MV Clio

The 1998-built MV Clio cruise ship was renamed from “Tere Moana” in 2016. Originally, this superyacht sailed as “Le Levant” (1998-2012) after being built for and operated by Ponant Cruises.

History – construction and ownership

The 88-passenger Clio carried a special name during her PG Cruises service—Tere Moana—translated from Tahitian as “Ocean Traveler”. She was built in 1998 at Chantier Alstom Leroux Naval in St Malo, France and operated as “Le Levant” by Compagnie du Ponant until December 2012. The vessel was then transferred to Paul Gauguin Cruises (PG Cruises) and underwent a USD 5-million drydock refurbishment. The extensive renovation included new furniture, artwork, wall coverings, lighting, ceiling finishes, carpeting, window treatments, and floor coverings, along with a refreshed 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 acquisition. All Tere Moana voyages scheduled through May 14, 2016 remained open for booking with unchanged itineraries.

Tere Moana was christened during a ceremony in Marigot (Sint Maarten) on December 29, 2012. Mireille Bailey, wife of Richard Bailey (PG Cruises chairman), served as godmother. Paul Gauguin Cruises also operates the longest-running and highest-rated luxury voyages in Tahiti and French Polynesia aboard MS Paul Gauguin. Grand Circle cruise fares include gratuities and drinks (alcohol included, with select fine wines and premium spirits). Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the ship, while general Internet access is charged extra. Officers are French, while crew members are Filipino and French.

Decks and Cabins

MV Clio has 45 staterooms across three cabin grades, all outside/oceanview, including eight with step-out balconies. All staterooms feature individual climate control, CD/DVD player, TV, king-size bed (convertible to twin), iPod docking station, personal safe, clock, refrigerator with soft drinks, and a bathroom with full-size shower. Several cabins offer triple-occupancy arrangements (accommodating up to three guests).

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

The yacht has six decks, of which five are accessible to passengers and three contain accommodations.

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 the ship. MV Clio features two open-seating restaurants: Le Veranda (buffet) and L’Etoile (à la carte). Vegetarian, wellness-focused, and special dietary menus are available upon request.

La Veranda offers buffet-style breakfast and lunch, with à la carte selections and optional alfresco dining available at lunch.

Shipboard entertainment options – Fun and Sport

Onboard, Le Salon (bar lounge) features live piano music. Additional amenities include the Pool Bar, Library, Fitness Center, Sun Deck (with swimming pool and jacuzzi), Deep Nature Spa (Algotherma), and the Lobby area with Reception Desk and Le Boutique shop. Watersports are offered from the aft marina platform, and complimentary snorkeling gear is provided. Wi-Fi hotspots, room service, in-cabin movies, and film channels are available at no charge.

With one crew member for every 1.5 passengers, guests enjoy a high level of personalized service. Gratuities are included in the cruise fare.

Itineraries

The former Tere Moana itinerary program included Europe (departures from Lisbon, Barcelona, Piraeus-Athens, Istanbul), Latin America, and the Caribbean (departures from Philipsburg (Saint Maarten), Colon, Panama, and Puntarenas, Costa Rica). MV Clio’s itinerary program included Cuba cruises for 2017, departing from Miami (Florida) and Havana (one-way flight included), with embarkation in the port of Cienfuegos.