Paul Gauguin Cruises announced its 2013 schedule, which includes sailings to the Austral and Society islands and guest hosts. After a success this year, the Paul Gauguin will again offer an 11-night “Island of Whales” sailing to the Australs and Society islands departing Sept. 21, 2013, to witness the humpback whales cavorting off the coast of Rurutu.

Throughout 2013, the Gauguin will visit the islands of French Polynesia for seven-, 10-, 11-, and 14-night sailings. The cruises visit Bora Bora and Moorea, plus access the company’s private Motu Mahana adjacent to Taha’a.

The launch of guest-host sailings proved so popular in 2012 that Paul Gauguin Cruises will continue this program on select 2013 sailings. Among the guest hosts will be environmentalist and oceanographer Jean-Michel Cousteau, creator of the Paul Gauguin’s Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program. Cousteau will offer lectures with videos of his work and accompany several dives from the ship.

Having completed a $7 million renovation, the Paul Gauguin now features new flooring and carpeting, new furniture, new window treatments and wall panels, and new signage. Additionally, all suites and staterooms have been updated with new teak railings and bathroom floors.