Secret Polynesia: Unexplored Tuamotu, the Gambier Islands and the Austral Islands
About This Cruise
At the edges of the world, set off on an all-new adventure discovering Polynesia’s best-kept secrets. Far off the beaten path, the shores of Tuamotu, the wild Gambier Islands and the Austral archipelago will unveil their sovereign nature and insular culture, which is very much still alive. Atolls just above the water, turquoise lagoons, fine sandy beaches and cliffs sculpted by the ocean serve as a decor for the special ports of call and the activities designed hand-in-hand with the local communities. Sail from island to island, encountering their unique traditions and fascinating ecosystems.
Who Is This Cruise For?
Couples
Luxury service and an intimate, small-ship feel
Over 50s
Refined, unhurried cruising with enrichment on board
Solo travellers
Low or no single supplement on selected cabins
Type
Ocean, Luxury
Ship
Le Jacques Cartier
Departure Date
13 December 2026
Cruise Line
PONANT EXPLORATIONS
Duration
14 Nights
Select Your Cabin Type
Call Us at (01) 554 1010Itinerary
French Polynesia
Papeete, Tahiti
French Polynesia
Tuamotu Archipelago
French Polynesia
Fakarava
French Polynesia
Hikueru
French Polynesia
Aukena, Gambier Islands
French Polynesia
Rikitea, Gambier Islands
French Polynesia
Rapa Island
French Polynesia
Rapa Island
French Polynesia
Raivavae
French Polynesia
Tubuai
French Polynesia
Rurutu, Austral Islands
French Polynesia
Papeete, Tahiti
Overview
At the edges of the world, set off on an all-new adventure discovering Polynesia’s best-kept secrets. Far off the beaten path, the shores of Tuamotu, the wild Gambier Islands and the Austral archipelago will unveil their sovereign nature and insular culture, which is very much still alive. Atolls just above the water, turquoise lagoons, fine sandy beaches and cliffs sculpted by the ocean serve as a decor for the special ports of call and the activities designed hand-in-hand with the local communities. Sail from island to island, encountering their unique traditions and fascinating ecosystems.
Owner's Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 430 ft² terrace with hot tub and lounge area with 2 deck chairs, sofa, and armchair
- Two sliding panoramic windows
- A bathroom with shower, spa bathtub, and smart mirror
- Butler service
- A one-hour treatment per person (for 2 people) in the wellness area, including body and facial treatments
- A private return transfer
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Champagne and fruit on arrival
- A fruit basket every day
- A living room with a convertible sofa into a double bed, armchair, and TV
- One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- 110V American / 220V European
- Direct line telephone
- 24-hour room service
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- 2 ADA stateroom
- Electronic safe
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Grand Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 344 ft² terrace with two deck chairs and a dining table for four people
- Two sliding panoramic windows
- A bathroom with shower and spa bathtub
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Butler service
- A fruit basket every day
- One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A living room with a convertible sofa into a double bed, armchair, and TV
- Champagne and fruit on arrival
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- 110V American / 220V European
- Direct line telephone
- 24-hour room service
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- 2 ADA stateroom
- Electronic safe
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Privilege Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
- Butler service
- A fruit basket every day
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
- A bathroom with shower
- A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
- A panoramic sliding bay window
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- 110V American / 220V European
- Direct line telephone
- 24-hour room service
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- 2 ADA stateroom
- Electronic safe
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Prestige Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 86 ft² balcony with four armchairs
- Two sliding panoramic windows
- Champagne and fruit on arrival (Prestige Suite deck 6)
- Priority boarding (Prestige Suite deck 6)
- Butler service (Prestige Suite deck 6)
- A fruit basket every day (Prestige Suite deck 6)
- One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A living room with a convertible sofa into a king-size or two single beds, armchair, TV, and a courtesy sliding door
- Two bathrooms with showers
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- 110V American / 220V European
- Direct line telephone
- 24-hour room service
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- 2 ADA stateroom
- Electronic safe
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Deluxe Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Suites on Deck 6 have a 32 ft² private balcony with two armchairs Suites on Deck 5 have a 43 ft² private balcony with two armchairs Suites on Decks 3 and 4 have a private 64 ft² balcony with two armchairs
- Suites on Deck 3 have a panoramic glass door and porthole; suites on Decks 4, 5, and 6 have a sliding panoramic window
- One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- An armchair and sofa
- A bathroom with shower
- Champagne and fruit on arrival for suites on Decks 5 and 6
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- 110V American / 220V European
- Direct line telephone
- 24-hour room service
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- 2 ADA stateroom
- Electronic safe
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 4m² balcony with two armchairs
- Depending on the stateroom, either a sliding panoramic window or a glass door
- One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A chaise lounge
- A bathroom with shower
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- 110V American / 220V European
- Direct line telephone
- 24-hour room service
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- 2 ADA stateroom
- Electronic safe
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 4m² balcony with two armchairs
- A porthole and glass door
- One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm), and TV
- A bathroom with shower
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- 110V American / 220V European
- Direct line telephone
- 24-hour room service
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- 2 ADA stateroom
- Electronic safe
- Inclusive Wifi internet
The Le Nautilus
At the back of deck 4, you will find a gourmet restaurant complete with wine cellar, offering French and international cuisine. It can accommodate all guests in a single service for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Grill Restaurant
In a relaxed atmosphere, the grill restaurant located on deck 3 welcomes you for breakfast and buffet lunches as well as themed dinners.
Room Service
Whether you want to fully enjoy your cabin for breakfast, savor a peaceful snack in the middle of the day, or have your meal in complete privacy, room service is at your disposal. Treat yourself to a moment of indulgence and enjoy a diverse menu available at any time of day and night.
The Pool
With its water blending into the surrounding landscapes, the pool is perfect for relaxing in the sun. From the marina platform, embark on your sea excursions or water activities in complete tranquility.
The Main Lounge
Tea room, bar, live music, dance floor, terrace: the main lounge is an essential meeting place throughout your journey.
The Observatory Lounge
Library, internet space, bar, occasional live entertainment, terrace: enjoy a 180° panorama of the horizon from the observatory lounge.
Theatre
Comfortably seated, you can attend conferences given by the guests and teams of naturalists, as well as the various shows, concerts, and performances organised by professional dancers and musicians.
Music and dance
Opera, jazz, piano recitals, concerts or ballets at sea or on land: musical cruises and dance cruises offer privileged experiences, in small groups, alongside prestigious partners, such as Radio Classique or the Paris National Opera and talented artists of international renown.
Art and literature
Share high-quality moments and attend conferences by curators from national and international museums, women and men from the world of culture, renowned writers, actors and philosophers. They discuss their passion during conferences or private visits. Experience the opportunity to open up to new perspectives.
Boutique
An extension of the journey and the ship, la Boutique offers an exclusive shopping experience with a wide range of technical and casual ready-to-wear and equipment, with or without PONANT personalization. It also features unique souvenirs to extend the journey back home, as well as jewelry, accessories and luxury items. Opening hours follow the voyage schedule, including days at sea, and all purchases on board are tax-free.
The Blue Eye
Located below the waterline of the ship, the Blue Eye is an innovative underwater lounge. Its design, inspired by the beauty of cetaceans, pays tribute to oceanographic environments.
PONANT Studio
A photography and videography team escort you throughout your trip. These professionals capture the most beautiful moments of your cruise, which you can share with family and friends upon your return.*
Excursion Reception and Office
If you have not made a pre-booking before your cruise, you can book your excursions on board during one of the daily opening times of the excursion desk (timetables available in your daily program). It is only possible to pre-book one excursion per port day. If you would like to book a second excursion on the same day, please contact the excursion desk to check availability.
Open Bar
From the moment you board and throughout your cruise, your unlimited drinks are included*, at any time of the day. A drink with friends at the bar, refreshments on your return from an excursion or in the calm of your Stateroom’s balcony: enjoy a large selection of beverages (mineral waters, cold drinks, cruise wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea). A selection of premium alcoholic drinks is also available "à la carte".
*It doesn't include premium alcoholic drinks indicated in the Bar Menu. It is valid only for individual personal consumption, without limitations.
The Spa
Onboard our ships, in the heart of an intimate and privileged environment with the ocean as your backdrop, discover a new way to enjoy the Spa experience.
In association with SOTHYS™ Paris, we are offering you a selection of expert face and body treatments. The “savoir-faire” and expertise of our hair professional partner DAVINES® will be able to satisfy all your expectations.
The Fitness Room
The fitness room offers a wide range of exercises suitable for all levels to train facing magnificent views.
The Hairdressing Salon
Each product has been crafted using the most advanced cosmetic technologies and natural ingredients. Developed and packaged while minimising the environmental impact, Davines® products are inspired by the Sustainable Beauty ideal, an inseparable unit between Beauty and Being. During your cruise, treat your hair to a unique beauty experience. Our expert stylist will do an in-depth analysis of your hair and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
The Kids Explorers Club
During your cruise, PONANT EXPLORATIONS offers a program of activities dedicated to children, from 4 to 13 years old on our entire fleet.
A team of experienced facilitators on board offers daily manual activities, educational workshops, board games, introductory meditation sessions, and much more, as well as content specific to each itinerary and the number of participants.
Kid Explorers have the opportunity to extend this experience on land with the possibility of enjoying a tailor-made excursion, swimming outings, walks and scavenger hunts.
This program of activities will be offered to children every day. (The exact times will be communicated to you by the activity leaders.)
To best meet your needs, the schedule is adapted to your cruise itinerary. For more information, please contact the entertainment team beforehand.
The program of entertainment and activities is communicated daily in the logbook.
A welcome kit with gifts is offered to each child on board.