Regent of the Seven Seas' The Paul Gauguin
A seven-night cruise on the 314-passenger Paul Gauguin is a multi-sensual experience! First, understand that the ship has the most neutral décor I have seen on any vessel in the industry. No bright colors, no brass, no glitz, no "themed" lounges. As a matter of fact, if you just did a walk through, you may even be uninspired...So, what made this past week the absolute best cruise I have personally ever taken? Read on, and I promise you will present this product to your next qualified client!
Unlike the Caribbean, Alaskan or European cruises we have all experienced, the French Polynesian cruise on the Gauguin is all about local culture and flavor. For example, instead of having an American or European cruise staff onboard, this ship employs several young Tahitian ladies they refer to as "Les Gauguines". Basically, their job is to bring the culture of their homeland onto the ship during the entire cruise. This includes serenading the passengers in the various dining rooms each night in traditional dress, putting on several performances featuring Polynesian songs, dances and customs, engaging the passengers in local jewelry making, pareo tying, make-up applying, storytelling sessions and Polynesian dance lessons. They are all fluent in Tahitian, English and French - and truly enjoy talking with the passengers. I spent many hours with them - and was even given a new Tahitian name - "Mahana" - which means "sunshine." They are the most beautiful people (inside and out) I have ever had the fortune to meet. Although I am sure it exists elsewhere, the only other place in the world I have personally found this type of genuine hospitality, was in Bali.
In addition to Les Gauguines, Radisson brings on local entertainment and enrichment lectures from several of the islands. There were the adorable children from the island of Raiatea, who came onboard one morning to sing and dance in traditional costume around the pool. There were a few experts who boarded on various days to dazzle us with stories about ancient Polynesia, what really happened in "Mutiny on the Bounty", and what a dolphin encounter is like. On our final night, a Tahitian song and dance troupe arrived to perform a phenomenal show called O Tahiti A. The way they moved their bodies was truly mesmerizing.
Of course there is some traditional cruise ship entertainment - including one of the best cruise directors at sea - Michael Shapiro. He personally greets each guest as they embark the ship in Papeete, and spends the entire week mingling with the passengers. In addition, he and the social hostess, Pamela Dayton - put on a wonderful cabaret-style review one evening - and participate in other evening variety shows during the week. No glitz, no sets, no costumes - just enjoyable quality entertainment.
The service on the Paul Gauguin is as close to perfect as you can possibly get. The Filipino wait staff is AMAZING. I have never been so well taken care of on any cruise ship. They address you by name almost immediately. They not only knew that I like hot tea, but they knew exactly which kind to bring me every morning. They knew which table I liked to sit at in the dining room and would bring me there for each meal. One morning, I skipped breakfast to go on a tour, and that afternoon, they asked me what happened, and if I was feeling okay. Of course, if you go a little higher up on the ladder and take the time to meet the maitre d's and the hotel manager of this ship, it is easy to see that the genuine hospitality comes directly from the top. There is a "can-do" attitude at every level. No one crew member on this ship passed me in the hallway without making direct eye contact and saying "hello, how are you?" Needless to say, our cabin stewardess was as wonderful as our wait staff. She responded to every request with a big smile and the same phrase, "yes of course, right away!" I thought, after a few days of being treated like royalty, something would have to give somewhere - but it never did.
And I did not even mention the food. First of all, the Paul Gauguin is the finest "restaurant" in all of French Polynesia. With three dining rooms and an open seating policy throughout the vessel, it is easy to enjoy several different types of cuisines. The main dining room, "L'Etoile" is only open for dinner - with extensive and very creative menus. In addition to fine European cuisine, they do prepare several local specialties. The Grill, located adjacent to the pool, offers a more casual buffet breakfast and lunch - plus a sit down dinner. My personal favorite is the Veranda, which offers a more extensive breakfast and lunch buffet - along with table service. The main event here however, is the specialty dinner menus. There are two of them that alternate, featuring mouthwatering French cuisine in six courses. I had to try both of them, and they were both incredible. And one important thing I left out...dress onboard is "country club casual" - which means that as long as you don't wear jeans or shorts in the dining rooms for dinner - just about anything is appropriate onboard. Fine wines are included with lunch and dinner - as well as all soft drinks onboard, all drinks on the private out islands (which I will get to in a minute) all of the specialty drinks the bar staff passes around by the pool (which on most other ships you would be handed in a souvenir glass and charged for), and an initial bar set up in each stateroom. No one goes thirsty, or home with a big bar bill.
The itinerary is also something very unique to traditional cruising:
First of all, on this cruise you never feel rushed. This is particularly evident if you look at the schedule above. The ship spends two days in Bora Bora and in Moorea. You need that time to truly enjoy these placed, or you will feel as though you have missed something. It is important to do some shore excursions on these islands to appreciate the local flavor. On most other cruises, you have one day to try and fit in a shore excursion and then race around trying to shop, swim, visit, etc. Not the case here at all. You get full days to explore, and can even dine off the ship in both Bora Bora and Moorea if you choose to. Although nothing beats the food onboard!
You are probably wondering what a Motu is. Basically, it is like a Caribbean out island - only much smaller. The Motu offered near Taha'a is completely full service - with a full beach barbecue, restrooms, open bar, lots and lots of beach umbrellas, beach chairs and some pretty snorkeling sites. The scenery is gorgeous, and since Taha'a really only requires a half day to visit the vanilla plantation and the pearl farm, you have all afternoon to relax and enjoy the Motu. On the contrary, the Motu off Bora Bora is very rustic with a tiki hut bar and little else. Again, you can do some nice snorkeling, play volleyball and pretend you are on Gilligan's Island for the afternoon. I should point out that the ship has a retractable stern from which you can waterski, kayak and windsurf - all free of charge. There is enough snorkeling equipment onboard to accommodate all passengers, and most people check out a set the first day and keep it for the week.
I could go on forever, but by now you get the idea that this cruise is like no other. Here are a few more things you should know about booking a group or charter on the Paul Gauguin.
To make a program on the Gauguin truly successful, you also need to enlist the services of a few other supplies. First, and foremost - Air Tahiti Nui - which has air schedules that suit this ship perfectly. The non-stop outbound from Los Angeles departs at 1 pm on Friday and on Saturday. The non-stop return flight departs Papeete on Friday and Saturday night at 11:45 pm. So, you have the choice of bringing your passengers in on Friday night, having them overnight at a hotel and get to the ship on Saturday. They can then either fly out on Friday night after dinner (shortening the cruise to 6 nights) or they can disembark on Saturday, and spend the day/evening at a hotel and fly out later that night. Either way, Air Tahiti Nui's plane of approx 300 seats can accommodate your group nicely. Both outbound and return flights were right on time! There are a few other carriers: Air France, AOM and Air New Zealand who service this route, however their schedules may not be as conducive for connecting to the Paul Gauguin.
The hotel we used for our fam was perfectly situated. Only 5 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes from the ship terminal, the Beachcomber was just the ticket. Gorgeous surroundings, beautiful sleeping rooms, delicious food. No reason to look elsewhere.
And we were greatful for the services of Tahiti Nui Travel, who incidentally provide all of the ground services for the Paul Gauguin - ground transfers, shore excursions, etc. I will list the contact information for all of these providers at the bottom of the review.
But, don't take my word for it.please read a few words from your colleagues, who were kind enough to take time out of their hectic lives to enjoy this week with me:
"What a cruise! Actually, what a trip! Everything was great. From the flights on Air Tahiti Nui, to the Beachcomber hotel in Tahiti. I have to say that the cruise on the Paul Gauguin has to be one of the best cruises I have taken. The ship is elegant and offers many luxuries (loved the bathroom with the full size bathtub and the white marble; the minibar stocked with favorite drinks and the nightly chocolate treats). The service was excellent, the staff was extremely attentive and always friendly. No one wanted for anything. The food was exceptional! Dinners were prepared to perfection, just like a 5 star french restaurant. The menus had well-thought out variety. The activities and shore excursions were managed expertly. All water sports were conducted in an extremely safe and enjoyable manner. The guides were always concerned about each individual's safety and enjoyment. Again, what a trip!!!" - Gloria Desjardins, Manager of Incentive Product Development - Sunbelt Motivation
Having had the good fortune to sample many cruise lines, I can honestly say that this sailing by far outshone the rest. So many things stand out. The ship size is just right; intimate, but not stuffy; the stateroom luxurious and spacious, LOTS of closet/storage space; staff and crew are always approachable and genuinely happy to help and have you on board; food - incredible with three restaurant choices and a 2* Michelin chef on board (even the room service menu is good!). Next let's talk about the itinerary: 2 days in port is now a must item for me for a cruise. How better to get a feel for a destination than to experience more than 4 hours at the port?!. Fun AND interesting shore excursions! French Polynesia itself is so magical and each island holds special secrets just waiting for discovery - which is why it is necessary to visit them by ship quite frankly. While there are many beautiful island resorts, there is no better way to experience the many pleasures of this island group than by sea. - Melissa Donovan, President - Donovan By Design
"The Paul Gauguin exceeded all expectations in service, food and facilities....Radisson certainly knows how to do it right! It was especially nice to have a beautifully appointed cabin with a balcony so that we could enjoy a cozy breakfast while viewing incredible scenery...the French Polynesian islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea were spectacular!" - Janet Martin, VP Sales, WorldTravel Meetings & Incentives
"We have traveled a lot in our lives, but this topped them all! From start to finish everything was perfect. The service from the crew aboard the ship was the best of anywhere we have ever been. The food and presentation were wonderful. Thanks for the wonderful time you showed us. This will be an easy sell after experiencing the trip of a lifetime." - Jimmy Leonberger, Vice President of National Sales - Galactic Marketing
"The ship is elegant and sophisticated without being stuffy. The level of service was simply outstanding in all areas; food and beverage, reception desk and activities/tours, as well as the best cabin stewardess service I've ever seen. The food and fine wines were a gourmet's delight. From breakfasts to dinners, from out island barbeques to cabin service, I never experience anything less than an outstanding meal. The Connoisseur's Bar with fine Cognac and Cuban Cigars was one of my favorites. This is a must do for the experienced traveler who is looking for a new upscale standard of cruising." - Al Griffin, VP Sales - Wyndham Jade
"Cruising on the Paul Gauguin is an exceptional experience. Unlike so many of the "mega" cruise ships, the Paul Gauguin makes you feel that you are truly one of a privileged few - without the fussy formality that you might expect from a ship of this caliber. The staff were absolutely the best I have encountered anywhere - on land or at sea. They were genuinely hospitable and friendly, going out of their way to accommodate any request. The in-room service was almost immediate - a call for breakfast in the morning, and it arrived within minutes each time. The ship offers wonderful alternatives for those who like to have flexibility in their schedule such as a range of choices for restaurants, and 24 hour room service. The cabins are spacious and comfortable, and the private deck is the perfect place to sit and sip your morning coffee while enjoying one of the most spectacular views anywhere. The islands that we visited were stunningly beautiful and remarkably unspoiled; particularly Bora Bora and Moorea. The extra time spent on the islands gave us the opportunity to explore each; with great luck at discovering pristine nearly-deserted beaches and fun little restaurants overlooking the water. I would highly recommend the Paul Gauguin - for the ship as well as the destination." - Teri Hollowell, Principal - One World Incentives
Amazing. "Incredible. Delightful. Classy. Sophisticated, yet casual. This is the best way I can describe French Polynesia and the m/s Paul Gauguin. The service on board and was consistently of such a high standard, it created a very comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. From the stateroom accommodation, to the restaurants, to the entertainment and shore excursions - everything was presented with quality and service in mind. I don't think any of us will forget the beautiful scenery or the wonderful warmth of these islands. - "Ginny Wilson, Manager - Air Department - Venture Planning, Inc.
Please feel free to contact our fabulous partners directly if you would like information on air, shore excursions, transfers, hotel accommodations, etc. They will be delighted to hear from you.
Air Tahiti NuiNancy O'Connell
nancy@airtahitinui-usa.com Tahiti Beachcomber
Marsha Morton
marsha-m@beachcomber-tahiti.com Tahiti Nui Travel
Bernard Rickenbach
bernard.richenbach@tahitinuitravel.pf
What a charter opportunity you have there!!! Get excited.
For more information on the Paul Gauguin, or the rest of the Seven Seas fleet, visit www.rssc.com.
