Ponant Introduces Le Jacques Cartier for New Explorations in French Polynesia – Unveiling Hidden Gems from the Marquesas to the Austral Islands

Ponant is bringing travelers to new heights in French Polynesia with the addition of luxurious new Le Jacques Cartier to its fleet from the 2026-27 season. This new ship will provide a new take on the region, exploring remote destinations like the Gambier and Austral Islands. Accompanied by the vessel Paul Gauguin, which has been navigating the Tahitian seas for more than 26 years, Le Jacques Cartier will offer new itineraries combining adventure, sophistication and authentic encontres. Ponant’s growing presence in the region underscores its position as the world leader in unforgettable luxury cruising to the South Pacific.

Ponant in French Polynesia It’s a New Chapter For Ponant

The debut of Le Jacques Cartier in French Polynesia marks an exciting expansion for the cruise line, Raptis added. Le Jacques Cartier will add more expedition voyages to the region, to be paired with Paul Gauguin’s immersive year-round offerings. This addition to the fleet enables Ponant to offer an even wider range of travel possibilities, for combining exceptional comfort and sensation of travelling out at sea with exploring the remotest regions of the planet.

According to the CEO of the Americas, for Ponant, Samuel Chamberlain, these two vessels promise to offer something special to almost any type of traveler, be it adventure, cultural enrichment or simply luxury. The addition of Le Jacques Cartier also means the cruise line is reinforcing its leading role as an expert in destination in the region.

Taking French Polynesian Travel to the Next Level

That Le Jacques Cartier has joined the fleet means Ponant is now able to explore significantly more of the region, venturing, for example, to the remote Gambier and Austral Islands. These regions are rather off the beaten path and provide an intimate peek at Polynesia’s natural beauty. The new itineraries are for travelers who hope to venture off the beaten path, away from the more familiar islands of the archipelago.

Passengers will be able to take new adventurous routes including journeys through the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Marquesas and the Gambier and Austral Islands. These trips provide unparalleled cultural enrichment, breathtaking sightseeing and every moment spent on board and on shore an unforgettable experience.

New Itineraries for 2026-2027 Season

Here are three of the potential Ponant itineraries: The cruises: Ponant is offering three unique itineraries for the 2026-2027 season on Le Jacques Cartier, each 14-night round-trip from Papeete, Tahiti. These extended voyages will offer an in-depth discovery of the South Pacific’s best kept secrets from the remote island chains to the alluring Marquesas culture.

“Secret Polynesia: From the Society to the Austral Islands”

Departing Oct. 18 and Dec. 13, 2026, this voyage sails across the Tuamotus, the untamed Gambier Islands, and Australia’s most remote archipelago, the Austal islands. On this trip, guests can look forward to a rewarding combination of adventure and relaxation.

“From French Polynesia to Pitcairn Island”

Sailing on Nov. 15, 2026, the itinerary visits the Gambier Islands and transports passengers to Pitcairn Island, one of the most remote places on the planet. This voyage offers a combination of the allure of French Polynesia and the enigma of the history of the Pitcairn Islands.

“Polynesian Bliss: Marquesas, Tuamotu and Society Islands”

Sailing on Oct. 4, Nov. 1 and 29, Dec. 27, 2026, and Jan. 24, 2027, this itinerary emphasizes the Marquesas, Tuamotus and Society Islands. An ideal retreat for those who long to feel the pulse of Polynesia.

Ponant’s Commitment to Luxurious Exploration

Ponant’s debut of Le Jacques Cartier in Tahiti is an example of the company’s strong commitment to delivering full and rich experiences, not vacations. Every ship of the fleet is created to ensure that guests enjoy the experience of a luxury, intimate cruise: from expert-led shore excursions, to fine dining, to the impeccable service, delivered vessel wide. PONANT has announced new itineraries that will offer guests once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the world’s most unrivalled, beautiful, and remote places all whilst sailing in French style and luxury.

Ponant is not about transportation from A to B—it’s about submerging guests in the life, history, and beauty of the destinations it drops anchor at. That philosophy has remained with the brand as it has expanded its fleet and added exciting new itineraries in hotspots such as French Polynesia.

The launch of the Paul Gauguin heralds a new era for French Polynesia Cruises

The introduction of Le Jacques Cartier was anything but a simple delivery of a new ship. It’s part of a broader trend in how luxury cruises can offer more-sparkling-smart travel experiences. Ponant’s continual commitment to sustainable tourism, cultural discovery and luxurious travel, will transform the way Le Jacques Cartier guests experience this stunning part of the world, French Polynesia and the South Pacific.

Roth The announcement follows the launch of its identical sister ship, Le Bougainville, this spring, with the two ships offering a range of itineraries in French Polynesia that can’t be matched.Ponant now offers guests the chance to travel in style on a luxury, high-end ship in one of the most beautiful regions in the world.

Conclusion: Explore the Best of the South Pacific

Ponant’s Le Jacques Cartier will transform luxury cruising in the islands of French Polynesia. With new itineraries, an emphasis on exploration and a commitment to luxury, Ponant is offering travelers the chance to explore the South Pacific in a way not everyone else does. If you’re inspired by the peaceful, pristine aesthetic of secluded islands or the vivacious, energetic draw of the Marquesas, Ponant provides a unequaled journey as unusual as the ports it visits. As the fleet grows and new itineraries are opened to them, Ponant continues to lead the way in luxury expedition cruising around the world.

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