PONANT Plans to Acquire Paul Gauguin Cruises

(PRESS RELEASE)_PONANT, the world leader of luxury expeditions to locations that only small ships can navigate, has announced its plan to acquire PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES, the renowned specialist in sailings to exotic ports in French Polynesia and the South Pacific. Like PONANT, PAUL GAUGUIN combines exceptional itineraries with luxury hotel services and fine cuisine to create memorable experiences at sea. Following the acquisition, the two cruise lines will keep their management, Diane Moore acting as CEO of PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES with her team still based in Bellevue, WA and Navin Sawhney acting as CEO Americas of PONANT, based in New York.

“We are pleased to welcome PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES to our PONANT family,” noted Jean-Emmanuel Sauvée, Founder and President of PONANT.  “Our guests can now select from a wider range of iconic destinations and become enriched by cultural and expedition cruises of their choice, that literally travel to the ends of the earth from the most remote ports to more perennial favorites, on our combined fleet of small ships. We share the same core values.  The synergy between our operations makes this the perfect collaboration while preserving the unique DNA of both brand experiences.”

Speaking for PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES, Richard Bailey, Chairman, observed, “With this strategic alliance we look forward to delivering even more unique, luxury, small-ship experiences to our guests.”

Navin Sawhney, CEO Americas for PONANT, added “PONANT is proud to be at the forefront of small ship exploration. We are expanding our PONANT fleet to 14 ships by 2021. Now, through PAUL GAUGUIN and its expertise, we will be able to offer our clients and partners yet another bucket list destination visiting the exotic islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific.”

“As we join the PONANT family, 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,” remarked Diane Moore, CEO of PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES.

ABOUT PONANT

Established in 1988 by Jean Emmanuel Sauvée and a dozen officers from the French Merchant Navy, PONANT has led the way with a new style of luxury cruising through a unique concept of sea travel, which combines exceptional itineraries with luxury hotel services aboard smaller-scale ships.  Continuing its commitment to the environment, the expedition line launched the PONANT Foundation in 2018 to support sustainability initiatives focusing on oceans, polar regions, and local populations.

Today, PONANT operates nine ships sailing across the world, including in the polar regions of the globe. PONANT has been recognized by readers in the 2019 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards in the Midsize-Ship Ocean Cruise Line category.  For more information on PONANT’s worldwide itineraries in the Atlantic and North Europe, Asia and the Indian Ocean, Eastern Asia, Oceania, Central and South America, call 1-844-747-2873 or your travel advisor. Visit www.ponant.com.

ABOUT PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES

PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES operates the 5+-star, 332-guest m/s Paul Gauguin, providing a deluxe cruise experience tailored to the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific. PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES has been recognized by notable publications in travel and lifestyle and was voted “#1 Midsize-Ship Ocean Cruise Line” by readers in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2019. The line was also recognized as one of the “Top Small Cruise Lines” in the Condé Nast Traveler 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards and is honored on the publication’s 2018 “Gold List.”  For more information on PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES, call 1-800-848-6172 or your travel advisor and visit www.pgcruises.com

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