The Tahiti-based (now Ponant-owned) small ship company Paul Gauguin Cruises/PGC joined CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) Australasia to support its presence in Australia and New Zealand, joining the industry organization as a Regional Cruise Line.
The partnership brings the Paul Gauguin brand to the broader community of cruise lines, travel agents and executive partners of CLIA Australasia, joining the parent Ponant.
According to the CEO of CLIA Australasia, Joel Katz, the addition of Paul Gauguin as a regional member was a sign of trust and long-term strength in the cruise industry.
Paul Gauguin Cruises' Asia Pacific Sales and Marketing General Manager Deb Corbett said the cruise line was looking forward to the substantial benefits CLIA offered to members of the industry.
In early-August 2019, the French company Ponant Cruises announced the acquisition of Paul Gauguin Shipping Ltd (headquartered in Bellevue, WA USA) and its brand "Paul Gauguin Cruises". After the acquisition, both companies kept their management.
PGC operates the ship MS Paul Gauguin, offering itineraries from Tahiti to other French Polynesia and South Pacific islands. Designed specifically for island itineraries, the unique small-scale ship accommodates 332 passengers and can visit ports that are inaccessible to bigger ships.