You Can Now Cruise to the Most Remote (and Least Visited) Islands in French Polynesia

"If any corner of the world is synonymous with paradise, it's French Polynesia's scattered, sparsely inhabited islands, buttercream palm-fringed beaches, and glass-clear waters. The region is best visited by water, yet, when it comes to cruising, the islands around Tahiti remain surprisingly uncharted territory: the region welcomed 110,000 passengers in 2024-compare that to the Caribbean's 15 million or the Mediterranean's 5.8 million for the same period."

"As of winter 2026/27, the French line will have two ships based there, with explorer-class vessel Le Jacques Cartier joining M/S Paul Gaugin, a ship that was purpose-built to cruise the shallow lagoons so characteristic of the region. Across the five archipelagos of French Polynesia-the Society, Tuamotu, Austral, Gambier, and Marquesas Islands, along with the Pitcairn Islands, a British Overseas Territory-the pair will offer two distinct experiences for travelers."

French Polynesia's scattered, sparsely inhabited islands feature palm-fringed beaches and glass-clear waters best experienced by sea. Cruising remains limited, with 110,000 passengers in 2024 compared with the Caribbean's 15 million and the Mediterranean's 5.8 million. Ponant will base two ships there by winter 2026/27: explorer-class Le Jacques Cartier will join M/S Paul Gaugin. M/S Paul Gaugin will continue cultural-immersion itineraries with 66 departures, seven-night core sailings and visits to Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea plus some extended trips to the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Tonga. Le Jacques Cartier will sail three 14-night Discovery round-trips visiting remote archipelagos. The Paul Gauguin underwent multi-million dollar refurbishments in 2025 including restaurant and cabin upgrades.

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