Courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises.
Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, proudly presents an array of 2012 itineraries with special hosts appealing to a variety of interests – from cooking and astronomy to marine biology.
Kicking off the New Year, The Gauguin’s first theme sailing is on February 11, 2012, to Tahiti & the Society Islands and will feature Daniel Baron, winemaker for Silver 
Oak Cellars. Mr. Baron was hand-selected to succeed Justin Meyer as winemaker in 1994 by the co-founder himself and since then has carried out the winery’s commitment of making only the finest Cabernet Sauvignon. Each bottle of Silver Oak is aged for nearly five years in American oak barrels, then in bottles so that it is “deliciously drinkable from the day it is released.” Mr. Baron will lead a tasting with cruising guests and will also present a lecture aboard the ship detailing his journey to winemaker, including his master’s studies in viticulture and explorations of France’s great wine regions.
Legendary celebrity Chef Art Smith, Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef for 10 years, will join the March 3, 2012, Cook & Society Islands sailing,bringing his culinary expertise onboard The Gauguin with a variety of cooking demonstrations and culinary excursions. He will also host a special event for Tahitian children demonstrating cooking techniques and lessons from his award-winning charity, Common Threads, not for profit.
Hosting a special cocktail party and “town hall” meeting for guests on the March 31, 2012, Tahiti & the Society Islands sailing is Diane Moore, President of Paul Gauguin Cruises. Richard Bailey, President and CEO of Pacific Beachcomber—French Polynesia’s leading luxury hotel and cruise operator—and Chairman of Paul Gauguin Cruises, will host the same aboard the April 7, 2012, sailing to the Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands, as well as the September 1, 2012, sailing to the Australs & Society Islands. He will also be available for informal conversation with guests throughout the cruise.
Joining the June 2, 2012, Tahiti & the Society Islands sailing is Bill Kramer, an acknowledged expert in solar eclipse prediction mathematics. Kramer will share with guests the opportunity to witness a rare astronomical event on June 5, 2012 – the Transit of Venus. Providing a unique opportunity to watch the solar system in motion, the event will last six hours and will not occur again until 2117.
Celebrated Chef Jean-Pierre Vigato, Chef PropriÉtaire of the two-star Michelin-rated Restaurant Apicius in Paris, will prepare gourmet dishes and offer culinary demonstrations featuring his gastronomic techniques on the June 23, 2012, Tahiti & the Society Islands sailing.
World-renowned oceanographer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau will join four sailings in 2012 – May 23, July 11, November 20 and the second week of 
the December 1, 2012, sailing – providing lectures with videos of his work and accompanying guests on several dives throughout the cruise. Also available during June through August and select holiday cruises is Mr. Cousteau’s “Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program,” introducing young travelers (ages 9-17) to the natural wonders of French Polynesia through interactive, hands-on experiences with island ecosystems.
For music lovers, what is better than opera in the South Pacific? Join American lyric soprano Kristin Clayton, star of the world-premiere of At the Statue of Venus, and renowned bass-baritone Bojan Knezevic on the July 11, 2012, Society Islands & Tuamotus sailing for an extraordinary opportunity to hear these legendary performers in concert throughout the cruise.
Paul Gauguin Cruises is pleased to welcome marine biologist Dr. Bruce Mate to the September 1, 2012, Australs & Society Islands sailing, during which his expertise of more than 40 years with marine mammals will enrich guests during a visit to a special sanctuary for humpback whales.
Join Todd Rustman and David Gianulias, co-founders of the famed Levendi Winery, on the October 13, 2012 sailing to Tahiti & the Society Islands, when they will illustrate the Levendi legacy for guests – celebrating the art of fine wine and living. Co-founder of a financial management firm in Newport Beach, Todd Rustman has traveled the globe to hone his skills in the financial world, and during the sailing will also share his financial expertise during a special lecture on wealth management.
Perfect for food and wine lovers, artist Guy Buffet, famous for his whimsical portraits of chefs, waiters and restaurant scenes, will join all December 2012 sailings, where he will conduct lectures and art demonstrations. His famed paintings will also be available for purchase, signed by the artist himself.
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Paul Gauguin Reveals Exciting Lineup of Special Guest Host Sailings