Ponant Explorations is ramping up its French Polynesia operation from Sep when expedition ship Le Jacques Cartier will join the M/S Paul Gaugin.
The cruise line says the move gives agents new opportunities, including for the multi-gen market, and showcase the region ‘like never before’.
Ponant director of sales Asia Pacific Julie Rogers, who visited recently, credits country manager Alan Wilcock for the group’s growing presence in New Zealand; but she says its French Polynesia move is the big news for the Kiwi market.
The Paul Gaugin was purpose-built for the region’s waters and has been sailing in French Polynesia for more than 27 years. The ship was upgraded last year, and now features eight interconnecting cabins for family or multi-generation groups.
. . . Families
As global demand for multi-gen cruising builds Rogers says Ponant now has a compelling offering, with select family-themed voyages. “[The Paul Gaugin] now has suites where we can push the wall back so they can take two adults, two children— and when they book a suite like that kids [under 18] cruise free, they just pay the port charges,” she says.
In addition, Rogers says 15 of the 45 Gauguin sailings in 2027 & 2028 have waived the solo supplement for passengers. And she stresses that a group of friends can travel together but in separate cabins on those sailings, subject to availability.
. . . Expedition
For repeat clients or those looking for ‘the’ next expedition cruise, Rogers says Le Jacques Cartier will visit some of the most remote archipelagos offering up to 14-night itineraries ex Papeete.
The new French Polynesia option will offer something different, she adds, even for repeat visitors to the area. “Some of the expeditions don’t even do Moorea and Bora Bora; we’re going down to Pitcairn Island, we’re going up to the Gambier Islands and we’re spending our time in the Marquesas. It is really something different from the Paul Gaugin.” The longer, more immersive Le Jacques Cartier itineraries will have an expedition team and expedition guides.
And the only negative, adds Rogers, is that if agents with interested cli ents don’t book soon they may miss out, as she reports strong global demand for the new expedition product. See more HERE.
Ponant’s French Polynesia Update For Kiwis
Ponant Explorations recently held an update for its key partners, focusing on its French Polynesia expansion from Sep, in conjunction with Tahiti Tourisme.
