Package duration: 12 nights Fly, Cruise & Stay
Package starts: 21 July 2025 - with flight from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth to Darwin
Cruise starts: 23 July 2025 - from Darwin
Cruise ends: 2 August 2025 - into Broome
Package ends: 2 August 2025 - with flight back to home city from Broome
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HIGHLIGHTS:
- Join Ponant`s highly qualified expedition team for a whale migration season cruise
- Enjoy regular Zodiac outings & shore visits to get close to the Kimberley nature
- Discover billions of years-old landscapes & ancient rock art
- Listen to stories of the dreamtime from the oldest continuous culture on the planet
- Explore pristine mangrove environments, home to the world`s largest living reptile, the salt water crocodile
- Witness unique tidal phenomena such as the Horizontal Falls and Montgomery Reef
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BIG SAVINGS!
Booking early has it`s advantages - current savings on this departure include...
Twin PR5 Prestige Balcony was $21,850 - your special price from $16,690*pp
Twin PR6 Prestige Balcony was $21,850 - your special price from $17,510*pp
Twin DS Deluxe Suite was $30,910 - your special price from $22,760*pp
Single PR5 Prestige Balcony was $39,565 - your special price from $24,835*pp ** very limited space at this price **
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KIMBERLEY DREAMS & DARWIN SCENES Fly, Cruise & Stay package includes:
- Return economy class airfare from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth to Darwin and ex Broome on return inc. tax
- One way transfer from Darwin airport to hotel
- FREE* 2 nights accommodation in Darwin with breakfast
- One way transfer from Darwin hotel to port
- 10 night Kimberley 2025 expedition cruise aboard Le Jacques Cartier from Darwin to Broome
- All meals while on board the ship (from dinner on the day of embarkation to breakfast on the day of disembarkation)
- Captain`s welcome cocktail and gala dinner onboard
- Open Bar (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands) during cruise
- Evening entertainment and events
- Room service 24h (special selection)
- Highly qualified bilingual French/English expedition team
- Zodiac excursions
- Park entry fees into protected areas (where applicable)
- Port taxes
- One way transfer from Broome port to airport
Special Conditions
*Conditions Apply: All prices shown here are per person share twin (unless stated as single) in AUD, based on best available cruise fare at time of publication (23Aug24) including all applicable currently available savings. All included airfares/taxes have capped pricing - variations on flight carrier/times offered may result in an additional cost. Once issued airfares are non-refundable and name changes are not permitted - cancellation/change fees apply. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Travel agent service fees may apply. Special conditions apply - please ask for full details at time of inquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Passports are required to travel along with comprehensive travel insurance. Please note that the prices shown here are not shown in real time. While we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ from the prices in our booking system at time of reservation. Transfers only included if guests are arriving/departing by air at specific airports on exact package dates. Offer ends 30Sep24 or until sold out/withdrawn and are subject to availability at time of booking. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Packages containing flights, transfers and accommodation incur different cancellation fees to cruise only bookings.
Special Validity Dates
Special is valid from 7 October 2024 to 30 November 2024 or until sold out/withdrawn.
Pre-cruise Itinerary
Date
Activity
21 Jul 2025
Fly from Syd, Bne, Mel, Adl or Per to Darwin, transfer to hotel
22 Jul 2025
Darwin at leisure
23 Jul 2025
Transfer to port, embark Le Jacques Cartier ship
Cruise Itinerary
Date
Port
Arrive
Depart
23 Jul 2025
Darwin, NT, Australia
5:00 PM
24 Jul 2025
King George River, Western Australia
25 Jul 2025
Vansittart Bay, Western Australia
26 Jul 2025
Ashmore Reef, Australia
27 Jul 2025
Careening Bay, WA
28 Jul 2025
Swift Bay
29 Jul 2025
Hunter River, West Australia
30 Jul 2025
Collier Bay, Western Australia
31 Jul 2025
Collier Bay, Western Australia
1 Aug 2025
Lacepede Islands, Western Australia
2 Aug 2025
Broome, W A
6:30 AM
Post-cruise Itinerary
Date
Activity
2 Aug 2025
Disembark, Transfer to airport, Fly Broome to home city
This cruise is intended for English-speaking passengers. All lectures, comments by naturalists during the outings and visits as well as the announcements and services on board will be in English.
Set sail for the wild and grandiose landscapes of Kimberley, following an exceptional PONANT itinerary.
From Darwin to Broome, embark for an 11-day expedition cruise to one of the last unspoiled regions on the planet.
In one of the most picturesque parts of the region, the Hunter River, you will see wild mangrove forests where saltwater crocodiles live along with many species of birds.
The highpoint of this cruise will undoubtedly be the discovery of the King George River and the majestic Twin Falls, the highest falls in Western Australia.
During your cruise, the magnificent bays of Vansittart and Swift will offer you exceptional panoramas, between islands, secret inlets, caves and rocky overhangs.
At Ashmore Reef, gaze out over the shades of blue of the Timor Sea off the mainland. The corals are home to extraordinary marine life in this incredibly beautiful paradise.
You will also visit Collier Bay, where you will be able to admire the Montgomery Reef, home to vast expanses of lagoons and immense coral reefs.
On the Lacepede Islands, take the time to admire the abundance of nesting birds as well as the large population of turtles residing in the lagoon.
Your ship will take you along the most spectacular coasts in the entire region.
With their falls, abrupt gorges, savannah, calm waters and desolate mountain chains, the wild lands of Kimberley are the promise of an exceptional adventure.
We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and tide conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, whilst complying with the necessary safety rules and precautions.
Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.
As the sixth ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Jacques Cartier will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.
Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.
Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.
Ship Profile & Stats
Maiden voyage: July 2020
Tonnage: 9,900 gross tons
Length: 131 metres
Beam: 18 metres
Draft: 4.5 metres
Speed: 12.5 knots
Ship registration: French
Passenger capacity (dbl): 184
Officer nationality: French
Ship Amenities
110/220 volts outlet
Bath Robes
Flat screen television
Hair Dryer
In Room Safe
Individual Climate Control
Ipod(TM) players
Minibar
Satellite Direct Line Telephone
Ship Facilities
Art Gallery
Bars
Fitness Centre
Hydraulic Platform for Water Sports / Swimming
Main Lounge
Dining Room
Panoramic Lounge
Shopping Boutiques
Spa
Swimming Pool
Theatre
EXPERIENCE CRUISING ANOTHER WAY, DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF YACHT CRUISES.
Our mission is to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small capacity ships.
To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment - a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared - and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.
To combine sophistication and conviviality, with priority given to authentic experiences, emotions and the ongoing quest for excellence.
Yacht cruises: more than a cruise, a privilege...
Attentive, professional, discreet and elegant, the fully bilingual service on board will meet your every desire. Our unique atmosphere is filled with a signature sentiment: a warm welcome from an experienced crew who are passionate about what they do, in the tradition of private yachting.
In the dining areas, our gourmet cuisine is worthy of top fine dining restaurants: exquisite wines are available, and menus are created with expertise by our skilled chefs with a French-inspired menu enhanced by specialties from our various ports of call.
Pleasure, enrichment, discovery: relax - we take care of everything...
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• Private return transfer
• Priority boarding
• Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
• Butler service
• An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
• A lounge with armchair, double sofa bed (160 x 190 cm), and second TV
• A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• A bathroom with shower, Balneo bathtub and smart mirror
• A one-hour spa treatments per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer
• Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar
• A private 40 m² terrace: 2 deckchairs, jacuzzi, and outdoor lounge area with sofa and armchair
• Two panoramic sliding bay windows
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• Priority boarding
• Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
• Butler service
• An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
• A bedroom with one king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• A lounge with sofa convetible to a double bed (160 x 190 cm), armchair, and second TV
• A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
• A private 32 m² terrace with two deckchairs and four-seater dining table
• 2 panoramic sliding bay windows
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• Priority boarding
• Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
• Butler service
• An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
• A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
• Two bathrooms with shower
• A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
• Two panoramic sliding bay windows
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
• An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
• A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
• Two bathrooms with shower
• A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
• Two panoramic sliding bay windows
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• Priority boarding
• Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
• Butler service
• An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
• One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
• A bathroom with shower
• A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
• A panoramic sliding bay window
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet access wifi
Butler service.
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• Priority boarding
• Butler service
• One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
• A bathroom with shower
• A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
• A panoramic sliding bay window
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
• One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
• A bathroom with shower
• A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
• A panoramic sliding bay window
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
• One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
• A bathroom with shower
• A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
• A panoramic sliding bay window
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
• One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
• A bathroom with shower
• A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
• A panoramic sliding bay window
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
• One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
• A bathroom with shower
• A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
• A panoramic sliding bay window
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• One chaise longue
• A bathroom with shower
• A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
• A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• One chaise longue
• A bathroom with shower
• A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
• A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• One chaise longue
• A bathroom with shower
• A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
• A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
• One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV
• A bathroom with shower
• A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
• A glazed panoramic swing door and rectangular window
From
AU $16,690*
per person
*All prices are per person twin share unless stated as solo, triple or quad share.