- Luxury cruise business, Ponant Explorations Group has announced plans to expand its presence in French Polynesia by deploying two ships in the region from late 2026 and into 2027.
- The m/s Paul Gauguin will continue operating in the area, with the new Le Jacques Cartier vessel to expand itineraries and broaden voyage offerings.
- The new ‘never-before-seen’ discovery itineraries will explore the Society, Tuamotu, Austral, Gambier and Marquesas Islands, as well as the Pitcairn Islands, a British Overseas Territory.
- Prices start from $15,840 per person, with the first voyages setting sail in October 2026.
There are few places on Earth quite as vibrant and untouched as French Polynesia. The South Pacific region is home to some of the world’s most remarkable natural vistas, replete with coral-fringed lagoons, dense backcountry and the kind of towering waterfalls that would put Iceland to shame. In a sense, French Polynesia is a rugged paradise that has long fascinated travellers and come late 2026, there will new ways to experience it.
Global luxury cruise company Ponant Explorations Group has announced plans to expand its presence in French Polynesia, confirming two ships will be stationed in the region in 2026 and 2027. The travel cruise organisation already operates in the territory courtesy of its Paul Gauguin Cruises brand, which has been sailing the islands year-round for more than 26 years. However, the latest announcement marks the debut of a brand-new vessel.
Le Jacques Cartier
Le Jacques Cartier, the group’s latest high-end ship will join stablemate m/s Paul Gauguin in French Polynesia to offer three never-before-seen “Discovery” itineraries. Described as ‘completely new itineraries in the wildest islands of Polynesia’, the voyages will explore the Society, Tuamotu, Austral, Gambier and Marquesas Islands, as well as the Pitcairn Islands, a British Overseas Territory.
Venturing deep into the Pacific, guests will have the opportunity to navigate remote archipelagos, view untouched islets and catch a glimpse of far-flung atolls where communities may number only a few dozen residents.
According to Ponant, these three new itineraries can be joined together to make up a single trip to the most complete destination on the market (and the only one at present): 42 nights on board, 6 archipelagos, 23 islands, as well as the Pitcairn Islands.
Community Input
According to Ponant, the new itineraries have been designed with considered input from the local residents. José Sarica, research and development expedition experience director at Ponant Explorations Group, recently flew to the Austral and Tuamotu Islands to prepare for the new “Discovery” itineraries.
There, he worked closely with community members to design immersive activities, like traditional Polynesian culture welcome ceremonies, workshops with basket-makers or sculptors, and visits to marae (sacred open-air temples).
“The main challenge of this scouting trip was to gain acceptance from very isolated communities, each with their own unique culture from one island to the next, in order to work together to create a unique experience for future guests,“ Sarica said. “We discovered hidden treasures, places of incredible beauty and a spirituality that is truly linked to the natural environment. The farewell ceremonies then took on their full meaning for me, signifying ‘see you soon’!“
The importance of community input cannot be understated. In cultures such as Greenland, cruise ships are seen as disruptive nuisances, causing more challenges than economic benefits. By collaborating with local stakeholders, cruise operators can help manage visitor numbers, protect ecosystems, and prevent overcrowding, while also ensuring an authentic experience for guests. Most importantly, engaging with communities helps safeguard cultural heritage by promoting respectful tourism that reflects local values.
Pricing and Booking
The three new itineraries set sail from October 2026 and will run through February 2027. Additionally, the two new itineraries aboard Le Jacques Cartier will be offered in addition to voyages to the Marquesas. The three “Discovery” itineraries on Le Jacques Cartier in French Polynesia include:
- Secret Polynesia: Unexplored Tuamotu, the Gambier Islands and the Austral Islands: Papeete-Papeete, departing 18 October 2026 and 13 December 2026, 15 days-14 nights with prices starting from $15,840 per person.
- From Confidential French Polynesia to Pitcairn Island: Papeete-Papeete, departing 15 November 2026, 15 days-14 nights, with prices starting from $16,010 per person.
- Polynesian Bliss: Marquesas and Tuamotu: Papeete-Papeete, 6 departures from November 2026 to January 2027, 15 days-14 nights, with prices starting from $15,840 per person.
All three 14-night itineraries travel roundtrip from Papeete, Tahiti, and are available for booking now. For more information on the upcoming Ponant French Polynesia Discovery itineraries and extra voyages, visit the Ponant website.
Ponant French Polynesia Itineraries 2026
