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Australia's Iconic Kimberley

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£10,499pp
sparks

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The is an offer

Voyage Code: PONANTEX130526
moon 10 nights
anchor Le Jacques Cartier
calendar 13 May '26

Cruise overview

Set sail for the wild and grandiose landscapes of Kimberley, following an exceptional PONANT itinerary.  

From Darwin to Broome, embark for an 11-day expedition cruise to one of the last unspoiled regions on the planet.

The highpoint of this cruise will undoubtedly be the discovery of the King George River and the majestic Twin Falls, the highest falls in Western Australia.

During your cruise, the magnificent bays of Vansittart and Swift will offer you exceptional panoramas, between islands, secret inlets, caves and rocky overhangs.

In one of the most picturesque parts of the region, the Hunter River, you will see wild mangrove forests where saltwater crocodiles live along with many species of birds.

You will also visit Collier Bay, where you will be able to admire the Montgomery Reef, home to vast expanses of lagoons and immense coral reefs.

On the Lacepede Islands, take the time to admire the abundance of nesting birds as well as the large population of turtles residing in the lagoon.

Your ship will take you along the most spectacular coasts in the entire region.

With their falls, abrupt gorges, savannah, calm waters and desolate mountain chains, the wild lands of Kimberley are the promise of an exceptional adventure.

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and tide conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, whilst complying with the necessary safety rules and precautions.

Darwin, Northern Territory
Vansittart Bay, Western Australia
Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Careening Bay, Western Australia
Swift Bay, Western Australia
Hunter River & Mitchell Falls, Western Australia
Collier Bay, Western Australia
Collier Bay, Western Australia
Lacepede Islands, Western Australia
Broome, Western Australia

Itinerary

Day 1

Darwin, Northern Territory


Darwin is Australia’s most colorful, and exotic, capital city. Surrounded on three sides by the turquoise waters of the Timor Sea, the streets are lined with tropical flowers and trees. Warm and dry in winter, hot and steamy in summer, it’s a relaxed and casual place, as well as a beguiling blend of tropical frontier outpost and Outback hardiness. Thanks to its close proximity to Southeast Asia and its multicultural population it also seems more like Asia than the rest of Australia. Darwin is a city that has always had to fight for its survival. The seductiveness of contemporary Darwin lifestyles belies a history of failed attempts that date from 1824 when Europeans attempted to establish an enclave in this harsh, unyielding climate. The original 1869 settlement, called Palmerston, was built on a parcel of mangrove wetlands and scrub forest that had changed little in 15 million years. It was not until 1911, after it had already weathered the disastrous cyclones of 1878, 1882, and 1897, that the town was named after the scientist who had visited Australia’s shores aboard the Beagle in 1839. During World War II it was bombed more than 60 times, as the harbor full of warships was a prime target for the Japanese war planes. Then, on the night of Christmas Eve 1974, the city was almost completely destroyed by Cyclone Tracy, Australia’s greatest natural disaster. It’s a tribute to those who stayed and to those who have come to live here after Tracy that the rebuilt city now thrives as an administrative and commercial center for northern Australia. Old Darwin has been replaced by something of an edifice complex—such buildings as Parliament House and the Supreme Court all seem very grand for such a small city, especially one that prides itself on its casual, outdoor-centric lifestyle. Today Darwin is the best place from which to explore Australia’s Top End, with its wonders of Kakadu and the Kimberley region.

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Day 2

King George River - WA Australia

Day 3

Vansittart Bay, Western Australia

Day 4

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Day 5

Careening Bay, Western Australia

Day 6

Swift Bay, Western Australia

Day 7

Hunter River & Mitchell Falls, Western Australia

Day 8

Collier Bay, Western Australia

Day 9

Collier Bay, Western Australia

Day 10

Lacepede Islands, Western Australia

Day 11

Broome, Western Australia

Deluxe Stateroomfrom£9,469pp
Prestige Stateroom from£10,499pp
Deluxe Suitefrom£15,169pp
Prestige Suitefrom£18,289pp
Owner's Suitefrom£22,069pp
Grand Deluxe SuiteCall for price
Privilege SuiteCall for price

Deluxe Stateroom

from£9,469pp
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Elegant and light-filled, the Deluxe Stateroom features a private balcony, queen-size bed, ensuite bathroom and refined contemporary décor, offering a comfortable and stylish retreat after days of exploration.

Amenities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Free Mini Bar
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Desk
  • Lounge Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Coffee Machine
  • Air Conditioning

Ship features

Le Jacques Cartier embodies the essence of luxury exploration, characterised by innovative design and elegant simplicity throughout.

Overview
Accommodation
Dining
Amenities
Wellness
Entertainment
Families
  • Eco-efficient propulsion system for reduced emissions
  • Blue Eye underwater lounge for marine observation
  • Fleet of Zodiacs for daily shore landings
  • Heated infinity pool and sundeck
  • Two restaurants serving French and international cuisine
  • Spa and fitness facilities by Sothys
  • Theatre for lectures, film screenings, and live performances
  • Marina platform for water-based activities
  • All-inclusive dining, drinks, and Wi-Fi
  • Elegant lounges and bars with panoramic views
Le Jacques Cartier Accommodation

Accommodation

Le Jacques Cartier features 92 ocean-view staterooms and suites, each with a private balcony. The décor blends understated French style with natural tones inspired by the sea. Thoughtfully designed, each space provides a peaceful retreat, featuring king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms, and sitting areas. Suites include expanded balconies and butler service for a touch of indulgence.

Le Jacques Cartier Dining

Dining

Dining aboard Le Jacques Cartier is a celebration of French gastronomy at sea. The Main Restaurant serves à la carte and buffet-style cuisine, featuring daily specials inspired by local ingredients, while the Grill offers alfresco dining by the pool. Guests can enjoy an extensive wine list curated by Ponant’s sommeliers, with open seating creating a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.

Le Jacques Cartier Amenities

Amenities

Public spaces are elegant and modern, designed to showcase the surrounding seascape. The panoramic Observation Lounge offers sweeping views, while the innovative Blue Eye Lounge immerses guests in the sounds and sights of the ocean below the surface. The ship also features a boutique, library, and a sleek infinity pool perfect for unwinding between adventures.

Le Jacques Cartier Wellness

Wellness

The onboard Sothys Spa offers a sanctuary of wellbeing, featuring a range of massage and beauty treatments that utilise premium skincare products. Guests can also enjoy the hammam, sauna, and fitness studio with ocean views — a haven of relaxation after a day of exploration.

Le Jacques Cartier Entertainment

Entertainment

Evenings on Le Jacques Cartier combine sophistication and serenity. The Theatre hosts destination lectures and cultural performances, while the Main Lounge comes alive with live music and conversation. Alternatively, guests can enjoy quiet moments under the stars or relax with a drink in the Observation Lounge.

Le Jacques Cartier Families

Families

Le Jacques Cartier welcomes families on select sailings, with tailored educational activities through the PONANT Kids Club. Spacious connecting suites, flexible dining, and a relaxed onboard atmosphere make her an ideal choice for family exploration in comfort and style.