Ponant Explorations Group – parent company of Ponant Explorations and Paul Gauguin Cruises – is deepening its presence in French Polynesia with the introduction of brand-new winter itineraries aboard Le Jacques Cartier beginning with the 2026-27 season.
Known for immersive, exploration-focused experiences to the world’s most remote corners, Ponant Explorations will offer travelers an exhilarating way to discover the farthest reaches of this storied destination. These new itineraries complement the Group’s long-established leadership in the region with Paul Gauguin Cruises, which has been sailing the islands year-round for more than 26 years as French Polynesia’s destination expert.
The new itineraries aboard Le Jacques Cartier will take guests deeper into French Polynesia than ever before, with rare calls to the remote Gambier and Austral Islands – far-flung corners of the South Pacific that few travelers ever reach. In addition to exploring the Society Islands, Tuamotus, and Marquesas, these exclusive voyages offer an exceptional opportunity to experience the full richness of the region to archipelagos that The Gauguin doesn’t visit. Each archipelago is shaped by its own vibrant culture and breathtaking natural beauty, revealing the diverse character of French Polynesia in extraordinary depth.
“With the debut of Le Jacques Cartier in French Polynesia, Ponant Explorations Group now offers two unique ways to experience the extraordinary with our distinctively positioned brands appealing to every inclination for both expedition and leisure travel,” said Samuel Chamberlain, Ponant Explorations Group’s CEO of the Americas. “While the m/s Paul Gauguin continues to define immersive, year-round discovery in the region, the winter deployment of Le Jacques Cartier brings a new perspective – more remote and more expeditionary. Both brands share the hallmarks of our Group: a commitment to meaningful travel through cultural immersion, French flair, environmental stewardship, and expert-led enrichment.
“With Le Jacques Cartier joining The Gauguin in Polynesia, we’re expanding the choices available to discerning travelers seeking authenticity, elegance, and adventure,and cementing our leadership position in the region as the destination expert,” Chamberlain added.
From October 2026 through February 2027, the two new itineraries aboard Le Jacques Cartier will be offered in addition to voyages to the Marquesas. All three 14-night itineraries travel roundtrip from Papeete, Tahiti, and are available for booking now.
