Le Jacques Cartier, 16 Night New Guinea Odyssey ex Darwin, NT, Australia to Cairns, Qld, Australia

PONANT invites you to embark on board Le Jacques-Cartier for an 17-day tropical expedition cruise to discover the sublime natural landscapes of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

Departing from Darwin, you will discover the Maluku Islands, nicknamed the “Spice Islands“. The Kai Islands, hidden jewels surrounded by incredibly blue water, are home to some of Indonesia’s most beautiful white sandy beaches.

You will then sail into the heart of Triton Bay. This bay is located in a protected marine environment in the middle of the Coral Triangle, where you will enjoy an unforgettable Zodiac cruise through the spectacular karst islands covered in tropical forest.

Le Jacques-Cartier will continue on to the Indonesian province of West Papua, giving you the opportunity to admire the Kiti-Kiti Waterfall, a stunning natural site at the foot of which you will undoubtedly be tempted to swim, surrounded by lush vegetation.

Crossing Western New Guinea, you will discover the spectacular Cenderawasih Bay, where you will have the unforgettable chance to swim with whale sharks.

Your ship will then set sail for Papua New Guinea, a fascinating land that is home to no fewer than 700 ethnic groups within a very rich ecosystem.

In the village of Kopar, lying at the mouth of the Sepik River, you will be welcomed by folk performances and you will discover the daily life of its inhabitants in a traditional village.

You will sail along the coast to arrive in Madang, nicknamed “the prettiest town in the South Pacific”. Within this attractive province with great geographical diversity, 170 different languages are spoken.

Your call at Tufi, to the south of the island, will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your trip. Fall under the charm of this picturesque region, dubbed the “Scandinavia of the Tropics” due to its fjords, produced from volcanic activities. A unique and preserved setting, inhabited by Papuan tribes who will be proud to share their culture and art with you.

Finally, you will sail up to Alotau in Papua New Guinea's Milne Bay Province where you will discover how a combination of pearl farming, mineral resources and the presence of missionaries over the centuries shaped the history of this bay, which was also marked by the Second World War.

Next, your ship will set course towards Cairns, where this unforgettable journey will draw to an end.

The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.

As the sixth ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Jacques Cartier will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.

Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.

Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.

EXPERIENCE CRUISING ANOTHER WAY, DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF YACHT CRUISES.

Our mission is to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small capacity ships.

To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment - a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared - and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.

To combine sophistication and conviviality, with priority given to authentic experiences, emotions and the ongoing quest for excellence.

Yacht cruises: more than a cruise, a privilege...

Attentive, professional, discreet and elegant, the fully bilingual service on board will meet your every desire. Our unique atmosphere is filled with a signature sentiment: a warm welcome from an experienced crew who are passionate about what they do, in the tradition of private yachting.

In the dining areas, our gourmet cuisine is worthy of top fine dining restaurants: exquisite wines are available, and menus are created with expertise by our skilled chefs with a French-inspired menu enhanced by specialties from our various ports of call.

Pleasure, enrichment, discovery: relax - we take care of everything...