NEW YORK — Paul Gauguin Cruises has announced plans for a multi-million-dollar makeover of the m/s Paul Gauguin.

The 330-guest ship will undergo an extensive refurbishment during a seven-week drydock in Singapore, from February to March 2025. The project will introduce sustainable technology upgrades, a contemporary new look for the popular Le Grill restaurant, a reimagined pool deck complete with shaded cabana areas, eight new connecting staterooms, and an update of soft furnishings throughout the ship.

“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 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—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 a key member of the Polynesian community, reflecting our profound connection to this region and its people.” 

Highlights of the refurbishment include:

• 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. 

• Le Grill: Offering floor-to-ceiling views of islands and sea, this 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. This is where guests enjoy open-seating breakfast buffets, causal lunches dining on grilled favorites 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 will surround the space.
  
  

• 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.  

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

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

In addition to the enhancements, the ship’s stack will now feature the iconic PONANT three-sail logo as a tribute to its parent company. 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. 

Emerging from drydock at the end of March, The 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 a 16-night’ Crossing Melanesia: Australia to Fiji,’ departing April 15, 2025 as the ship sails home to Tahiti. The Gauguin will then resume its award-winning roster of all-inclusive, luxury voyages offering 7- to 14-night journeys to the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Cook Islands, and Marquesas.  

For more information go to https://www.pgcruises.com/.