Paul Gauguin Cruises’ m/s Paul Gauguin will enter a seven-week dry dock in Singapore in February 2025, with the 330-guest vessel to make its first visit to Australia when it emerges from the multimillion refurbishment.Hervé Gastinel, CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer of parent company PONANT, flagged the renovation at ILTM Cannes last week. The company has since shared further details of the transformation, revealing that it will blend “modern sophistication with eco-conscious innovation”.“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,” Gastinel said.
“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 minimise 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.”
The refurbishment will feature sustainable technology enhancements to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. It will also include a transformation of the vessel’s Le Grill restaurant, and a rejuvenated pool deck complete with cabana-shaded areas.The project will also include the addition of eight new connecting staterooms, offering greater flexibility for families and groups.Stirling Design International is steering the renovation, having played a key role in PONANT Explorations Group’s new-build fleet since 1984, with new soft furnishings, latticework, canvas elements and warm wood finishes to complement the natural light and tropical landscapes of the South Pacific.
A number of the design enhancements will reflect the relationship between Paul Gauguin Cruises and PONANT. For example, the ship’s stack will bear PONANT’s three-sail logo, while Paul Gauguin Cruises’ signature scripted “P” logo will be located on Deck 8 forward. The white hull will be accented with contemporary grey detailing.When the ship’s drydock is completed it will launch two voyages as part of the 2025 Boutique Crossing Collection – the 14-night Immersive Indonesia: Singapore to Australia itinerary, departing 1 April 2025 followed by the 16-night Crossing Melanesia: Australia to Fiji voyage, departing 15 April 2025, as the ship makes its way back to Tahiti.Thereafter, m/s Paul Gauguin will resume its traditional program of all-inclusive luxury itineraries around the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Cook Islands, and Marquesas.
