Julie Rogers, PONANT EXPLORATIONS Director of Sales APAC, recently led a select group of travel trade partners on an immersive famil voyage through Indonesia aboard the newly refurbished m/s Paul Gauguin, sailing from Singapore to Darwin on the ‘Sacred Temples and Natural Sanctuaries’ itinerary.
Coinciding with the ship’s return to service on 1 April after a multi-million dollar, seven-week drydock in Singapore, the 13-night journey showcased the elegant transformation of the Paul Gauguin, operated by PONANT’s sister brand, Paul Gauguin Cruises.
Trade guests from Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore were treated to a thoughtfully curated itinerary featuring exclusive onboard previews and culturally rich shore experiences.
Highlights included a visit to the UNESCO-listed Borobudur Temple, a vibrant traditional dance welcome in Surabaya, and a Tahitian dance class led by onboard performers—reflecting the ship’s Polynesian heritage.
The m/s Paul Gauguin now boasts a refreshed Le Grill restaurant, an upgraded pool deck with shaded cabanas, newly configured connecting staterooms, modern soft furnishings, and enhanced sustainable technologies—all experienced first-hand by the invited trade guests.
Strengthening connections across the Asia-Pacific
The famil voyage highlighted PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ ongoing commitment to offering intimate and culturally enriching journeys throughout the Asia-Pacific region. It also reaffirmed the line’s dedication to strengthening ties with trade partners through first-hand experiences that showcase its luxury product offering.
The m/s Paul Gauguin made a 24-hour call in Darwin on 14 April before continuing its voyage home to French Polynesia.
