Headquartered in Tahiti, Pacific Beachcomber is one of the major players in the Polynesian tourism industry, with 25 years of experience in the French Polynesia market. Pacific Beachcomber is the owner of Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin. The company is also very excited to have acquired a second small luxury vessel, the m/v Tere Moana, which sails the Caribbean and Latin America during the winter months and the Mediterranean during the summer. 

In addition to Paul Gauguin Cruises, Pacific Beachcomber owns four InterContinental hotels in French Polynesia (Tahiti, Moorea, and two on Bora Bora) and owns and manages three Maitai Hotels (Bora Bora, Rangiroa, and Huahine). Through Tetiaroa Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to research, conversation, and education related to the delicate ecology of the atoll formerly owned by the actor Marlon Brando, Pacific Beachcomber is also engaged in the development of The Brando, a luxury eco-resort. When completed, The Brando will be fully self sustaining with renewable sources of non-fossil energy and is expected to achieve LEED Platinum certification.

Paul Gauguin Cruises currently consists of two ships. Accommodating 332 guests, the award-winning m/s Paul Gauguin cruises to Tahiti, the South Pacific, and Southeast Asia. The 90-guest m/v Tere Moana sails the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe, with two transatlantic crossings. Our emphasis is on delivering unique itineraries that larger ships cannot offer and exploring hidden ports throughout these regions. Itineraries vary by year. Please check our online sailing schedules for the most current information.There are currently no plans to add another vessel to our fleet.

InterContinental Hotels is an international hotel company with seven hotel brands, serving 180 million guests a year in nearly 4,400 hotels across nearly 100 countries. The company’s roots reach back as far as 1777. The InterContinental Hotel Company was acquired by Bass in 1998 and became a distinct, discrete company listed on U.S. and U.K. stock exchanges on April 15, 2003.

The m/s Paul Gauguin underwent a 7 million-dollar refurbishment in January 2012. The refurbishment included new décor, new flooring, carpeting, elegant new furniture, new window treatments, and decorative wall panels. New furnishings and lighting were installed in the ship’s elegant dining areas. Le Casino got a new built-in banquette and expanded gaming.

Both ships are equipped with a state-of-the-art communication system. Internet access is available for a nominal fee. After a one-time account activation fee of $3.95, applicable to all users at first login, guests may choose from the following three plans:

• Time Plan #1: $62.50 for 250 minutes ($0.25 per minute)
• Time Plan #2: $35.00 for 100 minutes ($0.35 per minute)
• Pay As You Go: $0.55 per minute

Please note that plan upgrades are not available, and no credit is given for unused minutes. Pay-as-you-go is available until 10:00 p.m. the last night of the cruise. Time Plan minutes can be used until 10:00 a.m. the following day.

To find departures dates and prices online at www.pgcruises.com, go to the “Destinations” main tab. Select the destination you are interested in, then the “Itinerary,” then click on the “Dates and Fares” tab. You will find all the dates for that itinerary and the prices by cabin category.

At time of final payment, 90 days prior to travel, all air records must be finalized with: The traveler’s name as it appears on his or her passport, date of birth, and gender. The PGC air program requires that airline tickets be issued 75 days prior to travel date. If we do not have the required guest information at the time of final payment (90 days prior to travel), guests could be liable for obtaining their own flight arrangements and subsequently be responsible for the cost of their air travel.

Please note that passports must be valid for 6 months beyond the final date of travel. Our air program is based on economy class service. PGC reserves the right to change air flights or complimentary hotel overnights. Preliminary flight schedules will be available 120 days prior to departure. Final flight schedule will be included with final cruise documents. For airline seat assignments, special meal requests, and the addition of frequent flyer numbers to an air record, please contact the airline directly.

For The Moana, PGPS can coordinate air travel, accommodations, and transfer packages.

Please visit our Destinations section for detailed information on our available itineraries.

To plan and book your sailing, Paul Gauguin Cruises strongly recommends the services of your professional travel agent, who is best qualified to assist you with all your travel needs.

Your all-inclusive fare includes beer and select wines and spirits, and complimentary soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages are served throughout the ship. Only premium liquors, specialty wines, and certain Cognacs incur an additional charge.

On the m/s Paul Gauguin, we offer our Ambassadors of the Environment Youth program, created in collaboration with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society. This program introduces participants aged 9 to 17 to the extraordinary ecological wonders of Tahiti and French Polynesia. Young Ambassadors will explore coral reefs, hike rain forest trails, and visit ancient Polynesian temples. In 2014, a comparable youth program will be offered on holiday sailings only. Please ask your Travel Professional for details.

Snorkeling, outrigger canoe, and kayaking are included for resident guests at no charge for 2 hours per day.

It depends on the dive. Both single- and double-tank excursions may be available, depending on your itinerary.

No, guests must provide their own wheelchair. PGC wheelchairs are exclusively for use in emergencies.

Paul Gauguin Cruises offers a variety of Bon Voyage gifts, including red wine, white wine, Champagne, Godiva chocolates, and chocolate- dipped strawberries. Shipboard credit, which can be used for excursion packages, spa services, and many other extras on board, also makes the perfect gift.

In addition, Paul Gauguin Cruises offers a Honeymoon Registry and a Celebration Registry for guests who are observing a honeymoon, anniversary, special birthday, or other milestone occasion.

A deposit of 20% of the per-person fare is required within 72 hours of reservation to confirm a booking.

Costs vary according to whether guests want a pressing only, laundry and pressing, or dry cleaning and pressing. For gentlemen, prices range as follows: 
•  Pressing: from $2 for a T-shirt to $8 for a 3-piece tuxedo 
•  Laundry and pressing: from $2 for a swimsuit to $9 for a 2-piece suit 
•  Dry cleaning and pressing: from $3 for an undershirt to $14 for a 3-piece tuxedo 

For ladies, prices range as follows: 
•  Pressing: from $2 for a T-shirt to $8 for a suit 
•  Laundry and pressing: from $2 for a swimsuit or stockings/pantyhose to $11 for a 3-piece suit 
•  Dry cleaning and pressing: from $2.50 for socks to $14.50 for a suit or evening dress 

A full price list is available on board.

For safety reasons, irons, including travel irons, are not permitted on board. Pressing services are available for a nominal fee.

Yes, both ships offer live entertainment.

The U.S. dollar is the standard currency aboard both ships. You may exchange dollars for small denominations of local currency at the Reception Desk.

Yes, The Gauguin arrives in Papeete at 7:00 pm. You may disembark at any time afterward.

Paul Gauguin Cruises primarily uses Air Tahiti Nui for international flights to and from Tahiti on French Polynesia Cruises.

Collared polo or golf shirts are fine for men; a jacket is optional for the Captain's Welcome Reception. Men can wear golf shirts in the dining room. No T-shirts, shorts, or flip-flops are allowed in the dining room, please.

Passports are the only requirement for passengers from the US, Canada, and European Community countries. Passengers from other countries should inquire with relevant authorities or a visa service company. Consult your healthcare professional for any inoculations you may require, or contact the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) toll-free at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or online at www.cdc.gov/travel.

The Gauguin normally sails at 10:00 p.m. from Papeete, although times may vary by departure date. For The Moana, sailing times vary by departure date. Please consult your travel professional to confirm sailing times.

3:00 p.m. We ask that our embarking guests not present themselves onboard before the designated time, as early embarkation is not possible while the ship is being prepared for arrival.

Lagoons offer more privacy and are farther from the main property.

Yes, if you provide us with your flight arrival information.

Children under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult over the age of 21. PGC may restrict the number of children on board. PGC is unable to accommodate infants less than one year of age.

The only included shore excursions are available aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin: a day at Motu Mahana, our own islet off the coast of Taha’a, and access to our private beach on a motu off the coast of Bora Bora.

Reasonably priced optional shore excursions are available at every port aboard both ships and can be purchased on board. A shore excursion booklet will be sent in advance with final documentation, and descriptions can also be found online at www.pgcruises.com/excursions. Paul Gauguin Cruises reserves the right to withdraw any shore excursion or hotel program if the required minimum passenger number is not met. Cancellation by PGC of any of these programs does not constitute grounds for cancellation of your cruise. Shore excursion program fares are per guest and subject to space availability. Operation of these shore excursions is subject to weather conditions, flight schedule changes, and local conditions. Any cruise cancellation penalties remain in effect as per terms and conditions outlined in the cruise brochure.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas only. On The Gauguin, designated smoking areas include La Palette (outside area, starboard side only), Pool Deck (starboard side only), and open decks on Deck 5. Smoking is prohibited in all staterooms, suites, balconies, public areas, and dining venues. Cigar smoking is permitted only in the designated area on the Pool Deck. Pipe smoking is considered an extreme fire hazard and is not permitted anywhere on The Gauguin. On The Moana, smoking is only allowed on the Deck 3 Marina area.

Yes, SCUBA diving gear is included in the price of SCUBA excursions. We can also store SCUBA gear, should you prefer to bring your own. SCUBA and SCUBA gear only available on The Gauguin.

“Open seating” means you can dine whenever, wherever, and with whomever you choose during regular dining hours.

Yes, snorkel gear is complimentary for the duration of the cruise. You pick up the gear on Day 1.

Pregnant women should consult with their doctor prior to sailing with Paul Gauguin Cruises, as we cannot offer pre-natal care on board. Paul Gauguin Cruises will not accept any guest six months (24 weeks) or more into pregnancy at the time of sailing due to the lack of neo-natal care facilities on board. Pregnant guests under six months (24 weeks) must provide PGC with a doctor’s written permission prior to sailing that states she is fit to travel by sea and air (if PGC booked their air). This must be faxed to Reservations, Attn: Special Requests-Medical at 1 (425) 732-7198. On the fax, please reference the Guest’s name, ship name, and sailing date. The permission must be dated within 30 days of the cruise departure date. The Master in conjunction with the Ship’s Doctor has the right to deny boarding if in his professional opinion there may not be adequate shore-side medical facilities available in port during their cruise.

The standard electrical voltage aboard ship is 220 volts. Both 220-volt and 110-volt outlets are available in bathrooms and staterooms.

Once our online booking is up and running, you may book a cruise online. My Account will also provide the ability to pre-reserve shore excursions and fill out your guest information form.

Butler service is available in suite/stateroom categories B and above on The Gauguin. One to two butlers are always available to assist with unpacking, packing, arranging excursions, and delivering Petit Fours and canapés to your cabin daily.

Paul Gauguin Cruises has an advanced cellular network installed onboard our ship, allowing guests to place and receive calls using their personal mobile phones when the ship is in international waters. In order to take advantage of this service, guests’ mobile phones must be able to roam internationally, and their provider must have a roaming agreement with Maritime Communications Partner AS (MCP). A list of roaming partners can be found online at www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/roa_xwmc.shtml. Not all prepaid phones are supported. Mobile data services such as iPhone® and BlackBerry® may continue to receive messages while roaming on the ship’s network. For questions about services or about pricing and billing, guests should contact their mobile phone provider’s customer service department prior to sailing. There are no charges from Paul Gauguin Cruises for this service.

For the m/s Paul Gauguin, it depends on what day of the week you embark your cruise. For a Saturday departure, you might have to fly late Friday evening, arriving early the next morning. You may embark ship beginning at 3:00 p.m. Most Wednesday departures offer flights from Los Angeles that arrive in time for direct embarkation for The Gauguin. 

Yes, you can send messages to current guests of the m/s Paul Gauguin using the guest contact form.

Guests can enjoy complimentary windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding from the onboard watersports marina as follows: One windsurf board is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Out of fairness to all our guests, rides are limited to 30 minutes each. The m/s Paul Gauguin has six kayaks aboard the watersports marina — four with double seating and two with single seating. Kayaks are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a 30-minute maximum per ride. Kayaks are restricted to the area within sight of the marina, and snorkeling or swimming from kayaks is prohibited. On the m/v Tere Moana, limited watersports are available in select ports from the ship’s marina or destinations beach. Complimentary snorkel gear is available to guests.

Nothing beats traveling the world with a group of like-minded companions, sharing discoveries and enjoying great memories for years to come. Create special groups to include:

• Family reunions
• Friends and neighbors
• Senior groups
• Club members
• Church groups
• Alumni groups
• Business associates
• Customer appreciation

Plus, when you gather a group of 10 travelers, you’ll earn savings of 5% off applicable cruise fares.

• Fiji: Fijian Dollar (FJD)
• French Polynesia: French Pacific Franc (XPF)
• Cook Islands: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
• Tonga: Pa’anga (TOP)
• Europe: Euro (ECU)
• Caribbean: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD); Euro (ECU); US Dollar (USD)
• Costa Rica: colóns (CRC)

Yes. To access our marriage in Tahiti section including all the information you need regarding legal documents, click here.

After receipt of final payment and required guest information, cruise documents will be sent to you approximately twenty five days prior to your departure. If you are on a PGC air/sea program, your flight itinerary will be issued wherever possible in the form of e-tickets. Airlines have mandated that all travel agencies and cruise lines issue e-tickets on all e-ticket eligible itineraries. If passengers require a paper ticket on an e-ticket eligible itinerary, airline fees will be assessed.

We recommend that you pack the following travel essentials:

• Comfortable cool clothing of natural fibers
• Elegant resort wear for evenings
• Sun hat, sunglasses, sun block – strongly recommended
• Swimsuit and pool slippers
• Beach cover-ups
• Swimming T-shirt (or Lycra® top), preferably long sleeved
• Insect repellent
• Travel alarm clock
• Reef shoes*
• Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

If you require prescription medication, be sure to bring enough to last for your entire vacation. It’s also a good idea to bring the prescription for your eyeglasses. In addition, many travelers assemble a basic traveling medicine kit that includes such items as an over-the-counter pain medication, antacids and other over-the-counter stomach remedies, sunscreen, Band-Aids, antiseptic spray and wipes, the antibiotic you generally use, and an elastic bandage. Please note that complimentary snorkeling equipment is available on board.

*On the m/s Paul Gauguin itineraries, guests should be aware that shoes suitable for wearing in the water, whether this be reef shoes, sneakers, or old sandals, are imperative to the enjoyment and safety of participating in water-based activities. There are corals, urchins, and other marine life that can cause painful cuts and injuries that can be prevented by wearing appropriate footwear while in boats and in the water. Inexpensive plastic sandals are available in Tahiti, but few shops are open on Saturday afternoons in Papeete where they are available. The next opportunity is not until the ship reaches Bora Bora. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you bring the appropriate shoes from home for this purpose. Note that flip-flops are not suitable for this function.

The allowance per passenger depends on the policy of the airline. To avoid fees, Paul Gauguin Cruises recommends you check with your airline directly as baggage allowance varies depending on airline, route and class of service. For guests traveling on m/s Paul Gauguin, Air Tahiti Nui (TN) allows one (1) checked piece of luggage per ticketed economy class traveler. Size and weight limitations apply. Baggage that is in excess of the free allowance, travelers will be liable for charges. Carry-on on items are limited to one bag plus one small, personal item. For further details please visiit www.airtahitinui.com.

Please advise the Paul Gauguin Cruises Reservations Department of any special dietary requirements you may have at least 60 days prior to sailing. Ask for “special services.” General dietary needs such as low-salt or low-cholesterol foods can be satisfied on board the ship simply by speaking with the dining wait staff.

If you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, renewal of vows, honeymoon, or other special occasion during your cruise, allow us to celebrate with you. Ask your travel consultant to advise us of such occasions on your Guest Information Form between four and six weeks prior to departure. Paul Gauguin Cruises offers a special blessing ceremony during each cruise, and optional packages for honeymoons, anniversaries, and renewals of vows are also available. Click here for our special occasion flyer

Outbound mail service and postage are available on board at a nominal charge.

Laundry and valet services, including pressing and dry cleaning, are available with charge and may be arranged through your Stewardess.

Beauty salon services and spa services including manicures, pedicures, facials and a variety of spa treatments are available at our onboard spa. To ensure proper scheduling, these services may not be pre-arranged. However, once on board, the m/s Paul Gauguin’s  or m/v Tere Moana's dedicated staff will make every effort to accommodate your schedule.

At time of final payment, 90 days prior to sailing, all air records must be finalized with: Traveler’s name as it appears on the passport, date of birth, and gender. Our air program requires that we issue airline tickets 75 days prior to travel date. If we do not have information for air records at the time of final payment (90 days out), guests could be liable for obtaining their own flight arrangements and subsequently be responsible for the cost of their air travel.

Air transportation is based on Economy/Coach or similar class of service on scheduled or charter services of IATA, U.S. or international air carriers. Designated air departure or return cities are at the discretion of PGC and are subject to change without notice. PGC reserves the right to choose the air carrier, routing and scheduling to and from each city and the right to substitute charter flights for scheduled air and vice versa. Service is subject to availability. 

Airline tickets issued by PGC are restricted by contract and may not be reissued or exchanged for another air carrier or routing In addition the airline tickets are non transferable to another guest.

Cancellation or rebooking charges may be assessed by the airline for any changes which are the sole responsibility of the guest. 

Advance seat selection is subject to the policy of the participating air carrier and may not be available. The service and responsibility of the air carrier used in conjunction with any PGC cruise program is subject to and limited by the "Contact of Carriage" as specified by the air carrier for each ticket issued. 

Guests using an Air/Sea Program may upgrade to Business or First Class air service subject to space availability by the airline used in conjunction with the itinerary, and upon payment of the applicable airfare. PGC does not redeem airline accrued frequent flyer mileage for Air/Sea upgrades. The possibility of such redemption is at the sole discretion of the airlines and must be handled directly with the participating carrier.

Upon returning to the United States, all baggage is subject to inspection by U.S. Customs Service. Guests may also be subject to inspection by local customs officials. Residents of the United States are allowed a duty-free exemption of $800 per person, and those over the age of 21 may include one liter of liquor and one carton of cigarettes in their exempted purchases.

PGC offers guests the option to purchase a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay in Bora Bora, Tahiti, Moorea, Taha’a. You may extend your stay in your port of embarkation or disembarkation in one of the hotels listed here. Prices include room, tax, service charges, full breakfast, porterage, and transfers as applicable. Please note that rates do not include early check-in or late check-out. Official standard check-in time is usually 3:00 p.m., and check-out time is usually 11:00 a.m. One night or additional night accommodations may be purchased to ensure early check-in for guests arriving on early flights or for guests with late flight departures. Paul Gauguin Cruises reserves the right to substitute hotels, and some optional hotel programs are subject to cancellation if a minimum number of participants is not achieved.

Cancellation penalties apply on land/hotel programs when guests cancel within 90 days of departure. Guests participating in the PGC Air/Sea Program and not deviating will receive airport transfers to/from the pier or hotel. For guests with independent flight arrangements, a private car transfer from the airport to the pier can be purchased in advance; flight information must be provided at least thirty days prior to departure. We regret that motorcoach transfers cannot be booked pre-cruise for guests with independent flight arrangements.

All post-cruise transfers can only be booked on board at the tour office.

The ship is ready for embarkation at 3:00 p.m. We ask that our embarking guests not present themselves onboard before the designated time, as early embarkation is not possible while the ship is being prepared for arrival. Guests are required to embark no later than an hour prior to sailing time.

For disembarkation, guests should plan on vacating their suites shortly after breakfast. Cruise-only guests should not schedule flights prior to four hours after disembarkation.

Gratuities are included in your Paul Gauguin cruise fare. If you feel strongly about expressing your gratitude to the crew, you are encouraged to make a donation to the Crew Welfare Fund at the Purser’s Office. This money is used for crew parties and events.

A licensed and registered doctor and nurse are on board and available for professional and emergency services, which are available at customary charges. The ship’s medical center is designed to provide medical care for certain temporary illnesses and accidents, and is not intended or capable of providing on-going treatment of pre-existing medical conditions. For guests requiring oxygen equipment, an oxygen concentrator is the only form of oxygen equipment allowed aboard shipand must be provided by the guest. PGC wheelchairs on board are for emergency purposes only.

Business equipment is available, including fax machine and copy services. Fax reception is complimentary; fax transmission and ship-to-shore phone calls are available at standard tariffs. For a nominal fee, guests may send or receive e-mail via computers on board.

Each stateroom or suite is equipped with a personal safe. Paul Gauguin Cruises is not responsible for any personal articles such as money, jewelry, cameras, binoculars, documents, or any other items that you retain personally or in your stateroom or suite.

The ship’s boutique offers a selection of designer fashions, perfumes and local items. Toiletries and convenience items are also available for purchase. The boutique may be closed occasionally while in port due to local government regulations.

None. The m/s Paul Gauguin  offers oceanview suites and staterooms, most with private balconies that can be used for private dining and relaxing. (Please note that furnishings do not include chaise lounge chairs.) The m/v Tere Moana offfers oceanview staterooms, 8 with balconies.

On the m/s Paul Gauguin, our balconies range in size from 197 sq. ft. in our Grand Suite to 37 sq. ft. in our Balcony Staterooms.

On the m/v Tere Moana, our balconies are 93 sq. ft. in our Balcony Stateooms.

On the m/s Paul Gauguin, our bathrooms are marble appointed, and most have a full-size bathtub with shower. Eight staterooms have stall showers only (B7003; C7006, 763,764,765,766,767; E415). On the m/v Tere Moana, our bathrooms have a full-size shower. On each ship, bathrooms offer a hair dryer and luxury beauty products that include shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, and bath gel.

Yes, room service is complimentary aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin and the m/v Tere Moana.

Yes.

All dinners are à la carte. Large groups requesting group seating, when available, however, may be limited to a set menu. We are able to create special menus for guests who have food allergies or require a specific diet.

Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, although à la carte dining is available at lunch in La Veranda.

On the m/s Paul Gauguin, you can book as few as 10 staterooms and on the m/v Tere Moana, you can book as few as 6 staterooms to qualify as an incentive group and enjoy our incentive group policies (including having an assigned in-house coordinator to manage the special needs of your group).

Many of the services that resorts charge extra for are complimentary aboard The Gauguin. For example, meeting rooms, coffee/snack breaks, A/V equipment, entertainment, and many daytime and evening activities are included, to name just a few.

We allow complimentary name changes up to 72 hours prior to departure for both charters and incentive groups (cruise-only).