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Peregrine Travel Centre

An Escapade in the Heart of Melanesia Luxury Cruise

An Escapade in the Heart of Melanesia Luxury Cruise

From AUD $12,060

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Description

Fall under the spell of Melanesia, a vast South Pacific island world where nature and ancestral cultures find powerful expression. In Papua New Guinea, the deep forest and jagged landscapes are home to various communities, the heirs to age-old traditions. Further east, the Solomon Islands unveil their luxuriant scenery around Honiara, with verdant hills and shores brimming with history. Vanuatu extends this immersion with its volcanic islands and deep bays. On the island of Espiritu Santo, Luganville offers an authentic island atmosphere, a gateway to preserved landscapes, before Champagne Beach reveals itself between expanses of white sand and turquoise water. Not far away, the enchanting Mystery Island, with its captivating lagoons and immaculate beaches, promises a tropical haven where nature and serenity come together.

Trip Name
An Escapade in the Heart of Melanesia Luxury Cruise
Days
17
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2018/2019 Le Jacques Cartier is the newest vessel in the PONANT Explorers series, blending contemporary French elegance with cutting-edge design and technology. Accommodating just 184 guests across 92 stylish staterooms and suites, the ship offers an intimate and refined cruising experience. Its sophisticated interiors feature open spaces filled with natural light, seamlessly connecting guests to the sea and surrounding landscapes. Expansive lounges, a theatre, and a swimming pool create inviting social areas, while the marina platform allows effortless access to Zodiac excursions and water activities. On board, Le Jacques Cartier embodies the essence of French art de vivre through exceptional gastronomy, fine wines, and attentive service. Wellness facilities provide a sanctuary for relaxation, complementing days of discovery and exploration. Built with the latest environmental innovations, the ship reflects PONANT’s commitment to responsible and sustainable cruising. Whether sailing through tropical islands, ancient coastlines, or polar waters, Le Jacques Cartier delivers a journey defined by comfort, culture, and connection to the natural world.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Darwin
Darwin is located in Australia’s Northern Territory which is also known as the “Top End”. It is the capital city and the most populated town of the Northern Territory. Darwin is a beautiful tropical city, a melting pot of people and cultures, over 50 different cultures live and work side by side that prides itself in its unique and friendly laid-back lifestyle. Come discover the town’s still recent history through its emblematic buildings such as the new Parliamant House opened in 1994, a magnificent example of tropical architecture or Admiralty House declared heritage place, a tropical-style home elevated on stilts that has survived two cyclones and numerous air raids.
Day 2 - Day 2 - At sea
During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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 3 - Day 3 - At sea
During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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 4 - Day 4 - Thursday Island
Located at Australiaﾒs northernmost tip, Thursday Island is one of more than a hundred in the Torres Strait ,between Cape York Peninsula and Papua New Guinea. The historic military fort of Green Hill offers magnificent views and you can discover more about the region and its pearling history at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre.
Day 5 - Day 5 - At sea
During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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 6 - Day 6 - Samarai Island
The Samarai islands are located in the China Strait off the south-eastern tip of New Guinea. In its colonial heyday it was said to be one of the most beautiful places in the PacificDeclared a “National Historical Heritage Island” by the government of Papua New Guinea in 2006, the islet was - at the time of English administration - a compulsory stop for all merchant ships sailing between Australia and South-East Asia, making the island the country’s second commercial port. Founded in the 1800s, the town quickly attracted gold miners and other traders, who helped shape its history.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Alotau
Alotau became the provincial capital of Milne Bay in 1969 and today has a population of approximately 16,000. It serves as our port of entry into Papua New Guinea. Missionaries, miners, pearlers, Japanese and American warships have all contributed to the History of Milne Bay. Perhaps the most significant history surrounds the Battle of Milne Bay. It was here that the invading Japanese army suffered their first land defeat in the Pacific War in 1942. A memorial park at the battle site commemorates the event. The local people are warm and welcoming resulting in one of the most relaxed, secure and easy-going towns in Papua New Guinea. Join your expedition team for a tour taking in the town markets and WWII memorials.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Conflict Group
Lost in the heart of the Pacific, the Conflict Islands were discovered in 1886 by the British warship HMS Conflict. They form an archipelago of 21 islands encircling a vast lagoon, the remnant of a submerged volcano. Surrounded by unspoilt reefs, they are home to unique natural environments and rich marine life.
Day 9 - Day 9 - At sea
During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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 10 - Day 10 - Honiara, Guadalcanal Island
Honiara is the capital city of The Solomon Islands, administered as a provincial town on the north-western coast of Guadalcanal Island. Honiara comes from the local Ghari Language “naho-ni-ara” meaning 'facing the ara', the place where the southeast winds meet the land. Discover this city, its beautiful landscape, and the significant role it played in World War II. Particularly The Battle of Henderson Field, the last of the three major land offensives conducted by the Japanese in 1942. 
Day 11 - Day 11 - At sea
During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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 12 - Day 12 - Champagne Beach, Espiritu Santo Island
On the northern coast of Espiritu Santo lies Champagne Beach, a place of striking natural purity. Its remarkably fine pale sand borders striking turquoise waters, with the light of the Pacific revealing the full softness of the landscape. This setting, ideal for relaxation, swimming or discovering the marine life, offers a moment marked by simplicity and enchantment.
Day 13 - Day 13 - Luganville, Espiritu Santo Island
Luganville, Vanuatu’s second-largest town, located on the southern coast of the island of Espiritu Santo, owes its name to the Breton sailor Armand Lugan, who found it in 1870. Turned into an American military base during the Second World War, the town has retained traces of its history, such as the wide Higinson Boulevard, designed to allow four tanks to pass side by side. Today, Luganville invites visitors to experience a welcoming local community living in harmony with nature, and is a gateway to unspoilt landscapes where traditions and tropical beauty blend with authenticity.
Day 14 - Day 14 - Port Vila, Efate
Port Vila is the cradle of an insular harmony where time seems to stand still, a tropical pearl in Vanuatu emerging from the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, a place that inspires contemplation and daydreaming. Beneath an azure sky, the colourful markets reveal the very essence of Vanuatuan culture. The stalls here are overflowing with tropical fruit bursting with sunshine, while the artisans showcase their talents, weaving vegetable-fibre baskets and sculpting traditional masks with enigmatic faces. On the lush heights in the inland region of Vanuatu’s capital, the waterfalls whisper secret songs, creating an aquatic symphony that resonates in the heart of travellers in search of magic.
Day 15 - Day 15 - Mystery Island
Originally known as Inyeug, Mystery Island is an uninhabited island with a discreet charm, located in the southern part of the Vanuatu archipelago. During the Second World War, the island was used as an airstrip, and its isolated location made the arrival of Allied aircraft mysterious to the enemy, hence its name. Today, the island is a truly idyllic haven, where white-sand beaches, wind-swayed palm trees and turquoise waters form a pristine refuge in which the beauty of untouched nature is revealed.
Day 16 - Day 16 - At sea
During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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 17 - Day 17 - Lautoka, Viti Levu Island
Lautoka is the second largest city of Fiji. Located on the western side of the island of Viti Levu, 24 kilometres north of Nadi. Lying in the heart of Fiji's sugar cane growing region, it is known as the Sugar City. Lautoka is the gateway to Fiji’s “Sun coast” a land of abundant sunshine, azure skies and dramatic grass-covered peaks chequered with sugar-cane fields, rural villages and quaint market towns. 
Day 18 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
21-08-202606-09-2026AUD $17,290Deluxe Stateroom
21-08-202606-09-2026AUD $19,220Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
21-08-202606-09-2026AUD $44,550Privilege Suite Deck 6
21-08-202606-09-2026AUD $44,550Privilege Suite Deck 5
21-08-202606-09-2026AUD $48,960Grand Deluxe Suite
21-08-202606-09-2026AUD $57,040Owner's Suite
21-08-202606-09-2026AUD $20,170Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
21-08-202606-09-2026AUD $21,320Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
21-08-202606-09-2026AUD $29,780Deluxe Suite Deck 3
21-08-202606-09-2026AUD $29,780Deluxe Suite Deck 4
21-08-202606-09-2026AUD $29,780Deluxe Suite Deck 5
21-08-202606-09-2026AUD $29,780Deluxe Suite Deck 6
21-08-202606-09-2026AUD $40,330Prestige Suite Deck 5
21-08-202606-09-2026AUD $42,430Prestige Suite Deck 6
29-03-202715-04-2027AUD $12,060PORTHOLE STATEROOM
29-03-202715-04-2027AUD $13,960WINDOW STATEROOM
29-03-202715-04-2027AUD $16,330BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 6
29-03-202715-04-2027AUD $17,390BALCONY STATEROOM DECK 6
29-03-202715-04-2027AUD $18,140BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 7
29-03-202715-04-2027AUD $18,140Balcony Stateroom S Deck 7
29-03-202715-04-2027AUD $23,080VERANDA STATEROOM
29-03-202715-04-2027AUD $30,940VERANDA SUITE
29-03-202715-04-2027AUD $37,920GRAND SUITE
29-03-202715-04-2027AUD $49,180OWNER'S SUITE

Inclusions

    • A cruise into the heart of the South Pacific’s most beautiful archipelagos, discovering five countries: Australia, Papua New Guinea, the Salomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji.
    • A new port of call in Port-Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, in the very heart of a magical, unspoilt nature.
    • A gentle escapade aboard the Paul Gauguin, an expert in the destination, with an international and friendly atmosphere.
    • From Espiritu Santo, don’t miss the unique performance from the ‘water music women’.
    • The Solomon Islands, secret destination in the South Pacific and a real tropical Eden.
    • Possibility of diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board.

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