Tropical Odyssey between North East Australia and Indonesia
Over 16 days, fall under the spell of the beauty and richness of the Indonesian archipelago and the northern shores of Australia. Aboard Le Jacques Cartier take an exceptional expedition cruise with PONANT, sailing from island to island, from idyllic landscapes to unforgettable encounters.
After boarding Le Jacques Cartier in Cairns, your first destination is Lizard Island. Located at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, this 1,000-hectare Island is home to sublime white sand beaches fringed by coral reefs teeming with life. Then, you will cross Cape York, where the Pacific and Indian oceans meet. Further north, you will discover the Asmat region, one of the most isolated and mysterious areas in the world. Then, you will sail to the heart of Triton Bay. Located within a protected marine environment in the middle of the Coral Triangle, you will enjoy an unforgettable zodiac cruise through the spectacular rainforest-capped karst islands. Le Jacques Cartier will continue on to the Indonesian province of West Papua to give you the opportunity to admire the Kiti-Kiti Waterfall. Surrounded by lush vegetation, you will undoubtedly be tempted to swim or snorkel at the foot of this stunning natural site. In the Moluccas (Maluku Islands), dubbed the Spice Islands, you will discover Banda Neira, shaped by Dutch and Portuguese influences. After a stopover in the fabulous Barat Daya Islands, you will head for Kalabahi. This authentic destination in the Alor Archipelago provides the opportunity to interact with local people who have preserved their traditional practices and customs. You will then head to Flores before visiting your final destination of Komodo National Park. This wild and isolated island is home to the famous Komodo dragons. Your cruise will conclude in Bali, ‘the island of the gods’ with its captivating charm and grace. 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.
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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.
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