Sarina Bratton chooses French Polynesia for 2022 chairman’s cruise

For the first time, the destination for this special event in 2022 will be French Polynesia aboard Paul Gauguin, which will sail from the Tahitian capital, Papeete, on June 4.

Extensive itinerary

The 11-night round cruise will visit Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Motu Mahana in the Society Islands and Rangiroa and Fakarava in the Tuamotu Islands.

The chairman’s cruise, designed for Ponant Yacht Club members and new passengers from Australasia, will explore the attractions, culture and cuisine of French Polynesia with Expedition Manager Asia Pacific Mick Fogg. 

Highlights range from a beach barbecue lunch on Paul Gauguin’s private island of Motu Mahana to shopping for local black pearl jewellery.

Pre-cruise cocktails

Pre- and post-cruise hotel packages at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa are available and there will be a getting-to-know-you cocktail party on the eve of departure. 

Bratton said the interior renovations of Paul Gauguin by French designer and architect Jean-Philippe Nuel early this year makes the ship a perfect setting for her chairman’s cruise, adding ‘it is great to see that Qantas and Air New Zealand are both offering flights to Papeete in June next year.’