French Polynesia-Based Resort Leader 'Pacific Beachcomber' Acquires Paul Gauguin...

French Polynesia-Based Resort Leader 'Pacific Beachcomber' Acquires Paul
Gauguin Cruises
Combination of these two luxury destination leaders deeply enhances French
Polynesian tourism and creates unequalled experiences and value for discerning
guests

BELLEVUE, Wash., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the
highest rated and longest continually-sailing luxury cruise ship in the South
Pacific, today announced that the company has been acquired by Pacific
Beachcomber, the leader in French Polynesia luxury destination resorts. Paul
Gauguin Cruises operates the award-winning luxury cruise ship m/s Paul
Gauguin, featuring itineraries among the islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia
and the South Pacific.

"The acquisition of Paul Gauguin Cruises by Pacific Beachcomber is a most
positive development for our company, our Travel Agent partners and valued
guests, and for the tourism industry of French Polynesia," said David A.
Giersdorf, President and CEO of Paul Gauguin Cruises. "The m/s Paul Gauguin is
a very successful ship, sailing at full occupancy the past three years, and
with only 5 percent of capacity remaining in 2009. As we approach 2010, it
will be business as usual, with no changes to our award-winning inclusive
product, our dedicated officers and crew members, or our support of travel
sellers worldwide, and we see many opportunities to enhance an already
world-class experience for our guests."

As the largest luxury hotel operator in the destination the m/s Paul Gauguin
calls home, Pacific Beachcomber's successful business model will be a valuable
asset as Paul Gauguin Cruises continues its legacy as the year-round leader in
luxury small ship cruising in the South Pacific. The joining of these renowned
travel companies will provide compelling opportunities to connect
extraordinary cruise itineraries with some of the world's most premier
resorts, serving discerning guests as they create lifetime memories among the
exquisite beauty and rich culture of French Polynesia.

Richard Bailey, President of Pacific Beachcomber said, "We are honored to
carry on Paul Gauguin Cruises' excellent record as the leading cruise operator
in French Polynesia. This legacy, combined with our 25 years of luxury resort
hotel experience in the Tahitian islands, will ensure that all our guests
enjoy a seamless island vacation experience of the highest caliber."

The 2010 Paul Gauguin season features 38 extraordinary itineraries ranging
from 7 to 15 nights, highlighting such exquisite destinations as Tahiti, the
Society Islands, Tuamotus, the Cook Islands, Marquesas, Tonga, Fiji and New
Zealand - spectacular cruises that cater to the tastes of discerning travelers
seeking a legendary, multiple-award-winning cruise and destination experience.
Having recently enjoyed a multi-million dollar enhancement, the intimate,
Polynesian-themed m/s Paul Gauguin features world-class cruise ship
appointments, including private balconies in nearly 70 percent of suites and
staterooms and an expanded al fresco dining experience.

Early Booking Promotions provide unprecedented value. Guests who reserve and
deposit by September 30, 2009 will receive up to 50 percent off Standard
Cruise Fares for January-March departures and up to 45 percent off Standard
Cruise Fares for April-December departures, as well as Free Roundtrip Airfare
between Los Angeles and Papeete for 2010 departures of 10 or more nights, or
for 2010 departures of 7 to 9 nights Two-for-One Roundtrip Airfare between Los
Angeles and Papeete, an additional savings of up to $2,500 or $1,250,
respectively, based upon two persons sharing a stateroom. All Early Booking
Savings are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Guests should
reserve as early as possible to ensure selection of departure date and
stateroom category.

The m/s Paul Gauguin Society benefits of 5 percent additional savings and
exclusive recognition are being extended to guests who have previously sailed
on Paul Gauguin Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, The Yachts of
Seabourn, Crystal Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club or Windstar Cruises.
Additionally, attractive group rates may be available.

Please contact your Travel Professional, visit www.pgcruises.com or call
1-800-848-6172 for more information about Paul Gauguin's legendary South
Pacific voyages, or for details about the 2010 Early Booking Savings
promotion, which ends September 30, 2009.

About Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the award-winning luxury cruise ship m/s Paul
Gauguin, providing the best value in luxury small ship cruising tailored to
the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific.
Voted 2008's highest ranked small luxury cruise ship by the readers of Conde
Nast Traveler, Paul Gauguin's all-inclusive pricing includes everything from
delicious cuisine and beverages to the state-of-the-art retractable
watersports marina, as well as exclusive access to the private islet of Motu
Mahana, off the coast of Taha'a. The extraordinary 1 to 1.5 crew-to-guest
ratio ensures the most exquisite service available at sea, allowing ultimate
luxury and relaxation for each and every guest. The m/s Paul Gauguin was
built at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France. The
ship is 513 feet long, 71 feet wide and has a draft of 16.9 feet. The ship can
accommodate 332 guests with a staff of 215 and is one of the top Exclusive
Charter and Incentive Group venues in the industry. The m/s Paul Gauguin has
undergone more than $25 million in enhancements since its inaugural sail in
1998. Since 1998, the m/s Paul Gauguin has completed more than 500 South
Pacific cruises and served more than 140,000 guests, including more than
12,000 honeymooners, making it a premier destination for toasting a host of
special milestones. Paul Gauguin Cruises is a member of Cruise Lines
International Association (CLIA).

Please contact your Professional Travel Agent or call 1-800-848-6172 to
reserve a cruise or request a brochure. For additional information, please
visit www.pgcruises.com.

About Pacific Beachcomber
Pacific Beachcomber is the leader in French Polynesia destination resorts with
630 rooms. The company owns the four InterContinental Resorts in French
Polynesia: Intercontinental Tahiti Resort, Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana
Resort, Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, and Intercontinental
Moorea Resort and Spa. The company also owns and manages the Maitai Hotel on
Bora Bora. The company employs 850 Polynesians. Pacific Beachcomber is
developing a luxury eco-resort, "The Brando" on the eponymous actor's private
island.

SOURCE Paul Gauguin Cruises

Jennifer Gamelin of DDB Public Relations, +1-206-344-2496,
jennifer.gamelin@sea.ddb.com, for Paul Gauguin Cruises