BY SANDY RUTA M


y adventure as a Gauguine began with a “why not?” moment. I saw


an ad in the local newspaper that said Paul Gauguin Cruises was looking for a group of Tahitian hostesses who knew how to play an instrument, dance, and speak English. I play guitar and ukulele and love to sing, and the rest of the skills were a good fit, too. We auditioned onboard in Le Grand Salon, singing a Tahitian song, playing an instrument, and dancing otea (fast dance) and aparima (slow dance).


When I became a member of Les Gauguines, it was my first experience traveling at sea and interacting with guests from different countries. My favorite thing about being part of the troupe was singing and dancing in the ship’s restaurants, performing in onboard shows, and sharing Polynesian arts and crafts with guests.


We have so many activities and hands- on demonstrations onboard The Gauguin, all designed to share the many interesting and unique facets of our culture. We offer dance classes, pareo tying, bracelet making, ukulele lessons, Tahitian and French language classes, coconut demonstrations, basket weaving with coconut palms, and much more.


One of the most popular events that happens onboard every voyage is the Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins


show. We retell ancestral legends through dance, accompanied by music from the Tuamotus, Marquesas, and Society islands.


Most of all, what makes being a Gauguine so special is the sense of connection, both in terms of the spirit of teamwork among our onboard staff, and in the genuine bonds we form with guests. In fact, we sometimes keep in touch with guests long after their journeys have ended.


Paul Gauguin Cruises | pgcruises.com 49


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