April 22, 2024
Celebrating Earth Day… Every Day
The m/s Paul Gauguin has called French Polynesia home for more than 25 years. Over that time, along with our crew and our guests, we have developed a deep reverence for these islands and an unwavering sense of family among the communities who live here. Because we enjoy the privilege of exploring this cherished destination year-round, we welcome the responsibility to actively participate in caring for the beautiful nature and wonderful people of Tahiti.
The Islands of Tahiti are home to extraordinary beauty and rich culture; Paul Gauguin Cruises’ We Care initiatives strive to protect the destination and elevate its people.
Today may be Earth Day the world over, but at Paul Gauguin Cruises it is something we celebrate every day. Through our ongoing We Care initiatives both on and off the ship, we are dedicated to minimizing our environmental footprint with eco-friendly operations and we are committed to cultivating the region’s unique cultures and supporting local businesses. We are honored to partner with leading conservation experts such as Te mana o te moana, a premier South Pacific marine education foundation, and we welcome celebrated marine biologists, oceanographers, conservationists, and cultural experts on board to host engaging presentations and conversations with our guests.
Paul Gauguin Cruises has partnered with the government of French Polynesia to provide healthcare assistance in the region’s most isolated islands.
Furthering our commitment, we recently launched our Taote Gauguin initiative. Created in partnership with the French Polynesian government, this program provides consultations by the ship's doctors while in port, free transportation for the government's appointed doctors, and access to onboard hospital equipment.
Beyond our own corporate responsibilities, our guests share in our commitment on every journey, often without even realizing it. Here are some of the thoughtful ways guests aboard The Gauguin help us to support this cherished destination and its people:
Becoming One with Papa-raharaha, or Mother Nature
It may seem like just another day in paradise, venturing ashore to ascend a densely forested peak for panoramic tropical views, or diving beneath the blue for an up-close view of the precious biodiversity that thrives along the reefs. Ashore or on board, when participating in any of these experiences—as well as the complimentary, interactive excursions and activities offered through our Moana Explorer Program for kids ages 6 to 15—guests become part of the vital educational process that keeps French Polynesia’s precious environment top of mind.
Unique to Paul Gauguin Cruises, our troupe of cultural ambassadors—Les Gauguines (female) and Les Gauguins (male)—are local Tahitians who live aboard ship as hosts and entertainers, proud to share their culture and history with guests.
Seeking Cultural Connections
Polynesian spirit and traditions are infused throughout The Gauguin Experience. Our troupe of cultural ambassadors, Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins, live aboard ship as hosts and entertainers. They are the first touchpoint of Tahiti’s vibrant culture, sharing their local insights into the islands’ way of life. Whether learning to strum a ukulele, weave a hei (flower crown) from freshly-picked flowers, or perform a traditional dance, our guests are absorbing and advancing Tahitian culture.
Complimentary Tahitian blessing ceremonies hosted aboard The Gauguin add a dash of authentic romance and help to protect the region’s cultural traditions.
Meeting and Greeting
When we travel, we unwittingly weave a rich tapestry of our encounters and experiences, and so often it is the people we meet that star in those stories, bringing them to life with each memory. From the first introduction to Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins on board to each visit to a local market, venture to a pearl farm, or walk through a rain forest, personal connections are cultivated with the people of French Polynesia. The sharing of cultured traditions not only elevates the guest experience, but rewards the communities with a sense of pride too.
Engaging and interacting with locals throughout the Islands of Tahiti provide meaningful connections among people, and a deeper sense of place, culture, and history.
By meeting the local people and learning about their way of life, shopping at their boutiques, visiting the local oyster farms and botanical gardens that support conservation efforts, guests of The Gauguin are helping to sustain these places and the people who call them home. In fact, we have brought 250,000 travelers to this wonderfully unique destination, contributing more than $26 million annually to the development and economy of these islands.
We are immensely grateful to the communities who so graciously welcome our guests into their lives, and we look forward to our continued explorations of this special part of the world with great care.
The Gauguin is honored to be part of the rich tapestry of French Polynesia.
We invite you to share our love and protection of the beautiful islands of French Polynesia. Join us aboard The Gauguin for an all-inclusive, luxury voyage centered around the flavors and traditions of French Polynesia’s magnificent islands. Taste specialties crafted by experts, experience adventures guided by locals, dive into waters teeming with life and reignite your soul in the magic of French Polynesia.
Book your voyage now and start exploring this little piece of paradise we call home.
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