Ponant Buys Paul Gauguin Cruises
By Anne Kalosh.
French cruise line Ponant is acquiring Paul Gauguin Cruises, a one-ship brand that sails mainly in French Polynesia.
The 332-passenger Paul Gauguin is a favorite of couples and honeymooners. Its trademark itineraries include Tahiti and the Society Islands, Society Islands and Tahiti Iti, Society Islands and Tuamotus, Cook Islands and Society Islands, and Marquesas, Tuamotus and Society Islands. Longer cruises featuring Fiji, Bali and Tonga are also available.
Built specifically to navigate the islands of French Polynesia, The Gauguin features a small size that allows her to maneuver from open ocean to shallow lagoon as nimbly as a yacht. * Photo: Paul Gauguin Cruises
Following the acquisition, the two companies will keep their respective management teams. Diane Moore continues as the president of Paul Gauguin Cruises, with her team based in Bellevue, Washington.
Ponant’s headquarters are in Marseille, France. The company has a solid international customer base and offices in cities including New York and Sydney, Australia.
Gauguines dance aboard Paul Gauguin. * Photo: Paul Gauguin Cruises
Same Core Values
Jean-Emmanuel Sauvée, founder and president of Ponant, said the two brands share the “same core values,” adding: “The synergy between our operations makes this the perfect collaboration while preserving the unique DNA of both brand experiences.”
The two companies share French heritage. * Photo: Ponant Cruises
Since 2009, Paul Gauguin Cruises has been owned by Pacific Beachcomber, which has six hotels and resorts managed by InterContinental Hotel Group and Maitai Hotels, as well as The Brando, a resort on Tetiaroa atoll, once Marlon Brando’s hideaway.
Paul Gauguin was built for Radisson (now Regent) Seven Seas Cruises in 1998 at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France.
Paul Gauguin President Diane Moore and her team are staying on. * Photo: Ponant Cruises
Ponant has been building chic, super-yacht-like expedition ships at a rapid pace. Its fleet will number 14 in 2021. They sail itineraries all over the world.
“Now, through Paul Gauguin and its expertise, we will be able to offer our clients and partners yet another bucket-list destination, the exotic islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific,” said Navin Sawhney, CEO, Americas, Ponant.
“As we join the Ponant family,” Moore said, “we remain dedicated to our shared passion for authentic experiences, high quality service and sustainable practices. We are excited about introducing our guests to the wider world of Ponant and to welcoming Ponant guests on board Paul Gauguin.”
For bookings, contact Ponant Cruises.
UPDATE: Ponant to Expand Paul Gauguin Cruises’ fleet.
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