Paul Gauguin Cruise Ship Set for Multi-Million-Dollar Refurbishment in 2025

Image: Rendering of Paul Gauguin Cruises Le Grill Refurbishment (Photo Credit: Stirling Design- Paul Gauguin Cruises)
Image: Rendering of Paul Gauguin Cruises Le Grill Refurbishment (Photo Credit: Stirling Design- Paul Gauguin Cruises)
Noreen Kompanik
by Noreen Kompanik
Last updated: 2:55 PM ET, Wed December 4, 2024

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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