Paul Gauguin Cruises has announced it will resume its Tahiti and French Polynesia small-ship voyages from July with an extensive range of Covid-Safe protocols.

The resumption comes as French Polynesia officially reopens to international tourism on 15 July.

The cruise line will offer seven-night Tahiti & the Society Islands voyages departing 11 and 18 July for the local French Polynesian market.

The itinerary departs and returns to Papeete, Tahiti, and features visits to Huahine and Motu Mahana (the line’s private islet off the coast of Taha’a), along with two days in Bora Bora (with daily access to a private beach), and two days in Moorea.

Both local and international guests will be welcomed on the 10-night Society Islands & Tuamotus voyage departing 29 July 2020, from Papeete, Tahiti.

In addition to sailing the islands of Huahine, Bora Bora, Motu Mahana, and Moorea, this itinerary also features calls at the atolls of Rangiroa and Fakarava in the Tuamotu Archipelago. 

In August 2020 and beyond, Paul Gauguin will resumes its previously scheduled seven- to 14-night Tahiti, French Polynesia, and South Pacific sailings.

The Covid-Safe health protocols developed by Paul Gauguin and parent company Ponant have been built on the principle of double protection: 100 per cent monitoring of people and goods before boarding, then once on board, strict health protocols are applied.

In addition to strict cleaning procedures advised by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), Paul Gauguin Cruises’ new measures include:

Pre-Boarding

• Prior to boarding, all guests and crew members will have to present a signed doctor’s medical form, complete a health questionnaire and undergo a health check and screening by the ship’s medical staff.
• All luggage will pass through a disinfecting zone by sanitising mist or UV lamps.
• Surgical and cloth masks, disinfecting wipes and hand sanitiser bottles will be provided to guests.

On-board experience

• Ventilated air will be renewed in the common areas at least five times per hour and 100 per cent fresh air in staterooms through non-recirculating air conditioning systems.
• Restaurant layouts have been redesigned and will only offer contactless a la carte dining options.
• Public spaces, such as the fitness room and theatre will be capped at 50 per cent occupancy.
• Hourly disinfecting of high-touch points, such as door handles and handrails, with EcoLab peroxide, which eliminates 100 per cent of germs, bacteria and against biological contamination.
• Crew members are required to wear a mask or protective visor when in contact with guests. Guests will be asked to wear a mask in hallway corridors and this will be recommended in public spaces too.
• The Gauguin is equipped with advanced hospital equipment, including mobile laboratory terminals that enable testing on site for infectious or tropical diseases. Advanced diagnostic equipment such as ultrasound, radiology and blood biological analysis is available, and one doctor and one nurse are present on every sailing.

Shore excursions

• Zodiacs will be thoroughly disinfected after each stop-over.
• Re-boarding after shore excursions will only be permitted after temperature check and disinfection procedures (individuals and personal belongings).

Visit pgcruises.com for more information.