Paul Gauguin upgrades span pool deck, Le Grill, sustainability techPaul Gauguin upgrades span pool deck, Le Grill, sustainability tech

Paul Gauguin's seven-week Singapore dry dock will introduce technology upgrades to reduce environmental impact, a contemporary new-look Le Grill restaurant and a reimagined pool deck complete with a shaded cabana-like area.

Other changes entail eight new connecting staterooms and the updating of soft furnishes throughout the 330-passenger ship.

The vision

'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, 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 ... 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.'

Stirling Design International

Leading the project is Stirling Design International, which has spearheaded Ponant newbuild interiors since 1984.

Paul Gauguin's reimagined interiors and open decks will sport intricate latticework and canvas elements, harmonizing with warm wood finishes to blend in with the natural light and tropical surroundings.

Related:Paul Gauguin schedules 2026 Moana Explorer youth program cruises

Connecting staterooms

Eight new connecting staterooms on Deck 7 will serve the growing multigenerational travel boom, a trend Paul Gauguin Cruises has addressed in its Moana Explorer Program for ages 6 to 15 since 2020 in partnership with Te mana o te moana, a South Pacific marine education and conservancy foundation.

Le Grill

This indoor-outdoor restaurant with big sea views adjacent to the pool will get a top-to-bottom makeover for a sleek, contemporary look in white with wood screens, ceramic tiles and trim framing culinary stations. Soft oak wood furnishings will be crowned by stylish bamboo light fixtures.

Le Grill provides open-seating breakfast buffets, casual lunches with grilled favorites and salads, and dinners by reservation showcasing an authentic menu of Polynesian and international specialties.

Pool Deck and Pool Bar

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.

A canopy will shade cabana-like seating on the port side of the pool RENDERING: STIRLING DESIGN INTERNATIONAL

Amplifying this, the Pool Bar will receive the same white wood-carved screens as Le Grill, and new lighting for a subtle evening glow.

Soft goods

Throughout Paul Gauguin, both public spaces and staterooms will get reupholstered furnishings and new carpeting in a tropically chic color palette as well as woodwork restorations.

Technology upgrades

The refurbishment will introduce technology to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Energy performance upgrades will include advanced heat recovery systems, efficient chillers, an Organic Rankine Cycle system generating electricity from heat and optimized electric motors, significantly reducing energy consumption.

A new seawater treatment system will produce fresh water, while the Nordaq filtration system that produces drinking water from seawater helps eliminate plastic water bottles.

Waste management enhancements include a glass crusher and a cardboard compactor for efficient recycling.

New Ponant logo on the stack

The ship’s stack will now carry Ponant's three-sail logo, crafted in polished steel and illuminated with LED backing for a striking nighttime display. Additionally, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ signature scripted 'P' logo will take a prominent position on Deck 8 forward, while the 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, and a 16-night 'Crossing Melanesia: Australia to Fiji,' departing April 15 as the ship sails home to Tahiti.