<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_A8KVQ3xIXHg/R5OSGFt4YqI/AAAAAAAAAmM/dgAIwHjhbNI/s1600-h/Bora-Bora.jpg"><img src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_A8KVQ3xIXHg/R5OSGFt4YqI/AAAAAAAAAmM/dgAIwHjhbNI/s400/Bora-Bora.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.rssc.com">Regent</a> has a lot to be happy about these days, including their recent celebration in the South Pacific to commemorate <span>Paul Gauguin</span>'s 10 years sailing these islands.<br /><br />Fireworks lit up the sky above Papeete Harbor in Tahiti and fireboats streamed water skyward as French Polynesian Tourism Minister Marc Collins presented Mark Conroy, president of Regent, with a commemorative plaque honoring the ship’s 10th anniversary. Collins thanked Conroy for Regent’s decade of fidelity in deploying the popular vessel year-round in Tahiti. The ceremony was highlighted by traditional music and dancing.<br /><br />“From her very first cruise, <span>Paul Gauguin</span> has provided our guests with a unique experience featuring an authentic Polynesian flavor,” said Conroy. “We could not have achieved this success without the spirit of welcome and cooperation we continue to receive from the Tahitian government and people. Regent is proud to operate this magnificent ship in this beautiful destination, and to introduce Tahiti’s charms to discerning travelers from around the world.”<br /><br /><span>Paul Gauguin</span> first arrived in French Polynesia’s Society Islands in January 1998, having sailed from its shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, via the United States mainland and the Hawaiian Islands. Arriving amidst much fanfare, <span>Paul Gauguin</span> ushered in a new era of cruising in Tahiti, introducing outstanding onboard luxury and gracious, friendly service combined with generous and insightful exploration into Tahiti’s cultures and unrivaled natural beauty.<br /><br /><span>Paul Gauguin</span> has completed more than 400 South Pacific cruises, carrying more than 120,000 guests and contributing tens of millions of tourism dollars to Tahiti’s economy. Since its construction, the ship has undergone four refurbishments at a cost of more than $15 million.<br /><br /><span>Paul Gauguin</span> offers year-around, seven-night cruises departing roundtrip from Papeete to Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora, and Moorea. The ship’s schedule also features 11-night voyages that include Rangiroa and Hiva Oa and Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands; 10-night cruises that include Huahine; and 14-night journeys that include Fatu Hiva and Ua Huka in the Marquesas and the remote Cook Islands. Seven-day rates start at $2,195 per person.<br /><br /><span"font-size:85%;"><span>Photo of Bora Bora is courtesy of Regent Seven Seas.</span></span>