AGP Executive Report

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.

Cruise Deal for Tahiti: Paul Gauguin Cruises and Ponant Explorations are pushing a “Tempting Tahiti” offer for select 2026–2027 sailings, with $1,000 in shipboard credit (spa, wines, and more) plus potential up to 30% savings via early-booking—book by end of October using promo code TEMPTAH. Longer South Pacific Luxury Cruise: Oceania Cruises is launching a 59-day Miami-to–South Pacific voyage in Oct 2027 aboard Oceania Vista, routing via the Panama Canal and calling at Hawaii and French Polynesia without starting with a long-haul flight. Weather & Safety Funding: Pacific meteorological services are facing a funding gap as the region moves toward a decade-long overhaul aimed at stronger local forecasting and warnings. Visitor Numbers Watch: August 2026 visitor spending and arrivals in the wider Pacific travel market dipped (Hawaii figures), a reminder to keep an eye on demand swings. On-the-Ground Context: A new report highlights French Polynesia’s role in drug trafficking routes, with law-enforcement pressure rising as cocaine and methamphetamine transit the region. Travel Inspiration: A luxury-focused guide claims you can experience French Polynesia for far less than the usual overwater-bungalow price tag.

Cruise Deal for Tahiti: Paul Gauguin Cruises and Ponant Explorations are offering select 2026–2027 French Polynesia sailings a big $1,000 shipboard credit (promo code TEMPTAH; book by end of October), plus it can stack with early-booking savings up to 30%. Luxury Travel Inspiration: A new feature spotlights how to experience French Polynesia in luxury for far less than the usual overwater-bungalow price tag, with a focus on alternatives beyond Bora Bora. Expedition Access: Ponant Explorations is pushing deeper Polynesia itineraries with two ships (m/s Paul Gauguin year-round from Papeete and Le Jacques Cartier from Oct 2026) and is bringing “Discovery Sessions” to Australia and New Zealand with Captain Mathieu Tsingrilaras. Drug Trafficking Watch: A report says French Polynesia is increasingly used as a transit hub for cocaine and meth en route to Australia and New Zealand, while local meth markets are also growing. Regional Context: The French Polynesia Assembly backed a UN mission to Tahiti, as Pacific leaders also debate climate finance and rising seas. Visitor Numbers (Elsewhere): Hawaii’s August 2026 visitor spending and arrivals fell—useful context for Pacific travel demand shifts.

Visitor Economy Watch: Preliminary DBEDT figures show August 2026 visitor spending in Hawaii at $1.59B (-9.7%) with 772,039 visitors (-5.6%), though average daily spend rose to $272 (+7.4%) and stays shortened to 7.55 days. Drug Trafficking Focus: A new report says French Polynesia is increasingly used as a transit hub for cocaine and methamphetamine en route to Australia and New Zealand, while a local meth market is also growing—highlighting the policing and border-security strain on the French state. Luxury Travel Angle: A fresh travel feature pitches French Polynesia beyond the usual Bora Bora overwater-bungalow script, spotlighting more islands and different ways to experience the region. Expedition & Access: PONANT EXPLORATIONS is promoting new French Polynesia itineraries and “Discovery Sessions” in Australia and New Zealand, with new air links from Australia to Tahiti starting in September and a new ship season from October 2026. Regional Travel Buzz: Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 includes ocean adventures in French Polynesia among its top experiences, keeping the islands in the global spotlight.

Visitor Economy Watch: Preliminary DBEDT data shows August 2026 visitor spending in Hawaii fell to $1.59B (-9.7%) with total arrivals down 5.6% to 772,039, though average daily spend rose to $272 (+7.4%). Weather Disruption: Hurricane Lala (Aug 14–16) and Tropical Storm Moke (Aug 22–24) triggered flooding, outages, and flight delays/cancellations affecting travelers. French Polynesia Travel Deals: A new feature highlights how to experience French Polynesia in luxury for about $172 a night instead of $2,000, aiming to broaden the destination beyond the usual Bora Bora overwater-bungalow pitch. Drug Trafficking Focus: A report says French Polynesia is increasingly used as a transit hub for cocaine and meth en route to Australia and New Zealand, while local meth demand is also growing. Luxury Expedition Access: PONANT EXPLORATIONS promotes easier Australia-to-Tahiti travel from September and new ship itineraries, plus “Discovery Sessions” events across Australia and New Zealand in Oct–Nov. Tahiti & Beyond Itineraries: Another PONANT piece lays out two ways to explore French Polynesia across Society Islands, Tuamotus, Marquesas, and more.

Luxury Travel Spotlight: Serial entrepreneur Richard Hadida’s comeback story is making waves as he circumnavigates the globe aboard his own 88ft Oyster superyacht, turning a former bankruptcy into a high-end sailing lifestyle. Value for Money in Tahiti: A new travel feature argues you can experience French Polynesia in luxury for far less than the usual $2,000-per-night Bora Bora overwater-bungalow stereotype, with more islands and options beyond the headline resorts. Safety & Security: A deep dive into French Polynesia’s role in international drug trafficking highlights how cocaine and methamphetamine transit the islands en route to Australia and New Zealand, alongside a growing local meth market. Expedition Tourism: PONANT EXPLORATIONS spotlights fresh ways to explore French Polynesia across five archipelagos, with new ship seasons and “Discovery Sessions” events in Australia and New Zealand. Cruise Planning: Azamara Cruises opens bookings for a 195-night 2029 world cruise from San Diego that includes multiple overnight stays in Mo’orea, Papeete, and Bora Bora. Travel Inspiration (Broader): Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 list includes “ocean adventures in French Polynesia” among top experiences, aligning with the wider push toward slower, less crowded trips.

Luxury Deal Spotlight: A new take on French Polynesia targets the “$2,000 overwater bungalow” myth, highlighting that there’s far more to the Islands of Tahiti than Bora Bora’s most expensive stays. Drug Trafficking Watch: French Polynesia is increasingly used as a transit hub for cocaine and methamphetamine heading toward Australia and New Zealand, while local meth demand is also growing—raising pressure on policing and border security. Expedition Travel: PONANT EXPLORATIONS is pitching two ways to explore French Polynesia across all five archipelagos, with new ship itineraries (including Le Jacques Cartier from October 2026) and “Discovery Sessions” events in Australia and New Zealand featuring Captain Mathieu Tsingrilaras. Cruise Booking News: Azamara has opened bookings for a 195-night 2029 world cruise from San Diego that includes multiple overnight stays in Mo’orea, Papeete and Bora Bora. Regional Context: The Cook Islands weighs deep-sea mining plans—balancing jobs and development against environmental and cultural risks.

Drug Trafficking Watch: French Polynesia is increasingly used as a Pacific transit hub for cocaine and methamphetamine heading to Australia and New Zealand, while a locally embedded meth market is also growing—highlighting tougher border and policing challenges across its 118 islands. Luxury & Access: PONANT EXPLORATIONS is pitching deeper French Polynesia itineraries with new Australia-linked air services from September, plus year-round m/s Paul Gauguin from Papeete and the seasonal Le Jacques Cartier from October 2026. Expedition Events: Ponant is bringing back “Discovery Sessions” to Australia and New Zealand in Oct–Nov, with Captain Mathieu Tsingrilaras joining to preview 2028–2029 itineraries. Travel Inspiration (Lonely Planet): Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 includes French Polynesia in its “Top Experiences” list (ocean adventures) and also flags Samoa’s Fa’a—while Dunedin/Waitaki make the Oceania destination picks. Cruise Deal: Azamara has opened bookings for a 195-night 2029 world cruise from San Diego that includes multiple overnight stays in Mo’orea, Papeete and Bora Bora. Sports Exchange: The inaugural 2026 Pacific Cup is underway in Tahiti, with a Cook Islands national golf team competing against regional rivals. Health Note: A rare case of lymphatic filariasis was reported in Tahiti, involving a large scrotal swelling linked to a filarial worm.

Luxury & Access: PONANT EXPLORATIONS is pitching French Polynesia as a true expedition across five archipelagos, with new September air services from Australia to Tahiti and two ship options—m/s Paul Gauguin (year-round from Papeete) and Le Jacques Cartier (new season from October 2026)—to reach Society Islands, Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier and Austral. Expedition Events: Ponant is also bringing back “Discovery Sessions” to Australia and New Zealand in Oct–Nov, with Captain Mathieu Tsingrilaras joining as a special guest to preview 2028–2029 itineraries. Travel Inspiration (Lonely Planet): Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 highlights “ocean adventures in French Polynesia” in its Top 25 Experiences list, while also naming New Zealand’s Dunedin and the Waitaki in the Top 25 Best Destinations. Sport in Paradise: The inaugural 2026 Pacific Cup is underway in Tahiti, with the Cook Islands bringing a men’s and women’s team plus reserves, competing against hosts French Polynesia, Samoa, Fiji and New Zealand.

Luxury Cruise & Access: PONANT EXPLORATIONS is pitching French Polynesia as a true multi-archipelago expedition, with new September air links from Australia to Tahiti and two ship options in the region—m/s Paul Gauguin year-round from Papeete and Le Jacques Cartier joining from October 2026 to cover all five archipelagos. Expedition Events: Ponant is also bringing back “Discovery Sessions” to Australia and New Zealand in Oct–Nov, with Captain Mathieu Tsingrilaras joining as a special guest to preview new 2028–2029 itineraries. Travel Recognition for the Region: Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 highlights “ocean adventures in French Polynesia” in its Top 25 Experiences list, while New Zealand’s Dunedin and the Waitaki make the Top 25 Best Destinations. Hotel Upgrade in Bora Bora: IHG’s InterContinental Bora Bora is set to reopen in late 2027 as Regent Bora Bora, the first Regent property in French Polynesia, keeping its overwater villa format. Cruise Booking Watch: A 195-night Azamara world cruise (San Diego to Copenhagen) opens for bookings, with multiple overnight stays in Mo’orea, Papeete and Bora Bora. Solo Travel Trend: A wider travel trend piece notes solo travel demand is rising fast, with more travelers adding solo days to trips—useful context for French Polynesia’s growing independent visitor market.

Lonely Planet “Best in Travel 2027”: French Polynesia gets a spotlight on the Top 25 Experiences list, with ocean adventures and the Fa’a experience also showing up in the wider Oceania picks as Lonely Planet rolls out its slower, more meaningful-travel theme for next year. Cruise for South Pacific fans: Azamara opens bookings for a 195-night 2029 world cruise from San Diego, with multiple overnight stays in Mo’orea, Papeete and Bora Bora plus calls across French Polynesia, Samoa and Fiji. Luxury hotel switch in Bora Bora: IHG’s InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa will rebrand as Regent Bora Bora, with a reopening planned for late 2027 and a full overwater-villa lineup on a private motu. Travel deals for expedition lovers: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is offering air credit up to AU$2,000/NZ$2,350 on select 2027 departures that include French Polynesia. Michelin Keys recognition: Beckons’ luxury lodges earn MICHELIN Keys across eight properties, with Southern Ocean Lodge promoted to Three Keys—good news for travelers comparing high-end stays across the region.