will be happy to celebrate the event with you. Please
advise Vantage of such occasions at time of booking, and we will forward the
information to the cruise line. Please verify the arrangements with the cruise
director onboard.
Watersports and Dive Program
Sea and weather permitting, Paul Gauguin's self-contained Marina offers
many included options for watersports enthusiasts including windsurfing,
waterskiing, and kayaking. Snorkel gear is provided at no charge for use on
optional shore excursions or for your own enjoyment once on shore. An optional
full scuba dive program, accommodating all levels of expertise, is available
for a fee.
Shore Excursions [top]
A "Shore Excursions" booklet will be provided in a mailing prior to your
departure. This booklet will provide detailed descriptions of the excursions
offered by the cruise line including degree of difficulty, meals, and tour
highlights. You will have the opportunity to purchase these tours while on
board ship through the Shore Excursion Office.
Passengers may pre-request shore excursions on the cruise line's
website. This user-friendly site allows passengers to set up a
personal account by clicking on the "My Account" tab.
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