If you like your cruises small, stylish, and unapologetically French, then Le Jacques Cartier might just be your new favourite modern ship. Part of Ponant’s sleek expedition cruise fleet, this boutique vessel is all about sailing to the ends of the Earth (or the middle of the Pacific) with a glass of good wine in hand and zero crowds around.

Designed for just 184 passengers, Le Jacques Cartier reflects comfort and blends exploration with elegance. We’re talking remote destinations like the Kimberley and French Polynesia, paired with fine dining, an underwater lounge, and private balconies in every cabin.

Whether you’re planning your next adventure or just here for a little travel inspiration, here’s everything you need to know about Le Jacques Cartier’s upcoming 2025/26 season.

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2025/26 Itineraries and Destinations

Le Jacques Cartier isn’t your average cruise ship doing laps around the overly visited ports. This one’s for the travellers who like their adventures with a side of French elegance and flair.

For 2025 and 2026, the cruise ship will cover some seriously jaw-dropping ground. In Australia, she’ll be cruising through the Kimberley, the wild and ancient corner of the country most of us dream of but few get to see. There, you’ll experience amazing waterfalls cascading down red cliffs, Indigenous rock art, and croc-dotted rivers.

If you want to sail farther away from home, no worries. The ship also sets off for Japan’s subtropical islands, cruising between Osaka and Ishigaki. Expect lush greenery, hidden beaches, and cultural immersion minus the tourist crowds. 

Later in the season, the ship cruises to Indonesia and the South Pacific, exploring off-the-map islands and reefs you won’t find in most brochures. And in late 2026, she’ll be going to French Polynesia, rubbing shoulders with overwater bungalows and turquoise lagoons. If there’s a more blissful way to end the year, we haven’t heard of it.

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Dining and Culinary Experience

If you’re the kind of traveller who enjoys the culinary aspect of the trip as well as the destinations, Le Jacques Cartier delivers. This is a small, boutique expedition ship, so the dining options are curated rather than abundant. You won’t find ten different themed restaurants like on the mega-liners, but what you get is high quality and thoughtfully done.

Start with The Nautilus, the main panoramic restaurant and dining area. It’s airy, elegant, and somehow manages to be both fine dining and completely chill. Think croissants for breakfast, seafood platters that look like they belong in a magazine, and desserts so pretty you’ll feel bad eating them.

If you’re feeling something more relaxed, the Grill Restaurant by the swimming pool is your go-to. You’ll get to enjoy fresh salads, grilled meats, sunshine, and sea breeze.  It’s casual but still very French, which means the wine is still excellent.

And then there’s the Blue Eye lounge. This is not your average bar. In fact, it’s an underwater experience. You’re sipping cocktails in a room with windows into the ocean, watching the marine world whilst sharing a drink, and some ambient music plays.

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Onboard Activities [Family, Kids, Couples]

For Couples

This ship is basically built for downtime. The SOTHYS spa is where you go when you want to pretend you’re in a fancy Parisian day spa, complete with massage rooms, a Moroccan-style steam room, and even a snow room if you want to chill out literally.

There’s also a small gym with ocean views, but no pressure. Add the infinity pool for a sunset swim and the Blue Eye lounge (the one underwater), and you’ve got a solid couples’ setup.

For Families and Kids

Le Jacques Cartier might not scream “family holiday” at first glance, but don’t be fooled. If you’re bringing the kids, there’s a dedicated club area onboard. The younger crowd gets to enjoy games, books, a PlayStation or Wii, enough to keep them entertained between snorkels. There aren’t scheduled kids’ clubs like you’d find on bigger ships, but the itineraries are full of nature and wildlife, which makes it a win for older kids who love exploring.

For Everyone

Evenings are low-key but fun. Think live music, piano sessions, maybe a bit of karaoke if someone’s brave enough. There’s a theatre onboard too, used for everything from wildlife briefings to movie nights and jazz sessions.

You’ll also find theme nights like the classic all-white party, plus games, quizzes, and dance nights. Nothing over-the-top, but always relaxed and fun.

And there’s also a small boutique if you feel like splurging. You can also grab a coffee, a book, or just park yourself in one of the lounges and do absolutely nothing, which is the real holiday goal.

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Accommodations Details

You won’t find bunk beds on Le Jacques Cartier. Every single cabin (all 92 of them) comes with its own private balcony or terrace. That means you can wake up, roll out of bed, and be instantly hit with fresh sea air and endless ocean views. 

Here’s the full rundown of what’s on offer:

Deluxe Stateroom

This is your entry-level cabin, though “entry-level” feels unfair when you’ve got a king-sized bed, sleek modern bathroom, individually controlled air conditioning, a flat screen tv, and a balcony all to yourself. Comfy, compact, and quietly luxurious.

Prestige Stateroom

Same layout as the Deluxe, but located on a higher deck for even better views. Perfect if you’re the kind of person who wants to see the sea before coffee.

Deluxe Suite

A step up in space. You’ve got a lounge area, more room to move, and a bigger balcony. Great for couples who like a little elbow room or solo travellers who want to stretch out.

Privilege Suite

More space again, with a proper sitting area, bigger bathroom, and a few bonus perks like priority boarding and butler service. It’s ideal if you like being pampered but still want to keep it low-key.

Prestige Suite

This one’s a mini-apartment. You get a separate bedroom, a proper living area, two bathrooms, and space for up to four people, which is rare on a ship this size. Perfect for families or mates cruising together.

Grand Deluxe Suite

This suite is huge, with a walk-in dressing room, massive bathroom, and a 30m² terrace. It’s fancy without being flashy.

Owner’s Suite

Top of the line. You’ve got a private jacuzzi, your own outdoor lounge area, butler and concierge service, spa treatments, the works. It’s luxury, but with that understated French touch, the Ponant ships do so well.

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Deck Plan

With only 92 staterooms, Le Jacques Cartier is a small ship, but it punches above its weight when it comes to layout and design.

You’ve got six guest decks, and everything is easy to navigate. The main restaurant and Blue Eye lounge are on Deck 4, while the casual grill and pool deck sit up on Deck 3. Cabins span from Decks 3 to 6, so no matter where you’re sleeping, you’re never far from the action.

Deck 7 is home to the fitness centre and sun deck, perfect for a bit of movement (or just soaking in the view). And scattered throughout are chill-out panoramic lounges, bars, a boutique, and more places to sit with a book or a glass of wine.

It’s all very open-plan, clean-lined, and tastefully French. No clutter, no casino noise, no tacky carpet, just a space that feels serene and elegant.

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FAQs