The luxury small ship cruise market is set for some consolidation.
Ponant is acquiring South Pacific specialist Paul Gauguin Cruises.
Paul Gauguin Cruises will continue to operate independently out of Bellevue, Washington under the leadership of president Diane Moore.
Navin Sawhney remains as acting CEO, Americas of Ponant, based in New York.
"We will be able to offer our clients and partners yet another bucket list destination visiting the islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific," Sawhney said.
Paul Gauguin operates a single ship, the 332-passenger Paul Gauguin, in French Polynesia year-round.
"With this strategic alliance we look forward to delivering even more unique, luxury, small-ship experiences to our guests,’ said Paul Gauguin chairman Richard Bailey.
The Ponant fleet expands to 14 ships by 2021.
No financial details of the deal were disclosed.
