At Paul Gauguin Cruises, we are lucky to have such a talented team. One of our dedicated staff members is Elmo, who bartends on The Gauguin. You may see him in the Piano Bar, Pool Bar, or behind the bar in La Palette, and he is always ready to make you a refreshing drink with a smile. 

What is life like as a bartender on a cruise ship?
Every day is special on The Gauguin.  Whenever I meet our guests, I give them whatever drink they want. It’s my privilege and honor to make their drinks for them. 

If each of the Society Islands were a drink, what drink would they be and why?

Papeete, Tahiti – Paradise Cocktail
•    Dark rum
•    Crème de Banana
•    Blackberry Brandy
•    Orange Juice
•    Grenadine
•    Sweet & Sour Mix
The perfect cocktail to start a cruise in paradise.

Huahine – Les Gauguines
•    Bacardi Rum
•    Strawberry Liqueur
•    Pineapple Juice
•    Coconut Cream
•    Grenadine
Features sweet Polynesia flavors that complement our sweet Gauguines.

Taha'a – Island Affair
•    Midori
•    Triple Sec
•    Blue Curaçao
•    Orange Juice
Matches the beautiful colors of our private islet of Motu Mahana.

Bora Bora Day 1 – Bora Bora Lagoon
•    Bacardi Rum
•    Mango Juice
•    Coconut Cream
•    Topped with Blue Curaçao
Will remind you of Bora Bora sunsets and the beautiful blue lagoons.

Bora Bora Day 2 – Bounty Bay
•    Bacardi Rum
•    Myers Rum
•    Malibu Rum
•    Orange Juice
•    Sweet & Sour Mix
The only drink that will make it bearable to leave the beauty of Bora Bora.

Moorea Day 1 – Bali Hai
•    Bacardi Rum
•    Myers Rum
•    Crème de Banana
•    Malibu Rum
•    Tropical Fruit Juices
•    Coconut Cream
•    Grenadine
Combines all the exotic flavors of Moorea.

Moorea Day 2 – Beachcomber
•    Vodka
•    Peach Schnapps
•    Orange Juice 
•    Grenadine
The color of the perfect Moorea sunset, and our farewell to French Polynesia.

Do you have a signature cocktail?  
Yes, the Tropicana. 

Tropicana
•    Malibu Rum
•    Coconut Cream
•    Pineapple Juice
•    Blue Curaçao
•    Midori
I invented it, and it is one of my favorite drinks to make.

How long have you worked on the m/s Paul Gauguin?  
I have worked aboard The Gauguin for 15 years.

How long have you worked on cruise ships?  
For 28 years I have worked on cruise ships.

What type of training do you have? 
I studied making cocktails for many years and experiment with different concoctions.

Do you have a favorite toast or motto/quote?  
You can’t buy happiness, but you can prepare a cocktail!

What do you like most about being a bartender?  
Working as a bartender is an exciting and interesting job.  I’ve met lots of people. New acquaintances turn into friendships for life. 

Do you have any tips to share? 
Always be “passionate” in everything or anything you do.

Do you have a favorite garnish or easy garnish to “pretty up” a drink? 
Olives or pineapple with a cherry.

Are you excited to bartend on Motu Mahana?  
Definitely, I love making fancy cocktails in a coconut!

Do you have a favorite island and if so, why? 
Moorea—this island has the nicest views, and it’s so green.

Here are a couple of Elmo’s favorite drink recipes to try next time you are on The Gauguin:
 
Nuts & Berries
•    Frangelico
•    Chambord
•    Milk
•    Cream 

Green Illusion
•    Malibu Rum
•    Pineapple Juice
•    Midori

Elmo has four children, of which three are with his first wife, who passed away.  He met his current wife while both were working on board, and they have 12-year-old son named Ethan.  Elmo’s oldest son Earl also works on board The Gauguin along with his son-in-law Ryan who is married to Elmo’s daughter Eiris. His other son Emerson works in Dubai.

When Elmo is on vacation at home, he is passionate about cooking. His favorite activity is to stroll to the local market with his wife and handpick the ingredients for his favorite Philippine dish, Chicken or Pork Adobo. However, his young son still prefers pasta or hot dogs.

Elmo looks forward to crafting the perfect drink for you aboard The Gauguin.