PONANT announces June 2022 for Sarina Bratton’s annual Chairman’s Cruise on board Le Paul Gauguin

Sarina Bratton, Asia Pacific Chairman of PONANT & Paul Gauguin Cruises has selected a June 2022 voyage on board the newly renovated Le Paul Gauguin for the company’s annual Chairman’s cruise.The Chairman’s cruise is offering an itinerary discovering the magic of French Polynesia including Tahiti, the Society Islands and the Tuamotus and exclusive to Australia & New Zealand guests who have yet to experience the magic of French Polynesia with the authentic, magical small-ship spirit of PONANT, the 11-night voyage will offer an exclusively curated itinerary of shore excursions and experiences as they sail through the idyllic islands and atolls helmed by stunning clear-water lagoons and exceptional coral reefs.
After nearly two years of international border closures, Ms Bratton said she’s excited to have chosen Le Paul Gauguin for her annual Chairman cruise and to return to French Polynesia and participate in the bespoke offerings specifically designed for the voyage.
She said, “Paul Gauguin Cruises joined the PONANT family in 2019 and Le Paul Gauguin was refurbished earlier this year, so this will be the first time we are able to showcase it’s magnificence to our Australian and New Zealand guests”.
Swimming, diving, sailing, paddle-boarding, and snorkelling are just some of the additional activities on offer to enjoy to the full these picture postcard landscapes. Together with Mick Fogg, Expedition Manager Asia Pacific, Paul Gauguin Cruises has hand-crafted an exceptional itinerary, showcasing spectacular lagoons, diverse marine environment, pristine beaches, and colourful Tahitian culture.
As part of the bespoke small-ship itinerary, guests can select from unique and exclusive complimentary on shore activities and excursions at each disembarkation port. These include exploring Rangiroa’s spectacular marine life in the Tuamotu Islands; visiting Rangiroa’s Black Pearl Farm to learn about pearl cultivation; enjoying a breath-taking cruise of the lagoon of Fakarava; visiting the Marae with a Tahitian Dance Group; or spending an afternoon at leisure on the Private islet of Motu Mahana.
The itinerary will reach the wonderful Moorea and Bora Bora in the Society Islands with lush rainforests and pristine lagoons; the beauty of Huahine with its distinctly recognisable volcanic silhouettes; and in Tuamotus, Rangiroa, an enormous atoll with breath-taking underwater scenery, famous for black pearls.
Aboard the 2021 newly renovated ship by direction of award-winning French designer and architect Jean-Philippe Nuel, Le Paul Gauguin offers impeccable service and fine cuisine take inspiration from the French Polynesian lifestyle.
With 165 staterooms and suites, the ship was designed to sail in Polynesian waters, her shallow draught allows her to get in close to shallow lagoons. In the heart of paradisical islands and the atolls of French Polynesia and its neighbouring archipelagos, the vessel invites guests to discover the traditional way of life and customs of Polynesia and the South Pacific.
Widely regarded as a visionary businesswoman and Australia’s ‘First Lady’ of cruising, Sarina Bratton has drawn on her love for discovery to redefine and promote the concept of small ship luxury expedition cruising for PONANT and is passionate to do the same with Paul Gauguin Cruises.
2022 Chairman Cruise to luxury French Polynesia ITINERARY: The Society Islands & the Tuamotus
Departing from Papeete, Tahiti Island, this exceptional voyage takes you on a journey to discover Tahiti and the Society Islands, and the Tuamotus islands such as Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Rangiroa, and Motu Mahana.
From Papeete to Papeete – 12 days, 11 nights
Departs on 4 June 2022 from AUD 9,600 per person
Savings of up to 15% with PONANT Bonus*

Edited by John Alwyn-Jones, Cruise Editor