m/s Paul Gauguin to undergo multi-million $ refurbishment for 2012

Exciting things are happening in the cruising world of Paul Gauguin for 2012 – a major refurbishment, exciting new itineraries and free flights from LA on all voyages. You can even experience Whale Watching!
– Refurbished Ship, New Itineraries & 10% Savings –

Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest rated and longest continually-sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, has announced details of its 2012 itineraries which will once again feature FREE flights between Los Angeles and Papeete.
To ensure that every sailing continues to be the cruise of a lifetime, Paul Gauguin Cruises will continue to focus on the exotic regions in which it specialises – Tahiti, French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, the Society Islands, the Marquesas and Tuamotus – while adding the spectacular destinations of Fiji and New Caledonia into the mix.
Following a multi-million dollar refurbishment in January 2012, the m/s Paul Gauguin will embark on a series of 40 stunning itineraries with prices starting from just £3,933 per person for a seven-night Society Islands cruise including return economy flights from the UK, overseas transfers, a night in Los Angeles and use of a day room post cruise.
New for 2012:
• Multi-million dollar total refurbishment of the m/s Paul Gauguin in January 2012.
• 20-night South Pacific Discovery cruise and land package which allows guests to discover the scenic splendours of Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, the Cook Islands and the Society Islands.
• 11-night whale-watching itinerary in September taking in Rurutu, Bora Bora and Moorea.
• Seven-night Society Islands voyage on 2nd June taking in the transit of Venus
• Two new Fiji voyages in October and November visiting Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands.
• Unique Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Programme to operate onboard between 2nd June and end August 2012. This groundbreaking programme introduces travellers to the extraordinary natural wonders of French Polynesia and aims to give young participants aged nine to 17 direct, hands-on, interactive experience with knowledge of marine and island ecosystems.
• Any guests new to Paul Gauguin Cruises who have previously sailed with another luxury cruise line such as Crystal Cruises or Windstar Cruises will benefit from a 10% saving on any 2012 booking.
The 2012 voyages – all 40 of which are now open for booking – will highlight the beauty of the South Pacific from the luxurious and spacious accommodations aboard the newly-refurbished m/s Paul Gauguin. Onboard each cruise, marine biologists, environmentalists, naturalists, historians, and special guest lecturers reveal secrets of islands visited, sharing their knowledge and insight to enhance the travel experience.
The 2012 m/s Paul Gauguin sailing schedule will include:
• Raiatea: the island was once the cultural, religious, royal, and political heart of Polynesia and was, according to legend, one of Tahiti’s most significant archaeological sites.
• Taha’a: adjacent to Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private Motu Mahana, featuring white sand beaches with swaying palms, crystal-clear waters and gentle breezes, where guests can enjoy a barbecue lunch serenaded by Polynesian singers.
• Bora Bora: immediately recognisable by the basalt tombstone of Mount Otemanu rising from the ocean, this half-atoll, half-mountain is surrounded by a spectacular lagoon and a series of smaller islands.
• Moorea/Tahiti: covered in an abundance of fresh fruits and flowers, spectacular mountain peaks, peaceful multi-hued lagoons and palm-fringed beaches. Here guests can shop for local crafts, trek on the “Trails of the Ancients,” snorkel one of the world’s most beautiful lagoons, or embark on a dolphin-watching expedition with a marine biologist.
• Cook Islands: guests will marvel at the contrast of arid Aitutaki, where the ocean is always in view, and Rarotonga, an island of lush valleys and jagged peaks.
Onboard the five-star m/s Paul Gauguin —the most highly awarded small ship in the region – guests will enjoy blue-ribbon service, spacious accommodations, luxurious amenities, gourmet dining and Polynesian elegance in a relaxed atmosphere, while immersing themselves in the world’s most enchanting destinations.
So if you have done the Med, the Fjords, all the usual, why not try something unique and different for a really special crusing experience.