Ponant is set for June 2022 annual Chairman’s Cruise with Sarina Bratton onboard Le Paul Gauguin in stunning French Polynesia.
Exclusive to Australia and 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 wreathed by stunning clear-water lagoons and exceptional coral reefs.
After nearly two years of international border closures, Ms Bratton has chosen Le Paul Gauguin of Paul Gauguin Cruises, which joined Ponant in 2019, for her annual Chairman cruise. Le Paul Gauguin was refurbished earlier last year, making the Chairman’s Cruise the first time the line has been able to showcase its magnificence to 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 postcard-perfect 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, which departs from Papeete June 4, 2022, 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 the Tuamotus, Rangiroa’s enormous atoll with breath-taking underwater scenery.
Le Paul Gauguin, the renovation of which was directed by award-winning French designer and architect Jean-Philippe Nuel, offers impeccable service and fine cuisine taking inspiration from the French Polynesian lifestyle. With 165 staterooms and suites, the ship was designed to sail in Polynesian waters, her shallow draught allowing her to enter shallow lagoons. 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
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