Paul Gauguin Cruises said it will resume sailings in Tahiti
and French Polynesia in July.
The line will offer its seven-night “Tahiti & the
Society Islands” voyages aboard the Paul Gaugin to the local market on July 11
and 18.
With international tourism set to reopen July 15, Paul
Gauguin Cruises will reopen to all travelers beginning with its 10-night “Society
Islands & Tuamotus” voyage that departs Papeete on July 29.
To prepare for its restart, Paul Gaugin Cruises and parent
company Ponant have developed health protocols in collaboration with infectious
disease specialists from Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Mediterranee
Infection of Marseilles and the Battalion of Marine Firemen of Marseilles.
The new protocols include strict cleaning procedures advised
by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO),
as well as preboarding health screening, social distancing requirements and
enhanced employee training.
Onboard, the cruise line said all staterooms have
non-recirculating air conditioning systems while ventilated air in common areas
will be renewed at least five times per hour.
Restaurant layouts have been redesigned and will offer
contactless a la carte dining. Public spaces, such as the fitness room and
theater, will be capped at 50% occupancy. High-touch points will be disinfected
hourly, crew members will be required wear masks when interacting with guests,
and travelers will be asked to wear masks in public spaces.
The ship’s medical center will be staffed by a doctor and a
nurse on all sailings and will be equipped with advanced medical and testing
equipment, the company said.
Following shore excursions, all Zodiacs will be disinfected.
Guests will undergo temperature checks and disinfection procedures before
reboarding.