Paul Gauguin Cruises, French Polynesia¡¯s premier small-ship cruise provider, has unveiled the newly refurbished m/s Paul Gauguin following a comprehensive, multi-million-dollar renovation. After spending seven weeks in drydock in Singapore, the 330-passenger vessel is now sailing again, boasting a contemporary aesthetic, upgraded amenities and a range of environmentally friendly technologies.?
The renovation featured a modern revamp of the popular Le Grill restaurant, a redesigned pool deck complete with stylish shaded cabanas, the addition of eight new connecting staterooms, updated soft furnishings throughout the vessel, and the incorporation of eco-friendly 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 Herv¨¦?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."?
Spearheaded by Stirling Design International, the renovation embodies the cruise line¡¯s commitment to artistic and genuine exploration, and emphasizes natural textures and design elements that mirror the ship¡¯s tropical surroundings. Guests will notice intricate latticework, warm wooden accents, and crisp canvas materials, all contributing to a refreshed and immersive ambiance.
Highlights of the comprehensive renovation include:
- Connecting Staterooms: Eight newly added connecting staterooms on Deck 7 cater to the rising demand for multi-generational travel. These accommodations complement the ship¡¯s acclaimed Moana Explorer Program, created in collaboration with ¡°Te mana o te moana¡±, the leading marine conservation and education organization in the South Pacific, for young guests aged six to 15.
- Revamped Le Grill: The ship¡¯s popular indoor/outdoor dining venue now boasts a fresh, modern look, featuring white wood panels, ceramic tile accents, soft oak furniture, and chic lighting, creating an inviting space for enjoying its celebrated cuisine.
- Enhanced Pool Deck: The reimagined pool area features a broad white canopy that shades stylish cabana-style seating. A decorative mosaic border encircles the pool, while plentiful chaise lounges invite guests to unwind in comfort.
- Green Technology Upgrades: The vessel now incorporates a suite of eco-conscious systems, including high-efficiency chillers, advanced heat recovery units, an Organic Rankine Cycle system that produces electricity from thermal energy and enhanced electric motors that reduce energy consumption. An onboard seawater treatment plant provides fresh water, and the Nordaq filtration system reduces reliance on plastic bottles. New waste management features include a glass crusher and a cardboard compactor for more efficient recycling practices.
- Refreshed Exterior Design: Honoring its parent company, Ponant Exploration Group, the ship¡¯s stack now displays the brand¡¯s iconic three-sail emblem in polished steel with LED lighting for a dramatic nighttime glow. The signature Paul Gauguin Cruises scripted ¡°P¡± has also been prominently added to Deck 8, and the ship¡¯s hull features sleek new gray detailing.
Currently, the ship is navigating the first of two voyages in its 2025 Boutique Crossing Collection¡ª14 nights through Indonesia from Singapore to Australia, followed by a 16-night journey across Melanesia from Australia to Fiji. The m/s Paul Gauguin will return to French Polynesia in May for a full season of seven- to 14-night itineraries across the region¡¯s most enchanting islands, including the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Cook Islands and Marquesas.
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