Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
15% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
Islands and cultures of Papua New Guinea
Cairns - Cairns
Dates:
27/10/2025
to
6/11/2025
days
nights on board
This 11-day PONANT Expedition cruise aboard Le Jacques Cartier will showcase the wonders and ancestral tribes of Papua New Guinea.
You will board your ship in Cairns. With its many colonial buildings, its picturesque port and its exceptional panorama over the surrounding natural environment, this city in the north-east of Australia won’t fail to impress.
Le Jacques Cartier will then set sail for Papua New Guinea, a fascinating land that is home to no fewer than 700 ethnic groups within a highly diverse yet mainly unexplored ecosystem.
Your call at Tufi will be one of the highlights of your voyage. Dubbed the Scandinavia of the Tropics, you will undoubtedly fall under the charm of this picturesque region, with its deep ‘fjords’ known locally as ‘rias’, which were formed through volcanic activity. In this unique setting, local Papuan tribes will share their customs, beliefs and artwork with you.
You will then head north along the coast to Madang, nicknamed ‘the most beautiful city in the South Pacific’. Within this stunning province exists great geographical diversity, with 170 different languages spoken there. Its festival showcases this richness and offers colourful traditional performances or ‘sing sings’ by many of the cultural groups of the province. These include the mysterious Asaro Mudmen, who re-enact a warrior episode from their history wearing masks of mud, their bodies coated in clay.
In the heart of the Solomon Sea you will experience the splendid turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of the uninhabited islands of the Lusancay archipelago. These spectacular, picture-postcard islands provide the opportunity to swim and snorkel over coral reefs teeming with life.
The wildlife encounters described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Ref : EX271025
Your itinerary
Zodiac outings and shore visits with your expedition team. Discover the mysteries of Papua New Guinea, the land of a thousand cultures. From Tufi, journey on an outrigger canoe into the ancient fjords of Cape...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
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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*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
- Selection of Clarins 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
Diving - Expedition Cruise
Supervision of the dives
Your dives will be led by your PONANT instructor. He will take care of your safety and that all goes smoothly. On some diving sites, as in natural reserves or if the local regulations require it, a local guide will escort the diving.
Level required for scuba diving on this cruise
The minimum level required for scuba diving on this cruise is 2 star CMAS or the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent). The certification card, the diving log book and a recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to our main diving instructor.
Process of the dives (certified divers)
The instructor reserves the right to check divers’ ability for maximum safety. As we will dive in remote places, the dives will be done without decompression stop. A safety stop of 3 minutes at 5 metres will be mandatory. The depth that can be reached will depend on the certification of the divers:
- For those with PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certificate (or equivalent), the maximum depth can be up to 25 metres.
- If two PADI Advanced Open Water Divers (or equivalent) wish to dive together independently, they must have a briefing first. They must have dive computers and are allowed to go to a maximum depth of 20 metres.
Duration of the dives
The diving activity lasts from 2 to 3 hours, which includes the journey to the diving site and the diving. This duration may vary according to the site, the level of divers, weather conditions and the number of participants. For experienced divers, the duration of dives varies between 35 and 60 minutes depending on the site, the diver’s experience and consumption.
Supplied equipment
- Diving wetsuit
- Stabilising jacket
- Regulator with octopus and pressure gauge
- Diving computer (for divers mastering their use)
- Fins,
Mask and snorkel: for health reasons due to Covid-19, we strongly recommend that you come on board with your own mask and snorkel .As an exception, you will be able to borrow them in accordance with sanitary conditions.
The passenger may participate in scuba diving activities, subject to compliance with certain conditions established in accordance with the health, scientific and medical measures applicable on the day of the dive.
* within the limit of available stock.
Fauna and flora of the Pacific ocean
The fauna of the Pacific ocean is very varied. During the various dives, divers can observe various species of benthic fauna such as napoleon fish, racoonbutterfly fish, and pelagic fauna such as manta rays, gray reef sharks, dolphin fish, as well as endemic wildlife such as different soft corals.
Scuba diving activities on this cruise
|
PORTS OF CALL |
DIVES (for certified divers) |
DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING (for beginners) |
|
Australie – Cairns |
NO |
NO |
|
Papua New Guinea – Alotau |
YES |
NO |
|
Papua New Guinea – Tufi |
YES |
NO |
|
Papua New Guinea – Tami Islands |
YES |
NO |
|
Papua New Guinea – Madang |
YES |
NO |
|
Papua New Guinea – Morobe Harbour |
YES |
NO |
|
Papua New Guinea – Lusancay Island |
YES |
NO |
|
Papua New Guinea – Samarai Island |
YES |
NO |
|
Australie – Cairns |
NO |
NO |
These sites are indicative. The proposed diving excursions may be changed depending on weather and safety conditions and the number of divers.
Rates
Excellence and Passion packages must be pre-booked with your travel consultant before departure. Beyond that, all reservations will be confirmed once on board and subject to availability.
Exploration dives must be organised on board directly with your diving instructor.
Price per person
- Certified divers :
- Exploration (1 dive) : €100
- Excellence Package (3 dives) : €280
- Passion Package (6 dives) : €525
Highlights
- Zodiac outings and shore visits with your expedition team.
- Discover the mysteries of Papua New Guinea, the land of a thousand cultures.
- From Tufi, journey on an outrigger canoe into the ancient fjords of Cape Nelson.
- Visit the remote Tami islands.
- Witness the cultures and traditions of Morobe region and the traditional ceremonies of the Asaro Mudmen of Madang region.
- Swim and snorkel in the warm, clear tropical waters of the Solomon Sea.
- Walk on the picture-perfect postcard Lusancay Islands
- Understand the colonial history of Samarai Island and of Papua New Guinea’s role during World War II.
- Gain an insight into the history, culture and the diversity of flora and fauna from your expert
expedition team. - Opportunity of diving (PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board and of snorkelling with your expedition team.
Ports of Call & Excursions
27 October 2025 - Cairns
Embarkation 27/10/2025 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 27/10/2025 at 6:00 pm
Washed by the Coral Sea, the harbour town of Cairns is located on Australia's north-east coast. The seafront esplanade is a popular place for locals and visitors to walk, swim and picnic under the shade of swaying palm trees. The hills surrounding Cairns form the gateway to the Queensland Rainforests, proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site for their fauna and flora from the Gondwana era.
28 October 2025 - At sea
Arrival 28/10/2025
Departure 28/10/2025
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.
29 October 2025 - Alotau
Arrival 29/10/2025
Departure 29/10/2025
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.
30 October 2025 - Tufi
Arrival 30/10/2025
Departure 30/10/2025
Often described as the “Scandinavia of the tropics”. The spectacular Tufi “fiords” plunge over 90 metres deep and rise over 150 metres vertically above the water making for a spectacular backdrop. The traditional way of life plays an important role amongst the villagers with many living in isolated areas along the coast of Cape Nelson and on the slopes of Mount Trafalgar. The area is known for its production of tapa cloth, made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree and skilfully decorated. Guests will travel into the ancient mangrove forests of the Fiords to witness one of the most colourful traditional performances in all of Papua New Guinea. There is also the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the clear waters of Kamoa Beach.
31 October 2025 - Tami Islands
Arrival 31/10/2025
Departure 31/10/2025
The Tami Islands (Kalal, Wanam & Idjan) are a small group of uplifted coral atolls, with two main villages on the two larger islands and many smaller reefs and cays. In the centre is a beautiful, crystal clear blue lagoon with abundant marine life and stunning coral formations. The islands, located in Morobe Province not far from the town of Finschaffen are seldom-visited. Tami Islanders are renowned artisans and are most famous for their intricately decorated bowls.
1 November 2025 - Madang
Arrival 1/11/2025
Departure 1/11/2025
Madang Township was once known as the "prettiest town in the South Pacific". Its peninsula setting is a show-place of parks, waterways, luxuriant shade trees and sparkling tropical islands. The diverse geographical nature of Madang province is reflected in the 170 different languages that are spoken. This diversity is showcased in the Madang festival with its colourful displays of “sing sings” performed by numerous cultural groups from across the Madang Province. Today, you will also be treated to a number of cultural performances showcasing the local customs, costume and dance of the coastal, midland and highland communities.
2 November 2025 - Morobe Harbour
Arrival 2/11/2025
Departure 2/11/2025
Located at the Southern end of the picturesque Huon gulf lies Morobe Harbour, named for the French explorer Jean-Michel Huon de Kermadec. Here, in one of the remotest parts of the Papua New Guinea mainland, culture and tradition remain strong. Several villages are spread along the foreshore amid lush forests where locals can be seen fishing or tending to their communal crops. Guests are welcomed ashore by the proud and friendly local people who relish the opportunity to showcase their cultural heritage. You will be welcomed ashore with a ceremony and cultural performances followed by the opportunity to witness traditional Morobe village life.
3 November 2025 - Lusancay Islands
Arrival 3/11/2025
Departure 3/11/2025
A Solomon Sea archipelago situated in the Milne Bay province in Papua New Guinea, the Lusancay Islands were named after the French navigator Pierre Carré de Lusançay, who participated in the D’Entrecasteaux expedition at the end of the 18th century. Protected from human impact, the Lusancay Islands are considered to be a real paradise of coral reefs and white-sand beaches, offering visitors magnificent panoramas. You will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the warm, tropical waters.
4 November 2025 - Samarai Island
Arrival 4/11/2025
Departure 4/11/2025
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 Pacific. The island was declared a National Historical Heritage Island by the government of Papua New Guinea in 2006. Just 3km west of Samarai, Kwato Island was once an educational center and home to a thriving boat building industry. Following the old tree-lined road to the top of the island reveals a stonewalled church that was built in 1937 and remains a testimony to the missionaries of a bygone era. Join your expedition team for a guided walk on Samarai and Kwato Islands. You also will enjoy swimming and snorkelling on nearby Deka Deka island.
5 November 2025 - At sea
Arrival 5/11/2025
Departure 5/11/2025
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.
6 November 2025 - Cairns
Arrival 6/11/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 6/11/2025 at 7:00 am
Washed by the Coral Sea, the harbour town of Cairns is located on Australia's north-east coast. The seafront esplanade is a popular place for locals and visitors to walk, swim and picnic under the shade of swaying palm trees. The hills surrounding Cairns form the gateway to the Queensland Rainforests, proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site for their fauna and flora from the Gondwana era.
Le Jacques-Cartier
In keeping with the philosophy of PONANT and the PONANT EXPLORERS, Le Jacques-Cartier is a modern ship with slender, tapered lines, it is environmentally friendly and equipped with innovative technology.
Tastefully decorated, Le Jacques-Cartier reflects the universe so dear to PONANT, with its light tones and open-to-the-sea design providing soft light and luminosity at every instant of the day. Its ethnic chic ambiance pays homage to the destinations we visit.
Located below the waterline, the Blue Eye offers a unique experience: the opportunity to enjoy undersea views and the sounds of the marine world whilst sharing a glass together.
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.
Diving
During an introduction to scuba diving or a more advanced dive for holders of the necessary certifications (level 1 on yachting cruises and 2 on expedition cruises), explore the planet’s most beautiful underwater environments in the company of a PONANT diving instructor, as well as a local instructor when required by local legislation. They will ensure that your dives are conducted smoothly and safely: supervision of four certified divers at a time, evaluation of diving skills and experience, adherence to safety stops, zones and the maximum depth authorised.
A recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to the main diving instructor.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
CAIRNS, AT THE EDGE OF AUSTRALIA' S TROPICAL RAINFOREST (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of a full day tour to discover the natural beauties of Cairns and experience a unique cable car ride over the tropical rainforest canopy. This programme will be a pleasant prelude to your cruise.
Day 1 - Cairns
Meet at the 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 hotel Shangri-La the Marina 5*.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Cairns
Depart for an Australian experience into the rainforest. After a 30-minute drive, you will arrive at the Skyrail Rainforest Cable Car Station. Upon arrival, you will board one of the gondolas for an amazing experience over Australia's World Heritage listed tropical rainforest canopy, and into the rainforest itself. Spanning approximately four-and-a-half miles over pristine rainforest, Skyrail allows you to explore the wonders of this ancient tropical rainforest and learn about one of the most botanically fascinating and diverse areas on earth, and includes time at two mid-stations. The easy access walkways at Barron Falls Station take you on three separate lookouts where you will be treated to breath-taking views of Barron Gorge and Barron Falls. This station is where you will find the state-of-the-art Rainforest Interpretation Centre.
At the completion of your Skyrail journey, you will proceed to the centre of Kuranda, a delightful village nestled in the heart of the rainforest. Established as a railway station in the mid-1800s, when logging and mining were large industries on the Atherton Tablelands, Kuranda became known as a place to stock up on goods and also where one could enjoy some culture and sophistication at one of the local hotels. Today, this colourful township is a haven for markets, cafés, and restaurants. After a brief overview of the town, you will have some free time to further explore on your own. No doubt you will want to take the opportunity to browse the shops for local artwork, crafts, opals or aboriginal souvenirs while you are here.
Following your visit to Kuranda, you will board your coach and will return to Cairns for lunch.
Afterwards, you will be transferred to the pier to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
The five-star Shangri-La The Marina Hotel is located on the waterfront at Marlin Marina, connected to the Pier shopping complex and adjacent to the Trinity Bay Esplanade. You will also find close by, Cairns Convention Centre and Cairns Esplanade. The hotel features a restaurant and two bars, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a sauna and a solarium. It offers a free Wi-Fi access.
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 Deluxe Seaview room at the five-star Shangri-La The Marina Hotel 5*, local standards (or similar), breakfast included.
-
Meals as mentioned in the programme.
-
Beverages package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea).
-
Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
-
The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
-
Dinner on day 1.
-
Personal expenses.
-
Tips for the driver and local guide.
-
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
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 official check-in time at the hotel Shangri-La The Marina is at 2pm.
Contacts of your hotel:
Shangri-La The Marina
Pierpoint Road Cairns
Queensland 4870, Australia
Telephone: +61 7 4031 1411
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$800
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.THE GREAT BARRIER REEF AND THE CAIRNS RAINFOREST (3 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Enjoy a 3-day tour in Cairns and marvel at the natural beauty of its surroundings. Explore the Great Barrier Reef, the largest living ecosystem on earth, and dive into one of the world’s oldest rainforests for an unforgettable indigenous experience.
Day 1 - Cairns
Meet at the 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 hotel Shangri-La the Marina 5*.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Daintree National Park
Breakfast at the hotel.
After a 90-minute drive, you will arrive in the Daintree National Park, located in the tropical wilderness of North Queensland. The Daintree Rainforest boasts an incredibly biodiverse landscape with a large concentration of animal and plant species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It is also one of the oldest rainforests on the planet.
You will discover Mossman Gorge, the traditional home of the Kuku Yalanji aboriginal people.
You will join an indigenous guide for a Ngaduku dreamtime walk into the rainforest, learning about age-old traditions as well as flora and fauna along the way. Participate in a smoking ceremony, said to ward off bad spirits, and learn about the uses of different plants during the trek.
You will then enjoy some free time at Mossman Gorge and a lunch in a local café.
After lunch, you will enjoy a guided tour of Wildlife Habitat, an advanced eco-certified wildlife sanctuary where you will have the opportunity to interact with native Australian animals in their recreated natural environments. You will explore unique habitats, hand-feed iconic animals such as kangoroos or koalas, and learn about conservation efforts in this award-winning nature park.
You will then go back to your hotel to enjoy some free time.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - The Great Barrier Reef
After breakfast, you will enjoy a day discovering the Great Barrier Reef.
The Great Barrier Reef is a site of remarkable variety and beauty and contains the world's largest collection of coral reefs; it has 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of molluscs, which make it one of the most complex natural ecosystems in the world. It is unique, as it extends over 14 degrees of latitude, from shallow estuarine areas to deep oceanic waters.
After about an hour of transfer, you will discover the newest and most technologically advanced pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef: you will explore the magnificent coral reefs as you enjoy a glass bottom boat trip and a snorkeling guided tour.
Optional Activity: If you want to observe the seabed closely, you can book a 30 to 45 minutes guided scuba diving as an option at additional cost from your travel adviser. Let yourself be amazed by the colors and the impressive marine wildlife ! Any request made on site will depend on availability.
Lunch will be served on the boat.
On your return to the hotel, you will have some free time to enjoy the facilities.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 4 - Cairns
Breakfast at the hotel and day at leisure.
Late check-out included.
Lunch at leisure.
You will be transferred to the pier to embark abord your ship.
Your hotel:
The five-stars Shangri-La The Marina hotel is located on the waterfront at Marlin Marina, connected to the Pier shopping complex and adjacent to the Trinity Bay Esplanade. You will also find close by, Cairns Convention Centre and Cairns Esplanade. The hotel features a restaurant and two bars, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a sauna and a solarium. It offers a free Wi-Fi access.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
-
3-night accommodation in Deluxe Seaview room at the Shangri-La The Marina Hotel 5*, local standards (or similar), breakfast included.
-
Late check-out on day 4.
-
Meals as mentioned in the programme.
-
Beverage package during meals (mineral water + 1 soft drink and 1 coffee or tea).
-
Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
-
The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
-
Personal expenses.
-
The scuba diving optional activity.
-
Tips for the driver and local guide.
-
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
-
It is imperative that the details of your arrival 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 official check-in time at the hotel Shangri-La The Marina is at 2pm.
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All diving is subject to successful completion of an on-board medical questionnaire. Certain medical conditions (i.e: asthma) and some medications may exclude individuals from diving. The minimum legal age for diving is 12 years. All divers under 18 years of age must have parent/guardian consent. All equipment is provided by the cruise operator, we recommend you to bring sunscreen, a hat, a swim wear, a towel and sunglasses.
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This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Contact of your hotel:
Shangri-La The Marina
Pierpoint Road Cairns
Queensland 4870, Australia
Telephone: +61 7 4031 1411
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$2,440
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.DISCOVER CAIRNS (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 – Cairns
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
Cairns is only 140 years old, and the first Europeans and Chinese came to the area in the rush for gold. The fortune hunters braved the crocodile infested waters, the dense rainforests, the heavy monsoonal rains, the stingers, and the heat, to build what is still the last city on the road going north from Sydney. All sorts of adventurers have followed including escape artists and alternative lifestyle seekers. Prior to that, and to this day, the Yirrganydji and the Yidinji Aboriginal people walked this land. The Cairns of today is a chic tourism town with cafes and shops during your panoramic drive your guide will point out the historic buildings, natural sights and the special places that have created this tropical paradise.
Arrive at the Cairns Museum, which has amazing stories to share about living in the tropics through a collection of objects, photographs, and archival records. You will learn of stories of heat, sweat and hard work, of cane, railways, rainforests, and reefs. As well as discovering the history of white Australia, Aboriginal resistance, and European isolation.
The tour will continue with a visit to the lovely Botanical Gardens for a stroll, some people watching and to enjoy a variety of green and blooming plants, including a large orchid and carnivorous plant collection.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
You will then be transferred to the hotel Shangri-La the Marina 5*.
Afternoon at leisure.
Dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 – Cairns
After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotel:
The five-star Shangri-La The Marina hotel is located on the waterfront at Marlin Marina, connected to the Pier shopping complex and adjacent to the Trinity Bay Esplanade. You will also find close by, Cairns Convention Centre and Cairns Esplanade. The hotel features a restaurant and two bars, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a sauna and a solarium. It offers a free Wi-Fi access.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
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1-night accommodation in Deluxe Seaview room at the five-star Shangri-La The Marina Hotel 5*, local standards (or similar), breakfast included.
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Meals as mentioned in the programme.
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Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea).
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Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
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The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
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Personal expenses.
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
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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.
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As respecting the environment is important to us, we highly recommend you take your filled Ponant water bottle with you after your cruise, so you can use it on shore and avoid the use of plastic bottles whenever it is not strictly necessary.
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The official check-out time at the hotel Shangri-La The Marina is at 11am.
Contact of your hotel:
Shangri-La The Marina
Pierpoint Road Cairns
Queensland 4870, Australia
Telephone: +61 7 4031 1411
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$880
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.