Luxury cruise brand Paul Gauguin marked its milestone 25th anniversary with a celebration in Tahiti’s capital.
Small-ship luxury cruise brand Paul Gauguin Cruises celebrated its 25th anniversary with a gala event in Papeete, Tahiti on July 29, 2023. The brand was founded in 1998 and is currently owned by French cruise company Ponant.
Hervé Gastinel, CEO of Ponant and Captain Michel Quioc hosted more than 50 dignitaries aboard the Paul Gauguin in Papeete to celebrate 25 years of the Gauguin experience in French Polynesia.
Ponant CEO Hervé Gastinel welcoming Eric Spitz, High-Commissioner of the Republic in French Polynesia, as Captain Michel Quioc looks on (image courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises)
Among the guests welcomed at the celebration were French Polynesia’s Minister of Health Cédric Mercadal (attending on behalf of the President of French Polynesia), Minister of Tourism Moetai Brotherson, and High-Commissioner of the Republic in French Polynesia Eric Spitz. Also present were global tourism partners as well as port, maritime, and local officials.
Ceremony attendees and guests sailing on the current voyage enjoyed a traditional show by O Tahiti E under the direction of Marguerite Lai, followed by a fireworks display commemorating the milestone.
Guests at Paul Gauguin’s 25th anniversary celebration were treated to a traditional show by O Tahiti E (image courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises)
“We are immensely grateful to all our partners, both within and outside of French Polynesia, whose unwavering support have led to the continued success of the beloved m/s Paul Gauguin,” Gastinel said.
“Together, we have brought 250,000 travelers to this beautifully unique destination that we have called home year-round for the past 25 years contributing more than $26 million annually in the development and the economy of these islands,” he continued.
Minister of Health Mercadal remarked on the long-term partnership, “Thanks to your combined efforts, each island visited was able to benefit from many economic benefits and in this we would like to thank the shipowner, Ponant, who continues to believe in our destination.”
“In short, the 25th anniversary of the ship The Gauguin is an exceptional opportunity to celebrate a long history of exotic voyages and discoveries in one of the most beautiful and fascinating places on the planet: our country,” Mercadal added.
Captain Quioc, who praised the ship’s crew during the ceremony said, “It is the dedication of our devoted onboard family who bring The Gauguin Experience to life every day with heartfelt passion, and it was an honor to use this special milestone occasion to recognize five crewmembers for their 25 years of exemplary hospitality.”
Captain Michel Quioc honored five Paul Gauguin crewmembers for 25 years of service (from left: Philip Rizan, Tender Master; Alexander Francisco, Printer; Apolinario Pelegrino Jr, Head Waiter; and Virgil Elefane, Cook. Image courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises)
Paul Gauguin Cruises offers 7- to 20-night all-inclusive voyages throughout French Polynesia and the South Pacific. Itineraries feature multiple overnights at iconic ports such as Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti. Fares for sailings through 2025 start at $2,990 per person.
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