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Madagascar, Réunion & Mauritius (Le Jacques-Cartier)

Madagascar, Réunion & Mauritius (Le Jacques-Cartier)

From AUD $10,710

Description

PONANT invites you on an expedition cruise in the Indian Ocean. From the Seychelles to Mauritius via Madagascar and Reunion Island, take a 13-day cruise aboard Le Jacques-Cartier to enjoy beaches, diving and nautical activities, and discovering endemic fauna and flora as well as places of breathtaking natural beauty that few tourists visit.

From Victoria on the island of Mahé, you will first sail to La Digue, where a veritable picture-postcard of the Seychelles awaits you: palm trees, granite rocks, white sand and crystal-clear waters. Further on, on the small island of Alphonse, you will have the opportunity to go snorkelling and scuba diving among the brightly-coloured sea life, before reaching the Glorioso Islands, part of the Scattered Islands. This beautiful archipelago with very few inhabitants is home to exceptional fauna and flora including, in particular, marine turtles.

Your ship will then set sail for Madagascar, the island continent. On the west coast first, you will discover Nosy Komba, also known as “lemur island”, home to large colonies of these small, agile primates, Majunga from which you’ll be able to explore Ankarafantsika National Park, and Nosy Mitsio and its immaculate beaches. On the east coast, Île Sainte-Marie, once a lair of pirates, has successfully retained its authentic and untouched character.

After calling at Reunion Island, you will reach Port Louis in Mauritius, where this unforgettable cruise will draw to an end.

Trip Name
Madagascar, Réunion & Mauritius (Le Jacques-Cartier)
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2018/2019 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. As the sixth ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Jacques Cartier will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. In a relaxed atmosphere, an outdoor grill on Deck 3 will serve grilled meats with a variety of salads and desserts. PUBLIC AREAS  Le Jacques Cartier has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides:   Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 VICTORIA, MAHÉ
Discover Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles and also the largest of the archipelago, home to the capital, Victoria. Mahé has almost 70 beaches of fine sand, framed by the emblematic granite rocks, and whose crystal clear waters are renowned for their rich underwater life. The island is also famous for its splendid mountain panoramas accessible on hikes, such as the Morne Seychellois, which is 905 metres high and overlooks the Indian Ocean. Mahé is also an island full of history where fine colonial properties rub shoulders with Creole houses - and don’t forget the marvellous Botanical Gardens in Victoria.
Day 2 - Day 2 LA DIGUE ISLAND
La Digue Island is a veritable concentration of all the beauty of the Seychelles. Located 6 km south-east of Praslin, this small piece of land that looks like paradise is the third-largest island in the Seychelles, despite its modest size (5 km by 3km)! Turquoise waters just asking you to swim in them, lush vegetation sheltering giant tortoises, beaches of fine sand fringed with coconut trees and surrounded with those emblematic large granite rocks with their pink highlights like at the famous Anse Source d’Argent: the perfect picture postcard… Authentic and preserved, the island follows a peaceful rhythm, with the only means of transport along its little roads being bikes or traditional oxcarts.
Day 3 - Day 3 ALPHONSE ISLAND
Alphonse Island is located off the Seychelles archipelago. Discovered in 1730 by the Knight Alphonse de Pontevez, this island, specialised in coconut processing in the past, is now a veritable natural reserve, home to different species of marine mammals, sea turtles and many birds. Alphonse Island is also renowned for its rich underwater life and coral, among the best preserved in the Indian Ocean. A marvellous spectacle that can be admired with just a mask!
Day 4 - Day 4 AT SEA
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 5 - Day 5 GLORIEUSES, SCATTERED ISLANDS
The Scattered Islands are like minuscule confetti sprinkled around Madagascar and form an archipelago of unrivalled beauty. Their geographical isolation, and their very limited human settlement make them a true geological sanctuary, classed as a nature reserve since 1975. Regularly used as the “zero point” in scientific studies, they offer their rare visitors almost pristine vegetation composed mainly of mangrove, as well as long beaches of shimmering sand stretching out behind turquoise lagoons, and coral reefs that are home to the world’s highest concentration of sea turtles.
Day 6 - Day 6 NOSY KOMBA
During your cruise, your ship will stop in Nosy Komba, otherwise known as “lemur island”. Not far from the Madagascar mainland, this volcanic island shaped like a gigantic turtle shell is covered in dense tropical rainforest. This vegetation is home to amusing black lemurs – furry orange-brown and black creatures that are surprisingly agile and call to each other from amongst the trees. The many small beaches and the emerald-coloured water make Nosy Komba a natural gem that only a select few visit.
Day 7 - Day 7 MAJUNGA
A lively and cosmopolitan town on the west coast of Madagascar, Majunga, also called Mahajanga, will be a port of call rich in discoveries. The former capital of the Sakalava kingdom, then a significant interchange due to its prime position between Africa and the Middle East, the city displays an interesting cultural patchwork. Also renowned for its outstanding natural sites, this port of call will provide you with the opportunity to discover Anakarafantsika National Park, home to many endemic animal and plant species, or the Cirque Rouge, immense red sandstone formations classified as national heritage.
Day 8 - Day 8 NOSY MITSIO
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Day 9 - Day 9 AT SEA
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Day 10 - Day 10 SAINTE MARIE ISLAND & NOSY NATO
Off the east coast of Madagascar, discover the island of St. Mary. A real Garden of Eden, this peaceful land will offer you landscapes of stunning beauty, with lush vegetation, enormous waterfalls and sumptuous natural pools. In addition, the island is home to a very large variety of orchids. An idyllic natural setting that contrasts with the eventful past of the island, which once played host to pirates and prisoners. This port of call will also provide you with privileged access to the Île aux Nattes, renowned for its wild beauty.
Day 11 - Day 11 AT SEA
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Day 12 - Day 12 POINTE DES GALETS
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Day 13 - Day 13 PORT LOUIS
On the north-west coast of Mauritius, discover Port-Louis, the country’s multicultural capital. Constantly in movement, the city, which was once a port of call on the route to India, is home to many cultural and historic treasures. In addition to the city’s market where you will be able to discover all the local flavours and many handicrafts, make sure that you visit Fort Adelaide. Nestling on the heights of Port-Louis, this citadel built in the 16th century, classified as a national heritage monument, offers sumptuous views over the surroundings. Not far from there, the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden will reveal to you its countless plant species, coming from all four corners of the world.
Day 14 - Please Note:
The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-03-202117-03-2021AUD $10,710DELUXE STATEROOM
05-03-202117-03-2021AUD $12,100PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 4
05-03-202117-03-2021AUD $12,760PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 5
05-03-202117-03-2021AUD $13,440PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 6
05-03-202117-03-2021AUD $19,200DELUXE SUITE
05-03-202117-03-2021AUD $26,450PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 5
05-03-202117-03-2021AUD $27,840PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 6
05-03-202117-03-2021AUD $29,260PRIVILEGE SUITE
05-03-202117-03-2021AUD $32,290GRAND DELUXE SUITE
05-03-202117-03-2021AUD $33,960OWNER'S SUITE

Inclusions

    • Discovery of the Seychelles, the Scattered Islands, Madagascar, Reunion Island and Mauritius, all on the one same cruise.
    • A variety of idyllic landscapes: atolls, coral reefs, lagoons, mangrove, white-sand beaches, granite islands.
    • Outings and shore visits in Zodiac® inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
    • UNESCO site: the area of Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island.
    • On Reunion Island, a scenic helicopter flight over the famous “cirques” (optional).
    • In the Seychelles, Anse Source d’Argent, the most famous beach of La Digue, surrounded by large blocks of granite and edged with coconut palms.
    • Discovery of the Scattered Islands, a geological sanctuary with nature reserve status since 1975.
    • In Madagascar, a rich and preserved endemic flora and fauna.
    • Possibility of diving (PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board and of snorkelling with your expedition team.

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