Paul Gauguin Set for Multi-Million Dollar Refurb

Paul Gauguin Cruises will put its sole cruise ship under the knife during a seven-week February-to-March 2025 drydock. The multi-million-dollar project will see several public areas undergo revitalizations, as well as the addition of eight new connecting staterooms, and sustainable technology upgrades.

“Our vision for this refurbishment is deeply rooted in our ongoing commitment to delivering an authentic experience that reflects the beauty and the culture of French Polynesia,” said Herve Gastinel, CEO and chief sustainability officer of PONANT EXPLORATIONs Group. “The ship is beloved by our guests and the local community, and we continue to invest in The Gauguin’s elegant design while integrating advanced, more sustainable technologies to minimize the environmental footprint…”

Refurbishment Highlights

Connecting Staterooms: Eight new connecting staterooms on Deck 7 will be perfect for the growing multi-generational demand.

Le Grill Revamp: This indoor/outdoor restaurant will get a top-to-bottom makeover featuring a sleek, contemporary look in white with wood screens, ceramic tiles, and trim framing culinary stations, as well as soft oak furnishings crowned by bamboo light fixtures.

Pool Deck: The cruise line will add shaded cabana-like seating on the port side of the newly refreshed teak pool deck.

Pool Bar: Amplifying the new pool space, the Pool Bar will receive the same white wood-carved screens as Le Grill.

Soft Good Enhancements: Throughout the ship, both public spaces and staterooms will see reupholstered furnishings and new carpeting.

Sustainable Technology Upgrades: The refurb also will introduce cutting-edge sustainable technology to enhance the ship’s efficiency and reduce its environmental impact. Energy performance upgrades will include advanced heat recovery systems, efficient chillers, an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system generating electricity from heat, and optimized electric motors, significantly reducing energy consumption.

Additionally, a new seawater treatment system will produce fresh water onboard, while the Nordaq filtration system will produce drinking water from seawater.

Waste management enhancements include a glass crusher and cardboard compactor for efficient recycling.

Leading the design of the ship is Stirling Design International, a globally recognized leader in transportation design, whose approach aligns with Paul Gauguin Cruises’ vision. Since 1984, the studio spearheaded the design of PONANT’s newbuild fleet.

Outdoor Enhancements

As a tribute to its parent company, PONANT EXPLORATIONS Group, the ship’s stack will feature the iconic PONANT three-sail logo. Additionally, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ signature scripted “P” logo will take a prominent position on Deck 8 forward, while the sleek white hull will receive modern gray accents.

After emerging from drydock at the end of March, The Paul Gauguin will offer two unique voyages as part of its 2025 Boutique Crossing Collection: the 14-night Immersive Indonesia (Singapore to Australia, departing April 1, 2025) and the 16-nigth Crossing Melanesia (Australia to Fiji, departing April 15, 2025). The ship then resumes it roster of seven- to 14-night voyages to the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Cook Islands, and Marquesas.