French Polynesia
Ponant to Acquire Paul Gauguin Cruises
Adding access to exciting itineraries and experiences for passengers of both brands.PONANT, the world leader of luxury expeditions to locations that only small ships can navigate, has announced its plan to acquire PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES, the renowned specialist in sailings to exotic ports in French Polynesia and the South Pacific. Like PONANT, PAUL GAUGUIN combines exceptional itineraries with luxury hotel services and fine cuisine to create memorable experiences at sea. Following the acquisition…
Tall Ship Delivers Adventure and Cargo in the South Pacific
Circling the world five times as part of her famed 30,000-mile circumnavigation voyages, the tall ship Picton Castle has often been called upon to deliver critically-needed goods, including medical supplies and thousands of pounds of donated books and educational materials, to remote island communities. For Captain Daniel Moreland, founder of the award-winning sail training program, these impromptu cargo missions are valuable teaching moments – an opportunity to learn how to safely load…
Midsummer Meddling
France’s attitude to superyachts these days is rich with ironies. The official talk is of an era of redressement, or “putting right” the former state of affairs including public finances. But that has so far not translated into a reversal of its policy of VAT exemption for commercial yachts (FCE) – at least not officially. National austerité or riguer aside, the European Commission has demanded the change and is suing France at the European Court of Justice to enforce it. Meanwhile, this is proving to be a busy summer in the Mediterranean for the Douanes, France’s customs and excise service.
