Luxury French line Ponant has announced new itineraries for 2022 and 2023 for cruisers looking for a tropical getaway.
Visiting places like Okinawa, one of Japan’s subtropical islands, Zanzibar and Melanesia, the itineraries are aimed at giving guests an insight to different cultures, wildlife and landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage status.
“Some of these destinations are seriously off the beaten track, perfect for adventurous explorers, for example our Japanese Subtropical Islands itinerary that will be the first expedition cruise in the world that goes to the heart of the sublime landscapes of southern Japan’s subtropical islands,” said Deb Corbett, General Manager Sales and Marketing Asia Pacific.
“Select from 67 tropical expeditions during 2022 and 2023, with diverse offerings that also include East Africa, the Seychelles, Australia’s Kimberley and Southeast Asia, and Melanesia.”
“And I am pleased to say that with Ponant’s responsible protocols onboard as well as ashore, fleet of modern eco-sensitive small ships and limited guest numbers, there is no risk of overwhelming any local communities during our privileged visits to these scattered coastal and island destinations.”
Ponant’s new Tropical Expeditions during 2022 and 2023:
- On board Le Soléal, two 7 night departures during May 2022 explore rarely visited Japanese Subtropical Islands including the Ryukyu Islands and Okinawa Archipelago and the magnificent Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park where wild beaches mix with traditional villages and lush jungle, mangroves, rivers and waterfalls. From Kikaijima’s beautiful beaches and turquoise waters, onwards to pristine Zamami, in the Kerama Islands, known worldwide for its distinctive “Kerama blue” waters, while the remote island of Yonagunijima, the easternmost of the Ryukyu Islands, offers a striking contrast: cliffs, windswept meadows and wild horses.
Departing Osaka Japan on 24 May 2022 or Keelung, Taiwan on 31 May 2022.
From AU$6,780 per person on board Le Soléal in a Deluxe Stateroom.
Click here for more information.
- Visit the spice-scented bazaars on a Zanzibar and the Jewels of the Indian Ocean Pristine powder white beaches greet you as you explore untouched atolls in the Seychelles, including Cosmoledo Atoll, regarded as the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean. Here enjoy exceptional dives in its aquarium-like lagoon exploring the rich marine life. Stunning La Digue and Desroches are also featured stops along with the sublime Assumption Island. Adventures by day build an appetite for the French inspired cuisine and casually chic lifestyle on board your modern luxury expedition ship, Le Jacques Cartier. Two 12-night expeditions available during February and March 2023.
Departing Victoria, Mahé on 28 February and 12 March 2023
From AU$8620 per person on board Le Jacques Cartier in a Deluxe Stateroom.
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- Ponant will offer a 11 night cultural odyssey Revealing the Mysteries of Melanesia. There is one departure only in November 2022 where there will be a National Geographic expert and photographer onboard. On land, visit the traditional villages on Vanikoro, sail into the flooded caldera of Ureparapara or view the awe-inspiring volcanic activity at Hades-like Mt Yasur. Snorkelling and diving are on the agenda in order to discover the rich maritime world beneath.
Departing Honiara, Solomon Islands on 11 November 2022.
From AU$11,020 per person in a Deluxe Stateroom on board Le Soléal.
Click here for more information.
