Tasmania Circumnavigation Luxury Ponant Cruise

Description

Set sail to discover the natural wonders of Tasmania. PONANT invites you on a 10-day expedition cruise aboard Le Lapérouse to explore the varied landscapes, culinary delights and unrivalled natural environments of Australia’s island state.

With the charming cosmopolitan city of Hobart as your point of departure and arrival, you will sail to the Tasmanian wilderness, a remote and protected area listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, before reaching King Island, known for its gourmet delicacies, its crystal-clear waters and its ecosystem.

Continuing onto the Tamar Valley, following the Tamar Valley Wine Route and you may sample some of the region’s gourmet produce. Birders will revel in Ile des Phoques – Seal Island – as it is home to several breeding seabird species including little penguins, short-tailed shearwaters and fairy prions.

Reaching Tasmania’s Maria Island, explore the region’s history and extraordinary wildlife sanctuaries alongside your team of expedition experts.

After a stopover in Port Arthur, the Tasman Peninsula will reveal its spectacular culminating dolerite spires rising from the sea, and you will get a chance to spot the region’s varied marine life including Australian fur seals and dolphins from our fleet of zodiac.

Then you will head back to Hobart, your port of disembarkation.

The wildlife encounters described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.

Trip Name

Tasmania Circumnavigation Luxury Ponant Cruise

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Luxury Length: 127 metres Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. 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. Through its two restaurants, Le Lapérouse will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism. In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts. 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. PUBLIC AREAS Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Lapérouse 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 HOBART, TASMANIA

Hobart occupies a wonderful location at the mouth of the Derwent River, overseen by majestic Mt Wellington and surrounded by natural bushland. The Tasmanian capital is Australia's second-oldest city, after Sydney, and the picturesque waterfront is bordered by 19th-century warehouses and colonial mansions. Salamanca Place is packed with shops, galleries and restaurants and the fascinating Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a short ferry ride from the quay. Hobart is within easy reach of some of Tasmania's best-known destinations, from historic Port Arthur and the rugged Tasman Peninsula to Bruny Island, the Huon and Derwent Valleys and Mount Field National Park.

Day 2 - Day 2 PORT DAVEY, TASMANIA

The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is one of the largest conservation areas in Australia and one of the last expanses of temperate wilderness in the world. Located at the heart of the World Heritage Area, the Port Davey Marine Reserve is a unique protected waterway featuring a layer of rich red-brown tannin freshwater overlaying the tidal saltwater from the Southern Ocean. Port Davey is only accessible by foot, boat or light aircraft, preserving the pristine natural environment that is characterised by rugged coastlines with blowholes, caves and dramatic rock formations home to wildlife that includes the little blue penguin and Australian fur seal. If weather permits, guests will have the opportunity to explore the coastal environments and view the wildlife from our fleet of zodiac.

Day 3 - Day 3 KING ISLAND, TASMANIA

King Island is anchored in the middle of the Bass Strait between Victoria and Tasmania’s NorthWest coast. Surrounded by some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, King Island imports the world’s best surfers and exports produce sought by the world’s top chefs : succulent beef, rich gourmet cheese and crayfish plucked from the Island’s crystal-clear waters. It's quiet and easy going here, but there's something interesting at every turn – from a lighthouse and offshore shipwrecks – to the island's great nature walks and unique wildlife. You will have the opportunity to uncover the island's stories at the museum and cultural centre in the town of Currie or to take a guided trail of the island's produce, culture, history, flora and fauna.

Day 4 - Day 4 TAMAR VALLEY, TASMANIA

Tasmania is a land that should be savoured slowly…with a glass of fine wine in hand and friendly locals to guide you on your way. The Tamar Valley Wine Route is regarded as one of the world’s top 10 wine routes with over 32 wineries to explore. Showcasing some of the finest award winning wines. The unique cool climate location produces elegant wines of exceptional quality. There is so much more to the Tamar Valley than just wine. There’s the Tamar Valley Arts Trail, a unique space where you can meet the artist in their studio. The Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre, which shows the workings of the old mine, recalls the boom days of gold, the events of the 2006 mine rescue and Tamar Valley history.

Day 5 - Day 5 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 6 - Day 6 ÎLE DES PHOQUES, TASMANIA

Ile des Phoques, or Seal Island forms part of the Schouten Island Group, lying close to the east coast of Tasmania, ten nautical miles South West of Freycinet Peninsula and ten nautical miles North east of Maria Island. The Nature Reserve is home to several breeding seabird species including little penguin, short-tailed shearwater, fairy prion and common diving-petrel. It is a regular haul-out for Australian fur seals sand there is historical evidence that it was once a major breeding colony. Landing on the island is prohibited. If time and weather permit, you will have the opportunity to explore the coastal environments and view the wildlife from our fleet of zodiac.

Day 7 - Day 7 MARIA ISLAND, TASMANIA

Located off Tasmania’s east coast, Maria Island is a natural wildlife sanctuary and off-shore retreat with historic ruins, sweeping bays, dramatic cliffs and plenty of stories to tell. Originally inhabited by the indigenous Tyreddeme people, it has also been a whaling and sealing post, penal settlement and an Italian pleasure resort, and is also one of Tasmania's great bird watching hot spots, home to the the endangered forty-spotted pardalote and the rare and unique Cape Barren goose. Grasslands, open forest and tall wood land also provide a home for abundant wildlife including wombats, pademelons, Forester Kangaroos and Bennetts wallabies. Join members of your expedition team for a guided walk on one of several trails on offer. If time and weather permit we will explore the shoreline with our fleet of zodiac.

Day 8 - Day 8 PORT ARTHUR, TASMANIA

The Port Arthur Historic Site was established in 1830 as a timber station and was soon built into a small town designed for the housing and punishment of over a thousand of Tasmania’s most notorious convicts. Over its long history, Port Arthur has been a place of hardship and punishment, a place of opportunity, and a place of leisure. Now it is one of Australia’s most important heritage destinations, where the story of Australia’s colonial history is written in stone and brick. Port Arthur was included in the National Heritage List on 3 June 2005 and is one of 5 World Heritage listed convict sites in Tasmania. Join your expedition team and local guides for an insight into Tasmania's tumultuous past.

Day 9 - Day 9 TASMAN PENINSULA

The Tasman and Forestier peninsulas lie in the far south-east of Tasmania, linked to the rest of the island by a short bridge over a dredged canal. Established in 1999, The Tasman National Park protects the eastern and southern coastal regions of both peninsulas. The park's varied coastline and offshore islands provide abundant habitats for Australian fur seals, little penguins, whales and dolphins flourish in the rich waters. However the park’s greatest features are on land, with spectacular woodlands and forests and Australia’s highest sea cliffs. Striking dolerite spires rise from the Tasman Sea, culminating in capes Hauy, Pillar, and Raoul. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pristine waters of Fortescue Bay, or join your expedition team for a guided walk to enjoy the spectacular view from Cape Huay. If time and weather permit we will also explore the shoreline from our fleet of zodiac.

Day 10 - Day 10 HOBART, TASMANIA

Day 11 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Discover the beauty of the island of Tasmania, the incredible diversity of its landscapes, and its rich natural and cultural heritage.
Zodiac outings and shore visits with your expedition team.
Visit the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site of Port Davey, Port Arthur historic site and Maria Island.
Explore one of the last expanses of temperate wilderness in the world at Port Davey.
Taste world-renowned cool climate wines and artisanal produce of Tasmania’s East Coast.
View the spectacular painted cliffs of Maria Island.
Delve into Tasmania’s colonial history.
Wildlife: Australian fur seals, dolphins, short-tailed shearwaters, fairy prions, etc.