Tuesday, December 10 | Paul Gauguin Cruises, French Polynesia's premier destination expert part of the PONANT Explorations Group and proud recipient of Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Award for Best Small Cruise Line in 2024, has announced an exciting transformation for the 330-guest m/s Paul Gauguin. Scheduled for a seven-week drydock in Singapore from February to March 2025, this multi-million-dollar renovation will blend modern sophistication with eco-conscious innovation.

The refurbishment will feature state-of-the-art sustainable technology enhancements, a dazzling transformation of the iconic Le Grill restaurant, and a rejuvenated pool deck complete with elegant cabana-shaded areas. Guests will also enjoy the addition of eight new connecting staterooms, offering greater flexibility for families and groups, while refreshed soft furnishings throughout the ship will create a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere. This comprehensive makeover reaffirms the line's dedication to providing an unrivalled luxury cruising experience in the idyllic South Pacific.

“Our vision for this refurbishment is deeply rooted in our ongoing commitment to delivering an authentic experience that reflects the beauty and culture of French Polynesia,” said Hervé Gastinel, CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer of PONANT.. “The ship is beloved by our guests and the local community, and we continue to invest in the m/s Paul Gauguin's elegant design while integrating advanced, more sustainable technologies to minimize the environmental footprint—an area in which the Group continues to lead. With her year-round presence in the Islands of Tahiti, The Gauguin is more than a vessel; she is an essential member of the Polynesian community, reflecting our profound connection to this region and its people.”

At the helm of the design is Stirling Design International, a world-renowned leader in transportation design celebrated for its innovative and thoughtful approach. Perfectly aligned with Paul Gauguin Cruises' vision of artful and authentic discovery, the studio has been a cornerstone of PONANT Explorations Group's new-build fleet design since 1984. Their unparalleled expertise is reflected in the ship's reimagined interiors and open decks, where intricate latticework and canvas elements beautifully complement warm wood finishes, creating a seamless harmony with the natural light and breathtaking tropical landscapes.

Highlights of m/s Paul Gauguin refurbishment include:

• Le Grill: Offering floor-to-ceiling views of islands and sea, this inviting indoor/outdoor restaurant adjacent to the pool will get a top-to-bottom makeover featuring a sleek, contemporary look in white with wood screens, ceramic tiles, and trim framing culinary stations, and soft oak wood furnishings crowned by stylish bamboo light fixtures. This is where guests enjoy open-seating breakfast buffets, causal lunches dining on grilled favourites and salads, and dinners by reservation showcasing an authentic menu of Polynesian and international specialties.

• Pool Deck: A sweeping new white canopy will shade cabana-like seating on the port side of the newly refinished teak pool deck, while the façade of the pool itself will be wrapped by a new mosaic banner. Ample white chaise loungers surround the space, ensuring blissful moments of sunshine and scenery.

• Pool Bar: Amplifying the chic new pool space, the Pool Bar will receive the same white wood-carved screens as Le Grill, as well as new lighting for a subtle evening glow.

• Connecting Staterooms: Eight new connecting staterooms on Deck 7 will appeal to the growing multi-generational travel boom; a trend that Paul Gauguin Cruises anticipated when launching its highly successful Moana Explorer Program in 2020 in partnership with Te mana o te moana, a South Pacific marine education and conservancy foundation. The Gauguin remains the only cruise ship in French Polynesia year-round to offer a complimentary program for children ages six to 15 on select summer and holiday voyages.

• Soft Good Enhancements: Throughout the ship, both public spaces and staterooms will see reupholstered furnishings and new carpeting in a tropically chic colour palette as well as woodwork restorations.

• Sustainable Technology Upgrades: The refurbishment introduces cutting-edge sustainable technology to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Energy performance upgrades 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. A new seawater treatment system will produce fresh water onboard, while the Nordaq filtration system that produces drinking water from seawater helps eliminating plastic water bottles, minimizing single-use plastics. Waste management enhancements include a glass crusher and a cardboard compactor for efficient recycling.

In homage to its parent company, PONANT Explorations Group, m/s Paul Gauguin will debut a series of elegant design enhancements. The ship's stack will showcase the iconic PONANT three-sail logo, meticulously crafted in polished steel and illuminated with LED backlighting for a captivating nighttime display. Paul Gauguin Cruises' signature scripted “P” logo will take pride of place on Deck 8 forward, while the sleek white hull will be accented with contemporary grey detailing. These design elements celebrate the shared ethos of the two brands, embodying their dedication to authenticity and the spirit of maritime adventure.

Emerging from drydock at the end of March 2025, m/s Paul Gauguin will launch two exclusive voyages as part of the 2025 Boutique Crossing Collection. Guests can choose the 14-night Immersive Indonesia: Singapore to Australia itinerary, departing April 1, 2025, or the 16-night Crossing Melanesia: Australia to Fiji voyage, departing April 15, 2025, as the ship makes her way back to Tahiti. Following these special journeys, The Gauguin will return to her award-winning lineup of all-inclusive luxury itineraries, offering 7- to 14-night explorations of the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Cook Islands, and Marquesas.

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ABOUT PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES

Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the 330-guest m/s Paul Gauguin, providing a luxury cruise experience tailored to the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific. Paul Gauguin Cruises has been recognised by notable publications in travel and lifestyle including voted most recently as the “World's Best Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Line” in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards 2022; one of the “Top 2 Small Cruise Lines” in the Condé Nast Traveler 2023 and 2022 Readers' Choice Awards as well as named on the publication's “Gold List.” The line was also recognised for the 4th time for having the “Best French Polynesia Cruises” in the AFAR Travelers' Choice Awards. In September 2019, Paul Gauguin Cruises joined PONANT's family, a designer of inspiring voyages on board small exploration ships.

For more information: All Paul Gauguin Cruises information is available at au.ponant.com/paul-gauguin

Contact your preferred travel agent, or Paul Gauguin Cruises on 1800 878 671 (Australia) or 0800 854 777 (New Zealand), or email paulgauguin.aus@ponant.com to obtain assistance and information.

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