Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
20% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
Hop from island to island to discover the natural wonders of the most beautiful archipelagos in the Pacific and enjoy surprising, unforgettable encounters with the local communities. During a 14-day expedition cruise aboard Le Jacques Cartier, nature and culture are combined to offer you an extraordinary trip.
Departing from Honiara, set sail on an exceptional journey to the heart of remote regions of wild beauty.
In the Solomon Islands, you will be able to enjoy pleasant moments swimming and snorkelling on Njari Island before you discover the picturesque and colourful atmosphere in the traditional markets on Ghizo Island.
Le Jacques Cartier will 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. You will visit the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, a unique group of islands that are ecologically and geographically part of the Solomon Islands archipelago but not politically part of the islands.
Next, the mysteries of Micronesia will reveal themselves to you. A scattering of islands and atolls, lost in the heart of the northern Pacific, this area is rich in Second World War history. The shores of Chuuk Lagoon and Pulap Island still retain traces of a tragic past and a declared Underwater Military Museum is the resting place of wrecks from Japan’s military air and sea fleets.
Micronesia consists of a sprinkling of islands and atolls that benefit from an exceptional environment. Its incredibly rich underwater world promises unforgettable dives. On land, the beaches of white sand, the coconut trees and the villages with deep-rooted traditions reveal their charms, like the Ifalik and Gaferut atolls.
Your cruise will end in Guam, the biggest volcanic island of the Mariana Islands.
Ref : HG144 - EX010325
An expedition cruise to discover the idyllic landscapes of the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Micronesia, as well as their fascinating cultures. Zodiac outings and shore visits with your team of...
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Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
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Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landings"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to isolated regions is an exhilarating experience. In remote areas, please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
Accessories:
Please note:
During your visits to some local communities, all guests will be required to dress respectfully. Ladies must have their shoulders and thighs covered. Gentlemen should have their shoulders covered also.
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
For men:
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
For men:
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
TECHNICAL OUTFITS:
ACCESSORIES:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Diving - Expedition Cruise
Supervision of the dives
Your dives will be led by your PONANT instructor. He will take care of your safety and that all goes smoothly. On some diving sites, as in natural reserves or if the local regulations require it, a local guide will escort the diving.
Level required for scuba diving on this cruise
The minimum level required for scuba diving on this cruise is 2 star CMAS or the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent). The certification card, the diving log book and a recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to our main diving instructor.
Process of the dives (certified divers)
The instructor reserves the right to check divers’ ability for maximum safety. As we will dive in remote places, the dives will be done without decompression stop. A safety stop of 3 minutes at 5 metres will be mandatory. The depth that can be reached will depend on the certification of the divers:
Duration of the dives
The diving activity lasts from 2 to 3 hours, which includes the journey to the diving site and the diving. This duration may vary according to the site, the level of divers, weather conditions and the number of participants. For experienced divers, the duration of dives varies between 35 and 60 minutes depending on the site, the diver’s experience and consumption.
Supplied equipment
Mask and snorkel: for health reasons due to Covid-19, we strongly recommend that you come on board with your own mask and snorkel .As an exception, you will be able to borrow them in accordance with sanitary conditions.
The passenger may participate in scuba diving activities, subject to compliance with certain conditions established in accordance with the health, scientific and medical measures applicable on the day of the dive.
* within the limit of available stock.
Fauna and flora of the Pacific ocean
The fauna of the Pacific ocean is very varied. During the various dives, divers can observe various species of benthic fauna such as napoleon fish, racoonbutterfly fish, and pelagic fauna such as manta rays, gray reef sharks, dolphin fish, as well as endemic wildlife such as different soft corals.
Scuba diving activities on this cruise
PORTS OF CALL |
DIVES (for certified divers) |
DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING (for beginners) |
Solomon Islands - Honiara, Guadalcanal Island |
NO |
NO |
Solomon Islands – Njari Island |
YES |
NO |
Solomon Islands – Ghizo Island |
NO |
NO |
Papua New Guinea - Bougainville |
YES |
NO |
Papua New Guinea – Bougainville |
YES |
NO |
Papua New Guinea - Rabaul, Bismarck Archipelago |
YES |
NO |
Micronesia– Chuuk (ex Chuck) |
YES |
NO |
Micronesia - Pulap Island |
YES |
NO |
Micronesia – Satawal Island |
YES |
NO |
Micronesia – Ifalik Atoll |
YES |
YES |
Micronesia - Gaferut Atoll |
YES |
NO |
Guam |
NO |
NO |
These sites are indicative. The proposed diving excursions may be changed depending on weather and safety conditions and the number of divers.
Rates
Excellence and Passion packages must be pre-booked with your travel consultant before departure. Beyond that, all reservations will be confirmed once on board and subject to availability.
Exploration dives must be organised on board directly with your diving instructor.
Price per person
Embarkation 01/03/2025 from 15:30 to 16:30
Departure 01/03/2025 at 17:30
Honiara is the capital city of The Solomon Islands, administered as a provincial town on the north-western coast of Guadalcanal Island. Honiara comes from the local Ghari Language “naho-ni-ara” meaning 'facing the ara', the place where the southeast winds meet the land. Discover this city, its beautiful landscape, and the significant role it played in World War II. Particularly The Battle of Henderson Field, the last of the three major land offensives conducted by the Japanese in 1942.
Arrival 02/03/2025
Departure 02/03/2025
There are plenty of opportunities for world class snorkelling, diving and underwater photography throughout the Solomon Islands with sites in the Western and Central Provinces considered among the most popular. The underwater realm is home to more than 1000 species of reef fish, along with dolphins, rays, sharks, and six of the world's seven species of marine turtles. Almost 500 species of corals have been identified amongst the 5,750km2 of reefs found in the Solomon Islands. Njari Island is an uninhabited picture postcard island located 15nm from the town of Gizo. Enjoy swimming and snorkelling from its idyllic shores.
Arrival 03/03/2025
Departure 03/03/2025
Gizo is situated on Ghizo Island and is the second largest town in the Solomon Islands, after the capital, Honiara. The people of the Western Province are regarded as amongst the most skilled carvers in the world. They produce carvings from various woods including ebony and rosewood. These amazingly intricate carvings can take months to make and accordingly command a high price. You will have the opportunity to visit the traditional markets of Gizo. There are plenty of opportunities for world class snorkelling, diving and underwater photography throughout the Western province and the Islands around Ghizo are considered among the most popular.
Arrival 04/03/2025
Departure 05/03/2025
The Autonomous Region of Bougainville, formerly known as the North Solomons Province, has been known for its picture–perfect beaches and bays since French explorer Louis-Antoine de Bougainville first sighted the island and gave it its name in 1768. The region played a significant role in the Pacific theatre of war during WWII. With 685 km of coastline and 240,000ha of coral reefs teeming with life there are many destinations awaiting discovery.
Arrival 06/03/2025
Departure 06/03/2025
Set at the eastern end of the island of New Britain, the tropical port town of Rabaul has always been famous for its spectacular setting. Nestled beside Simpson Harbour, the township is surrounded by six volcanoes, one of which, Mt Tavurvur, is still active today. The most recent major volcanic eruption was in September 1994 when Tavurvur and Vulcan covered much of Rabaul and surrounding villages with volcanic ash. This eruption saw the growth of the nearby coastal town of Kokopo which has now become the administrative and tourism centre for Rabaul.
Join your expedition team for a tour by local transport to see Mt Tavurvur, the Volcano Observatory and various significant sites from World War II.
Arrival 07/03/2025
Departure 08/03/2025
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Arrival 09/03/2025
Departure 09/03/2025
Chuuk Lagoon, previously known as Truk Lagoon, is one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia. The 16 much-eroded volcanic islands within the lagoon have mangrove swamps along their coasts with rich rainforests in the central mountainous areas. The islands are hugely popular with scuba divers thanks to the incredibly interesting shipwrecks: at depths of 15 to 40 metres, divers can explore a veritable underwater museum of wrecks from the Japanese land-based, aerial and naval fleet bombarded by the Americans in February 1944 in retaliation for the attack on Pearl Harbour. These shipwrecks have become foundations for new reef growth and extraordinary marine fauna.
Arrival 10/03/2025
Departure 10/03/2025
Pulap is an atoll consisting of three islands located in the Pattiw group in the Caroline Islands. The three islands are, Pollap in the north, Tamatam in the south, and Fanadik at the western fringe of the reef. The island is surrounded by a number of ghostly shipwrecks that are virtually intact, submerged underwater. This makes for great diving expeditions where you can explore the reef and its incredible marine life as well as the shipwrecks.
Arrival 11/03/2025
Departure 11/03/2025
Satawal is a solitary coral atoll consisting of just one island. Like Pulap, Satawal is located in the Caroline Islands where it is home to just 500 people. Famous for its preservation of traditional navigational techniques without the use of modern instruments, based on indigenous astronomical and maritime concepts. The island is still very traditional which means visitors rarely step ashore but those who do are warmly welcomed by the villagers.
Arrival 12/03/2025
Departure 12/03/2025
The Ifalik coral atoll, lying in the warm waters of the North Pacific, in the vast Caroline Island archipelago, is an invitation to serenity, enchantment and discovery. A veritable hidden paradise edged with magnificent beaches with expanses of fine sand, Ifalik will reveal its treasures to you. Between the sumptuous underwater scenery, rich biodiversity, ancestral traditions and warm and welcoming inhabitants, you will marvel at this lush environment, unlike anywhere else, and far from the frenzy of any town.
Arrival 13/03/2025
Departure 13/03/2025
Gaferut Atoll is an outlying atoll in the State of Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia. The tiny island is mostly defined by densely covered rolling hills which are lusciously covered with vegetation. Mangrove swamps line the vast majority of the shore with an outer barrier reef, rich in marine wildlife surrounding the island. there is an enclosed lagoon which too is brimming with a diverse selection of marine wildlife.
Arrival 14/03/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 14/03/2025 at 09:00
In the Western Pacific, you will call at Guam, the largest volcanic island of Micronesia and the Mariana Islands. Here, the crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches create a picture-postcard setting, ideal for relaxation and a break from it all. This little-known island, today under the administration of the United States, also offers you the opportunity to visit a number of historical sites, vestiges of Spanish colonisation, and to discover the culture of the Chamorros, the first inhabitants of the islands, talented craftspeople who have preserved their traditions.
For your serenity, PONANT selects a flight and organises the transfers between the airport and the port. This package is included in your cruise fare.
Embarkation Day – Brisbane/Honiara
Flight Brisbane/Honiara selected by PONANT.
Approximate flight duration: 3hours.
It is highly recommended to arrive in Brisbane the day before this flight.
Meet and greet at Honiara airport.
Transfer to the pier for embarkation.
– Cruise on board your ship –
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents. Passengers must check in at least two hours before flight departure time.
Tropical Expedition
Explore the planet’s most remote tropical regions during a PONANT expedition cruise. In the heart of Oceania’s archipelagos or the Indian Ocean atolls, along the wild coastlines of Central America or Australia, our luxury amenities and services will make your expedition cruise an unforgettable experience. Our expedition leaders and their teams of naturalist guides devise exceptional itineraries and organise daily outings, shore visits in Zodiac dinghies, or snorkelling when the cruises are conducive to it, to take you as close as possible to nature. Aboard the ship, they share their knowledge during lectures on a variety of topics such as the fauna and flora, the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology. On land, using the local transport options or during hikes, discover the must-see natural sites and, for a few hours, partake in the life and ancestral customs of the local populations.
Diving
During an introduction to scuba diving or a more advanced dive for holders of the necessary certifications (level 1 on yachting cruises and 2 on expedition cruises), explore the planet’s most beautiful underwater environments in the company of a PONANT diving instructor, as well as a local instructor when required by local legislation. They will ensure that your dives are conducted smoothly and safely: supervision of four certified divers at a time, evaluation of diving skills and experience, adherence to safety stops, zones and the maximum depth authorised.
A recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to the main diving instructor.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
Take advantage of an overnight in Brisbane to relax before continuing your journey.
Day 1 - Brisbane
Meet at Brisbane airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the hotel Pullman Brisbane King Georges Square 5*.
Early check-in included.
Dinner at leisure.
Day 2 - Brisbane
Breakfast followed by check-out.
You will be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight to Honiara.
Your hotel:
The Pullman Brisbane King Georges Square is ideally situated in the heart of the city, and is just a short distance from many of the city's major attractions. The rooms are elegantly appointed. The hotel offers the full range of luxury facilities, including a modern gym, a rooftop pool, a restaurant and a bar.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotel:
Pullman Brisbane King Georges Square
Corner Ann & Roma Street
Brisbane City, QLD, Australia
Telephone : +61 7 3222 1146
Duration and order of the transfers may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : 393 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between your port of embarkation and the airport and your transit in Seoul.
Day 1 - Guam / Seoul
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
Depart the pier with your english speaking guide for a sightseeing tour of the island. Located in the heart of the Western Pacific, Guam is an island territory of the United States, the largest of the Mariana and Micronesian islands.
Discover the Guam hospitality, the "Hafa Adai" spirit and some beautiful landscapes. Also behind the postcard, learn about the unique and complex millennial cultural history which has spanned from the period of Ancient Chamorro civilization, and the Spanish Magellan expedition to the American period and the Japanese occupation.
Start your panoramic tour at T.Stell Newman Visitor and War in the Pacific National Park Center, a former battlefield to commemorate World War II. Continue your visit at Fort Apugan, the only Spanish fort on the island from where you will enjoy a unique view of Guam. Walk to Latte Stone Park, and Dulce Nomble De Maria Basilica Cathedral located on Skinner’s Plaza, the governor’s palace during the Spanish occupation.
Then proceed up to the high cliff at the northern end of Tumon Bay which rises 368 feet from the reef and offers views of both the western and eastern sides of the island.There at Two Lover’s Point, one of the Guam's most iconic attractions, let you tell the famous and romantic legend of Guam.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant (chineese buffet style).
After lunch, resume sightseeing to the scenic south Island visiting Inarajan National Pool, Mrizo, Fort Soledad Magellan Monument and Talifak Bridge.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight.
Flight Guam / Seoul.
You will be greeted at Incheon International Airport (Seoul) by our local representative and transferred to the Grand Hyatt Incheon Hotel 5*.
Check-in in your room.
Dinner at leisure.
Day 2 – Seoul
Breakfast.
After hotel check-out, you will be transferred to Incheon International Airport in connection with PONANT selected flight.
Your hotel:
Close to Incheon International Airport, the Grand Hyatt Incheon Hotel offers quality accommodation. Rooms are located in the newest part of the hotel, the West Tower. Here you will enjoy modern facilities with a contemporary décor, comfortable rooms and elegant granite bath. The hotel has a swimming pool, sauna and fitness room. All West Tower guest bedrooms and public areas are smoke-free zones.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Contact of your hotel:
Grand Hyatt Incheon Hotel
208 Yeongjong haennam-ro, 321 Beon-gil
Unseo-dong, Jung-gu
Incheon, 22382 - South Korea
Telephone: +82 32 745 1234
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : 620 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.