Paul Gauguin Cruises Recognized For "Best South Pacific Itineraries" In Porthole Cruise Magazine's Readers' Choice Awards

BELLEVUE, Wash., Nov. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --  Paul Gauguin Cruises ( www.pgcruises.com), operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, and the 90-guest m/v Tere Moana , was recognized by Porthole Cruise Magazine as having the "Best South Pacific Itineraries"  in the 14 ^th Annual Readers' Choice Awards, which marks the third consecutive year that the cruise line has received this accolade.

Several thousand readers cast their ballots, voting in a variety of cruise categories in the annual awards poll.  The full list of winners can be found on the magazine's website www.porthole.com and is featured in the December 2012 issue of Porthole Cruise Magazine.

The award recognizes The Gauguin's year-round itineraries. "With a singular luxury ship specifically built to sail into the smaller hidden ports of the South Pacific, Paul Gauguin Cruises offers some of the most beautiful and pristine itineraries any cruise ship guest can experience," says Bill Panoff, Porthole Cruise Magazine's publisher and editor-in-chief.  "Our readers are discerning travelers who have come to expect only the highest standards of quality, product, and service from cruise lines and destinations. To have received their seal of approval is truly an honor for the winners and a fitting tribute to the hard work and commitment that characterizes the international cruise industry."

The Gauguin's voyages in French Polynesia and the South Pacific feature a host of exquisite islands with white-sand beaches, aqua lagoons, mist-laden mountains, and warm Polynesian culture. Itineraries in 2013 include: 7-night Tahiti & the Society Islands; 10-night Society Islands & Tuamotus; 11-night Cook Islands & Society Islands; 11-night Australs & Society Islands; and 14-night Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands.

Paul Gauguin Cruises offers extraordinary value with savings of 50% off all-inclusive standard cruise fares on all 2013 voyages, plus included airfare from Los Angeles on French Polynesia itineraries.

For rates or more information on Paul Gauguin Cruises, please contact a Travel Professional, call 800-848-6172, or visit www.pgcruises.com.

About Paul Gauguin CruisesOwned by Pacific Beachcomber S.C., French Polynesia's leading luxury hotel and cruise operator, Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the 5+-star cruise ship m/s Paul Gauguin, providing a deluxe cruise experience tailored to the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific. The Gauguin was built at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France. The ship, 513 feet long and 71 feet wide, has a draft of 16.9 feet, and can accommodate 332 guests with a staff of 217. It is one of the top Exclusive Charter and Incentive Group venues in the industry and has completed more than 570 South Pacific cruises, serving more than 176,250 guests, including more than 15,000 honeymooners, since its inaugural sail in 1998. The Gauguin has undergone more than $25 million in enhancements, with an additional $7 million completed in January 2012. The Gauguin received second place for small-ship cruise lines in Travel + Leisure's "2012 World's Best Awards" and was recognized as one of the "Top 20 Small Cruise Ships" by readers of Condé Nast Traveler for the 14 ^th year in 2012.

The cruise line's second ship, the m/v Tere Moana , will begin sailing under the Paul Gauguin Cruises banner in December 2012 after completing a multifaceted renovation. The ship, which will sail Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America, is 330 feet long and 46 feet wide, has a draft of 11.5 feet, and can accommodate 90 guests with a staff of 60.

For additional information on Paul Gauguin Cruises, please visit www.pgcruises.com.

Media Contact:Paul Gauguin Cruises Vanessa Bloy, Director of Public Relations(425) 440-6255 [e-mail]

SOURCE Paul Gauguin Cruises

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