PONANT will expand its presence in French Polynesia with two distinct proposals, reflecting the variety of experiences offered by the company.
They recently announced that Le Jacques Cartier will be stationed in the Polynesian and Pacific archipelagos from September 2026 to March 2027, offering a unique expedition experience, while the m/s Paul Gauguin will continue its 25-year legacy of providing authentic and culturally immersive voyages year-round.
“French Polynesia is a very popular destination among ourguests. We want to offer them a wide range of itineraries and experiences in line with what has shaped our identity,” said Hervé Gastinel, CEO of the PONANT group, “small French-flagged ships, committed to respecting the territories visited and minimizing our impact, all with PONANT’s refined and exclusive service.”
Starting in winter 2026, Le Jacques Cartier will offer a completely new experience where exploring nature takes center stage. The multisensory Blue Eye lounge will become the perfect place to admire, listen to, and almost touch the magical underwater world of biodiversity gems in the heart of the Polynesian lagoons.
Expert naturalist guides will be on board to introduce guests to the wonders of the flora and fauna while cruising and during Zodiac landings. A themed program is designed to highlight the history and cultures of the many archipelagos visited.
Last but not least, the modular marina and semi-submerged platform provide easy access for swimming and a variety of water sports (kayaking, paddleboarding, etc.) in idyllic settings.
PONANT continues to expand its tropical expedition offerings, such as the option to embark on a 13-day voyage in the Indian Ocean aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville. This is an opportunity to discover breathtaking natural environments, exceptional wildlife, and UNESCO World Heritage sites steeped in history.
Starting in January 2025, sailing from Victoria on Mahé Island, the first leg will take guests to La Digue, where a picture-perfect Seychelles scene awaits: swaying palm trees, granite boulders, white sand, and crystal-clear waters. The journey then continues to Saint-François Atoll before arriving at Aldabra Atoll, a largely untouched natural sanctuary and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lined with mangroves and pristine sandy beaches, it is home to the world's largest colony of land tortoises. Further along the coast, the small island of Astove offers opportunities for snorkeling and diving among vibrant marine life.
After a stop at the sublime Assumption Island, the subsequent ports of call will offer opportunities to discover several of Tanzania's wonders. Guests can explore the ruins of the 13th-century Swahili trading center at Kilwa Kisiwani, the small coral island of Misali, as well as Pemba Island with its clove plantations and an unforgettable day of diving.
This journey will conclude in Zanzibar, a city with magnificent buildings listed by UNESCO, which blend African, Arab, Indian and European influences over more than a millennium.
Another example of PONANT's offerings is the Bali to Singapore voyage, where guests set sail aboard the Le Jacques-Cartier for a new 15-day expedition cruise to the heart of fascinating Indonesia.
In Singapore, a city-state on the fringes of the Orient, you will be seduced by the unique multicultural atmosphere of this “garden city”, home to wonderful tropical botanical gardens, UNESCO World Heritage sites.
In the words of Juan Rodero, CEO of StarClass/Un Mundo de Cruceros, “long-distance travel to remote locations has been experiencing a golden age since 2022. The options offered by PONANT and Paul Gauguin, thanks to their small yachts equipped with the latest technology and environmentally friendly, position them as world leaders in exotic cruises.”
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