Deluxe Stateroom
30% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
Adventure in the Bissagos Islands
Dakar - Dakar
Dates:
16/1/2026
to
24/1/2026
Other available dates
days
nights on board
In the secret lands of the Atlantic, off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, where the infinite blue of the ocean meets the lush green of the islands, a rare jewel hides: the Bissagos. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this archipelago, one of the most preserved on the planet, consists of 88 islands, most of which are uninhabited. In an environment that is often still unspoiled by man, these islands offer the few visitors who explore them the chance of a unique and authentic experience. PONANT has designed a 9-day journey aboard Le Lapérouse, into the heart of this string of islands featuring preserved nature, a land of ancestral civilisations and a refuge for many terrestrial and marine species.
You will humbly sail towards these extraordinary lands, which hold the promise of an interlude where time may stand still. During your exploration, its backdrop a symphony of sounds and colours, you will be as close as possible to exceptional nature, between white sandy beaches, mangals stretching as far as the eye can see, mangrove trees, savannah, palm trees and baobabs. Sea turtles, those majestic creatures, choose these isolated beaches to lay their eggs, while brightly coloured lizards skilfully weave in and out of the lush vegetation. Au détour de randonnées, en plein cœur de la forêt tropicale, vous aurez la chance d’admirer le ballet hypnotisant de nombreuses espèces d’oiseaux migrateurs comme le pélican ou le flamant rose sur l’île de Kere ou encore de contempler le spectacle des singes vervet bondissant de branches en branches. During your hikes in the heart of the tropical forest, you will be lucky enough to admire the hypnotic ballet of many species of migratory birds such as pelicans or pink flamingos on the island of Kere or to contemplate the spectacle of vervet monkeys leaping from branch to branch.
You will move through this world, the cradle of the Bissago culture, where life follows the pace of the tides and the surrounding nature. The villages, lying in the thick vegetation, seem to emanate from the earth itself. The houses made of woven palms and the rough wooden dugout canoes melt into the background, almost inseparable from the natural environment. This unique journey will be punctuated by many encounters with the Bissago people, in particular on the islands of Caravela, Carache and Orango. You will take part in traditional ceremonies accompanied by the sound of drums, and discover their customs and traditions, which have not changed for thousands of years and are based on a matriarchal society where the sacred lies at the centre of everything. Nature is a divinity here, and every bird call, every rustling of a tree, every sparkle of the sun on the water is a ode to the beauty of these sacred lands.
Ref : ER160126
Your itinerary
A cruise discovering the magical Bissagos archipelago, between preserved nature, encounters with ancestral civilisations and the discovery of unique wildlife. Shore visits in a Zodiac® dinghy with an...
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Your trip in detail
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Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Shore Excursions, Overlands & Pre/Post Programmes
To complete your voyage, PONANT can organise a range of shore excursions, pre & post cruise activities and packages, plus transfers.
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L'AUSTRAL
L'AUSTRAL
5/11/2025 to the 23/11/2025
LE CHAMPLAIN
3/12/2025 to the 13/12/2025
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Discover all destinations
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landings"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to isolated regions is an exhilarating experience. In remote areas, please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
- Cotton comfortable and light-weight shorts/bermuda shorts
- Light weight long trousers
- Long-sleeved breathable SPF50+ shirts
- Cotton short sleeved T-shirt
- Aquatic UV long-sleeved T-shirt for sun protection during snorkeling or swimming
- Aquatic non-slip sandals
- Windproof, waterproof and breathable outer layer
- Broad brimmed anti-UV hat with strap and veil to protect the neck
- Comfortable walking shoes
Accessories:
- Snorkelling equipment will be offered onboard (for adults only).
- Highly protective sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and after-sun with high SPF index & insect repellent
- Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
- Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
- Camelbak (backpack with water pockets)
- Walking poles (highly recommended).
Please note:
During your visits to some local communities, all guests will be required to dress respectfully. Ladies must have their shoulders and thighs covered. Gentlemen should have their shoulders covered also.
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
TECHNICAL OUTFITS:
- Shorts / bermudas
- Light weight long trousers
- Wind and waterproof light “breathable” outer layer
- Sweater/pullover for the evening
- Short and long sleeved cotton shirts
- Waterproof UV long sleeved T-shirt
- Long sleeved cotton shirt for sun protection during zodiac excursions and excursions ashore
- Ankle canvas shoes (which dry quickly and protect ankles)
- Aquatic shoes for wet landings on shore
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses with high UV filter
- Binoculars
- Walking poles
- Small waterproof backpack
- Camelbak (backpack with water pockets)
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Sun portective hat/cap with strap and veil to protect the neck
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Mosquito and insect repellent
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- A cruise discovering the magical Bissagos archipelago, between preserved nature, encounters with ancestral civilisations and the discovery of unique wildlife.
- Shore visits in a Zodiac® dinghy with an experienced team of naturalist-guides.
- Discovering ten islands featuring exceptional biodiversity: Carache, Kere, Caravela, Orango, Uno, Bolama, Cavalos, Joao Vieira and Canhabaque.
- Visiting traditional villages and enjoying many encounters with the Bissago people; discovering their traditions, dances and handicrafts during traditional ceremonies.
- Landscapes: idyllic white sandy beaches, endless mangals, savannah and forests home to mangrove trees, palm trees and baobabs, splendid lagunas.
- Wildlife: sea turtles, dolphins, manatees, vervet monkeys, migratory birds (pink flamingos, pelicans, etc)
Ports of Call & Excursions
16 January 2026 - Dakar
Embarkation 16/1/2026 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 16/1/2026 at 6:00 pm
On the tip of the African continent, the buzzing capital of Senegal stretches along the narrow peninsula of Cape Verde. You may be overwhelmed by its sheer size, but Dakar will win you over with its richly diverse districts, appealing cultural scene and rich natural surroundings. In the historic centre, you'll enjoy the pell-mell of colours and tasty delights in Kermel market. Far from the effervescence of the city, Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known as a place of remembrance, having once been a slave trade outpost. On the other side of the plateau, the wild Madeleine islands are protected by a national park.
17 January 2026 - At sea
Arrival 17/1/2026
Departure 17/1/2026
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.
18 January 2026 - Carache Island, Bijagos
Arrival 18/1/2026
Departure 18/1/2026
In the midst of a rich natural environment, you will enjoy a fascinating encounter with the Bijagos, who have been successful at taming their environment and preserving their ancestral way of life. Five villages provide a home for the island’s few thousand inhabitants, who rely on a subsistence economy: they take from nature only what they need, they cultivate rice, breed chickens and pigs, fish on a small scale and use all the parts of the oil palm. Cob huts with thatched roofs are the traditional dwellings. Among other things, you will be able to enjoy a wonderful show of authentic traditional dancing.
18 January 2026 - Kere, Bijagos
Arrival 18/1/2026
Departure 18/1/2026
The private island of Kere is an unspoiled Eden, a one-hectare (two-acre) stretch of tropical forest in the heart of the Bissagos Islands. One original feature of this island is that a small, sustainable and fair-trade ecotourism business was developed upon it. On the island’s magnificent beach, a Frenchman has set up a business to show people around this exceptional natural environment or to take them out for some game fishing, particularly in search of tarpon, a fish weighing over a hundred kilos (220 pounds). The bungalows made from earth and straw blend into the idyllic setting and reflect the mindset of the islet’s owner: authentic and respectful of nature and people.
19 January 2026 - Orango Island, Bijagos
Arrival 19/1/2026
Departure 19/1/2026
Some 20 kilometres off the coast of west Africa, the Bissau-Guinean archipelago of Bissagos is famous for its abundant biodiversity. The richness of its marine animal and plant life afforded it the status of Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO: dolphins, green tortoises, monkeys, striped antelopes and hundreds of thousands of migrating birds find refuge here. Composed of five islands and several islets, Orango is the largest and most mysterious island in the archipelago. Its national park and marine protected area lie in the heart of the Biosphere Reserve. During your zodiac outings, you will set off to discover this preserved environment, home to the Bijogo people, the true custodians of this sanctuary.
19 January 2026 - Uno Island, Bijagos
Arrival 19/1/2026
Departure 19/1/2026
Covered in beautiful savannah, paddy fields and lush forests, the island of Uno, or Ilha de Uno, is one of the most populated in the Bissagos archipelago. In its many villages, life follows the pace of the everyday scenes and traditions of the Bissago people. The lifestyle of these island people remains relatively untouched by colonial domination and external influences, and still honours animist beliefs and rites, such as the fanados, which are coming-of-age initiations for young men and women that involve them spending four months in the forest with the village elders. By sanctifying the natural environment, the islanders are protecting the archipelago’s unique biodiversity.
20 January 2026 - Orango Island, Bijagos
Arrival 20/1/2026
Departure 20/1/2026
Some 20 kilometres off the coast of west Africa, the Bissau-Guinean archipelago of Bissagos is famous for its abundant biodiversity. The richness of its marine animal and plant life afforded it the status of Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO: dolphins, green tortoises, monkeys, striped antelopes and hundreds of thousands of migrating birds find refuge here. Composed of five islands and several islets, Orango is the largest and most mysterious island in the archipelago. Its national park and marine protected area lie in the heart of the Biosphere Reserve. During your zodiac outings, you will set off to discover this preserved environment, home to the Bijogo people, the true custodians of this sanctuary.
21 January 2026 - Joao Vieira Island, Bijagos
Arrival 21/1/2026
Departure 21/1/2026
In the far south-east of the Bissagos Islands, João Vieira is a small unspoiled island in the João Vieira and Poilão Marine National Park. This park, where a number of sacred sites can be found, is home to a wonderful biodiversity. On the practically uninhabited island of João Vieira, the Bijagos have set up temporary camps for fishing or for collecting the fruit of oil palms. Like everywhere else in the archipelago, the local population displays ingenuity to adapt to this incredible environment.
21 January 2026 - Cavalos Island, Bijagos
Arrival 21/1/2026
Departure 21/1/2026
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the island of Cavalos is the second-largest nesting site in West Africa. Here you will be able to observe many bird species, including terns, in particular near the freshwater lake. Take a stroll on the beach full of shells, stretching all the way around the island’s 6-km (3.8-mile) circumference. Some rocks have mango trees growing on them, which just rise above the surface during high tide. The interior of the island, blanketed in palm trees and high grasses, is inhabited by a colony of wild pigs.
22 January 2026 - Bolama
Arrival 22/1/2026
Departure 22/1/2026
Bolama, the capital of Portuguese Guinea from the late 19th century to the end of the 1930s, is shrouded in the surreal and poetic atmosphere of a ghost town forgotten by time. Along the streets covered in ochre earth, the vestiges of neoclassical colonial buildings hint at what was once the sumptuous government palace or the governor’s residence. Now neglected, this hard-to-reach natural harbour surrounded by mangrove swamps once served as an outpost for keeping a close eye on the Guinean population that had come to seek refuge on these remote islands of the Bissagos archipelago to escape their colonisers.
22 January 2026 - Canhabaque, Bijagos
Arrival 22/1/2026
Departure 22/1/2026
Canhabaque Island, also known by the name Roxa, is covered in lush vegetation and boasts pretty beaches alternating with rocky formations. The first island in the archipelago to be inhabited, it is today home to a community of around 2,500 inhabitants, spread across various tabancas (rural villages). Long closed to tourism, it is considered the most traditional island in the whole archipelago in terms of customs and lifestyle. It competes with Caravela for the reputation of the most beautiful island. It has an animist and matrilineal society; women are highly predominant in the management and maintenance of balance in the tabancas.
23 January 2026 - Caravela Island, Bijagos
Arrival 23/1/2026
Departure 23/1/2026
Dotted with authentic and wild landscapes, the Bissagos archipelago is a constellation of islands covered in savannah, forests of palm trees, mangrove trees, silk-cotton trees, baobabs and, in large part, mangrove swamps. From the island of Caravela, you will be able to set out in a Zodiac® dinghy to explore the mangrove and observe the African grey hornbill, the palm-nut vulture, the kingfisher, the weaverbird and some of the many species that fly to this region each year. It is the second most important site for migratory birds in West Africa, after Banc d’Arguin in Mauritania: herons, curlews, red-chested swallows. In full immersion, far from the beaten track, your discovery of the archipelago will take on an air of adventure.
24 January 2026 - Dakar
Arrival 24/1/2026 early morning
Disembarkation 24/1/2026 at 8:00 am
On the tip of the African continent, the buzzing capital of Senegal stretches along the narrow peninsula of Cape Verde. You may be overwhelmed by its sheer size, but Dakar will win you over with its richly diverse districts, appealing cultural scene and rich natural surroundings. In the historic centre, you'll enjoy the pell-mell of colours and tasty delights in Kermel market. Far from the effervescence of the city, Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known as a place of remembrance, having once been a slave trade outpost. On the other side of the plateau, the wild Madeleine islands are protected by a national park.
Le Lapérouse
Environmentally friendly, fitted with innovative equipment and complete with lounges designed to be largely open to the exterior, this new and intimately sized yacht offers a unique type of cruise experience.
Onboard this ship sailing under the French flag, you'll experience the incomparable pleasure of a cosily intimate cruise offering the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic chic ambiance.
The Blue Eye, an underwater lounge offering a unique experience unlike anything else in the world.
Decks
Tropical Expedition
Explore the planet’s most remote tropical regions during a PONANT expedition cruise. In the heart of Oceania’s archipelagos or the Indian Ocean atolls, along the wild coastlines of Central America or Australia, our luxury amenities and services will make your expedition cruise an unforgettable experience. Our expedition leaders and their teams of naturalist guides devise exceptional itineraries and organise daily outings, shore visits in Zodiac dinghies, or snorkelling when the cruises are conducive to it, to take you as close as possible to nature. Aboard the ship, they share their knowledge during lectures on a variety of topics such as the fauna and flora, the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology. On land, using the local transport options or during hikes, discover the must-see natural sites and, for a few hours, partake in the life and ancestral customs of the local populations.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
DAKAR AND GORÉE, THE MEMORY ISLAND (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Dakar
Meet at Dakar Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the Radisson Blu, Dakar Sea Plaza 5* (about 1: 30 drive).
Check-in in your room from 3 pm.
The end is the day is at leisure.
Day 2 - Dakar - Gorée Island
After you breakfast, you will take the direction to the pier to embark on board the ferry for the 25-minute crossing until Gorée island.
Your day will be spent visiting the evocative Gorée Island. Just three kilometres from Dakar, this little island is a haunting reminder of 350 years of the slave trade. Indeed, it was the biggest holding centre for slaves brought in from all over West Africa and has become a symbol and UNESCO World Heritage site.
From Dakar port, take the ferry for the 25-minute crossing. The visit is on foot starting at the House of Slaves, the most visited museum in Senegal which still evokes the poignant reality of one of the darkest periods in the history of the world. You then walk up to the Castle on a rocky plateau covered in fortifications, a reminder of the wars fought between Europeans (English, French, Portuguese and Dutch) to gain control of the island. The Castle offers a fine panoramic view of Dakar. You then cross the island via the market and colourful, picturesque streets.
Not far from the pier, the lunch will be served at a private mansion with local architecture. You will enjoy the famous national dish called "ceebu jën" (thiébou diène) recently included by UNESCO in the list of intagible of humanity. Then depending on time, you will enjoy time at leisure for local artcraft shopping before catching the ferry back to Dakar.
Back to Dakar, you will be transferred to the pier, to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
Located in the elegant and quiet Fann Corniche district, the Radisson Blu, Dakar Sea Plaza 5* is a modern and refined place. In front of the Mermoz Bay, the resort offers a serene experience. All rooms are characterized by their contemporary design and fully amenities. The hotel's restaurants and the infinity pool provide a perfect way to getaway.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night accommodation in Superior Sea View room at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar Sea Plaza 5*, local standards (or similar), including breakfast.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverage package during meals (mineral water + 1 local drink of wine or 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
- Local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Dinner of day 1.
- Tips for the guide and the driver.
- Personal expenses
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
- Early check-in and late check-out.
Please note:
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
- The local currency is the CFA franc. US dollars and Euros are widely accepted.
- Tap water is not drinkable, we recommend you only drink bottled mineral water.
- This programme is done mostly on foot and involves some uneven ground, that’s why this is not recommended for people with reduced mobility.
- Check-in from 3 pm.
Contact of your hotel:
Radisson Blu Hotel
West Corniche Fann Residence
BP 16868 Dakar,
Telephone number: (+221) 3 3889 22 00
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$1,080
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.DAKAR BETWEEN PAST AND PRESENT
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer day time between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Dakar
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at pier by our local representative international.
Embark on board your coach, pass by the Second World War monument celebrating the Senegalese Rifleman Samba and the French soldier Dupont in front of the Railway Station.
Then, you will take the direction to the Museum of Black Civilisations.You will discover a large modern place dedicated to the History of Africa and the dialogue between cultures.
You will reach the House Museum of Ousmane Sow, the famous Senegalese sculptor. During the guided tour, you will discover where he lived and worked. You will be impressed by monumental series of sculptures and you will learn more about the first African artist to join the Academy of Fine Arts.
Then continue on board your coach driving through the West Corniche Coastal road, you will stop to see the African Renaissance Monument, a magnificent 160-foot-tall monolith weighing in at 190 tons. Reverend Jesse Jackson was among the dignitaries who attended the opening of statue in 2010 to celebrate Senegal's 50 years of independence from France. Loved by some and reviled by others, the copper and bronze statue was made by the North Koreans and cost $27 million.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
During the afternoon, you will visit the Kermel market and the craft village.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Upon arrival at the airport, you will have access to the airport lounge until your flight check-in opens.
Your programme includes:
-
Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
-
Meals as mentioned in the programme.
-
Beverage package during meals (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
-
Local English-speaking guide.
-
Airport lounge access.
Your programme does not include:
-
Dinner.
-
Tips for the guide and the driver.
-
Personal expenses
-
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
-
The local currency is the CFA franc. US dollars and Euros are widely accepted.
-
Tap water is not drinkable, we recommend you only drink bottled mineral water.
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : AU$680
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.