Cruise Description

This 17-day PONANT expedition cruise aboard Le Jacques-Cartier will take you to explore the wonders and ancestral tribes of Papua New Guinea.

You will board your ship in Cairns and Le Jacques-Cartier will 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. Sail to Alotau, in Milne Bay province, and discover a rich history shaped by pearl farmers, miners and missionaries.

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 and 170 different languages are spoken there.

In the village of Kopar, situated at the mouth of the Sepik River, you will be welcomed with cultural performances and witness life in a traditional village.

As you voyage across Western New Guinea you will experience Cenderawasih Bay, with an unforgettable opportunity to swim with whale sharks and in the spectacular Kitikiti Waterfall, surrounded by lush nature.

You will then 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.

Before ending your cruise in Darwin, you will set the course for the Kei Islands, located in the Maluku Islands. These hidden gems surrounded by unbelievably blue water boast some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in Indonesia.

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