M/S Paul Gauguin Completes Multi-Million Dollar Refurbishment

Paul Gauguin Cruises has announced the completion of an extensive refurbishment of the 330-guest m/s Paul Gauguin. The vessel emerged from a seven-week drydock in Singapore with transformed spaces, enhanced guest amenities and sustainable upgrades, all designed elevate the cruise experience. 

The refurbishment of the ship named winner of Best Small Cruise in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards included a contemporary redesign of the Le Grill restaurant, a reimagined pool deck with shaded cabana area, eight new connecting staterooms, refreshed soft furnishings throughout the ship, and the integration of sustainable technologies.  

“We are thrilled to welcome guests aboard the beautifully refurbished m/s Paul Gauguin, which represents our unwavering commitment to excellence and to the constant evolution of the guest experience,” said Hervé Gastinel, CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer of PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP. 

“This transformative project supports our vision of blending elegant design with advanced sustainable technologies, allowing us to reduce our environmental footprint while elevating the immersive discovery our guests treasure. Long a part of the French Polynesian community, The Gauguin continues to deepen our profound connection to this remarkable region and its people.” 

Key features of the completed refurbishment include: 

Connecting Staterooms: Eight new connecting staterooms on Deck 7 accommodate the growing multi-generational travel trend, complementing the ship’s highly successful Moana Explorer Program for children ages six to 15, offered in partnership with Te mana o te moana, the South Pacific’s premier marine education and conservation foundation. 

Redesigned Le Grill: The indoor/outdoor restaurant showcases a sleek, contemporary design with white wood screens, ceramic tiles, and soft oak furnishings enhanced by stylish light fixtures, creating an elegant setting for the ship’s renowned culinary offerings. 

Transformed Pool Deck: A sweeping new white canopy provides shade for cabana-like seating, complemented by a striking mosaic banner around the pool and ample chaise loungers for ultimate relaxation. 

Sustainable Technology: The ship now has advanced heat recovery systems, efficient chillers, an Organic Rankine Cycle system generating electricity from heat, 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 water bottles, significantly reducing single-use plastics. Waste management enhancements include a glass crusher and a cardboard compactor for efficient recycling. 

Updated Livery: As a tribute to its parent company, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, the ship’s stack now features the iconic three-sail logo, crafted in polished steel and illuminated with LED backing for a striking nighttime display. Additionally, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ signature scripted “P” logo takes a prominent position on Deck 8 forward, while the sleek white hull received modern gray accents.

The Gauguin is currently on the first of two voyages included in its 2025 Boutique Crossing Collection: a 14-night Immersive Indonesia (Singapore to Australia) and a 16-night Crossing Melanesia (Australia to Fiji) before resuming its year-round presence in French Polynesia in May with an award-winning roster of all-inclusive, 7- to 14-night luxury voyages to the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Cook Islands, and Marquesas.