Ponant’s Le Jacques-Cartier has arrived in Darwin for the first time to start her maiden Kimberley season from May to September this year.
The Explorer class ship, Le Jacques-Cartier, designed with state-of-the-art environmentally friendly features, will offer 13 itineraries during her first Kimberley season.
She joins the luxury French line Le Laperouse to offer sailings from Darwin to Broome and vice versa.
Le Jacques-Cartier’s environmentally friendly design
The ship is one of six Ponant’s Explorer ships that are purpose-built for expeditions and is equipped with innovative sustainable technology, making her suitable to explore the delicate ecosystems of Australia’s Kimberley region.
“We are thrilled to bring our guests closer to t he natural wonders of Australia’s Kimberley whilst upholding our commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability,” said Deb Corbett, general manager of sales and marketing, Asia Pacific.
Moreover, with 92 suites and staterooms, Le Jacques-Cartier can accommodate 184 guests and 118 crew members. She also has two restaurants and an onboard spa.
Ponant’s two ships will have a team of experienced, specialist expedition leaders, naturalists, marine biologists, photographers and historians. They are not only knowledgeable and passionate about the destinations, but also recognised as some of the best in the world.
What French luxury brands onboard
Ponant’s all-inclusive expeditions in the Kimberley include Zodiac outings and shore excursions where guests are accompanied by expedition team; onboard lectures from naturalists, all meals and open bar serving Charles Heidsieck as the “house champagne.” Other French luxury brands onboard include Diptyque, Laduree, Lenotre and Sothys.
Itineraries for an 11-day expedition from Darwin to Broome onboard Le Laperouse or Le Jacques-Cartier will visit pristine mangrove environments, home of the world’s largest reptile, the crocodile, experience Mitchell Falls by helicopter and the unique tidal phenomena such as the Horizontal Falls.
Several Kimberley voyages still available
Fares in a deluxe stateroom start from $12,815pp in a deluxe stateroom including flights. Guests can take advantage of a 25 per cent Ponant Bonus on some 2024 Kimberley itineraries.
After her Kimberley season, Le Jacques-Cartier will head for Indonesia, East Timor, then Tasmania and Australia’s southern coast.
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