5 December 2023 - Paul Gauguin Cruises, the award-winning luxury line renowned for its artfully authentic explorations of French Polynesia and the South Pacific, has announced its 2025 Moana Explorer Program voyages for younger guests aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin on 11 dedicated summer and holiday sailings. 

Tailored to children aged seven to fifteen, the complimentary program is offered in collaboration with Te mana o te moana  – a South Pacific marine education and conservation foundation,  designed to engage children with hands-on, interactive activities both on board and ashore showcasing the natural wonders and unique cultures of the region.   

“We are proud of reaching the fifth-year milestone of our exclusive partnership with Te mana o te moana,” said Deb Corbett, General Manager, Sales and Marketing Asia Pacific. “This program transcends the conventional framework of children's programs, leaving indelible memories from enriched adventures across the South Pacific, memories they will hold dear for a lifetime.”

Throughout each voyage, there will be a combination of naturalist-led island and/or beach excursions, science activities, craft, games, and other adventures. Depending on the itinerary, opportunities include exploring underwater life, conducting water experiments, creating natural jewellery, treasure hunts, learning about Tahitian culture, discovering island legends and geology, designing a Polynesian tattoo, and more. 

The Moana Explorer program must be reserved at the time of booking and is offered in both English and French. The program is currently available on select 2024 itineraries in addition to the recently announced 2025 sailings and is complimentary as apart of Paul Gauguin Cruises' all-inclusive value.

We are thrilled that our partnership with Paul Gauguin Cruises is continuing for a fifth year in 2025, especially as the line shares our deep devotion to preserving the unique culture, wildlife, and wilderness of French Polynesia,” said Hélène Duran, General Manager at Te mana o te moana. “We appreciate the opportunity to have direct, hands-on engagement with these younger guests aboard The Gauguin as we recognize that today's youngsters are tomorrow's custodians of our planet.”

The Moana Explorer Program is available on the following voyages in 2024 and 2025: 

Tahiti & the Society Islands

Offering an exceptional 8-day voyage leaving from Tahiti to discover the gems of the Society Islands, including extraordinary landscapes and enchanting historical and cultural treasures. You will be dazzled by the incomparable beauty of Huahine, by the turquoise waters of the motu Mahana, our private vanilla-scented paradise, by the sumptuous lagoon of Bora Bora, with its distinctly recognisable volcanic silhouette, and by Moorea, with its hillside pineapple plantations and its verdant peaks overlooking the island. Between pearl farms and white sandy beaches, French Polynesia will reveal its many mysteries to you. Surrounded by superb lagoons of translucent waters edged by exceptional coral reefs, the islands of Polynesia are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful in the world and home to an astonishing and rich wildlife.

From Papeete, Tahiti Island to Papeete, Tahiti Island – 8 days, 7 nights

5 departures from 22 June 2024 to 23 August 2025
From AU $6,390 per person*

Find out more about these sailings

Cook Islands & Society Islands

An exceptional 12-day voyage leaving from Tahiti to discover the gems of the Society Islands, including extraordinary landscapes and enchanting historical and cultural treasures. Between pearl farms and white sandy beaches, French Polynesia will reveal its many mysteries to you. Surrounded by superb lagoons of crystal-clear waters edged by exceptional coral reefs, the islands of Polynesia are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful in the world and are home to an astonishing and rich wildlife. You will be dazzled by the incomparable beauty of Huahine, by the turquoise waters of the motu Mahana, our private vanilla-scented little paradise, by the sumptuous lagoon of Bora Bora, with its distinctly recognisable volcanic silhouette, and by Moorea, with its hillside pineapple plantations and its verdant peaks overlooking the island. You will also sail further south towards the Cook Islands, to discover the incredibly clear waters of the Aitutaki lagoon and the magnificent silhouette of Rarotonga. You will be enchanted by the wild beauty and abundant nature of this island and its marine environment.

From Papeete, Tahiti Island to Papeete, Tahiti Island – 12 days, 11 nights

1 departure from 27 December 2025 to 7 January 2026

From AUD 8,110 per person*

Find out more about this sailing

Pearls of the Society Islands

Set sail from Papeete for an exceptional 8-day cruise to discover the gems of the Society Islands, including extraordinary landscapes and captivating historical and cultural treasures. Marvel at the beauty of Huahine; the cradle of Polynesian culture on the mythical island of Raiatea; the majestic ballet of the colourful fish undulating through the turquoise waters of motu Mahana, our small, private paradise steeped in the scent of vanilla; and Bora Bora's stunning lagoon and distinctive volcanic silhouette.

From Papeete, Tahiti Island to Papeete, Tahiti Island – 8 days, 7 nights

5 departures from 20 July 2024 to 30 August 2025*

From AUD 5,980 per person*

Find out more about these sailings

Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands

Set sail from Papeete for an exceptional 15-day cruise to discover Polynesian treasures including wild natural environments, rich underwater scenery, and age-old traditions. Stop at the heart of the Tuamotu Islands to explore the marvellous depths of the atoll of Fakarava, a UNESCO-classified nature reserve. In the middle of the natural sanctuaries of Fatu Hiva and Hiva Oa hide mysterious rock carvings bearing witness to a long history and ancestral traditions. At the heart of the dense forests of Nuku Hiva, droplets from the waterfalls dive off the vertiginous cliffs. Ua Pou, your final port of call in the Marquesas, will reveal its majestic, steep rocky peaks and its stunning beaches of black sand. Marvel at the unrivalled beauty of the Bora Bora lagoon and the island's distinctive volcanic silhouette, as well as the majestic ballet of the colourful fish undulating through the turquoise waters of motu Mahana, our small, private paradise steeped in the scent of vanilla.

From Papeete, Tahiti Island to Papeete, Tahiti Island – 12 days, 11 nights

4 departures from 21 December 2024 to 9 August 2025*

From AUD 11,070 per person*

Find out more about these sailings

Society Islands & Tuamotus

An exceptional 11-day voyage leaving from Tahiti to discover the gems of the Society Islands. In the Tuamotus, Rangiroa, a gigantic atoll with breath-taking underwater scenery, is most known for the cultivation of its famous black pearls. Be sure to try snorkelling in these natural aquariums where colourful fish, rays and friendly sharks can be found playing amid the reefs, or to explore the marvellous depths of the atoll of Fakarava, a UNESCO-classified nature reserve. You will discover the wonderful Society Islands, with lush rainforests, impossibly clear lagoons, and endless palm trees swaying in the warm breeze. Marvel at the beauty of Huahine; the cradle of Polynesian culture on the mythical island of Raiatea; the majestic ballet of the colourful fish undulating through the turquoise waters of motu Mahana, our small, private paradise steeped in the scent of vanilla; and Bora Bora's stunning lagoon and distinctive volcanic silhouette.

From Papeete, Tahiti Island to Papeete, Tahiti Island – 11 days, 10 nights

1 departure from 4 June 2025 to 14 June 2025

From AUD 8,230 per person*

Find out more about this sailing

Marquesas in depth, Tuamotus & Society Islands

Set sail from Papeete for an exceptional 15-day cruise to discover Polynesian treasures including wild natural environments, rich underwater scenery, and age-old traditions. Stop at the heart of the Tuamotu Islands to explore the marvellous depths of the atoll of Fakarava, a UNESCO-classified nature reserve. In the middle of the natural sanctuaries of Fatu Hiva and Hiva Oa hide mysterious rock carvings bearing witness to a long history and ancestral traditions. These ancient customs are reproduced throughout the Marquesas, even on the smallest island of the archipelago, Tahuata, known for its traditional handicrafts. At the heart of the dense forests of Nuku Hiva, droplets from the waterfalls dive off the vertiginous cliffs. Ua Pou, your final port of call in the Marquesas, will reveal its majestic, steep rocky peaks and its stunning beaches of black sand.

From Papeete, Tahiti Island to Papeete, Tahiti Island – 15 days, 14 nights

4 departures from 8 June  2024 to 24 August 2024*

From AUD 11,780 per person*

Find out more about these sailings

* The program is offered on cruise codes PG140625, PG260725, PG230825, PG271225, PG050725, PG020825, PG300825, PG211224, PG090825, PG120725, PG210625, PG040625, PG080624, PG060724, PG030824, PG240824, PG220624, PG270724, PG200724, PG170824

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ABOUT PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES

Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the 330-guest m/s Paul Gauguin, providing a luxury cruise experience tailored to the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific. Paul Gauguin Cruises has been recognized by notable publications in travel and lifestyle including voted most recently as the “World's Best Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Line” in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards 2022; one of the “Top 2 Small Cruise Lines” in the Condé Nast Traveler 2022 Readers' Choice Awards as well as named on the publication's 2021 “Gold List.” The line was also recognized for the 4th time for having the “Best French Polynesia Cruises” in the AFAR Travelers' Choice Awards. In September 2019, Paul Gauguin Cruises joined PONANT's family, a designer of inspiring voyages on board small exploration ships.

All Paul Gauguin Cruises information is available at au.ponant.com/paul-gauguin

Contact your preferred travel agent, or Paul Gauguin Cruises on 1800 878 671 (Australia) or 0800 854 777 (New Zealand), or email paulgauguin.aus@ponant.com to obtain assistance and information.

ABOUT TE MANA O TE MOANA

Te mana o te moana is a non-profit organisation recognised of General Interest, member of the IUCN and Mission Blue, whose mission is to act for the protection of the Polynesian marine environment and more specifically sea turtles through actions of discovery, education, and protection. Since 2004, Te mana o te moana has welcomed and cared for more than 630 sea turtles at the Sea Turtle Care Center in Moorea and has educated more than 130,000 children on environmental issues. On Tetiaroa atoll, the non-profit organisation's teams have observed and protected thousands of green sea turtle hatchlings and collected crucial data on the impact of climate change and predation on Tetiaroa green sea turtle nesting sites.

Learn more about Te mana o te moana  on their website at temanaotemoana.org/

PHOTO LIBRARY
Paul Gauguin Moana Explorer Program Imagery HERE

Paul Gauguin Hero Imagery HERE
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