Paul Gauguin schedules 2026 Moana Explorer youth program cruises

In partnership with Te mana o te moana, a South Pacific marine education and conservation foundation, the program is designed to engage children ages 6 to 15 with hands-on, interactive activities showcasing the region's natural wonders and cultures.

Kids 17 and under sail free

There is no fee for the program. Plus, kids 17 and younger sail for free when traveling in the same suite or stateroom as their parents.

Moana Explorer Program activities range from learning about the impacts of water pollution, playing beach 'Survivor' games and hiking volcanic mountains to snorkeling in pristine lagoons along with the naturalists.

Depending on the itinerary, youngsters might explore underwater life, conduct water experiments, create natural jewelry, go on a treasure hunt, learn about Tahitian culture, discover island legends and geology or design their own Polynesian tattoo.

'Deeply authenitic' 

The Moana Explorer Program is 'one of the most deeply authentic experiences' children can have when exploring French Polynesia with Paul Gauguin Cruises, according to the line's Susan Robison, GM, sales and marketing.

The program is available on seven-night 'Tahiti & the Society Islands' cruises with overnights in Bora Bora, Moorea and Tahiti, departing June 6, July 4 and Aug. 8, 2026, and seven-night 'More Society Islands & Tahiti' cruises with a return to Raiatea and overnights in Bora Bora and Tahiti embarking June 13, July 11 and Aug. 29, 2026.

It is available on longer cruises, too. These include the 11-night 'Society Islands & Tuamotus' with highlights including Fakarava’s UNESCO Marine Biosphere Reserve and Huahine’s rain forest, embarking July 18, 2026, and the 10-night 'More Tuamotus & Society Islands' that explores Fakara and Rangiroa lagoons and overnights in Bora Bora and Moorea, departing July 29, 2026.  

Plus, three 14-night 'Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands' cruises with the archaeologically-rich Marquesan isles and lagoons of Fakarava and Bora Bora, sailing June 20, Aug. 15 and Dec. 19, 2026.

The Moana Explorer Program is also available on six voyages in 2024 and 12 voyages in 2025.