NAMED after the French artist who spent much of his life in the South Pacific, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises’ ship Paul Gauguin was launched in February 1998.
The ship operates week-long itineraries out of Tahiti, offering an itinerary unrivalled by any other cruise ship.
Radisson Seven Seas sells the itinerary as a cruise only, but it is often put together as part of a longer package by tour operators featuring the ship in their brochures, including Kuoni, Destination Pacific, Transpacific Holidays and British Airways Holidays.
Radisson Seven Seas sales and marketing manager Edwina Lonsdale has been surprised at the ship’s success.
She said: “It has been very successful – much more than we expected in the UK. We thought the distance would have meant a limited market.
“Most UK passengers are combining a one-week cruise with a stay in the French Polynesian Islands, such as Fiji, a stopover out or back on the US West Coast, or with New Zealand for a two or three-week package.”
The client age range has also taken Radisson Seven Seas by surprise. “The average age is 40-50, but we are finding that a lot of passengers are those who would have been termed yuppies a few years ago – much younger, very busy people who are very well travelled and who think the Caribbean and Seychelles are very old hat,” said Lonsdale.
She said the reason for the ship’s success is it has a water sports programme and is very different to many cruises.
“It is hardly a cruise at all. We sell it as a multicultural tour of the Polynesian islands.
“There is practically no sea time. The ship sails for a couple of hours, from one island to another, and always overnights in ports.”
There is a marina at the back of the ship from which passengers can windsurf, waterski, sail, snorkel or scuba dive. Many passengers have already completed a Professional Association of Diving Instructors course, but for the beginner there is a learn-to-dive course available. Another reason for the ship’s popularity is its value for money when compared to a land-based holiday in the area.
Lonsdale said: “If you wanted to visit the region on a land-based arrangement, you would fly between the islands, which is expensive. Hotels are also expensive.
“Paul Gauguin is very cost effective, particularly as food is included in the price, as well as wine with lunch and dinner.”
She estimates a one-week land-based stay would cost at least £2,250, not including flights to and from the UK, compared to £1,500 cruise only on Paul Gauguin.