Paul
Gauguin Cruises announced that its 330-guest Paul Gauguin will undergo extensive
refurbishment during a seven-week drydock in Singapore.
The multi-million-dollar project features sustainable
technology upgrades, a new contemporary look for its Le Grill restaurant, a
reimagined pool deck, eight new connecting statements and the updating of the
ship’s soft furnishings.
“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.
He added, “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.”
The design change is led by Stirling International, whose approach
aligns with Paul Gauguin Cruises’ vision of artful and authentic discovery. The
ship will feature reimagined interiors and open decks, where intricate
latticework and canvas elements harmonize with warm wood finishes, seamlessly
blending with the natural light and stunning tropical surroundings.
Refurbishments include:
- Connecting Staterooms: Eight new
connecting staterooms on Deck 7 will appeal to the growing multi-generational travel boom as the Gauguin
remains the only cruise ship in French Polynesia year-round offering a
complimentary program for children ages six to 15 on select summer and holiday
voyages.
- Le Grill: With floor-to-ceiling views of
islands and sea, this indoor/outdoor restaurant adjacent to the pool will get a
total 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.
- Pool Deck: A sweeping new white canopy with
shade cabana-like seating will be located on the port side of the newly
refinished teak pool deck with the pool façade wrapped by a new mosaic banner.
- Pool Bar: Amplifying the chic new pool
space, the Pool Bar will receive the same white wood-carved screens as Le
Grill, along with new lighting for a subtle evening glow.
- Soft Enhancements: Throughout the ship, public
spaces and staterooms will see reupholstered furnishings and new carpeting in a
tropically chic color palette along with woodwork restorations.
- Sustainable Technology: The refurbishment
will introduce 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 to reduce energy
consumption. A new seawater treatment system will produce fresh water
onboard, while the Nordaq filtration system producing drinking water from
seawater helps eliminate plastic water bottles, minimizing single-use plastics.
Waste management enhancements for efficient recycling include a glass crusher
and a cardboard compactor.
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 her all-inclusive, luxury
voyages offering seven- to 14-night journeys to the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Cook
Islands and Marquesas.
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