The French Polynesia-based cruise brand Paul Gauguin Cruises (fully-owned by Ponant company) with MS Paul Gauguin ship restarts its French Polynesia and Tahiti schedule starting in July along with an extensive “COVID-Safe Protocol.”
French Polynesia is reopening to international tourism on July 15. MS Paul Gauguin will offer 7-night "Tahiti and the Society Islands" cruises (departures July 11 and July 18) for the local market only. The company will welcome both domestic and international tourists on its 10-night "Society Islands and Tuamotus" cruise (July 29) from Papeete (Tahiti Island, French Polynesia). In addition to visiting Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea, Motu Mahana (Paul Gauguin company's private island), the itinerary visits two atolls in the Tuamotus (Fakarava and Rangiroa).
In August and beyond, Paul Gauguin resumes the previously scheduled 7- to 14-night Tahiti and South Pacific voyages. To prepare for the company's restart, Paul Gauguin and the shipowner PONANT are collaborating with the Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) Mediterranee Infection of Marseilles, one of the leading centers in the world in the field of infectious diseases, and with the Battalion of Marine Firemen of Marseilles.
The new health protocol developed by Paul Gauguin and PONANT is based on health standards exceeding international regulations. The “COVID-Safe protocol" is built on the principle of double protection: 100% monitoring of people and goods before boarding; once onboard, strict health protocols applied.
In addition to cleaning procedures advised by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and WHO (World Health Organization), implementation of enhanced employee training and social distancing requirements, Paul Gauguin's new measures include:
- Pre-Boarding. Prior to boarding, all crew and passengers will have to complete a health questionnaire, present a signed doctor’s medical form, and undergo a health check and screening by the medical staff of the ship.
- On-board experience: 100% fresh air in staterooms via non-recirculating air conditioning systems. Ventilated air is to be renewed in the common areas at least 5 times per hour. Restaurant layouts were redesigned and will offer contactless a la carte dining options. All public spaces will be capped at 50% occupancy. Hourly disinfection of high-touch points. Crew are required to wear a mask (protective visor) when in contact with passengers. Travellers will be asked to wear a mask in hallway corridors.
- Shore excursions: Paul Gauguin's zodiacs will be thoroughly disinfected after stopovers. Re-boarding after shore trips will only be permitted after temperature check and disinfection procedures.