Grand Circle sells the Paul Gauguin

[Cruisedreamer1]

Has anyone read of this sell? What does this mean for Regent and their cruises in French Polynesia?

[Travelcat2]

Can't find anything on this. Can you put a link to the article? Not really surprised -- Grand Circle was recently sold -- they probably could get lots of $$$ for the PG. It would have been nice if Regent purchased it - really a beautiful ship that travels to one of the best destinations in the world. I typically do not comment on the PG -- Tahiti is still incredible but is 100% different than it was in the 80's.. I miss what it (Tahiti) and the PG (prior to being purchased by GCT) were.........

[Fore67]

if we were on the PG together back in Feb '04. I was blown away by what I experienced both in FP and on the PG when I sailed then and previously in 2001. I can't even imagine what you are speaking about back in the "80's".

Maybe that's what "shangri-la" is???

 

Still searching. . .

 

Mike

 

PG 2001, 2004

[Travelcat2]

Your post realy made me smile. We were on Bora Bora and Moorea in 1982 (Club Med.) Bora Bora had some water issues (had a bucket in the shower to save water) -- but, they had plenty of power. . . really powered by coconuts that were laid by the side of the road by residents for pick-up. Moorea, on the other hand, would regularly lose electricity but had plenty of water. Wish the PG had been around then. . .

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Is there a link to an article on this sale? I googled and could not find anything.

 

I was lucky enough to sail on the Paul Gauguin in 2000, a year I believe after she arrived. We were also lucky enough to spend a pre-cruise in Manihi, at the Pearl. I wonder how much the Tuomotus have changed since then--I'm betting not very much. Bora Bora was pretty much as it is now, although there are obviously more hotels (and shops I guess.) I wish I had seen Bora Bora when it was a lovely quiet place. The lagoon still rocks, however.

[gazuccio]

Looks like Appollo bought regent but New York-based Court Square Capital Partners now owns the Paul Gauguin! Link is to cruise critic....

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=2326

 

Another link

 

http://www.modernagent.com/Resources/Editorial.aspx?n=33697

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I see, so GCT was sold, presumably with the PG. So GCT didn't really *sell* the PG, or at least there's nothing I can see in these news articles about the PG.

 

I guess time will tell. Maybe the new management will be an improvement--GCT certainly didn't do a very good job.

[scuba diver]

If I have my information correct the Paul Gauguin is leased by Regent not owned.

[Travelcat2]

Yes -- PG is leased. . . I believe GCT extended Regent's lease through 1/2010. We'll all be watching to see what happens to her. . . the Captain and other non-hotel staff are/were GCT employees.

[Cruisedreamer1]

The lease is reviewed on a yearly basis so even though the contract may be through 2009 or 10 there could be changes. I can't believe that the PG has not been profitable for both sides.

 

I heard from my TA who didn't what to expect with the change.

 

The Princess line cut back some of its ships in the area to only seasonal cruises instead of year around.