Ponant Adds Le Jacques Cartier for Winter 2026-27 Polynesia Cruises

Ponant Explorations Group is expanding its presence in French Polynesia for the winter 2026-27 season with a two-ship deployment that adds longer, expedition-style voyages alongside a year-round schedule built around Papeete as the main embarkation point.

Le Jacques Cartier will join the Paul Gauguin in the region, with Ponant outlining a program that spans the five archipelagos of French Polynesia: the Society Islands, Tuamotu, Marquesas, Austral, and Gambier. No official statement from French Polynesian government or port authorities was included in available reports.

How Ponant is structuring the winter 2026-27 program

Ponant said the season pairs the Paul Gauguin’s year-round operations in French Polynesia with a seasonal run by Le Jacques Cartier featuring longer itineraries designed around smaller destinations and guided activities. Select voyages extend beyond French Polynesia to other South Pacific destinations, including the Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga, and the Pitcairn Islands.

Le Jacques Cartier: three “Discovery” itineraries designed to connect into a 42-night journey

Ponant is introducing three new “Discovery” itineraries aboard Le Jacques Cartier, each structured as a 14-night, round-trip sailing from Papeete (Papeete-Papeete). The line said the voyages can be combined into a 42-night journey that spans six archipelagos, 23 islands, and the Pitcairn Islands.

Ponant listed nine departures for Le Jacques Cartier during the winter 2026-27 deployment, with the first departure set for Oct. 18, 2026 and additional sailings running through January 2027.

• Secret Polynesia focuses on calls in the Tuamotu, Gambier, and Austral islands on a 14-night, round-trip Papeete sailing. Ponant listed departures on Oct. 18 and Dec. 13, 2026.
• Polynesian Bliss is a 14-night Papeete-Papeete itinerary built around the Marquesas and Tuamotu. Ponant listed six departures scheduled from November 2026 through January 2027.
• From Confidential French Polynesia to Pitcairn Island adds the Pitcairn Islands to a 14-night, round-trip Papeete itinerary. Ponant listed a departure date of Nov. 15, 2026.

Expedition-style shore operations and included daily activities

Ponant positioned Le Jacques Cartier as a tropical exploration platform, highlighting shore operations using tenders, local boats, and zodiac-style craft. The company also said the ship will offer PADI-certified scuba diving.

For these Le Jacques Cartier voyages, Ponant said each guest will have one locally guided activity included per day, aiming to connect travelers to the region’s cultural and natural sites across the Tuamotu, Marquesas, Austral, and Gambier island groups, as well as the Pitcairn Islands.

Paul Gauguin: 66 departures, cultural programming, and lagoon access

Ponant said the Paul Gauguin is based year-round in French Polynesia and is designed for navigating shallow lagoons. For the winter 2026-27 program, Ponant listed a total of 66 departures aboard the ship.

Those itineraries focus primarily on the Society Islands, the Tuamotu archipelago, and the Marquesas, with select departures also reaching other South Pacific destinations such as the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Tonga.

Onboard, Ponant highlighted a team of local Tahitian hosts who live on the vessel, known as the Gauguins and Gauguines. The company said programming includes singing and dancing performances and workshops, alongside optional excursions at ports of call, with PADI-certified scuba diving also available.

New island calls added across the Tuamotu and Austral archipelagos

Ponant also confirmed six new stopovers for the winter 2026-27 program, adding island calls across two archipelagos to complement the broader set of destinations served by both ships.

• Mataiva, in the Tuamotu Archipelago, is one of three newly confirmed Tuamotu calls Ponant added to the seasonal schedule.
• Hikueru, also in the Tuamotu Archipelago, is included as another new stopover for the winter 2026-27 program.
• Makemo rounds out the new Tuamotu additions Ponant said it will include in the updated itineraries.
• Raivavae, in the Austral Archipelago, is one of three new Austral calls Ponant confirmed for the season.
• Tubuai is also being added in the Austral Archipelago as part of the expanded winter 2026-27 scheduling.
• Rurutu completes the list of newly confirmed Austral stopovers Ponant outlined for the program.

Paul Gauguin Cruises markets 2026 sailings with “Take Your Sweetie to Tahiti”

Separately, Paul Gauguin Cruises is promoting 2026 travel with a Wave-season offer it calls “Take Your Sweetie to Tahiti.” The company said the promotion includes a $1,000 shipboard credit per stateroom or suite, plus a celebratory bottle of Champagne and a chocolate treat.

Paul Gauguin Cruises said the offer applies to all 2026 sailings aboard the Paul Gauguin, with itineraries ranging from seven to 14 nights and covering destinations such as the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Marquesas, and Cook Islands, along with other South Pacific stops. The promotion is available for bookings made in the Americas through Feb. 28, 2026.

According to Paul Gauguin Cruises, the shipboard credit can be used for onboard experiences such as spa treatments, shore excursions, Connoisseur List wine selections, and onboard shopping. The line also pointed to onboard features it says appeal to couples, including shaded poolside cabanas, snorkeling from the onboard marina, and al fresco dining, as well as a 1:1.5 crew-to-guest ratio and accommodations with private balconies.

For travelers celebrating milestones, Paul Gauguin Cruises said it offers complimentary and optional ceremonial packages tailored for occasions such as anniversaries. The company also said travel advisors can earn up to $500 in commission for each newly deposited booking made under the promotion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many ships will Ponant Explorations Group have in French Polynesia for winter 2026-27?

Ponant said it plans to deploy two ships in the region: the Paul Gauguin and Le Jacques Cartier.

How long are Le Jacques Cartier’s French Polynesia itineraries, and can they be combined?

Ponant said each of the three new “Discovery” itineraries is 14 nights, and the voyages can be combined into a 42-night journey spanning six archipelagos, 23 islands, and the Pitcairn Islands.

Which new island stopovers were confirmed for the season?

Ponant confirmed six new stopovers: Mataiva, Hikueru, and Makemo in the Tuamotu Archipelago, plus Raivavae, Tubuai, and Rurutu in the Austral Archipelago.

Where do the Le Jacques Cartier “Discovery” voyages begin and end?

Ponant listed the new itineraries as round-trip sailings from Papeete, described as Papeete-Papeete.

What is included in Paul Gauguin Cruises’ “Take Your Sweetie to Tahiti” promotion?

Paul Gauguin Cruises said the promotion includes a $1,000 shipboard credit per stateroom or suite, along with a bottle of Champagne and a chocolate treat. The company said it is valid for bookings made in the Americas through Feb. 28, 2026 and applies to all 2026 sailings aboard the Paul Gauguin.

Ponant’s first listed Le Jacques Cartier sailing in the winter 2026-27 program is scheduled to depart on Oct. 18, 2026, with additional departures through January 2027, while the Paul Gauguin is set to maintain a year-round presence supported by 66 departures in the winter schedule.