Paul Gauguin Cruises has completed an extensive refurbishment of the 330-passenger m/s Paul Gauguin. The ship left Singapore's dry dock in April after seven weeks of work, boasting transformed spaces, enhanced guest services, and sustainable improvements, all designed to elevate the seamless and worry-free cruise experience.
The renovation included a contemporary redesign of the beloved Le Grill restaurant, a renovated pool deck with an elegant shaded cabana area, four new connecting cabins, updated furnishings throughout the ship, and the integration of sustainable technologies.
“We are delighted to welcome guests aboard the beautifully refurbished m/s Paul Gauguin, which embodies our unwavering commitment to excellence and the continuous evolution of the guest experience,” said Hervé Gastinel, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP. “This transformative project supports our vision of combining elegant design with advanced sustainable technologies, allowing us to reduce our environmental footprint while enhancing the immersive experience our guests value so highly. The Gauguin, a long-standing member of the French Polynesian community, further strengthens our deep connection with this extraordinary region and its people.”
Led by Stirling Design International, the redesign reflects the brand's vision of artistic and authentic discovery. Lattice and canvas elements now harmonize with warm wood finishes, creating an ambiance that celebrates the natural beauty of the tropical setting.
The main features of the renovation include:
- Connecting staterooms: Four new connecting staterooms on deck 7 cater to the growing trend of multigenerational travel and complement the successful Moana Explorer program for children aged 6-15, offered in partnership with Te mana o te moana, the leading marine education and conservation foundation in the South Pacific.
- Le Grill Redesign: The indoor/outdoor restaurant features a sleek, contemporary design with white wood screens, ceramic tiles, and soft oak furniture enhanced by elegant lamps, creating a stylish ambiance for the ship's famous culinary offerings.
- Transformed pool terrace: A new, spacious white canopy provides shade for cabana-style seating, complemented by striking mosaics around the pool and ample sun loungers for total relaxation.
- Sustainable technology: The ship now features advanced heat recovery systems, efficient chillers, and optimized electric motors, significantly reducing energy consumption. A new seawater treatment system produces fresh water on board, while the Nordaq filtration system helps eliminate plastic bottles, significantly reducing single-use plastics. Waste management improvements include a glass crusher and a cardboard compactor for efficient recycling.
- A refreshed look: As a tribute to its parent company, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, the ship's funnel now features the iconic three-sail logo, crafted from polished steel and illuminated with LEDs for a spectacular nighttime display. Furthermore, the distinctive "P" logo of Paul Gauguin Cruises is prominently displayed on Deck 8, at the bow, while the elegant white hull has been given modern gray accents. These design elements underscore the shared values of the group's brands, reflecting their unwavering commitment to authenticity and the adventurous spirit of seafarers.
The Gauguin was recently on the first of two voyages included in its Boutique Crossing Collection 2025: an immersive 14-night trip through Indonesia (from Singapore to Australia) and a 16-night cruise through Melanesia (from Australia to Fiji), before resuming its year-round presence in French Polynesia in May with an award-winning offering of all-inclusive luxury cruises, from 7 to 14 nights, to the Society Islands, Tuamotu, Cook Islands and Marquesas.
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