Tahiti’s Top Cruise Ship Receives Multi-Million-Dollar Facelift
Paul Gauguin Cruises has completed an extensive refurbishment of the 330-passenger ms Paul Gauguin cruise ship. The ship, which offers the leading cruise experience in French Polynesia, offers transformed spaces, enhanced amenities and upgrades that focus on sustainability.
The refurbishment included a contemporary redesign of the Le Grill restaurant and pool deck upgrades. The pool area now features an elegant, shaded cabana area.
Cruisers also can choose to travel with family and friends in eight new connecting staterooms.
Travelers also will enjoy new soft furnishings throughout the ship and the integration of sustainable technologies.
Led by Stirling Design International, the upgrades reflect the line’s vision of artful and authentic travel in this special region of the world. Intricate latticework and canvas elements blend nicely with warm wood finishes, creating an ambiance that reflects the natural beauty of the tropical surroundings.
5 Best New Features of Paul Gauguin’s Refurbishment
1. Connecting Staterooms
Eight new connecting staterooms on Deck 7 accommodate growing numbers of multi-generational travelers. These cabins complement the ship's highly successful Moana Explorer Program for children ages 6 to 15, offered in partnership with Te mana o te moana, the South Pacific’s premier marine education and conservation foundation.
2. Redesigned Le Grill
Paul Gauguin’s indoor/outdoor restaurant now offers a sleek, contemporary design with white wood screens, ceramic tiles and soft oak furnishings enhanced by stylish light fixtures. This gives cruisers an elegant setting for romantic dinners enjoying the ship’s gourmet cuisine.
3. Transformed Pool Deck
A sweeping new white canopy provides shade for cabana-like seating, complemented by a striking mosaic banner around the pool and ample chaise loungers for ultimate relaxation.
4. Sustainable Technology
The ship now has 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 produces fresh water onboard, while the Nordaq filtration system helps eliminate plastic water bottles, significantly reducing single-use plastics. Waste-management enhancements include a glass crusher and a cardboard compactor for efficient recycling.
5. Updated Paint Scheme
As a tribute to its parent company, Ponant Explorations Group, the ship’s stack now features the iconic 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 takes a prominent position on Deck 8 forward, while the sleek white hull received modern gray accents.
These design elements underscore the shared values of the group’s brands.
The Gauguin offers year-round seven- to 14-night all-inclusive, luxury voyages in French Polynesia, with cruises that visit the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Cook Islands and Marquesas.
I enjoyed a cruise on MS Paul Gauguin years ago. This video recap (below) shows what it looks like to experience a Paul Gauguin cruise. I’m now eager to get back to try it on the updated cruise ship.