From cooking to astronomy, Paul Gauguin’s guest speakers have it covered in 2012
Paul Gauguin Cruises' 2012 programme features a range of themed cruises with special guest hosts appealing to a variety of interests – from cooking and astronomy to marine biology.
11 February: Daniel Baron, winemaker for Silver Oak Cellars will be joining the Paul Gauguin for this seven-night Tahiti & the Society Islands sailing. Mr Baron was hand-selected to succeed Justin Meyer as winemaker in 1994 by the co-founder himself and since then has carried out the winery’s commitment of making only the finest Cabernet Sauvignon. He will lead a tasting with guests and will also present a lecture detailing his journey to winemaker, including his master’s studies in viticulture and explorations of France’s great wine regions.
Many of Paul Gauguin’s cruises will hosted by expert speakers
3 March: Celebrity chef Art Smith, Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef for 10 years, will join the 11-night Cook & Society Islands sailing to offer a variety of cooking demonstrations and culinary excursions. He will also host a special event for Tahitian children demonstrating cooking techniques and lessons from his award-winning charity, Common Threads.
2 June: Joining this seven-night Tahiti & the Society Islands sailing is Bill Kramer, an acknowledged expert in solar eclipse prediction mathematics. Kramer will share with guests the opportunity to witness a rare astronomical event on 5 June – the Transit of Venus. Providing a unique opportunity to watch the solar system in motion, the event will last six hours and will not occur again until 2117.
23 June: Celebrated chef Jean-Pierre Vigato, Chef Propriétaire of the two-star Michelin-rated Restaurant Apicius in Paris, will prepare gourmet dishes and offer culinary demonstrations featuring his gastronomic techniques on this seven-night Tahiti & the Society Islands sailing.
23 May /11 July/20 November/1 December: World-renowned oceanographer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau will provide lectures with videos of his work and accompanying guests on several dives throughout the cruise. Also available during June through August and select holiday cruises for a nominal fee of $299 per child is Mr Cousteau’s “Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Programme”, introducing young travellers (ages 9-17) to the natural wonders of French Polynesia through interactive, hands-on experiences with island ecosystems.
11 July: For music lovers, American lyric soprano Kristin Clayton, star of the world-premiere of At the Statue of Venus, and renowned bass-baritone Bojan Knezevic joion this ten-night Society Islands & Tuamotus sailing for an extraordinary opportunity to hear these legendary performers in concert throughout the cruise.
1 September: Marine biologist Dr Bruce Mate joins this 11-night Australs & Society Islands sailing, during which his expertise of more than 40 years with marine mammals will enrich guests during a visit to a special sanctuary for humpback whales.
13 October: Todd Rustman and David Gianulias, co-founders of the famed Levendi Winery, feature on this seven-night sailing to Tahiti & the Society Islands, during which they will illustrate the Levendi legacy for guests – celebrating the art of fine wine and living. Mr Rustman has travelled the globe to hone his skills in the financial world and during the sailing will also share his financial expertise during a special lecture on wealth management.
1, 15, 22 and 29 December: Perfect for food and wine lovers, artist Guy Buffet, famous for his whimsical portraits of chefs, waiters and restaurant scenes, will join all December 2012 sailings, when he will conduct lectures and art demonstrations. His famed paintings will also be available for purchase, signed by the artist himself.
Following a multi-million dollar refurbishment in January 2012, the m/s Paul Gauguin will embark on a series of 40 stunning itineraries with prices starting from just £3,933 per person for a seven-night Society Islands cruise including return economy flights from the UK, overseas transfers, a night in Los Angeles and use of a day room post cruise.
