AGP Executive Report

Culinary Cruises: Windstar has announced five 2027 James Beard Foundation chef sailings, with chef-hosted dinners, cooking demonstrations and food excursions across destinations including French Polynesia. Cruise Update: Holland America’s 35-day Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas voyage has switched its Raiatea and Bora Bora calls: Raiatea is now scheduled for Nov. 3 and Bora Bora for Nov. 4. The Oct. 15 sailing’s port times have also changed, with no explanation from the cruise line. Honeymoon Demand: French Polynesia made Virtuoso’s top 10 luxury honeymoon destinations for 2027, as Greece took first place. Beach Spotlight: Bora Bora ranked 11th in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 readers’ list of the world’s best beaches.

Honeymoon Hotlist: French Polynesia made Virtuoso’s top 10 luxury honeymoon destinations for 2027, as Greece claimed first place. Culinary Cruises: Windstar’s 2027 James Beard Foundation sailings include French Polynesia, with chef-hosted dinners and cooking demonstrations; itineraries span six destinations across three regions. Cruise Update: Holland America’s 35-day Zaandam voyage has swapped its Raiatea and Bora Bora calls: Raiatea is now scheduled for Nov. 3 and Bora Bora for Nov. 4, giving guests different port times. Beach Recognition: Bora Bora ranked 11th in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 readers’ top 15 beaches, scoring 91.21.

Culinary Cruises: Windstar’s 2027 James Beard Foundation lineup includes five chef-hosted voyages, with French Polynesia among the destinations. Guests can expect special dinners, paired wines and cooking demonstrations. Honeymoon Hotlist: French Polynesia made Virtuoso’s top 10 luxury honeymoon destinations for 2027, alongside Greece, Bali and the Maldives. Tahiti Cruise Changes: Holland America has swapped the order of Zaandam’s Raiatea and Bora Bora calls on its 35-day voyage, now visiting Raiatea on Nov. 3 and Bora Bora on Nov. 4, with adjusted port hours. Longer Voyages: Oceania plans a 59-day Miami-to-South-Pacific cruise in October 2027, with stops including Hawaii, French Polynesia, Fiji and Australia.

Beach Spotlight: Bora Bora placed 11th in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 readers’ ranking of the world’s top beaches, keeping French Polynesia on a high-profile list led by Veligandu Island in the Maldives. Culinary Cruises: Windstar’s 2027 James Beard Foundation sailings include a French Polynesia voyage, pairing destination experiences with chef-hosted dining. Luxury Travel: French Polynesia ranked fifth among Virtuoso’s top honeymoon destinations for 2027, behind Greece, Bali, the Maldives and Italy. Cruise Itinerary Changes: Holland America’s 35-day Zaandam cruise has switched the order of its Raiatea and Bora Bora calls; the revised schedule gives each island a separate day, though some guests are concerned about the late changes. Longer Voyages: Oceania’s 59-day 2027 South Pacific cruise from Miami will visit Hawaii, French Polynesia, Fiji and Australia.

Culinary Cruises: Windstar Cruises has announced five 2027 James Beard Foundation chef-hosted voyages, including a French Polynesia sailing pairing destination-inspired food with local culinary heritage. Air Connections: Air Tahiti Nui appeared with a oneworld logo in an Alaska Airlines presentation, prompting speculation about a possible alliance link; it may simply be a slide error, and no change has been confirmed. Tahiti Cruise Deal: Paul Gauguin Cruises and Ponant are offering up to $1,000 in onboard credit on select 2026 and 2027 French Polynesia sailings, with bookings required by the end of October. Port Changes: Holland America’s 35-day Zaandam cruise has swapped its Bora Bora and Raiatea calls, giving passengers different dates and port hours; the October 15 departure is also seeing other itinerary adjustments. Long Voyages: Oceania’s 59-day Miami-to-South-Pacific cruise in October 2027 is set to call in French Polynesia, Fiji and Australia.

2027 Getaways: LGBTQ+ travel company Brand g Vacations has opened bookings for luxury small-group trips, including French Polynesia. Cruise Season: Australia’s summer sailings include routes to French Polynesia, with Celebrity offering longer voyages from Sydney. Tahiti & Marquesas Cruise: Holland America’s Zaandam has switched its Raiatea and Bora Bora calls for its 35-day voyage departing October 15; the revised schedule gives Bora Bora a November 4 visit from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Booking Offer: Paul Gauguin Cruises and Ponant are offering up to $1,000 in onboard credit on select 2026 and 2027 sailings, combinable with some discounts. Book by the end of October. Long Voyage: Oceania Vista’s 59-day Miami-to-South-Pacific cruise in October 2027 includes French Polynesia, Hawaii, Fiji and Australia.

Self-Determination: President Moetai Brotherson has asked the UN to support public education, a visiting mission and an agreed path to a referendum on French Polynesia’s future, with no predetermined outcome. Plan Ahead: LGBTQ+ tour operator Brand g Vacations has opened bookings for 2027 trips, including luxury cruises in French Polynesia; its small-group itineraries can sell out well in advance. Cruise Updates: Holland America’s 35-day Zaandam voyage to Hawaii, Tahiti and the Marquesas has changed its Raiatea and Bora Bora call dates and times. A separate Paul Gauguin Cruises and Ponant offer gives up to $1,000 in onboard credit on select 2026–27 sailings, with bookings due by the end of October. Long Voyages: Oceania Cruises is planning a 59-day Miami-to-South Pacific cruise for October 2027, with stops in Hawaii, French Polynesia, Fiji and Australia.

UN Decolonisation Talks: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson told the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24) that the territory wants a clear, UN-backed process toward a democratic act of self-determination, including information/education on options, a UN visiting mission to hear people directly, and a referendum with “no predetermined outcome.” Travel Tuesday (2027 planning): Brand g Vacations is pushing 2027 luxury trips with small groups and LGBTQ+ focus, including itineraries that feature French Polynesia. Cruise Deal for Tahiti: Paul Gauguin Cruises and Ponant Explorations’ “Tempting Tahiti” offer gives travelers up to $1,000 in shipboard credit on select 2026–2027 French Polynesia sailings (book by end of October; promo code TEMPTAH). Holland America Changes: Holland America’s Zaandam 35-day Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary is seeing last-minute port order and timing shifts in French Polynesia, with guests raising concerns about possible propulsion issues and El Niño impacts. South Pacific Weather Readiness: A Pacific-wide review highlights uneven progress but a push toward locally run forecasting and warnings—relevant for safer travel planning across island destinations.

LGBTQ+ Travel Planning: Brand g Vacations is pushing 2027 bookings with small-group, luxury LGBTQ+ itineraries that include French Polynesia—plus a peek at 2028 options. Cruise Deals for Tahiti: Paul Gauguin Cruises and Ponant Explorations are offering a “Tempting Tahiti” promo on select 2026–2027 sailings: $1,000 in shipboard credit (book by end of October, code TEMPTAH), stackable with early-booking savings up to 30%. South Pacific Cruise Without Flying: Oceania Cruises launches a 59-day Miami-to–South Pacific voyage for 2027, featuring Hawaii and French Polynesia among stops after crossing the Panama Canal. French Polynesia Cruise Itinerary Changes: Holland America’s Zaandam 35-day Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas sailing is seeing last-minute port order and timing tweaks in French Polynesia, with guests watching for possible impacts. Pacific Weather Funding Gap: Pacific meteorological services say they face a funding shortfall as the region plans a decade-long overhaul to improve locally run forecasting and warnings. On-the-ground Travel Context: A new report highlights French Polynesia’s growing role in drug trafficking routes, underscoring tougher policing and border-security pressures for the region.

Cruise Update for Tahiti: Holland America’s Zaandam has made last-minute changes to its 35-day Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas sailing, including a swap in the order of Raiatea and Bora Bora calls (Raiatea now Nov 3; Bora Bora now Nov 4), with guests also watching for possible propulsion concerns after earlier issues. Deal Alert for Travelers: Paul Gauguin Cruises and Ponant Explorations are running a “Tempting Tahiti” offer on select 2026–2027 French Polynesia sailings: $1,000 in shipboard credit (promo code TEMPTAH, book by end of October), plus potential extra savings when combined with early-booking offers. Long-Haul Luxury (South Pacific): Oceania Cruises announced a 59-day Miami-to–South Pacific voyage in Oct 2027 that reaches Hawaii and French Polynesia after crossing the Panama Canal—built for travelers who want months, not weeks. Luxury Travel Trends: Virtuoso’s 2027 Luxe Report says affluent travelers are prioritizing “meaningful experiences,” with Europe dominating top luxury destinations and France featuring among the most popular. Safety & Security: A new report highlights French Polynesia’s growing role in drug trafficking routes, as cocaine and meth increasingly transit the islands en route to Australia and New Zealand.

Cruise Updates for Tahiti: Holland America’s Zaandam has made last-minute changes to its 35-day Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas sailing, including a swap in the order of Raiatea and Bora Bora calls (Nov 3 Raiatea, Nov 4 Bora Bora) as guests watch closely after earlier propulsion concerns. Deal Alert for French Polynesia: Paul Gauguin Cruises and Ponant Explorations are pushing a “Tempting Tahiti” offer on select 2026–27 sailings, with $1,000 in shipboard credit (promo code TEMPTAH; book by end of October), plus potential extra savings. New Long-Haul Luxury Option: Oceania Cruises announced a 59-day Miami-to–South Pacific itinerary for 2027 that reaches Hawaii and French Polynesia without starting with a long-haul flight. Expedition Travel Push: Ponant Explorations highlights easier access for Australians and new seasonal exploration voyages from October 2026, with Discovery Sessions events planned across Australia and New Zealand. Pacific Weather Funding Gap: Pacific meteorological services face a funding shortfall as the region plans a decade-long overhaul to improve locally run forecasting and warnings. On-the-Ground Safety Watch: A report says French Polynesia is increasingly used as a transit route in the drug trade, adding pressure to policing and border security.

Cruise Updates for Tahiti: Holland America’s Zaandam 35-day “Legendary Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas” sailing (departing San Diego Oct 15, 2026) is seeing last-minute port and timing changes in French Polynesia, including a swap in the order of Raiatea and Bora Bora calls—raising guest questions after earlier propulsion difficulties were reported in June. Travel Deals: Paul Gauguin Cruises and Ponant Explorations are pushing a “Tempting Tahiti” offer for select 2026–27 French Polynesia sailings, with $1,000 in shipboard credit (book by end of October, promo code TEMPTAH), plus potential extra savings when combined with early-booking and loyalty programs. New South Pacific Cruise Option: Oceania Cruises announced a 59-day luxury voyage from Miami to the South Pacific in Oct 2027 aboard Oceania Vista, featuring a Panama Canal crossing and visits that include French Polynesia—aimed at travelers who want a longer, multi-region trip without a long-haul flight at the start. On-the-Ground Safety & Planning: A Pacific-wide report says weather services are working to make forecasts more locally usable, with uneven progress but a push for better warnings and decision support—relevant for travelers planning around Pacific weather risks. Local Context for Visitors: Coverage also highlights French Polynesia’s growing role in regional drug trafficking routes, underscoring the broader security backdrop for the islands.

Cruise Updates: Holland America’s Zaandam has made last-minute port and timing changes on its 35-day “Legendary Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas” sailing from San Diego (Oct 15, 2026), including a swap in the order of Raiatea and Bora Bora calls—raising guest questions after earlier propulsion difficulties were reported in June and with El Niño concerns in the Pacific. Travel Deals: Paul Gauguin Cruises and Ponant Explorations are pushing a “Tempting Tahiti” offer for select 2026–2027 French Polynesia sailings: $1,000 in shipboard credit (book by end of October with code TEMPTAH), combinable with early-booking savings up to 30%. New Itineraries: Oceania Cruises announced a 59-day Miami-to–South Pacific voyage for Oct 2027 on Oceania Vista, routing via the Panama Canal with stops including French Polynesia, plus Hawaii, Fiji and Australia. Local Context: A new report highlights French Polynesia’s growing role in international drug trafficking, with cocaine and methamphetamine transiting the islands en route to Australia and New Zealand. Expedition Tourism: Ponant Explorations is promoting deeper French Polynesia access with two ships (m/s Paul Gauguin from Papeete year-round and Le Jacques Cartier from Oct 2026) and is bringing back Discovery Sessions across Australia and New Zealand in Oct–Nov.

Cruise Updates: Holland America’s Zaandam has made last-minute changes to its 35-day “Legendary Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas” sailing from San Diego (Oct 15, 2026), including revised port order and times in French Polynesia—Raiatea now Nov 3 (8am–5pm) and Bora Bora Nov 4 (8am–6pm)—as guests question whether earlier propulsion issues and strong El Niño could affect the trip. Travel Deals: Paul Gauguin Cruises and Ponant Explorations are pushing a “Tempting Tahiti” offer for select 2026–2027 French Polynesia sailings: $1,000 in shipboard credit (promo code TEMPTAH), book by end of October, and it can stack with early-booking savings up to 30%. New Luxury Itineraries: Oceania Cruises announced a 59-day Miami-to–South Pacific voyage for Oct 2027 that reaches Hawaii and French Polynesia without a long-haul flight at the start (via the Panama Canal). Expedition Tourism: Ponant Explorations is promoting its Discovery Sessions across Australia and New Zealand (Oct–Nov), with Captain Mathieu Tsingrilaras joining events, alongside a push for its French Polynesia season with m/s Paul Gauguin and Le Jacques Cartier. Safety & Planning Context: A Pacific weather-services funding gap is highlighted as the region works to improve locally run forecasting and warnings—relevant for travelers planning around changing conditions. Local Reality Check: A report on French Polynesia’s growing role in drug trafficking underscores the wider security pressures facing the islands and border enforcement.

Cruise Disruption Watch: Holland America’s Zaandam 35-day “Legendary Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas” sailing (departing San Diego Oct 15, 2026) has seen last-minute port swaps and revised call times in French Polynesia, including a change in the order of Raiatea and Bora Bora visits—raising guest concerns after prior propulsion issues were reported earlier this year. Pacific Weather & Resilience: Pacific meteorological services are pushing toward more locally run forecasting and warnings, but face funding gaps as they work to improve stations, skills, and public alert channels across island communities. Tahiti Cruise Deal: Paul Gauguin Cruises and Ponant Explorations are promoting “Tempting Tahiti” with $1,000 in shipboard credit on select 2026–2027 French Polynesia sailings, combinable with early-booking savings (book by end of October; promo code TEMPTAH). Long-Haul Luxury Option: Oceania Cruises is launching a 59-day Miami-to-South Pacific itinerary for Oct 2027 that reaches Hawaii and French Polynesia without starting with a long-haul flight. Luxury Expedition Programming: Ponant Explorations is bringing back Discovery Sessions in Australia and New Zealand (Oct–Nov), featuring Captain Mathieu Tsingrilaras and previews of new 2028–2029 itineraries. On-the-Ground Reality Check: A new report highlights French Polynesia’s growing role in international drug trafficking as routes diversify through the islands.

Cruise Deals for Tahiti: Paul Gauguin Cruises and Ponant Explorations are pushing a “Tempting Tahiti” offer for select 2026–2027 French Polynesia sailings, with $1,000 in shipboard credit (promo code TEMPTAH; book by end of October) plus potential early-booking savings up to 30%. Long-Haul South Pacific by Sea: Oceania Cruises is marketing a 59-day Miami-to–South Pacific voyage for October 2027 that includes Hawaii and calls in French Polynesia, aiming at travelers who want months-long cruising without a long-haul flight. More Ways to Explore French Polynesia: Ponant Explorations is highlighting new expedition-style access across all five archipelagos, with m/s Paul Gauguin year-round from Papeete and Le Jacques Cartier joining from October 2026. Expedition Events in Australia/NZ: Ponant Explorations is bringing back Discovery Sessions across major Australian and New Zealand cities in Oct–Nov, featuring Captain Mathieu Tsingrilaras. Visitor Economy Watch: August 2026 visitor spending and arrivals fell in Hawaii (a useful regional demand signal for Pacific travel planning), with spending down 9.7% year-on-year. Safety & Planning Context: Pacific weather services are addressing a funding gap while expanding locally run forecasting and warning systems—relevant for travel risk planning across the region. Local Demand Signals: Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 includes Samoa experiences and ocean adventures in French Polynesia, boosting destination visibility. On-the-ground Reality Check: A report on French Polynesia’s role in drug trafficking underscores ongoing security and enforcement pressures that can affect traveler perceptions and operations.