French Polynesia is the ultimate island escape: turquoise lagoons, overwater bungalows, coral reefs and dramatic volcanic peaks. A cruise is one of the best ways to see it, hopping between Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and beyond without the hassle of inter-island flights.
Here are the four lines we sell in French Polynesia.
You’ll find on this page
- A comparison table of every cruise line in this guide
- Four ways to cruise French Polynesia
- Tips
- Answers to the questions we’re asked most
- How to book or get expert advice at the end of the page
At a glance: compare the cruise lines
| Cruise line | Style | Fleet | Best for | Included highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Gauguin Cruises | Small ship and sailing | 1 Dedicated ship | Society Islands | All meals, Drinks with meals, Watersports platform |
| Aranui Cruises | Small ship and sailing | 1 Cargo-passenger ship | The Marquesas | All meals, Drinks with meals, Island excursions |
| Windstar Cruises | Small ship and sailing | 6 Small yachts | Sailing | All dining, Watersports platform, Sail Away ceremony |
| Ponant Explorations | Expedition | 14 Ships in the fleet (incl. Paul Gauguin) | French luxury | Open Bar all day, One excursion per port, All meals |
Fleet sizes and inclusions are from each line’s own information and can change; inclusions often depend on the fare you book.
Quick verdicts
Four ways to cruise French Polynesia
Paul Gauguin Cruises
- Small ship and sailing
- 1 Dedicated ship
- 332 Max guests
Since 1998, the m/s Paul Gauguin has specialised in French Polynesia: Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, the Society Islands, the Tuamotus and the Marquesas, with a watersports platform and a private islet day.
Best for: Society Islands
Aranui Cruises
- Small ship and sailing
- 1 Cargo-passenger ship
- 254 Max guests
Aranui 5 is a passenger-cargo ship serving the remote Marquesas from Papeete, carrying 254 passengers with island excursions and a Polynesian night.
Best for: The Marquesas
Windstar Cruises
- Small ship and sailing
- 6 Small yachts
- 342 Max guests
Motor-sailing yachts sailing from Papeete, with a watersports platform and an intimate feel.
Best for: Sailing
Ponant Explorations
- Expedition
- 14 Ships in the fleet (incl. Paul Gauguin)
- 32-264 Guests per ship — small-ship by design
French luxury small ships with voyages from Papeete and an open bar included.
Best for: French luxury
Side by side: the details
| Paul Gauguin Cruises | Aranui Cruises | Windstar Cruises | Ponant Explorations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fleet | 1 Dedicated ship | 1 Cargo-passenger ship | 6 Small yachts | 14 Ships in the fleet (incl. Paul Gauguin) |
| Ship size | 332 Max guests | 254 Max guests | 342 Max guests | 32-264 Guests per ship — small-ship by design |
| Included as standard | All meals, Drinks with meals, Watersports platform, Les Gauguines / Gauguins programme, Motu day (private islet) | All meals, Drinks with meals, Island excursions, Onboard lectures and demonstrations, Polynesian Night barbecue | All dining, Watersports platform, Sail Away ceremony, James Beard Foundation dishes | Open Bar all day, One excursion per port, All meals, Wi-Fi, Port taxes, Spa access |
| Main departure ports | Papeete (Tahiti) | Papeete (Tahiti) | Piraeus (Athens), Rome (Civitavecchia), Barbados, Papeete (Tahiti), Reykjavik | Marseille, Toulon, Reykjavik, Tromsø, Longyearbyen (Svalbard) |
| Loyalty programme | – | – | – | Ponant Yacht Club |
| Might not suit you if | you want varied global itineraries; you want ultra-luxury inclusions; you want a brand-new ship | you want luxury cruise standards; you’re on a budget; you want fast pace | you want big-ship choice; you’re cruising with young kids; you expect all-inclusive everything | you’re not comfortable with French-influenced atmosphere; you want big-ship entertainment; you’re looking for budget luxury |
Tips
Most French Polynesia cruises start and end in Papeete on Tahiti, which is a long journey from the UK, usually via Los Angeles or Paris. Combine your cruise with a few nights in an overwater bungalow on Bora Bora or Moorea. The dry season, from May to October, has the most settled weather.
How we chose these cruise lines
We featured the lines we sell that sail in French Polynesia. Itineraries and seasons change every year, so check the sailings available for your dates, or ask a Travel Designer to compare them for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cruise in French Polynesia?
Paul Gauguin for the Society Islands; Aranui for the remote Marquesas.
Where do French Polynesia cruises start?
Papeete, Tahiti.
When is the best time to visit?
May to October, the dry season.
Can I add a stay in Bora Bora?
Yes. A Travel Designer can combine your cruise with island stays.
Find your cruise
Browse every cruise line we sell, or ask a Travel Designer to compare ships, cabins and itineraries for you.
Keep planning
Updated October 2026. Cruises can be booked through Travelisto, with flights and hotels added where you need them.
