Paul Gauguin Cruises Acquired by Pacific Beachcomber

As the economic downturn has led to mergers and acquisitions among travel professionals, and airlines, it has now instigated one between two suppliers. Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the luxury cruise ship m/s Paul Gauguin among the islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific, today announced that the company has been acquired by Pacific Beachcomber, the largest luxury hotel operator in the region.

"The acquisition of Paul Gauguin Cruises by Pacific Beachcomber is a most positive development for our company, our travel agent partners and valued guests, and for the tourism industry of French Polynesia," said David A. Giersdorf, president and CEO of Paul Gauguin Cruises. "The m/s Paul Gauguin is a very successful ship, sailing at full occupancy the past three years, and with only 5 percent of capacity remaining in 2009. As we approach 2010, it will be business as usual, with no changes to our award-winning inclusive product, our dedicated officers and crew members, or our support of travel sellers worldwide, and we see many opportunities to enhance an already world-class experience for our guests."

The 2010 Paul Gauguin season features 38 itineraries ranging from seven to 15 nights, highlighting such destinations as Tahiti, the Society Islands, Tuamotus, the Cook Islands, Marquesas, Tonga, Fiji and New Zealand. After a recent multi-million dollar enhancement, the m/s Paul Gauguin features private balconies in nearly 70 percent of suites and staterooms in addition to an expanded al fresco dining experience.

Guests who reserve and deposit by September 30 will receive up to 50 percent off standard cruise fares for January-March departures and up to 45 percent off standard cruise fares for April-December departures, as well as free roundtrip airfare between Los Angeles and Papeete for 2010 departures of 10 or more nights. For 2010 departures of seven to nine nights, two-for-one roundtrip airfare between Los Angeles and Papeete is available, based upon two persons sharing a stateroom.

Visit www.pgcruises.com.