New Guinea Odyssey
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.
When searching for a luxury yacht expedition cruise, there’s one name above all else that you need to know – Ponant Cruises. Founded in 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers, Ponant combines succulent luxury with authentic adventures on all seven continents.
From classic Mediterranean itineraries and Caribbean sailings, to bucket-list expeditions around Greenland and Antarctica, Ponant cruises proudly counteract the banality of mainstream voyages with a unique take on the concept of small-ship cruising. It’s the absolute trip of a lifetime.
In keeping with the philosophy of PONANT and the PONANT EXPLORERS, Le Jacques-Cartier combines the desire for adventure with five-star travel. A modern ship with slender, tapered lines, it is environmentally friendly and equipped with innovative technology.
