If any corner of the world is synonymous with paradise, it’s French Polynesia’s scattered, sparsely inhabited islands, buttercream palm-fringed beaches, and glass-clear waters.
The region is best visited by water, yet, when it comes to cruising, the islands around Tahiti remain surprisingly uncharted territory: the region welcomed 110,000 passengers in 2024—compare that to the Caribbean’s 15 million or the Mediterranean’s 5.8 million for the same period.
In good news for cruisers looking to get off the beaten track, luxury cruise line Ponant is doubling down on its presence in French Polynesia. As of winter 2026/27, the French line will have two ships based there, with explorer-class vessel Le Jacques Cartier joining M/S Paul Gaugin, a ship that was purpose-built to cruise the shallow lagoons so characteristic of the region.
Across the five archipelagos of French Polynesia—the Society, Tuamotu, Austral, Gambier, and Marquesas Islands, along with the Pitcairn Islands, a British Overseas Territory—the pair will offer two distinct experiences for travelers.
M/S Paul Gaugin, which has been sailing these waters for more than 27 years, will continue its long-standing focus on cultural immersion with 66 departure dates during the 2026/27 season. The round-trip sailings from Papeete in Tahiti start at seven nights and core itineraries call at classic destinations like Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea. Some sailings visit Cook Islands, Fiji, and Tonga, and include extended stopovers.
The ship underwent a multi-million dollar refurbishment in 2025, including a complete redesign of restaurant Le Grill and upgrades to the pool area, as well as the addition of eight new connecting cabins for family and multigenerational groups.
With a smaller selection of just 9 departures, Le Jacques Cartier will visit some of the most remote archipelagos on three 14-night “Discovery” round-trip sailings from Papeete.
Julien Fabro/PONANT
These all-new itineraries have been crafted to open up the rarely visited side of French Polynesia to travelers, with fares starting from $12,330.
On the “Secret Polynesia: Unexplored Tuamotu, the Gambier Islands and the Austral Islands” itinerary, guests will sail through the wild Gambier Islands and the Austral archipelago in the south of the region. Among the highlights is a chance to set foot on the coral island of Rurutu, with troglodyte caves and hiking routes.
The second itinerary, Polynesian Bliss: Marquesas and Tuamotu, takes in the mesmerizing landscapes that inspired artists like Paul Gauguin, as well as sacred archaeological sites scattered with Tiki statues.
“From Confidential French Polynesia to Pitcairn Island” charts a dazzling course through Tuamotu and the Gambier Islands all the way to the fabled Pitcairn Island. Along the way, travelers will learn about ancestral practices and local cultures.
“Guests who will embark aboard Le Jacques Cartier in French Polynesia are going to experience the journey of a lifetime. Something absolutely extraordinary awaits them. That’s what Ponant is all about. It’s about creating experiences and activities that no one else has thought of,” commented José Sarica, Ponant’s R&D Expedition Experience Director.
Guests can even book the three new itineraries back-to-back to experience an entire “Discovery” of the destination. The mammoth journey is a total of 42 nights, spent across six archipelagos and 23 islands, including the Pitcairn Islands.
