Legends of Polynesia & Pitcairn

Sail into the heart of the Pacific on an intimate all-inclusive journey from French Polynesia to Pitcairn Island, where pristine atolls, vibrant reefs, and rich Polynesian culture await.

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  • Itinerary
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ALL-INCLUSIVE SMALL SHIP EXPEDITION LUXURY - EXCLUSIVE OFFER ENDS 31 JULY 2025

Embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of the Pacific, where an intimate exploration awaits among the untouched archipelagos of French Polynesia - from the Tuamotu and Gambier Islands to the legendary Pitcairn Island. Discover remote gems like Mataiva, Anaa, Hikueru, Rikitea, and Aukena, scattered like rare pearls across the sea. Each destination unveils a world of turquoise lagoons, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Beyond the stunning landscapes, immerse yourself in the rich Polynesian spirit through authentic encounters -where age-old traditions, music, and dance are shared in meaningful ways co-created with local communities.

Package Inclusions:

  • Return economy class flights with full service carrier from Australia* to Papeete
  • 13-15 Nov 2026 - 2 nights pre-cruise 5-star accommodation in Papeete
    29-30 Nov 2026 - 1 night post-cruise 5-star accommodation in Papeete
  • 14 night all-inclusive cruise onboard Le Jacques Cartier, Papeete return

    - Explore the pristine treasures of French Polynesia (Tuamotu and Gambier archipelagos) and Pitcairn Island, with spectacular nature and ancestral culture
    - Idyllic landscapes (isolated beaches, spectacular lagoons, teeming coral reefs, lush mangroves, etc.) and a dive into this region's fascinating history and living traditions
    - Included activities designed and operated with local guides and transport or led by our naturalist guides, subject to capacity
  • - Activities offered during expedition cruises including landings in Zodiac boats
    - Fine dining in all the restaurants
    - All drinks in restaurants, bars and minibars
    - 24-hour room service
    - Butler service in some suites
    - Free and unlimited Wi-Fi service on board
    - Parties, shows and other activities
    - Access to the fitness centre and steam room or sauna, depending on the ship
    - Conferences delivered by naturalist guides and guests of honour
    - Non-motorised water sports activities, such as kayaking or stand-up paddling (diving not included)
    - Taxes for national parks and conservation areas
    - All port and security fees
  • - Return private car transfer from Papeete airport to hotel
    - Return private car transfer from Papeete hotel to port

Itinerary

Day 1 Papeete, Tahiti Island

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You'll find a relaxed atmosphere here, where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.

Day 2 Mataiva, Tuamotu Islands

Situated in the Tuamotu Archipelago, 39 km west of Tikehau, the closest atoll, and 300 km north of Tahiti, Mataiva is the archipelago's westernmost atoll. It is the only lagoon in French Polynesia to have dozens of pools within it, reaching depths of around 8 metres, and 9 narrow passages that inspired the name of the island, since Mataiva means 'nine eyes'. You will love swimming, snorkelling or diving in its stunning lagoon, a natural tropical aquarium home to myriad fish.

Day 3 Anaa, Tuamotu Islands

All the beauty of Polynesia is concentrated in Anaa Atoll, somewhere in the waters of the Pacific. Here, the most beautiful shades of blue and green are on display to create a heavenly setting. For the inhabitants of the Tuamotu archipelago, Anaa Atoll is intrinsically associated with the raids conducted by the so-called Parata warriors of old. In 1983, the island was completely destroyed by a cyclone that left behind only the Saint-Etienne de Tematahoa church, which remains standing elegantly on the edge of the beach to this day, against a backdrop of coconut trees. Featuring moments of relaxation and a dive into the history of Polynesia, the stop at Anaa promises to be unforgettable.

Day 4 Hikueru

An isolated atoll in the Tuamotus, Hikueru's charm stems from the beauty of its landscapes and the authenticity of its inhabitants. Its crystal-clear lagoon, bordered by beaches of white sand and coral reefs, offers ideal conditions for scuba diving and snorkelling. On land, Polynesian songs, dances and handicrafts set the rhythm of daily life. Facing a calm horizon, explore the island at leisure, from a dugout canoe or by following the many paths.

Day 5 At Sea

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship's upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Day 6 Rikitea, Gambier Islands

Discover Mangareva, which means 'floating mountain' in Polynesian. Located in the Gambier Islands, surrounded by a magnificent coral reef and blessed with generous vegetation, this island, a cradle of Catholicism, has exceptional cultural heritage, with many vestiges of religious buildings dating from the 19th century. Nestling in the heart of this historic site with idyllic landscapes, do not miss the small village of Rikitea, where one of Polynesia's wonders, Saint Michael's Cathedral, stands proudly, entirely built from coral and timber.

Day 7 Aukena, Gambier Islands

Located 5 kilometres southeast of Mangareva, Aukena is today the 4th-largest of the Gambier Islands in French Polynesia, with a population of around thirty inhabitants. This port of call will be an opportunity for you to dive into the past, to the era when Aukena was discovered by the sailor James Wilson in 1797. There are several remnants of this missionary period, such as the watchtower serving as a landmark on the southwest of the island or the Church of St. Raphael, constructed in 1839. These buildings nestling in the forest lead to sumptuous white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Take the time to explore this island in the Gambier archipelago, and get a taste of French Polynesia's gentle way of life.

Day 8 Adamstown, Pitcairn Island

If you've got a taste for adventure and you love discovering wild, remote lands, you'll definitely be won over by the Pitcairn islands. This tiny British territory is mainly composed of atolls right in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Rimmed by steep cliffs several hundreds of metres high, the volcanic Pitcairn Island is to be explored on foot. In Adamstown, the only village on this 5-square-kilometre land, you'll meet the 50 sole inhabitants of the entire archipelago. The call to Pitcairn is subject to weather and sea conditions.

Day 9 Adamstown, Pitcairn Island

If you've got a taste for adventure and you love discovering wild, remote lands, you'll definitely be won over by the Pitcairn islands. This tiny British territory is mainly composed of atolls right in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Rimmed by steep cliffs several hundreds of metres high, the volcanic Pitcairn Island is to be explored on foot. In Adamstown, the only village on this 5-square-kilometre land, you'll meet the 50 sole inhabitants of the entire archipelago. The call to Pitcairn is suject to weather and sea conditions.

Day 10 At Sea

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship's upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Day 11 At Sea

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship's upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Day 12 Amanu, Tuamotu Islands

An unspoilt paradise in the Tuamotu archipelago, Ikitake will delight lovers of nature and culture. This haven of peace offers an idyllic setting in which to recharge your batteries and fully enjoy the natural wonders of Polynesia: pristine beaches, turquoise waters, coral reefs, etc. You will have the opportunity to explore the treasures of Ikitake by snorkelling in its lagoon, scuba diving to come face-to-face with the marine life, or wandering along its secret paths... The island also offers a total immersion in Polynesian traditions, including dancing, singing and authentic encounters with the locals.

Day 13 Makemo

Makemo is one of the wildest atolls in the Tuamotus. The island is home to the third largest lagoon in the archipelago. It is a haven of unspoilt nature with beaches of white sand and turquoise waters. It is particularly renowned for its pearl farms, producing a true Polynesian treasure, and for the production of copra, a raw material that is essential for coconut oil extraction.​ Discover Makemo's culture and traditions by visiting its village of 600 inhabitants and exploring the remains of ancient Polynesian villages that dot the island, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of the region.

Day 14 Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands

A secluded atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Rangiroa, meaning 'vast sky' in Polynesian, is very aptly named. The lagoon of the largest atoll in Polynesia is reminiscent of the heavens, imprisoned by hundreds of islets formed by sand that veers from immaculate white to pink. But the beauty of Rangiroa, classed by Captain Cousteau as one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world, is most evident in its underwater life: you will have the occasion of admiring all the richness of the site on a snorkelling tour or on a glass-bottom boat tour. Rangiroa is also the high seat of Polynesian pearl culture.

Day 15 Papeete, Tahiti Island

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You'll find a relaxed atmosphere here, where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.

Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions apply: All prices are quoted in Australian dollars, based on per person double occupancy unless stated otherwise, and inclusive of all taxes and discounts. All prices & itineraries are current as of 08 July 20025 & subject to change without notice. Prices are subject to change due to availability, currency fluctuations, fuel price, and tax increases. Oceanview and Balcony cabins may have obstructed views, please check with your consultant. Price includes any stated bonus nights, upgrades & package savings, if applicable. All passports, visas, travel permits, and vaccinations are the responsibility of the travelling passenger to secure prior to travel. Airfares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice, based in economy class from Sydney and are subject to the carriers' flight schedules and conditions. Extra accommodation may be required when airline schedules are within date range 11 months prior to departure. Seasonal and flight routing surcharges may apply. Airfares are based on the lowest available fare, which comes with strict conditions i.e., non-refundable, or non-changeable. Please ask your consultant for pricing on flexible fare options that allow cancellations and/or amendments at a fee. Please call us for prices from other airports. Travel packages advertised may include multiple products provided by several suppliers to provide a travel itinerary. All beverages are included (selection of Champagne, wines and spirits, beers, cocktails, water, soft drinks, hot drinks). Excluding premium a la carte beverages. Butler service is available for the following suites: PONANT Explorers: Owner's Suite, Grand Deluxe Suites, Privilege and Prestige Suites on Deck 6. Please note that the Wi-Fi connection may be slow and possibly interrupted depending on the geographical area or in circumstances beyond our control. Each component of the package will be treated independent of each other, and the specific terms & conditions of each product supplier will apply. Hotels may charge resort fees, or a security bond not included or mentioned in this package, payable direct upon check-in. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty.

Legends of Polynesia & Pitcairn

Includes:
  • Cruise
  • Flights
  • Hotel
  • Transfers
  • Activity

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