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 Diana and I
had the opportunity to join the Moana, cruising roundtrip from Istanbul in
June. This was the 3rd 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 100th
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. |
