By
Alex Smith |
Ponant Explorations Group will deploy two ships in French Polynesia for the winter 2026–2027 season, expanding its long-standing presence in the region through a dual-ship operating model.
Building on more than 25 years of experience in the destination with Paul Gauguin, the group will introduce Le Jacques Cartier to operate exploration-focused itineraries targeting lesser-visited archipelagos. Together, the two vessels will operate across the Society, Tuamotu, Austral, Gambier and Marquesas Islands, as well as the Pitcairn Islands, a British Overseas Territory.
The two ships will offer distinct products. Paul Gauguin, which has been based year-round in French Polynesia for more than two decades, will continue to operate culturally focused itineraries in the Society Islands, Tuamotu and Marquesas, with selected departures to the Cook Islands, Fiji and Tonga. The 165-stateroom ship was renovated in 2025 and features onboard Polynesian hosts, known as the Gauguins and Gauguines, who deliver cultural programming including performances and workshops. Optional shore excursions are offered at each port of call, and scuba diving is available.
Le Jacques Cartier will operate nine departures during the 2026–2027 season, introducing three new “Discovery” itineraries focused on the Tuamotu, Marquesas, Austral, Gambier and Pitcairn Islands. The 92-stateroom vessel will include a diving instructor onboard and offer one included activity per day per guest led by local guides, with landings conducted by tender, local boats and Zodiac craft. The three itineraries may be combined into a single 42-night voyage covering six archipelagos and 23 islands.
In preparation for the programme, Ponant Explorations Group conducted a scouting mission in the Austral and Tuamotu archipelagos to develop shore activities in collaboration with local communities. The work focused on designing culturally immersive experiences, including welcome ceremonies, workshops with local artisans and visits to marae, or 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,” said José Sarica, research and development expedition experience director at Ponant Explorations Group. “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 new itineraries include two 15-day roundtrip sailings from Papeete departing in October and December 2026 focused on the Tuamotu, Gambier and Austral Islands, as well as a November 2026 departure extending to the Pitcairn Islands. A further itinerary covering the Marquesas and Tuamotu Islands will operate six times between November 2026 and January 2027.
Six new ports of call have been confirmed as part of the programme. In the Tuamotu archipelago, these include Mataiva, Hikueru and Makemo. In the Austral archipelago, new calls will be made at Raivavae, Tubuai and Rurutu, where humpback whales are present until mid-November.