Ponant will double its footprint in French Polynesia during the 2026-27 winter season. The luxury-expedition yacht Le Jacques Cartier will join the year-round m/s Paul Gauguin from October 2026 through February 2027, offering three distinct 14-night round-trip sailings from Papeete, Tahiti. With 92 staterooms and suites, a modular marina, and the line's trademark Blue Eye underwater lounge, the vessel brings a more expedition-driven approach to the South Pacific.
Key Points
- Why it matters: Ponant boosts high-end capacity in French Polynesia for peak U.S. Winter Travel.
- Le Jacques Cartier to operate October 2026-February 2027 alongside Paul Gauguin.
- Three 14-night routes: Austral Islands, Pitcairn Island, Marquesas & Society Islands.
- Ship offers 92 balcony accommodations, Blue Eye lounge, and water-sports marina.
- Move responds to rising demand for remote, small-ship exploration.
Snapshot
Beginning in late 2026, Ponant Explorations Group will station Le Jacques Cartier in French Polynesia for a five-month winter deployment. The 184-guest Explorer-class yacht will sail a trio of 14-night itineraries that reach far-flung archipelagos seldom visited by mainstream lines, including the Austral group and Pitcairn. Departures are round trip from Papeete, ensuring straightforward air access for North American travelers. By pairing the expedition-ready Jacques Cartier with the culturally immersive Paul Gauguin, Ponant will offer both adventure-forward and resort-style options in one of the world's most sought-after Cruise regions.
Background
Ponant purchased Paul Gauguin Cruises in 2019 to anchor its presence in the South Pacific. While Paul Gauguin's shallow draft and Polynesian-inspired programming serve mainstream luxury guests year-round, Le Jacques Cartier was designed for off-the-beaten-path exploration. Delivered in 2020, the ship features a marina for kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, plus the immersive Blue Eye lounge below the waterline. Its seasonal assignment from September 2026 through March 2027 aligns with peak weather windows and capitalizes on strong U.S. demand for long-haul winter escapes. The move echoes Ponant's broader strategy of deploying Explorer-class vessels to regions where environmental sensitivity and small-group landings are vital.
Latest Developments
Three Remote-Focus Itineraries Debut
Secret Polynesia: Society to the Austral Islands explores Tuamotu atolls and little-visited Raivavae and Rapa in the Austral chain. From French Polynesia to Pitcairn Island crosses open Pacific reaches to the legendary British Overseas Territory, also touching the Gambier Islands. Polynesian Bliss: Marquesas, Tuamotu & Society Islands links iconic sites such as Fakarava's UNESCO-listed reef with the rugged Marquesas, known for dramatic cliffs and ancient tiki sculpture. All sailings last 14 nights and include Zodiac landings led by naturalists.
Onboard Features Tailored to Expedition Cruising
Le Jacques Cartier's 92 balcony suites support an intimate, yacht-like atmosphere. The aft marina deploys inflatables and water toys directly from the stern, while the Blue Eye lounge offers multi-sensory views of marine life beneath the surface. Two restaurants serve French-influenced cuisine, and a spa with hammam complements the active programming ashore. With 118 crew members-roughly one for every 1.5 guests-the ship promises high-touch service even on longer Pacific crossings.
Analysis
Ponant's decision to position a second vessel in French Polynesia signals confidence in the region's resilience and growth prospects. Post-pandemic demand for nature-centric voyages remains robust, particularly among U.S. travelers seeking bucket-list experiences without the crowds of larger ships. By offering itineraries that venture hundreds of miles beyond the Society Islands, the line taps a niche for authentic exploration while leveraging Paul Gauguin's established brand equity. Operationally, using the same Papeete turn-port simplifies logistics and air-lift, containing costs despite serving remote archipelagos. The strategy also differentiates Ponant from luxury rivals that focus mainly on mainstream Society-Tuamotu loops. Long-term, the dual-ship model could pave the way for shoulder-season deployment or additional expedition products across the Pacific.
Final Thoughts
With Le Jacques Cartier joining Paul Gauguin for winter 2026-27, Ponant strengthens its hold on high-end, small-ship cruising in French Polynesia. The new itineraries widen the map to Pitcairn and the Austral Islands, offering travelers a deeper, more adventurous take on French Polynesia.