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Paul Gauguin

Photo Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Fun-filled, life-enriching experiences await children aged nine to 15 aboard the Paul Gauguin’s® nine "Ambassadors of the Environment" voyages this June 10 – August 23. The exclusive program provides youngsters a rare opportunity to learn about the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of French Polynesia with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society.

The acclaimed "Ambassadors of the Environment" program is available on the luxurious 330-guest Paul Gauguin’s June 10, 21, July 1, 12, 22, 29, August 5, 12, and 23 sailings. Seven-night voyages sail roundtrip from Papeete, Tahiti, calling at the idyllic islands of Raiatea, Tahaa, Motu Mahana (Regent Seven Seas’® private island), Bora Bora and Moorea. Both the 10- and 11-night voyages feature an onboard overnight in Rangiroa – one of world’s most spectacular marine environments, whose lagoon is large enough to fit the island of Tahiti inside it – with the 10-night sailings also calling at Huahine and the 11-night cruises reaching the distant Marquesas Islands, calling at Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa (where post-impressionist Paul Gauguin is buried).

Designed to educate via direct experiences, the "Ambassadors of the Environment" program takes young cruise guests on lively, interactive journeys involving island excursions, expedition film presentations, special dinners with Les Gauguines (the ship’s Tahitian hostesses), games and other activities. Focusing on marine and island ecosystems, emphasizing the critical importance of coral reefs, sustainable lifestyles and traditional Polynesian culture, the program’s expert naturalists bring French Polynesia to life as a natural playground and living laboratory where kids can learn and grow, explore their own interests and curiosities, and be inspired to become good citizens of the "spaceship earth."

On their mission to become "Ambassadors of the Environment," the children visit vanilla and black pearl farms, and participate in a turtle rescue. They enjoy private snorkeling tours at magnificent dive sites, swimming with black-tip sharks and spotted eagle rays. During a dolphin expedition the group learns about and watches spinner dolphins at play in the ocean. Renowned archaeologist Mark Eddowes guides the kids around Moorea, showcasing the island’s culture, flora and fauna. A forest hike teaches about the history of the Polynesian people with a visit to a marae, an ancient stone temple. And native islanders help the youngsters make traditional pareos, while a local children’s outrigger canoe club takes the Ambassadors paddling out into the clear blue lagoons.

In response to popular demand, the "Ambassadors of the Environment" program will be featured for the first year ever on the Paul Gauguin’s Christmas and New Year’s cruises. The nine-night December 20 and 29 voyages will feature one onboard overnight each in Bora Bora (novelist James Michener’s model for the fictional Bali Hai) and Moorea (the inspiration for Herman Melville’s novel Omoo), as well as calls in Raiatea (regarded as the heart of Tahitian culture), Huahine (one of the most picturesque and geographically diverse of the Society Islands), and Tahaa/Motu Mahana.

Parents may join their children on select aspects of the program on a space available basis (paying the standard excursion rate). 

Rated the #2 small-size ship in the world in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2005 Cruise Poll, the Paul Gauguin is an intimate vessel that boasts spacious, ocean view accommodations (over 50 percent with private balconies), ideal for sailing the crystal waters of French Polynesia. She boasts her own retractable water sports platform and offers complimentary kayaking, water-skiing and windsurfing. Optional PADI certification and full scuba dive programs are available. Nightly entertainment includes performances by local dance troupes plus the musical talents of Les Gauguines.

Seven-night sailings July 29 and August 5 start at $2,195, with the July 22 voyage starting at $2,395. Ten-night sailings June 21, 12 and August 23 start at $2,595; and the June 10, July 1, and August 12 11-night voyages start at $2,795. The December 20 and 29 nine-night holiday voyages start at $3,295. All prices are per person and include shipboard gratuities, wine with dinner, all juices and soft beverages, and an in-stateroom bar set-up. Optional enrollment in the "Ambassadors of the Environment" program is $199 per child. Participation is limited.

For additional information on Regent Seven Seas Cruises, please visit their website at RSSC.com

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Last Modified: 05/02/06