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Login Equipped with an underwater lounge, the Blue Eye, and the latest technologies limiting the impact on the environment, Le Jacques Cartier offer you a different way to experience the expedition.
Le Jacques Cartier, the latest addition to the PONANT Explorers, combines modern design and innovative technologies for an intimate and refined cruise experience.
Absolutely outstanding cruise around the Kimberley with my 78 year old (active) Mum and my sister (we are both early 50s). We loved it and would highly recommend seeing the Kimberley with Ponant on any of their ships. They are a class act. 157 passengers and 123 staff - it's a great ratio and yes you are very well looked after. The staff are incredibly professional and hand picked by Ponant to do their utmost every day to ensure you have a great experience. Hard to fault anything really. We LOVED the expeditions. The expert naturalists on board are fantastic and bring each location to life for you. Being in one of the most remote parts of the world, we always felt VERY safe. Everything is very professional and geared towards your safety at all times. They use Zodiacs to get into places most boats can't and really have some fun. You need to be able to get in and out of these but there were always 2 crew members to help you do this very safely. They gave clear instructions via briefings about exactly what to expect, what to bring, etc. Average demographic of passenger is 65-75 year old active retirees. We were on one of their dedicated english speaking only cruises, so all the passengers were down to earth, easy going, friendly, well funded Australians and New Zealanders. Definitely no bogans. I noticed there were also quite a few solo passengers who were well looked after and many new friendships quickly made. The cruise is mostly about the expeditions and where you are and they enhance this with interesting lectures and talks plus a guest speaker for each cruise. This is all optional. I really enjoyed being able to relax around the beautiful pool, order a cocktail (all included), visit one of the lounges, use the gym (the food and wines are superb, as you would expect from a French cruise line), the sauna (visually stunning).. all these lovely facilities are not available on many Kimberley cruises, but we really enjoyed the gentle luxury on this ship and thoughtful touches, like evening turn down with a day's itinerary run sheet for the next day, refreshing drinks offered the moment you step back on board, wine tasting, themed afternoon teas, well stocked mini bar (included) and relaxing with a drink on our balcony (every stateroom has a balcony) dancing, stretching, quiz time, a surprise french bubbles at the King George falls, sandbar cocktails at Montgomery Reef, having live music playing some great classic tunes and so on. Some things I'm really glad I brought - an iPhone strap so I could use my phone to take photos and not lose it overboard ($6 from KMart), binoculars, long sleeved quick dry / linen shirts, a hat with a brim and chin strap, Reef waterproof sandals with an ankle strap (for wet landings and gentle walks). Not much walking is involved so these were fine for every expedition. Also, do the helicopter experience to Mitchell Falls - it was one of the highlights! We also enjoyed the 2 Gala Nights (a chance to frock up which we don't get very often) a Casino Night (with play money and a fun auction) and the spectacular White Night, where they used the rear marina deck and raised it high to enjoy the sunset with drinks before dinner. Check out my photos to see what I mean. I have been to 42 countries and this was one of the top 3 trips I have ever been on! Well done Ponant and team. Highly recommended.
Everything from the very moment we stepped on board this cruise ship was exceptional. The expedition team were highly qualified, eg Marine Biologists, Botanist’s etc etc and provided excellent information prior to and on all of the excursions. We were able to access areas of the Kimberly in the Zodiacs that otherwise you could not reach. The wildlife, landscape, indigenous and rock art were at times breathtaking. This gave us very personalised and unique experiences solely for our ship. The staff were incredible, the food amazing and the ship was spotless. It was an incredibly slick operation with all that happened on and off the ship. While the price is up there it was worth it. We have done a number of cruises and holidays but I would have to say this Darwin to Broome Kimberley trip is an AAA+ cruise. We are already looking at our next Ponant cruise, highly recommended.
We went with Ponant to the Japanese tropical islands. Overall, it was an outstanding experience, and we would recommend this trip to anyone. The food was excellent, and there was a new menu every day. The cabin service was extraordinary. Laundry/ironing services were better than on previous occasions. On the ship, shopping was limited. Shore expeditions were arranged practically every day. The guides were friendly. Zodiacs were arranged very well. On two occasions, low/high tides were miscalculated, but otherwise, the experience was excellent, and the places were fantastic. Perhaps the swimming and snorkelling should become a routine on each of these unique islands. Onshore, the local guides were of exceptional quality! Taipei's half-day city tour may well be an all-day tour given the tremendous number of attractions! Daily briefings were well organized and well attended. The gym arrangements remain challenging on Ponant ships and are limited to a few cardio machines and mats.
Refined service
French design
The inspiration of great French designers adorns the interior spaces of ships: Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel or Wilmotte & Associés.
Personalised service
Featuring 6 to 165 cabins, our ships prioritise an intimate experience and attentive, personalised service.
Private balconies
Most staterooms and suites are equipped with private balconies to enjoy panoramic views of the ocean, whether you are sailing through tropical waters or icy landscapes.
Gastronomy
An essential component of French culture, gastronomy naturally holds a special place on board.
Marvel at the sun rising over the pristine glaciers of Spitsbergen, set out to discover the mysteries of Scotland, enjoy enriching encounters in Alaska∘ or just relax, take your time, and choose a sun kissed journey through the Mediterranean.
The trip of a lifetime, a romantic getaway or a family holiday: cruising the PONANT EXPLORATIONS way allows∘ you the freedom to organise your Odyssey∘ as a unique experience and tailor it according to your desires. Whether you have the spirit of a refined adventurer, a meditative mind or you love the great outdoors, PONANT EXPLORATIONS will fulfil all your travel desires.
Take the time to extend the pleasure of a stay in a country before boarding your yacht, get to the heart of a culture or simply have fun for a while: the guides, lecturers and travel advisers are there to assist you. Music, golf, gastronomy; from port to port, the themed cruises allow passengers∘ to live their hobby to the full - or to discover a new one.
Carefully designed itineraries, quality guest speakers, attentive service: for more than 25 years, on land and at sea, or teams and their crews have been there to help you get the most out of your cruise.
The common areas onboard Le Jacques Cartier
Our ship Le Jacques Cartier features a number of spaces designed and arranged to serve your needs and requirements whilst at the same time preserving the privacy of each passenger.
Good times together
During your stay you can enjoy a sophisticated ambiance. Each area has been considered down to the last detail and tastefully decorated. You're invited to enjoy good times with other passengers or to relax in total tranquillity.
The common areas on board have been designed in great detail to make every moment something special. While the private nature of each of these spaces has been preserved, they have also been laid out to let you enjoy some wonderful times together with other passengers and team members throughout the day.
In partnership with SOTHYS™ and Davines®, the spa offers a wide range of treatments, massages, hairdressing services, as well as a hammam and a fitness room perfect for self-care and well-being.
Kit De Bienvenue
Year-round, on all the company’s ships and voyages, children will receive a welcome kit that includes reusable water bottles, pencils and games, plus a book by Maud Fontenoy suited to each age group with key messages that are dear to the Foundation.
