Ponant Cruises finishes significant refurbishment of the MS Paul Gauguin vessel

Paul Gauguin Cruises (Ponant’s fully-owned subsidiary) has concluded a comprehensive 7-week drydock refurbishment of the 330-guest ms Paul Gauguin in Singapore, with the vessel reentering service on April 1. The overhaul included significant upgrades to public areas, accommodations, and environmental systems, aimed at aligning the ship with contemporary maritime standards and operational sustainability.  

The refit, executed under the direction of Stirling Design International, included a modernization of the onboard aesthetic while retaining the vessel’s South Pacific character. Enhancements were carried out across guest amenities and technical infrastructure, contributing to both passenger comfort and operational efficiency.  

Key upgrades include:

• New Connecting Staterooms: 8 connecting staterooms have been introduced on Deck 7 to accommodate multi-generational travel. These additions support the vessel’s family-oriented programming, including the “Moana Explorer Program” developed in partnership with Te mana o te moana, a South Pacific marine conservation organization.  
• Le Grill Restaurant Redesign: The open-air dining venue has been reimagined with white wood accents, ceramic tilework, and light oak furnishings. Updated lighting and screening elements enhance both aesthetic and functional aspects of the space.  
• Pool Deck Enhancements: A redesigned deck area features a new canopy structure offering shade over cabana-style seating. Additional elements include a mosaic tile border surrounding the pool and upgraded lounger capacity for passenger relaxation.  
• Sustainability Initiatives: The vessel has been outfitted with several eco-efficient systems, including a heat recovery system, improved chiller technology, an Organic Rankine Cycle system for auxiliary electricity generation, and optimized electric motors. Fresh water is now produced onboard via seawater treatment, and the Nordaq filtration system has replaced single-use plastic water bottles. Waste management capabilities were expanded with the addition of a glass crusher and cardboard compactor.  
• Exterior Branding: The ship’s funnel now displays the polished steel, LED-lit 3-sail emblem of Ponant Explorations Group, reflecting its alignment with the parent company’s brand identity.  

Following the drydock, Paul Gauguin commenced the first of two voyages in its 2025 “Boutique Crossing Collection”—a 14-night Immersive Indonesia voyage from Singapore to Australia, followed by a 16-night Crossing Melanesia journey to Fiji. The vessel will return to its year-round deployment in French Polynesia in May, offering a range of all-inclusive itineraries between 7 and 14 nights across the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Cook Islands, and Marquesas.