Cruise Description

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.