French luxury expedition line Ponant have agreed to acquire Paul Gauguin Cruises.
Paul Gauguin Cruises, based in Washington state, operate just the 19,200gt m/s Paul Gauguin and sail her year-round in the Society Islands of French Polynesia. The line is currently owned by Pacific Beachcomber, a large capitol group with hospitality holdings in the region. Ponant will take ownership of the company but will run them separately from their own cruise brand.
Paul Gauguin Cruises will still retain their CEO, Diane Moore, as well as their headquarters in Bellevue, WA.
The ship originally sailed for Regent Seven Seas Cruises back when it was called Radisson Seven Seas Cruises. Shortly after Apollo Management took control of Regent (through Prestige Cruise Holdings), they sold the m/s Paul Gauguin to another group, Beachcomber, who started up Paul Gauguin Cruises.