Paul Gauguin Cruises Extends Moana Explorer Kids Program to 2027

Paul Gauguin Cruises is taking its Moana Explorer Program into 2027, scheduling the complimentary youth offering on 12 voyages aboard Paul Gauguin as it continues to market family-focused sailings in French Polynesia.

Moana Explorer returns in 2027 with 12 scheduled voyages

The line said the Moana Explorer Program, developed with nonprofit Te mana o te moana and first launched in 2020, is designed to give younger guests hands-on learning experiences focused on French Polynesia’s marine life and island environments, both onboard and during shore activities. Paul Gauguin Cruises said the program is open to children ages six to 15, with sessions led by naturalists and conservation-focused educators.

Susan Robison, vice president of marketing and communications for Ponant Explorations Group Americas, framed the initiative as both educational and creativity-driven. “Travel opens so many doors for children to learn, expand their minds, and nurture their creativity,” Robison said. “We’re honored to partner with Te mana o te moana for a seventh consecutive year, reaffirming our commitment to help preserve the natural wonders and cultures of French Polynesia.”

What kids do onboard and ashore

Programming varies by itinerary, but Paul Gauguin Cruises said activities can include guided snorkeling, stargazing, crafts, simple science-style water experiments, treasure hunts, pool games, and onboard games built around ocean themes. The line said the program also incorporates cultural elements, including an activity where children design their own Polynesian tattoo.

2027 itineraries and sailing dates with Moana Explorer

Paul Gauguin Cruises said the Moana Explorer Program will be offered on a mix of summer and holiday sailings in 2027, ranging from one-week Society Islands itineraries to longer routes that add the Tuamotus, the Marquesas, and the Cook Islands.

Seven-night voyages in the Society Islands

• Seven-Night Tahiti and the Society Islands, with overnights in Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti: June 19, June 26, August 14, and August 21, 2027.
• Seven-Night More Society Islands and Tahiti, returning to Raiatea and featuring overnights in Bora Bora and Tahiti: July 17, 2027.

Longer itineraries featuring the Tuamotus and beyond

• 10-Night More Tuamotus & Society Islands, with time in the lagoons of Fakarava and Rangiroa plus overnights in Bora Bora and Moorea: June 9, August 4, and December 29, 2027.
• 11-Night Society Islands and Tuamotus, including Fakarava’s UNESCO-listed marine biosphere reserve and Huahine’s rainforest landscapes: July 24, 2027.
• 11-Night Cook Islands and Society Islands, visiting Aitutaki and Rarotonga and featuring an overnight in Bora Bora: December 18, 2027.
• 14-Night Marquesas, Tuamotus and Society Islands: July 3 and August 28, 2027.

Availability in 2025 and 2026, plus booking incentives

Paul Gauguin Cruises said guests can also find the Moana Explorer Program on select remaining 2025 sailings and across 11 departures scheduled during 2026.

Separately, the line has extended its Tempting Tahiti offer to include select 2025 and all 2026 departures, providing a $1,000 shipboard credit per stateroom or suite for bookings made by November 15, 2025. The company said the credit can be applied to onboard spending such as shore excursions, spa services, and shopping, and applies to itineraries that explore destinations including the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Marquesas, Cook Islands, and the South Pacific.

For travel advisors, the company is also offering a gift-card incentive tied to new deposits: a $500 gift card per newly deposited booking, or $250 for solo travelers. Paul Gauguin Cruises also said teenagers age 17 and younger sail free when traveling in the same suite or stateroom as their parents.

Ship updates after a multimillion-dollar refurbishment

Paul Gauguin Cruises said Paul Gauguin completed a multimillion-dollar refurbishment earlier this year. Updates cited by the line include a redesigned Le Grill venue, a reworked pool deck that adds shaded cabana-style areas, and new connecting staterooms aimed at multigenerational and family groups traveling together.

The company also said the ship received an updated exterior look and sustainability-related technical improvements, including a seawater filtration system and other upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Moana Explorer Program included in the cruise fare?

Yes. Paul Gauguin Cruises describes Moana Explorer as a complimentary program offered on select voyages.

What ages can participate in Moana Explorer?

The line said the program is for children ages six to 15.

Will Moana Explorer be available before 2027?

Yes. Paul Gauguin Cruises said the program is available on select remaining 2025 voyages and on 11 departures scheduled in 2026.

What is included in the Tempting Tahiti promotion, and when is the booking deadline?

The offer includes a $1,000 shipboard credit per stateroom or suite on select 2025 departures and all 2026 departures, when booked by November 15, 2025. Paul Gauguin Cruises said the credit can be used toward onboard spending such as shore excursions, spa treatments, and shopping.

What updates were made during the recent refurbishment of Paul Gauguin?

Paul Gauguin Cruises said the ship’s upgrades include a redesigned Le Grill restaurant, changes to the pool deck that add shaded cabana-style areas, new connecting staterooms for family groups, an updated exterior look, and sustainability-related technical improvements including a seawater filtration system.

With the 2027 Moana Explorer schedule laid out across summer and holiday departures, the line is giving families specific itinerary lengths and sailing dates to compare well in advance, while the booking window for the $1,000 shipboard credit on 2026 departures runs through November 15, 2025.