Regent Seven Seas Cruises invites guests to join Jean-Michel Cousteau in exploring French Polynesia (Aug. 1, 2006)

Regent Seven Seas Cruises invites guests to join Jean-Michel Cousteau in exploring French Polynesia
Guests sailing the waters of French Polynesia aboard Regent Seven Seas' Paul Gauguin this November will have an opportunity to participate in an environment and marine life-themed enrichment program led by renowned ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau, as part of the line's onboard enrichment program.

Through an exclusive partnership with Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society, Regent Seven Seas will welcome Cousteau himself aboard its 330-guest, all ocean-view Paul Gauguin, the most elegant vessel based in French Polynesia year-round.
Cousteau, the son of legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, and an acclaimed oceanographer, educator and environmentalist, most recently produced and hosted a multi-part HDTV series for PBS on sharks and gray whales of the Pacific Ocean.

During the 14-night sailing, departing November 18 from Papeete, Tahiti, Cousteau will share his broad knowledge of the region's ecosystems with, videos, lectures and scuba diving excursions. It will be Jean-Michel's seventh cruise on the Paul Gauguin as a celebrity guest lecturer.

"This enrichment program speaks to the level of customization we provide guests with the thrill of authentic discovery, allowing them to truly explore destinations their own way, inspired by the knowledge and experience of a world-renowned expert," remarked Sophie Vlessing, vice president, guest strategy and marketing for Regent. The Paul Gauguin

A SOUTH PACIFIC MARINE ADVENTURE
This 14-night sailing departs Papeete, Tahiti on Saturday and visits Bora Bora (for two full days on the island James Michener used as the model of his idyllic "Bali Hai"); Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands; Fatu Hiva, Omoa; Hiva Oa, Atuona; Ua Huka, Vaipaee; Nuku Hiva, Taiohae; Taha'a (for a call at the ship's private islet of Motu Mahana), and Moorea (the inspiration for Herman Melville's novel Omoo).
Among the wide array of new, optional shore excursions are a "Capture Moorea Photo Adventure," "Botanical & Agricultural Walk" (Moorea), "Sunset Sail Aboard the 'Margouillat'" (Moorea) and "Romantic Escapade at Bora Bora Pearl Beach" (overnight).

Other choices include island and lagoon explorations, parasailing, shark and stingray feedings, off-road mountain adventures, wave-runner tours and helicopter flight-seeing expeditions. Per person prices for voyages aboard the Paul Gauguin start from $4,395. All fares include shipboard gratuities, wine with dinner and an in-suite bar set-up.

OCEAN FUTURES SOCIETY
For more than four decades, explorer, environmentalist, educator and film producer Jean-Michel Cousteau has used his vast experiences to communicate to people of all nations and generations his love and concern for our water planet.
The son of ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, Jean-Michel spent much of his life with his family exploring the world's oceans aboard Calypso and Alcyone. Honoring his heritage, Jean-Michel founded Ocean Futures Society in 1999 to carry on this pioneering work.
The mission of Ocean Futures Society is to explore our global ocean, inspiring and educating people throughout the world to act responsibly for its protection, documenting the critical connection between humanity and nature, and celebrating the ocean's vital importance to the survival of all life on our planet. For more details, visit www.oceanfutures.org

Through an exclusive Regent partnership with Ocean Futures Society, guests can enjoy a selection of lectures, tours and experiences highlighting the marine life on a range of itineraries. Cousteau and his experts share their broad knowledge and insights with enrichment programs, videos, lectures and shore excursions, allowing guests to learn about regional eco-systems.

(Source: Regent Seven Seas Cruises)