Ponant celebrated its new alliance with Paul Gaugin Cruises late last month when Le Boreal was moored alongside MS Paul Gaugin in Papeete, French Polynesia. It was a moment that will forever mark the history of the two cruise lines.
In August, it was announced that Ponant would acquire Paul Gaugin Cruises. At that time, Ponant’s Vice President – Asia Pacific, Monique Ponfoort told LATTE that Paul Gauguin was an ideal fit for the cruise company.
On 25 October 2019, the very first meeting between the two companies’ ships took place in Papeete. A ceremony was held at the sound of Marquesan drums in the presence of Stephen Goujot, member of the board for Ponant and Richard Bailey, member of the executive board of Ponant USA. The President of the Government of French Polynesia, Edouard Fritch, and the High Commissioner of the Republic of French Polynesia, Dominique Sorain, attended this celebration.
The milestone was held in front of local guests and passengers from Le Boreal and MS Paul Gaugin. After a Tahitian blessing to mark the merger of the companies, a traditional dance troupe performed.
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