Paul Gauguin Cruises reveals exciting 2014 line up of special guests

BELLEVUE - Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, and the 90-guest m/v Tere Moana, proudly presents its 2014 line-up of special guests who are experts in the culinary arts, wine, photography, fine art, history, music, and the wonders of the deep.

A mainstay of Hawaii's music scene for more than 30 years, Jamie Lawrence has appeared on Grammy Award-nominated works, recorded CDs of his own, and delighted audiences around the globe. Lawerence will be aboard The Gauguin's January 4, 2014, sailing to the Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands and the November 22, 2014, sailing to the Cook Islands & Society Islands.

To say that retired CNN Senior International Correspondent Walter C. Rodgers has enjoyed a distinguished career in broadcast journalism would be an understatement. He has known every President since Eisenhower, has covered the break-up of the Soviet Union, and reported from Afghanistan and Iraq. This accomplished correspondent will recount highlights of his amazing career on The Gauguin's January 4, 2014, sailing to the Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands and the January 25, 2014, sailing to the Cook Islands & Society Islands.

Established in 1947 in the elite vineyards of California's Napa Valley, Trinchero Family Estates is one of the world's leading producers of fine wines.  Renowned wine expert and Vice President of Trade Relations for the estate, Barry Wiss, offers seminars, Q&A sessions, and a winetasting on the The Gauguin's February 15, 2014, sailing to Tahiti & the Society Islands.

World-famous oceanographer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau joins several sailings aboard The Gauguin in 2014: March 12 to the Society Islands & Tuamotus Marquesas; June 14 to Fiji & Australia; August 30 to Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands; and October 25 to the Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands.  In addition to presenting lectures and videos of his work, he will accompany several dives from the ship.

Since acquiring their 20-acre southern California estate in 1996, Gerry and Rosie Wilson of Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards, have earned prestigious international awards for their wines. On The Gauguin's March 29, 2014, sailing to Tahiti & the Society Islands, these distinguished winery owners will provide a lecture, Q&A session, and winetasting.

Established in 2003, Long Shadows Vintners is a collection of ultra-premium wineries comprised of internationally acclaimed winemakers from the major wine regions of the world. Founder Allen Shoup, winery president Dane Narbaitz, and Gilles Nicault, director of winemaking and viticulture, will be aboard The Gauguin's April 26, 2014 sailing to Tahiti & the Society Islands for a lecture and wine-tasting seminar.

Hailed as the "Deepest Man on Earth," champion freediver and the recognized master of the sport Herbert Nitsch has set 32 world records in the sport of freediving—that is, staying underwater in deep water for as long as possible without the use of oxygen tanks—and can hold his breath underwater for more than nine minutes. On The Gauguin's June 14, 2014, Fiji & Australia voyage and the June 25, 2014, Australia & Southeast Asia voyage, he will provide lectures and demonstrations.

Chef Proprietaire of one of the finest restaurants in Paris, the two Michelin-starred Restaurant Apicius, Jean-Pierre Vigato has inspired signature menus for Paul Gauguin Cruises for several years. This celebrated chef will be aboard The Gauguin 's June 25, 2014, Australia & Southeast Asia voyage and will provide culinary demonstrations featuring his gastronomic techniques.

A popular guest lecturer aboard The Gauguin for 13 years, art history professor Caroline Boyle-Turner returns for the June 14, 2014, sailing to Fiji & Australia; the June 25, 2014, sailing to Australia & Southeast Asia; and the August 4, 2014, sailing to Southeast Asia & Australia.  An acclaimed expert on Paul Gauguin and his circle of artists, she enriches the appreciation of The Gauguin's namesake.

Diane Moore, President of Paul Gauguin Cruises, will host a special cocktail party and "town hall" meeting for guests on The Moana's May 3, 2014, Rome to Venice sailing. Richard Bailey, Chairman of Paul Gauguin Cruises, will host the May 31, 2014, Athens to Istanbul voyage aboard The Moana and the August 4, 2014, Southeast Asia & Australia voyage aboard The Gauguin. Moore and Bailey will both host the September 10, 2014, Reunion Cruise for past guests on The Gauguin, showcasing a specially-designed Society Islands & Tuamotus itinerary and a variety of special events.

Islands magazine senior photographer Jon Whittle and photo editor Lori Barbely will be aboard the September 27, 2014, Tahiti & the Society Islands voyage for an exclusive Islands Expedition offering daily photography seminars, photo critiques, and expert tips and techniques. In its magazine, on its website and across media platforms, Islands takes its readers on adventures they have always dreamed of, and gives them the tools to help them live those dreams.

Guy Buffet is famous for his whimsical portraits of chefs, waiters, and restaurant scenes.  On the October 25, 2014, Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands sailing, this renowned artist will conduct lectures and art demonstrations and offer the opportunity to purchase his signed artwork.

From the vineyards of California's Sonoma County and Central Coast to the great estates of Bordeaux, France, Daniel Baron has learned the importance of the pursuit of excellence in winemaking. Today, he serves as winemaker for the Napa Valley's prestigious Silver Oak Cellars.  Baron will be aboard The Gauguin 's December 3, 2014, Tuamotus & Society Islands sailing for a lecture and wine-tasting.

Ring in the New Year with the sounds of smooth jazz of Jazzdagen aboard The Gauguin's December 27, 2014, sailing to Tahiti & the Society Islands. This accomplished ensemble of musicians from the U.S., Australia, and Italy will provide two performances daily throughout the cruise.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews