Celebrity Chef Tom Wong Brings Hawaiian Flavors to Paul Gauguin’s New Year Voyage Across Tahiti and the Cook Islands

Published on November 2, 2025

A luxurious fusion of Hawaiian flavors and French-Polynesian culinary artistry will take center stage this festive season as Chef Tom Wong joins Paul Gauguin Cruises for a spectacular New Year voyage through Tahiti and the Cook Islands. The 11-night sailing aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, departing on December 27, 2025, is set to offer guests an immersive blend of cuisine, culture, and cruising elegance. Throughout this journey, passengers will experience an elevated culinary adventure that celebrates the essence of the South Pacific through locally inspired ingredients and expert craftsmanship. With a career spanning over 35 years in the luxury hospitality industry, Chef Wong is renowned for his deep understanding of Pacific flavors and fine dining innovation. His presence onboard promises to enhance the all-inclusive experience that Paul Gauguin Cruises is known for, creating a memorable voyage that beautifully intertwines Hawaiian authenticity with French sophistication under the warm skies of French Polynesia.

A Festive Voyage Through French Polynesia

The Paul Gauguin’s Cook Islands and Society Islands voyage will depart from Tahiti, offering travelers a unique opportunity to welcome the New Year amid the pristine beauty of the South Pacific. Over the course of eleven nights, the ship will chart a course through the Cook Islands and Society Islands, two of the most breathtaking regions in the Pacific Ocean. The journey has been carefully designed to combine natural splendor with cultural depth, appealing to travelers seeking both relaxation and enrichment.

The itinerary includes captivating destinations such as Aitutaki, famed for its turquoise lagoon, and Rarotonga, celebrated for its lush mountain landscapes and vibrant local culture. Guests will also enjoy an exclusive day at Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private islet, where a traditional Polynesian celebration awaits with music, food, and warm island hospitality.

Chef Tom Wong: A Culinary Luminary from Hawaii

With more than three decades of professional excellence, Chef Tom Wong has become a respected figure in the world of fine dining and hospitality. Currently serving as a professor at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, his career reflects a dedication to teaching, mentoring, and innovating within the culinary arts.

Chef Wong’s expertise extends beyond the classroom, with a distinguished history of international recognition. His appearances on the Discovery Channel’s Great Chefs of Hawaii and Food Network’s Cooking Across America have showcased his ability to highlight the flavors of the Pacific with both artistry and authenticity. He has also earned acclaim as a guest chef at the James Beard House in New York, contributing to its prestigious Guest Hotel Series, where his culinary philosophy emphasizing simplicity, balance, and local sourcing has been highly praised.

A Fusion of Hawaiian and French-Polynesian Flavors

During the voyage, Chef Wong will curate a series of signature dishes and interactive programs that celebrate the union of Hawaiian cuisine and French-inspired tropical fare. His approach will focus on bringing the vibrant tastes of the islands to life through fresh ingredients and elegant presentation.

Guests aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin will be invited to take part in cooking demonstrations, tasting sessions, and educational lectures led by the chef himself. These experiences are designed to deepen the appreciation of Pacific culinary traditions and the creative process behind each dish.

Menus crafted by Chef Wong will highlight seasonal fruits such as papaya, mango, and pineapple, alongside fresh-caught seafood including mahi mahi, moonfish, and yellowfin tuna. Locally sourced herbs and vegetables from the islands will further enhance the authenticity of the dining experience.

Exclusive Dining Experiences at Sea

Chef Wong’s influence will extend across the ship’s dining venues, with special dishes featured at Le Grill and La Veranda, two of Paul Gauguin’s signature restaurants. Each setting will be transformed into a celebration of tropical refinement, where every meal becomes a journey of taste.

At Le Grill, located near the pool deck, guests will savor open-air dining surrounded by ocean views, complemented by menus infused with island flair. Meanwhile, La Veranda will offer a more formal dining environment, blending French gastronomy with Pacific ingredients to create sophisticated culinary harmony.

A highlight of the voyage will be the ship’s Polynesian Night, during which Chef Wong’s specially curated menu will pay tribute to the traditional flavors of the South Pacific. From fragrant grilled seafood to tropical desserts, the evening will serve as a vibrant expression of Polynesian culture through food and entertainment.

A Complimentary Culinary Celebration

All of Chef Wong’s culinary programming and dining experiences will be included as part of Paul Gauguin Cruises’ all-inclusive offering, ensuring that every guest can indulge without additional cost. This approach reinforces the cruise line’s commitment to delivering exceptional value through gourmet cuisine, premium beverages, and immersive cultural enrichment.

The integration of Chef Wong’s culinary artistry into the voyage aligns perfectly with Paul Gauguin Cruises’ mission to create intimate, destination-focused experiences. By incorporating the unique flavors and traditions of Hawaii and French Polynesia, the cruise enhances its reputation as a leader in luxury travel across the Pacific.

Highlights of the Voyage

Beyond the culinary highlights, the Cook Islands and Society Islands itinerary promises moments of discovery at every port of call. Guests will have opportunities to snorkel among coral reefs, explore ancient Polynesian villages, and immerse themselves in the natural wonders of the islands.

Excursions in Aitutaki may include visits to its iconic lagoon, known for its shimmering shades of blue, while Rarotonga offers lush hiking trails and encounters with local artisans. On Motu Mahana, the cruise line’s private sanctuary, guests can unwind with beachside barbecues, live music, and water activities, all surrounded by the tranquil beauty of French Polynesia.

Every destination contributes to the voyage’s overarching theme of harmony between nature, culture, and cuisine—values that define both Chef Tom Wong’s culinary philosophy and Paul Gauguin Cruises’ approach to hospitality.

Elevating the Art of Culinary Travel

As the New Year’s voyage approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be an unforgettable blend of luxury travel and gastronomic excellence. Through Chef Wong’s vision, guests will not only savor world-class meals but also gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage of the Pacific.

This partnership between a celebrated chef and one of the world’s most prestigious small-ship cruise lines highlights the growing trend of culinary tourism, where travelers seek meaningful experiences that engage the senses and celebrate regional traditions. By combining gourmet dining with scenic exploration, Paul Gauguin Cruises continues to redefine the art of cruising in the South Pacific.

The collaboration between Chef Tom Wong and Paul Gauguin Cruises represents more than a special holiday event—it is a celebration of cultural connection and culinary creativity. Set against the backdrop of Tahiti, the Cook Islands, and the Society Islands, this voyage offers travelers the chance to ring in the New Year surrounded by ocean breezes, Polynesian warmth, and extraordinary flavors.

As guests sail through the islands of French Polynesia, each dish served and each destination visited will tell a story of tradition, innovation, and the enduring beauty of the Pacific. This New Year’s voyage is poised to become one of the most memorable experiences in luxury travel, where the journey itself becomes a feast for the senses.