Back to News Menu        Cruise News for the Corporate Travel Professional                 July 2015

Diana and I had the opportunity to join the Moana, cruising roundtrip from Istanbul in June.  This was the 3^rd charter for our Australian client on the Moana and would prove to be his last charter, and our last cruise on the Moana as well.  We were notified the day before the beginning of the cruise that the owners had accepted an offer to good to refuse for purchasing the ship by Grand Circle, and the ship would be leaving the Paul Gauguin fleet in May of 2016 and all remaining space on the ship has been taken. 

The Moana has been a great ship for Worldwide and our clients.  Paul Gauguin Cruises delivered a 5 star experience on this small 90 passenger “yacht” style ship.  The new owners are tour operators and have their own client base  and are expected to reposition the ship to the Far East.

The crew of the Moana received the news the night before our charter started as well, and honestly we were a bit concerned how our charter would play out.  In true Gauguin style the cruise was flawless and the crew was as friendly and helpful as usual with many crew being offered future positions on the Paul Gauguin.    

This charter was particularly interesting for the Australian doctors on the ship for a medical continuing education cruise, as this was the 100^th Anniversary of Anzac Day and the Battle of Gallipoli.  We arranged a port call to take the entire group to the battle fields, graves and memorials on the Gallipoli Peninsula.  A very moving wreath laying ceremony along with a bugle playing several selections was arranged, with reflections from a sister of one of the soldiers and his letters about the battle, at the main Australian cemetery. 

Another great surprise was the charming port of call of Fethiye, Turkey.  This was chosen to break up the cruise going back to Istanbul and to allow for a morning meeting while at sea.  This little gem seems to be unspoiled of the mass tourism of so many parts of Greece and Turkey.  The seaside restaurants, bars and small village are like pictures you see of the islands from decades ago.                         

There truly is a lot to be said about chartering a small ship and being able to be creative with planning your own one of a kind itinerary.  In the case of Fethiye we were “unique” and perceived as a private yacht -  who is the owner and how long are you going to be here?  Also on this itinerary we visited Bodrum which seems to be the new in place for the “jet set”. 

While the Moana is departing us, Worldwide has access to numerous small ships to help you create a unique one of a kind cruise event for your clients.  The Paul Gauguin that carries 312 passengers in Tahiti still remains a 5 Star experience in an idyllic destination.  Fortunately we can offer you these one of a kind cruises across the globe.  Watch for our review of floating palaces on the Far East rivers in October.  

Worldwide Travel & Cruise Assoc., Inc.

150 S. University Dr.  Ste E, Plantation, FL 33324 - USA

Tel: +1 954 452 8800  Fax: +1 954 252 3945

EMail: sales@cruiseco.com

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