Paul Gauguin Cruises Appoints David Kelly Director Of Vessel Operations

BELLEVUE, Wash., July 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Paul Gauguin Cruises (www.pgcruises.com), 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, is pleased to announce the appointment of David Kelly as Director of Vessel Operations.

"I am thrilled to welcome David Kelly to our team at Paul Gauguin Cruises," said Diane Moore, President of Paul Gauguin Cruises. "He brings extensive hotel operations experience with luxury cruise brands, a passion for innovation, and a wealth of management expertise."

In his new position at Paul Gauguin Cruises, Kelly will be responsible for all in-house vessel operations, including hotel, port planning, purchasing, land programs, and entertainment programs on board the company's vessels. He will report to Paul Gauguin Cruises' Chief Operating Officer Florence Courbiere.

Kelly has more than 14 years of experience in cruise and hotel operations encompassing finance, hotel, port, marine, and yard operations.  Most recently, he was Vice President of Operations for American Queen Steamboat Company.  Kelly has also previously served as Director of Vessel Operations for Prestige Cruise Holdings, the parent company of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.  Prior to this, he held positions with Silversea Cruises, Renaissance Cruises, and consulted with Royal Caribbean International regarding the launch of Azamara.  Besides his well-respected career in the cruise industry, Kelly has also served in regional management roles with Aurora Hotels & Resorts and MacDonald Hotels & Resorts, both based in Edinburgh, Scotland.  A native of Scotland, Kelly holds a bachelor's degree from Glasgow Caledonian University.

About Paul Gauguin Cruises
Owned by Pacific Beachcomber S.C., French Polynesia's leading luxury hotel and cruise operator, Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the 5+-star cruise ship, the 332-guest m/s Paul Gauguin, providing a deluxe cruise experience tailored to the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia, the South Pacific, and Southeast Asia. It is one of the top exclusive charter and incentive group venues in the industry and has completed more than 570 South Pacific cruises, serving more than 176,250 guests, including more than 15,000 honeymooners, since its inaugural sail in 1998. The Gauguin's accolades include recognition as a "Top Small-Ship Cruise Line" in Travel + Leisure's 2013 "World's Best Awards" and one of the "Top 20 Small Cruise Ships" in 2013 for the 15^th year in a row by readers of Condé Nast Traveler.

In December 2012, the m/v Tere Moana began sailing under the Paul Gauguin Cruises banner after completing a multifaceted renovation and offers voyages in the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe.  At 330 feet long and 46 feet wide, The Moana has a draft of 11.5 feet, and accommodates 90 guests with a staff of 60.

Media Contact:
Vanessa Bloy, Director of Public Relations
Paul Gauguin Cruises
(425) 440-6255 / [email protected]

SOURCE Paul Gauguin Cruises