Ponant has announced that m/s Paul Gauguin will have company in French Polynesia. The line will expand its French Polynesian cruise portfolio to two distinct offerings starting 2026. Le Jacques Cartier will be positioned in the Polynesian and Pacific archipelagos from September 2026 to March 2027, offering a new 14-day expedition in the region; and the m/s Paul Gauguin will continue its 25-year legacy of delivering culturally immersive voyages year-round.
From September 6, 2026, Le Jacques Cartier, the line’s Explorer-class ship, will offer new itineraries. Guests can spend time in the ship’s multi-sensory underwater Blue Eye Lounge, with its two portholes shaped like cetacean eyes, and hydrophones integrated into the keel to re-transmit the sound of the deep water. Additionally, naturalist guides will be onboard to introduce guests to the region’s native species while sailing and during Zodiac landings.
Furthermore, the ship’s modular marina and semi-submerged platform will provide easy access for swimming and a range of watersports such as kayaking and paddleboarding. A themed itinerary line-up will spotlight the history and cultures of the many archipelagos visited by the vessel. The line added that further deployment details on Le Jacques Cartier will be announced soon.
“French Polynesia is a very popular destination with our guests. We want to offer them a wide range of itineraries and experiences in line with what has forged our identity,” said Hervé Gastinel, CEO of the Ponant group.
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