Le Jacques Cartier, 10 Night Solar Eclipse over Western Australia: Sailing the Kimberley Coast ex Darwin, NT, Australia to Broome, WA, Austr

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

Australia’s The Kimberley is one of the world’s last great wilderness frontiers—a vast, sparsely populated region of sandstone escarpments, mangroves, and myriad islands. Wildlife thrives here, from saltwater crocodiles and sea turtles to dolphins, seabirds, and migratory whales. It is also home to some of Australia’s oldest Indigenous communities. This expedition from Darwin to Broome provides ample time to experience The Kimberley in all its variety, with the added attraction of a total solar eclipse.

Sailing west from Darwin, your first day is spent getting acquainted with the ship and its amenities and attending lectures and discussions with your Smithsonian experts and the ship’s expedition team as Le Jacques Cartier cruises through the Timor Sea to reach the Bonaparte Archipelago. Bigge Island, the largest in this maze of islands stretching nearly 100 miles along the Kimberley coast and Swift Bay are famous for shelters and caves filled with stunning rock art paintings, some of which date back more than 12,000 years, and many of which, maintained by the Indigenous peoples of the region, are both cultural artifacts and part of a living heritage.

Your time in the Bonaparte Archipelago will be punctuated by perhaps the highlight of this expedition, when, on the morning of July 22, just off the coast of Bigge Island a Total Solar Eclipse begins at 9:17 a.m., at which time Le Jacques Cartier will be positioned within 50 miles of the point of greatest duration, where totality will last over 5 minutes and where, weather permitting, you may witness the corona.

On the sixth day of the voyage, enter one of the most scenic parts of the Kimberley coast—Prince Frederick Harbour and the Hunter River. This area is home to pristine forests containing as many as 18 different species of mangrove that support a rich diversity of fauna, including the iconic saltwater crocodile, white-bellied sea eagles, and kingfishers. Explore this remarkable environment by Zodiac® on excursions led by the ship’s expert naturalists.

Careening Bay, so named because it is where the HMS Mermaid laid up for repairs in 1820, offers an opportunity to see the “Mermaid Boab”—the tree in which the crew of the Mermaid carved the ship’s name and date, now grown to ten feet wide and listed as a National Heritage Site.

The next two days are devoted to witnessing the awesome power of The Kimberley’s massive tidal movements. Montgomery Reef is a spectacular example of their impact—as the tide ebbs, the entire reef appears to rise from the ocean, and water cascades off the reef to reveal shallow lagoons, seagrass beds, and corals. Cruise along the reef in Zodiac®, spotting turtles, reef sharks, and rays. Further to the south and west, Talbot Bay is home to the “Horizontal Falls,” which Sir David Attenborough has described as “one of the greatest wonders of the natural world.” The falls are created by two short and narrow gorges where tidal waters build up faster on one side or the other than they can flow through, producing a cascade up to 13 feet high and creating the conditions for an exciting ride on the tidal rapids.

The final day of the expedition is spent exploring the Lacepede Islands, a protected nature reserve and one of Australia’s most important seabird breeding grounds. The colony of Brown Boobies is possibly the largest in the world, and as many as 20,000 Roseate Terns have also been recorded here. Other bird species breeding on the islands include Masked Boobies, Australian Pelicans, Lesser Frigatebirds, Eastern Reef Egrets, Silver Gulls, and Crested, Bridled and Lesser Crested Terns. In addition to the bird population, the waters surrounding the islands are a nursery for green sea turtles. Landings are prohibited here, but the expedition team will lead Zodiac® tours to view the prolific wildlife.

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.

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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…

Select the Deck to view detail.

Le Jacques Cartier - Deck 03

Le Jacques Cartier - Deck 04

Le Jacques Cartier - Deck 05

Le Jacques Cartier - Deck 06

Le Jacques Cartier - Deck 07

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Deluxe Suite Deck 4

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

Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6

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

Prestige Stateroom Deck 4

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

Prestige Stateroom Deck 5

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

Prestige Stateroom Deck 6

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

Prestige Suite Deck 5

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

Privilege Suite Deck 5

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

Privilege Suite Deck 6

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.

Prestige Suite Deck 6

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

Owner's Suite Deck 5

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

Deluxe Suite Deck 3

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

Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3

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

Deluxe Suite Deck 6

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

Deluxe Suite Deck 5

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