by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 11:13 AM ET, Thu November 12, 2026
Paul Gauguin Cruises has unveiled its 2029 deployment, with more than 30 departures aboard the 330-passenger m/s Paul Gauguin exploring French Polynesia and destinations across the South Pacific, including Fiji, Tonga, Indonesia, Australia and Melanesia.
The schedule features eight itineraries ranging from seven to 15 nights, including 16 departures of the cruise line's signature seven-night Tahiti itinerary. The voyages will visit destinations throughout the region, including Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea, Huahine, Rangiroa and Fakarava. Select sailings also include a stop at Motu Mahana, the line's private islet off Taha'a.
New for 2029, Paul Gauguin Cruises will offer a special 10-night French Polynesia sailing in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys. Two Smithsonian Journeys Experts will join the June 13-23, 2029, voyage for onboard lectures and discussions focused on the region's history, cultures and natural environment.
The round-trip sailing from Papeete, Tahiti, will visit destinations in the Society Islands and Tuamotus. The package also includes a $500 onboard credit toward select shore excursions and activities, along with airport transfers between Papeete Airport and the ship on embarkation and disembarkation days.
The Smithsonian Journeys sailing is part of a broader alliance between Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT EXPLORATIONS, the parent company of Paul Gauguin Cruises.
The 2029 schedule also includes several longer itineraries beyond French Polynesia. A 12- to 15-night Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands and Society Islands itinerary will operate in January and April, with sailings between Tahiti and Lautoka, Fiji.
In March, the ship will operate a seven-night voyage from Benoa, Bali, to Darwin, Australia, exploring the Indonesian archipelago, followed by a 15-night sailing from Darwin to Lautoka highlighting lesser-visited destinations in Melanesia.
“Our longstanding presence in French Polynesia and close relationships with local communities give us a deep understanding of the region and the experiences that make it so special,” says Sam Chamberlain, chief executive officer of Paul Gauguin Cruises, Americas. “That expertise is at the heart of our 2029 program.”
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