Package duration: 11 nights Fly, Cruise & Stay
Package starts: 26 October 2025 - with flight to Cairns
Cruise starts: 27 October 2025 - from Cairns, Australia
Cruise ends: 6 November 2025 - into Cairns, Australia
Package ends: 6 November 2025 - with flight from Cairns to Syd/Bne/Mel
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HIGHLIGHTS:
Zodiac outings and shore visits with your expedition team.
Discover the mysteries of Papua New Guinea, the land of a thousand cultures.
From Tufi, journey on an outrigger canoe into the ancient fjords of Cape Nelson.
Visit the remote Tami islands.
Witness the cultures and traditions of Morobe region and the traditional ceremonies of the Asaro Mudmen of Madang region.
Swim and snorkel in the warm, clear tropical waters of the Solomon Sea.
Walk on the picture-perfect postcard Lusancay Islands
Understand the colonial history of Samarai Island and of Papua New Guinea’s role during World War II.
Gain an insight into the history, culture and the diversity of flora and fauna from your expert
expedition team.
Opportunity of diving (PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board and of snorkelling with your expedition team. (extra cost)
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BIG SAVINGS!
All prices per person in AUD from*
Last cabins, don't miss out......
Twin PR4 Prestige Balcony was $14,740 - your special price from $13,245*pp (limited availability)
Twin PR5 Prestige Balcony was $15,380 - your special price from $13,745*pp
Twin PR6 Prestige Balcony was $16,195 - your special price from $14,445*pp
Twin DS Deluxe Suite was $23,080 - your special price from $19,875*pp
Single PR5 Prestige Balcony was $31,340 - your special price from $26,290 (limited space)
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PACKING FOR PAPUA Fly FREE*, Cruise & Stay package includes:
- BONUS FREE* Return economy class airfare from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne to Cairns inc tax (other Australian cities available with surcharge)
- One way transfer from Cairns airport to hotel
- 1 night pre-cruise accommodation in Cairns
- 10 night Papua New Guinea expedition cruise aboard Le Jacques-Cartier round trip from Cairns
- All meals while on board the ship (from dinner on the day of embarkation to breakfast on the day of disembarkation)
- Captain`s welcome cocktail and gala dinner onboard
- Open Bar (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands) during cruise
- Evening entertainment and events
- Room service 24h (special selection)
- Highly qualified bilingual French/English expedition team
- Zodiac excursions
- Park entry fees into protected areas (where applicable)
- Port taxes
- One way transfer from Cairns port to airport
Special Conditions
*Conditions Apply: All prices shown here are per person share twin (unless stated as single) in AUD, based on best available cruise fare at time of publication (02Sep24). Selected routing and airlines apply to package offers - any variances requested by guest will incur surcharges. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Travel agent service fees may apply. Special conditions apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Please note that the prices shown here are not shown in real time. While we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ from the prices in our booking system at time of reservation. Transfers only included if guests are arriving/departing by air at specific airports on exact package dates. Offer ends 30Dec24 or sold out/withdrawn and is subject to availability at time of booking. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
Special Validity Dates
Special is valid from 7 November 2024 to 30 December 2024 or until sold out/withdrawn.
Pre-cruise Itinerary
Date
Activity
26 Oct 2025
Fly Syd/Bne/Mel to Cairns, transfer to hotel
27 Oct 2025
Make your own way to the port, embark ship
Cruise Itinerary
Date
Port
Arrive
Depart
27 Oct 2025
Cairns, Qld, Australia
6:00 PM
28 Oct 2025
At Sea
29 Oct 2025
Alotau, Papua New Guinea
30 Oct 2025
Tufi Harbour, Papua New Guinea
31 Oct 2025
Tami Islands, Papua New Guinea
1 Nov 2025
Madang, Papua New Guinea
2 Nov 2025
Morobe Harbour, Papua New Guinea
3 Nov 2025
Lusancay Islands, PNG
4 Nov 2025
Samarai Island, Papua New Guinea
5 Nov 2025
At Sea
6 Nov 2025
Cairns, Qld, Australia
9:30 AM
Post-cruise Itinerary
Date
Activity
6 Nov 2025
Transfer to airport, Fly Cairns to Syd/Mel/Bne
This 11-day PONANT Expedition cruise aboard Le Jacques Cartier will showcase the wonders and ancestral tribes of Papua New Guinea.
You will board your ship in Cairns. With its many colonial buildings, its picturesque port and its exceptional panorama over the surrounding natural environment, this city in the north-east of Australia won’t fail to impress.
Le Jacques Cartier will then set sail for Papua New Guinea, a fascinating land that is home to no fewer than 700 ethnic groups within a highly diverse yet mainly unexplored ecosystem.
Your call at Tufi will be one of the highlights of your voyage. Dubbed the Scandinavia of the Tropics, you will undoubtedly fall under the charm of this picturesque region, with its deep ‘fjords’ known locally as ‘rias’, which were formed through volcanic activity. In this unique setting, local Papuan tribes will share their customs, beliefs and artwork with you.
You will then head north along the coast to Madang, nicknamed ‘the most beautiful city in the South Pacific’. Within this stunning province exists great geographical diversity, with 170 different languages spoken there. Its festival showcases this richness and offers colourful traditional performances or ‘sing sings’ by many of the cultural groups of the province. These include the mysterious Asaro Mudmen, who re-enact a warrior episode from their history wearing masks of mud, their bodies coated in clay.
In the heart of the Solomon Sea you will experience the splendid turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of the uninhabited islands of the Lusancay archipelago. These spectacular, picture-postcard islands provide the opportunity to swim and snorkel over coral reefs teeming with life.
The wildlife encounters 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.
Ship Profile & Stats
Maiden voyage: July 2020
Tonnage: 9,900 gross tons
Length: 131 metres
Beam: 18 metres
Draft: 4.5 metres
Speed: 12.5 knots
Ship registration: French
Passenger capacity (dbl): 184
Officer nationality: French
Ship Amenities
110/220 volts outlet
Bath Robes
Flat screen television
Hair Dryer
In Room Safe
Individual Climate Control
Ipod(TM) players
Minibar
Satellite Direct Line Telephone
Ship Facilities
Art Gallery
Bars
Fitness Centre
Hydraulic Platform for Water Sports / Swimming
Main Lounge
Dining Room
Panoramic Lounge
Shopping Boutiques
Spa
Swimming Pool
Theatre
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...
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• Private return transfer
• Priority boarding
• Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
• Butler service
• An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
• A lounge with armchair, double sofa bed (160 x 190 cm), and second TV
• A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• A bathroom with shower, Balneo bathtub and smart mirror
• A one-hour spa treatments per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer
• Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar
• A private 40 m² terrace: 2 deckchairs, jacuzzi, and outdoor lounge area with sofa and armchair
• Two panoramic sliding bay windows
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• Priority boarding
• Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
• Butler service
• An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
• A bedroom with one king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• A lounge with sofa convetible to a double bed (160 x 190 cm), armchair, and second TV
• A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
• A private 32 m² terrace with two deckchairs and four-seater dining table
• 2 panoramic sliding bay windows
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• Priority boarding
• Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
• Butler service
• An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
• A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
• Two bathrooms with shower
• A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
• Two panoramic sliding bay windows
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
• An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
• A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
• Two bathrooms with shower
• A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
• Two panoramic sliding bay windows
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• Priority boarding
• Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
• Butler service
• An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
• One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
• A bathroom with shower
• A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
• A panoramic sliding bay window
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet access wifi
Butler service.
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• Priority boarding
• Butler service
• One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
• A bathroom with shower
• A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
• A panoramic sliding bay window
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
• One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
• A bathroom with shower
• A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
• A panoramic sliding bay window
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
• One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
• A bathroom with shower
• A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
• A panoramic sliding bay window
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
• One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
• A bathroom with shower
• A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
• A panoramic sliding bay window
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
• One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
• A bathroom with shower
• A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
• A panoramic sliding bay window
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• One chaise longue
• A bathroom with shower
• A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
• A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• One chaise longue
• A bathroom with shower
• A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
• A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• One chaise longue
• A bathroom with shower
• A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
• A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV
• A bathroom with shower
• A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
• A glazed panoramic swing door and rectangular window
From
AU $13,245*
per person
*All prices are per person twin share unless stated as solo, triple or quad share.
