The Gauguin’s Grand Makeover: Sustainable Enhancements and Luxurious Upgrades

Paul Gauguin Cruises, known for its expertise in French Polynesian voyages and winner of the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award for Best Small Cruise, has announced a significant refurbishment for its beloved vessel, the m/s Paul Gauguin. This extensive upgrade will take place over a seven-week drydock in Singapore from February to March 2025, ushering in a new era of sustainable luxury and enhanced guest experiences. Transformative Upgrades The 330-guest m/s Paul Gauguin will undergo a multi-million-dollar refurbishment to integrate sustainable technology and refresh the ship’s elegant design. The enhancements include:

• New Sustainable Technologies: Advanced heat recovery systems, efficient chillers, an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system for generating electricity from heat, and optimized electric motors to reduce energy consumption.
• Le Grill Restaurant: A complete makeover will give this popular indoor/outdoor dining venue a sleek, contemporary look with wood screens, ceramic tiles, soft oak wood furnishings, and stylish bamboo light fixtures.
• Pool Deck: A new white canopy will shade cabana-style seating, while a mosaic banner will wrap the pool’s façade. The pool bar will also receive a chic upgrade with white wood-carved screens and new lighting.
• Connecting Staterooms: Eight new connecting staterooms on Deck 7 will cater to the growing trend of multi-generational travel, enhancing family-friendly options on board.
• Soft Furnishings: Public spaces and staterooms will feature reupholstered furnishings and new carpeting in a tropically chic color palette, along with restored woodwork.
• Waste Management Enhancements: The ship will have a glass crusher, cardboard compactor, and a new seawater treatment system to produce fresh water on board, further reducing its environmental footprint.

A Commitment to Sustainability Hervé Gastinel, CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer of PONANT EXPLORATIONS Group, emphasised the importance of sustainability in this project: “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. The Gauguin’s elegant design, combined with advanced, more sustainable technologies, minimises our environmental footprint and reinforces our dedication to the local community.” Design Excellence by Stirling Design International Stirling Design International, a globally recognized leader in transportation design, is leading the design efforts. Since 1984, the studio has been responsible for PONANT EXPLORATIONS Group’s new-build fleet designs. The Gauguin’s reimagined interiors and open decks will feature intricate latticework, canvas elements, and warm wood finishes, seamlessly blending with the natural light and tropical surroundings. Honoring Heritage and Innovation In tribute to its parent company, the ship’s stack will now display the iconic PONANT three-sail logo, crafted in polished steel and illuminated with LED backing for a striking nighttime display. Paul Gauguin Cruises’ signature scripted “P” logo will also be prominent on Deck 8 forward, with modern grey accents adorning the sleek white hull. Exciting New Voyages Following its drydock period, The Gauguin will emerge in March 2025, ready to offer two unique voyages as part of its 2025 Boutique Crossing Collection. These include:

• 14-night Immersive Indonesia: Singapore to Australia (departing April 1, 2025)
• 16-night Crossing Melanesia: Australia to Fiji (departing April 15, 2025)

Once these voyages are complete, The Gauguin will resume its award-winning roster of all-inclusive luxury cruises, offering 7- to 14-night journeys through the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Cook Islands, and Marquesas. A New Era for The Gauguin As Paul Gauguin Cruises continues to invest in the future of luxury cruising, The Gauguin remains a beloved member of the Polynesian community and a key player in sustainable travel. These enhancements will ensure that guests enjoy an authentic and unforgettable experience, all while respecting the environment and celebrating the beauty of French Polynesia.