MV Clio

The 1998-built MV Clio cruise ship is the renamed in 2016 "Tere Moana". Originally, this superyacht was named "Le Levant" (1998-2012) being built for and operated by Ponant Cruises.

History - construction and ownership

The 88-passenger ship Clio had a special name - Tere Moana - translated from Tahitian as "Ocean Traveler". The vessel was built in 1998 at Chantier Alstom Leroux Naval shipyard in St Malo (France). It was operated as "Le Levant" by Compagnie du Ponant until December 2012. Then the ship was transferred to Paul Gauguin Cruises (aka PG Cruises) and drydock refurbished (project cost USD 5 million). The extreme makeover included new furniture, art, wall coverings, lighting, ceiling finishes, carpeting, window treatments, floor coverings, color palette throughout.

In May 2015, Paul Gauguin Cruises announced the ship's sale to Grand Circle Cruise Line. On June 18, 2015, Grand Circle officially confirmed the vessel's acquisition from PG. All Tere Moana cruises (scheduled through May 14, 2016) remained open for booking and with unchanged itineraries.

Tere Moana ship was christened in an official ceremony in Marigot (Sint Maarten Island) on December 29, 2012. Mireille Bailey, wife of Richard Bailey (PG Cruises chairman) was the vessel’s godmother. Paul Gauguin Cruises is also the operator of the longest continually and highest-rated luxury cruises in Tahiti (Polynesia, in the South Pacific) with MS Paul Gauguin. Grand Circle cruise deals are inclusive of gratuities and drinks (alcohol included, with select fine wines and premium spirits). Wi-Fi is complimentary and available throughout the ship. Internet access is at an extra charge. Officers are French, the crew members are Filipino and French.

Decks and Cabins

MV Clio ship has 45 staterooms (in 3 cabin grades), all of which are outside/oceanview, including 8 cabins with step-out balconies. All cabins feature individual temperature control, CD/DVD player, TV, king-size bed (all offer twin-bed configuration), iPod docking station, personal safe, clock, refrigerator with soft drinks, bathroom with full-size shower, and more. Some staterooms are with triple occupancy (accommodate up to 3 passengers).

Passenger cabins as sizes range from 195 to 300 ft2 (including the balconies of Category A rooms).

The boat has 6 decks, of which 5 are passenger-accessible and 3 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Complimentary beverages including bottled water, tea and coffee, soft drinks, premium spirits, and select fine wines are served throughout Tere Moana. The ship has two restaurants, both with open-seating – Le Veranda (buffet) and L’Etoile (a la carte). Vegetarian and well-being selections, special dietetic menus are provided upon request.

La Veranda restaurant serves buffet-style breakfast and lunch. At lunch are also offered a la carte menu and optional alfresco (outdoor) dining.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Onboard, Le Salon (bar lounge) offers live piano music. The ship also has a Pool Bar and Library. Tere Moana features Fitness Center, Sun Deck (with swimming pool and jacuzzi), Deep Nature Spa (Algotherma), Lobby (Reception Desk, Le Boutique shop). Watersport activities are offered from the aft-located marina platform. Snorkeling gear is provided to passengers complimentary, as well as WiFi hotspots throughout. Complimentary room service, in-cabin movies, and film channels are also offered. With 1 crew member for every 1,5 passengers, guests have assured a high level of personal attention. Gratuities are included in cruise fare.

Itineraries

MV Tere Moana schedule calendar included Europe (leaving from Lisbon, Barcelona, Piraeus-Athens, Istanbul), Latin America and the Caribbean (departing from Philipsburg (Saint Maarten), Colon (Panama) and Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera)). MV Clio itinerary program offers cruises to Cuba scheduled for 2017. Departures are from Miami Florida and Havana Cuba (one-way flight included) with embarkation in Cienfuegos port.