Building on 25 years of expertise with the m/s Paul Gauguin, the Group will introduce Le Jacques Cartier, focused on exploring rarely visited areas.
The new itineraries span the Society, Tuamotu, Austral, Gambier and Marquesas Islands, as well as the Pitcairn Islands, venturing into remote archipelagos, untouched islets and far-flung atolls.
Two ships will be in the South Pacific, each offering a distinct experience:
- The m/s Paul Gauguin, based year-round in Polynesia, offering authentic, immersive journeys with extended stopovers and cultural experiences led by local hosts.
- Le Jacques Cartier, a new vessel designed for tropical exploration with three “Discovery” itineraries that can be combined into a single 42-night voyage covering six archipelagos, 23 islands and the Pitcairn Islands.
José Sarica, R&D Expedition Experience Director, recently flew to the Austral and Tuamotu Islands to prepare for the new “Discovery” itineraries on Le Jacques Cartier.
The aim was to work hand-in-hand with local residents to design immersive activities to experience Polynesian culture – welcome ceremonies, workshops with basket-makers or sculptors, visits to marae (sacred open-air temples).
“The main challenge of this scouting trip was to gain acceptance from very isolated communities, each with their own unique culture from one island to the next, in order to work together to create a unique experience for future guests,” he said.
“We discovered hidden treasures, places of incredible beauty and a spirituality that is truly linked to the natural environment.”
Six new stopovers have been confirmed for PONANT EXPLORATIONS.
On the Tuamotu archipelago:
- Mataiva and its mosaic lagoon.
- Hikueru and its vast lagoon.
- Makemo and its preserved fauna of red-footed boobies and frigatebirds.
On the Austral archipelago:
- Raivavae and an unforgettable swim in the crystal-clear “motu pool”.
- Tubuai, the most spiritual of the Austral islands. To explore on a hike by foot and snorkelling with panoramic views over the lagoon.
- Rurutu, with its limestone caves and waters inhabited by humpback whales that can be seen until mid-November.
