Paul Gauguin brings back Moana Explorer in 2027

Published on Oct 21, 2025, 3:04 pm CDT

3 min read

Key points

Twelve Moana Explorer sailings set for 2027
Free, hands-on program for ages 6-15
Partnership continues with Te mana o te moana
Kids 17 and under sail free as third guest
Book 2026 voyages by Nov. 15 for $1,000 credit

Impact

Who Is Affected: Families eyeing French Polynesia on a small luxury ship with structured youth programming.
What's New: Paul Gauguin confirms 12 Moana Explorer Program sailings for 2027, seventh consecutive year.
Dates: Select summer and holiday departures in 2027; 2026 bookings earn $1,000 shipboard credit through November 15, 2025.
Tips: Leverage kids-sail-free as third guest, watch inventory on school-holiday weeks, and route via Papeete's Faa'a International Airport (PPT).

Paul Gauguin Cruises will continue its kid-focused Moana Explorer Program for a seventh consecutive year, confirming 12 sailings in 2027 aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin. The complimentary program, created with South Pacific conservation group Te mana o te moana, engages children ages 6 to 15 with hands-on science and cultural activities ashore and on board. Families also benefit from the line's policy that kids 17 and under sail free when booked as a third guest in the same stateroom, plus a $1,000 shipboard-credit incentive on remaining 2026 departures booked by November 15, 2025.

Paul Gauguin Cruises and Moana Explorer

The Moana Explorer Program is designed to deepen young travelers' understanding of French Polynesia's marine ecosystems through naturalist-led experiences. Depending on itinerary, activities may include guided snorkeling, water experiments, stargazing, crafts such as natural jewelry making, treasure hunts, and pool or deck games. The partnership with Te mana o te moana places local conservationists front and center, adding regional expertise to the ship's small-ship format.

Latest developments

For 2027, Paul Gauguin has slated 12 family-centric departures across its core itineraries, including Tahiti and the Society Islands, More Society Islands and Tahiti, Marquesas, Tuamotus, and Cook Islands combinations. Media materials list specific dates in June, July, August, and December to align with school breaks. The line also notes additional Moana Explorer dates remain through 2026, with a limited-time $1,000 shipboard credit for bookings made by November 15, 2025. Executives from both partners reiterated the program's mission, emphasizing fun, experiential learning that fosters environmental stewardship.

Analysis

For families weighing French Polynesia, this announcement cements a rare combination in the luxury segment, a small ship with structured youth programming and dedicated conservation educators. School-holiday weeks will book up early, so secure space now if you need triple occupancy to maximize the kids-sail-free policy as a third guest. Air access centers on Papeete's Faa'a International Airport (PPT); price itineraries alongside growing premium options in the region to compare inclusions and kid policies. If you are flexible on dates, consider shoulder-summer weeks to improve award availability and fare value. For broader context on elevated capacity in French Polynesia, see how other brands are adding ships and itineraries, which may influence airfares and hotel pre-stays ahead of embarkation.

Final thoughts

Paul Gauguin's decision to bring back the Moana Explorer Program in 2027 keeps a proven, conservation-driven family option in one of cruising's most photogenic regions. If French Polynesia is on your list, align school calendars with the 12 eligible sailings, factor the kids-sail-free benefit, and use the 2026 shipboard-credit window while it lasts to complement the Moana Explorer Program.