French Polynesia and Pitcairn Islands: Rangiroa and Pitcairn
Mysterious: French Polynesia and Pitcairn Island
When the sun sinks into the sea and steeps the sky in colours no evening repeats.
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French Polynesia from/to Papeete
This fourteen-night round trip from Papeete combines the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Gambier Islands and a visit to the legendary island of Pitcairn. With just 184 guests and sixteen Zodiacs, Le Jacques Cartier is well suited for landing at Adamstown, one of the most remote inhabited places in the Pacific. The Blue Eye underwater lounge gives access to reefs that hardly any traveller sees. With the Bounty descendants on Pitcairn, the historic cathedral of Rikitea and the wide lagoons of Rangiroa, the voyage links three very different worlds of French Polynesia and the South Pacific.
Route highlights
- Papeete: Capital of Tahiti, departure port for an unusual route to the south and east.
- Mataiva: Westernmost atoll of the Tuamotus, whose lagoon forms a network of coral fields.
- Anaa: Flat atoll with a turquoise lagoon and small motus, once an important regional centre.
- Rikitea: Main settlement of the Gambier Islands on Mangareva, with the impressive cathedral of Saint-Michel.
- Aukena: Small Gambier island with the ruins of one of the earliest missions in the Pacific.
- Adamstown: Only settlement on Pitcairn, inhabited by descendants of the Bounty mutineers.
- Motu Vaiamanu: Uninhabited motu in the Tuamotus, a classic image of palms and lagoon.
- Rangiroa: One of the world's largest atolls, known for its coral passes and lagoon world.
The Route
Papeete
14 nights
Papeete
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Papeete, Tahiti · Embarkation
The capital of Tahiti on the north-west coast of the main island of French Polynesia is the gateway to the South Seas. It combines a colourful market scene at the Marché de Pape'ete with pearl jewellery boutiques, creole cafés and the harbourside roulottes food stalls. Papeete is the start and end point of almost every Polynesia cruise.
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Mataiva, Tuamotu-Archipel
Mataiva lies on the western edge of the Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia in the South Pacific. The atoll hosts a rare net-pattern lagoon with 70 tiny freshwater and brackish basins that are unique in the entire South Pacific, along with ancient marae temple sites from pre-Christian island culture.
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Anaa, Tuamotu-Archipel
Anaa is a low-lying atoll in the western Tuamotu archipelago of French Polynesia, around 400 kilometres east of Tahiti. The lagoon glows turquoise thanks to the bright coral floor, a phenomenon visible as a luminous reflection in the sky above the atoll.
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Hikueru
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At sea
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Rikitea, Gambierinseln
On the main island of Mangareva in the Gambier archipelago at the far south-east of French Polynesia, this small main settlement serves as the gateway to one of the Pacific's most remote island groups. The imposing 19th-century Saint-Michel cathedral, adorned with mother-of-pearl, is a surprising treasure in this isolation.
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Aukena, Gambierinseln
Aukena is a small island in the Gambier archipelago in the far south-east of French Polynesia, set in one of Polynesia's largest lagoons. It is renowned for the Tour Maman watchtower built of coral lime, a relic of the 19th-century Catholic mission.
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Adamstown, Pitcairninseln
Adamstown is the sole settlement on Pitcairn Island in the remote South Pacific and, with around 40 inhabitants, the world's smallest capital. Residents are descendants of the Bounty mutineers who settled here with Polynesian wives in 1790.
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At sea
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Amanu, Tuamotu-Archipel
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Makemo
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Rangiroa, Tuamotu-Archipel
Rangiroa is one of the largest atolls in the world and belongs to the Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia. Its crystal-clear lagoon and the famous Tiputa and Avatoru passes are among the finest dive sites in the South Pacific.
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Papeete, Tahiti · Disembarkation
Le Jacques Cartier
Le Jacques Cartier entered service in 2020 as the fifth ship of the Explorer class. 184 guests, Blue Eye Lounge, state-of-the-art environmental technology. The ship benefits from all improvements Ponant has built into the class since 2018.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Jacques Cartier
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom | € 10.580 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 11.680 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 12.240 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 12.910 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 | € 17.780 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 | € 17.780 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 | € 17.780 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 17.780 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite | € 23.900 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite | € 25.110 | On request | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 | € 26.330 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 | € 26.330 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 28.880 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite | € 33.570 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 14 nights from EUR 11.100 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Jacques Cartier?
A maximum of 184 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
