Paul Gauguin Announces Refurbishment and New Itineraries For 2027
Dreaming of the jewelled islands and glittering waters of French Polynesia and the South Pacific? Got the itch to book a once-in-a-lifetime voyage unlike any other? Well, you’re in luck!
With Paul Gauguin Cruises (the authority on all things French Polynesia) recently announcing a multi-million-dollar refurbishment of their ship Le Paul Gauguin, as well as nine exclusive itineraries unveiled for 2027, there has never been a better time to get on board.
Le Paul Gauguin (part of the Ponant family since 2019) is truly one-of-a-kind; her unique design enables her to weave through shallow lagoons and secluded islands, offering her guests unparalleled access and opportunities for adventure. With its intimate size and 1:1.5 Crew to Guest ratio (one of the highest of any luxury cruise ship) Le Paul Gauguin boasts multiple accolades, including Condé Nast Traveler’s ‘Best Small Cruise’ and Travel + Leisure’s ‘World’s Best Small-Ship Cruise Line’. Le Paul Gauguin will undergo an extensive refurbishment during a seven-week drydock in Singapore between February and March 2025.
‘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," says Herve Gastinel, CEO and chief sustainability officer of Ponant Explorations Group.
In addition to existing-wheelchair accessible suites, and rooms which can accommodate three guests, Deck 7 will now house eight new connecting staterooms, appealing to the growing trend for multi-generational travel. Furthermore, all public spaces and staterooms will see fresh carpeting and reupholstered furnishings in an exotically elegant colour palette, whilst the renowned Le Grill restaurant is to be in receipt of a head-to-toe modern makeover. Guests will be able to enjoy al fresco breakfasts, light lunches, and bona fide Polynesian dinners, all whilst comfortably ensconced in soft oak and bamboo fixtures, ceramic tiles, and wooden screens, framed by glittering ocean views. Additionally, the Pool Deck and Bar will also be on the receiving end of a significant upgrade, with brand-new cabana-inspired seating on the teak deck, shaded by a sweeping white canopy, whilst the façade of the pool itself will be enveloped in sparkling mosaic. Guests can soak up the sunshine and panoramic views from white chaise loungers scattered around the pool space and grab a cocktail (or two!) from the revamped Pool Bar.
On top of authenticity and immaculate aesthetics, the company has demonstrated an unshakable commitment to responsible travel, installing brand-new, cutting-edge sustainable technology as part of the renovation. Upgrades include efficient chillers, advanced heat recovery systems, a glass crusher and cardboard compactor for efficient recycling, an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system which generates electricity from heat, as well as optimized electric motors, significantly reducing energy consumption. A new seawater treatment system will provide fresh water onboard, while the Nordaq filtration system that produces drinking water from seawater helps minimise single-use plastic bottles, making Le Paul Gauguin one of the most responsible ways to explore the South Pacific.
Whether you’re looking to tour Tahiti, breeze through Bora Bora, meander around the Marquesas islands, or traverse Tuamotu, French Polynesia is the ultimate blissful getaway and no one does it better than Paul Gauguin. The islands are home to dazzling vistas, tranquil beaches, unspoiled nature, and rich cultures – is there a better way to explore than waking up in a luxurious new location every day, with paradise at your fingertips? Paul Gauguin Cruises has opened bookings for the 2027 season and unveiled nine exclusive itineraries to the South Pacific. From the Society Islands and the Tuamotus to the Marquesas, all the way to Melanesia, each and every voyage aboard the multiple award-winning Le Paul Gauguin promises an unforgettable journey into the very heart of this island utopia. Fusing relaxed sophistication with diverse adventures and welcoming local culture, each voyage offers a wholly original travel experience.
Check out the itineraries below:
Tahiti and the Society Islands
Explore the delights of the South Pacific on this exciting seven-night itinerary! From the vanilla scented beaches of Taha’a to the untamed beauty of Moorea, each port of call has a charm all of its own.
Papeete, Tahiti Island - Papeete, Tahiti Island
An immersive adventure, which includes a visit to Raiatea, the beating heart of Polynesian culture, and to Huahine, the ocean’s own Garden of Eden. Spend the night in the shadow of the magnificent volcano that reigns over Bora Bora, before taking a dip in the sparkling lagoon of Moorea.
Papeete, Tahiti Island - Papeete, Tahiti Island
Society Islands and The Tuamotus
An inspiring voyage of discovery through the magical Tuamotu archipelago with a night in Fakarava, the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Highlights include Rangiroa, the largest lagoon in Polynesia and a mecca for cultured pearls, the awe-inspiring beauty of Bora Bora, the sublime beaches of Moorea, the botanical paradise that is Huahine, the sacred haven of Raiatea, and let’s not forget the tiny island of Motu Mahana, the jewel in the heart of the Taha’a lagoon!
Papeete, Tahiti Island - Papeete, Tahiti Island
Cook Islands and Society Islands
Behold the spectacle of the South Pacific with its fierce beauty and diverse landscapes - the rugged skyline of Rarotonga, the coral reefs encircling Aitutaki and the breathtaking allure of Bora Bora and Moorea come together to create an unforgettable adventure in Polynesia.
Papeete, Tahiti Island - Papeete, Tahiti Island
Marquesas, The Tuamotus and Society Islands
A fortnight sailing between the Marquesas, the Tuamotus and Society Islands gives guests time to fully immerse themselves in this otherworldly paradise! A variety of activities on land, on the water and underwater is at your fingertips, surrounded by the serene elegance and tranquil white beaches of the South Pacific.
Papeete, Tahiti Island - Papeete, Tahiti Island
Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands and Society Islands
Venturing beyond the usual route around the Society Islands, this voyage takes guests on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the South Pacific’s legendary islands. From tiny Tonga to fascinating Fiji, unspoiled nature, local culture, and stunning scenery are all yours to explore.
Lautoka, Viti Levu Island - Papeete, Tahiti Island
The perfect trip for those who feel most at home on an extended ocean crossing. The perfect blend of relaxing days at sea and memorable tours of seven intriguing islands in the South Pacific between the tropical icons of Fiji and Bali. Among the many highlights of this cruise, Vanuatu, Guadalcanal and the Komodo National Park.
Lautoka, Viti Levu Island - Benoa, Bali
Indonesia’s Sacred Temples and Natural Sanctuaries
This voyage transports guests on Le Paul Gauguin from the futuristic skyscrapers of Singapore to enchanting Indonesia, where ancient temples tower over jade green jungles and ivory beaches border turquoise seas. From the cultural hub of Java to the legendary Komodo Dragons, every port of call unveils new wonders before guests arrive in Darwin, Australia, gateway to the Northern Territory wilderness.
Singapore - Darwin
An Escapade in the Heart of Melanesia
From the tropical shores of Darwin via the captivating islands of Melanesia, this voyage explores isolated havens steeped in ancient traditions and historical gravity. From the tribes of Papua New Guinea to the unsullied reefs of the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu’s mystical beaches, each offers a unique experience. The cruise concludes in the incomparable jewels of Fiji, Suva and Lautoka, where generous hospitality, buzzing markets, and colonial architecture come together to create an enchanting finale.
Darwin - Lautoka, Viti Levu Island
