French Polynesia is the world’s friendliest nation, says US publication Condé Nast Traveler, and it shows at every level – if you run into the islands’ President, Edouard Fritsch, which is possible as he’s an out-and-about person, he’ll treat you as a long-lost friend.

Windstar President Chris Prelog has just completed the most whirlwind week in a career at sea that started 25 years ago.

Aranui Cruises has released details of its first “short cruise” – a new five-day roundtrip voyage from Tahiti to Tuamotu islands onboard Aranui 5.

Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering a naturalist-led Moana Explorer Program that goes beyond the typical camp-like activities of other ships. Experiences such as visiting a sea turtle care centre, playing real-life beach Survivor, and snorkeling in pristine reefs encourage guests ages 7-15 to learn about the islands, ocean environment, and unique Tahitian culture.

Windstar Cruises has cancelled its scheduled cruises in Asia for the northern autumn of 2022, citing the continued uncertainty regarding ports reopening in the region. The decision impacts a couple of close-to-home voyages.

Captain’s Choice will embark on an exclusive island-hopping adventure in September 2022, with the unveiling of a new South Pacific Splendours by Private Jet journey offering the chance to experience new-found natural wonders and enriching cultural moments.

Scenic has confirmed plans to deploy the second of its Discovery Yachts, Scenic Eclipse II, to Australia and the South Pacific in 2024.

Passengers flying with Air Tahiti Nui in Economy or Premium Economy now have the chance to bid for an upgrade in class following the launch of an online auction system.

Mega-cruise ships will be black-flagged from stopping in Tahiti under new directives set out by French Polynesia. Effective 1 January 2022, French Polynesia will deny cruise ship operations in its waters, banning “very large capacity” vessels of 3,500+ passengers and refusing them to stop. Vessels of this capacity are now considered “not suited for our destination,” both in terms of capacity and size, Tahiti Tourisme said.

Paul Gauguin Cruises (PGC) has further postponed its planned recommencement of sailings in French Polynesia, shelving two imminent departures.

Cruising in French Polynesia has been suspended for two weeks, effective 23 August to 6 September 2021. The ruling, announced over the weekend, is a setback for Paul Gauguin Cruises which had intended to resume operation of Le Paul Gauguin this coming Saturday (28 April 2021) with a 14-night ‘Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands’ voyage.

Paul Gauguin Cruises has rolled out new Learning Academy Modules in partnership with CLIA, offering agents the opportunity to learn and expand their knowledge of the French Polynesian specialists.