Ponant Explorations Group will dispatch two vessels offering two distinct expedition journeys for winter 2026-2027, charting deeper into more remote waters in the French Polynesia.
Building on over 25 years of French Polynesian expertise, the brand’s resident vessel Paul Gauguin will offer 66 departures this winter season. Purpose-built for shallow lagoons, the 165-key ship will visit the Society Islands, Tuamotu, Marquesas, the Cook Islands, Fiji and Tonga.
Complementing this is the Le Jacques Cartier, which will offer nine departures across 92 staterooms and suites, visiting Tuamotu, Marquesas, Austral, Gambier and Pitcairn Islands. On board are a diving instructor, with each passenger promised an activity daily, together with outings by local boats.
These never-before-seen itineraries 'in the wildest islands of Polynesia' can be combined into a single trip spanning 42 nights on board, 6 archipelagos, 23 islands, as well as the Pitcairn Islands. This itinerary will also be the only one of its kind to be offered.
Together, the two-vessel approach will offer passengers either established operations in the French Polynesia, or expedition-style cruising to less visited archipelagos.
Included are also six new ports of call – a result of an advanced scouting trip by José Sarica, R&D expedition experience director.
"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. We discovered hidden treasures, places of incredible beauty and a spirituality that is truly linked to the natural environment.”
Le Jacques Cartier’s three programmes depart 18 October, 15 November and 13 December 2026, priced at US$12,330 for 14 nights. Another six departures start from November 2026 to January 2027, starting at US$13,580 also for 14 nights.