Highlights:
– A unique expedition cruise to discover the sublime landscapes of the subtropical islands of southern Japan.
– Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
– UNESCO World Heritage Site: Iriomotejima island.
– Varied landscapes: white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, tropical forest, mangroves, rivers, cliffs, caves, waterfalls.
– On the island of Amami Oshima, the sumptuous spectacle provided by the second largest mangrove in the world.
– Explore the culture of Okinawa: visit to a traditional village, traditional Eisa drumming show (Iheya Island).
– Discover beautiful beaches on the islands of Zamami, Miyakojima and Kumejima
– Gain an insight into the history, culture and the diversity of flora and fauna from your expert expedition team.
– Possibility of diving (PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board and of snorkelling with your expedition team.
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Odyssey in the heart of Japan`s subtropical islands cruise package includes:
– 11 night Japan expedition cruise aboard Le Jacques Cartier from Osaka to Ishigaki
– 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
Special Conditions
Special Validity Dates
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Apr 2025 | Osaka, Japan |
5:00 PM | |
| 27 Apr 2025 | At sea | ||
| 28 Apr 2025 | Amami Oshima (Naze), Japan |
||
| 29 Apr 2025 | Iheyajima, Japan |
||
| 30 Apr 2025 | Zamami, Japan |
||
| 01 May 2025 | Kumejima, Japan |
||
| 02 May 2025 | Miyako Island (Miyakojima), Japan |
||
| 03 May 2025 | Taketomi Island, Ryukyu Islands |
||
| 04 May 2025 | Iriomote Island, Ryukyu Islands |
||
| 05 May 2025 | Yonaguni, Japan |
||
| 06 May 2025 | Keelung, Taiwan |
||
| 07 May 2025 | Ishigaki, Japan |
8:00 AM |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
PONANT is the first cruise company to take you to the heart of the sublime landscapes of the tropical islands in southern Japan during an expedition cruise. On this 12-day itinerary aboard Le Jacques-Cartier, from the island of Osaka to Ishigaki, you will discover the rich natural heritage, traditional villages and craft of the Okinawa, Yaeyama and Sakishima Islands, in the Ryukyu archipelago.
Leaving from Osaka, you will head towards the island of Amami Oshima, between Kyushu and Okinawa. You will fall in love with this island surrounded by stunning coral reefs, punctuated with verdant peaks, covered in primary forest and monumental mangroves, and boasting strong Okinawan influences.
After calling in at Iheyajima, the most northern island from Okinawa, Le Jacques Cartier will set sail south. In the Kerema archipelago, in Zamami, you will enjoy the unspoiled beauty of this pristine island, known the world over for the distinctive blue of the surrounding sea, called “Kerama blue”. The sea life in the area is also exceptionally rich and sea turtles can often be spotted swimming among the coral. Facing it, fellow island Kumejima invites you to spend a timeless moment. Famous for its ‘Eisa’, a form of folk dance performed to the rhythm of traditional drums, this multifaceted island will reveal itself through its natural treasures: the mythical Mifuga rock formation or the idyllic beach of Hatenohama, a point of reference for fans of the underwater world.
Following a port of call in the picturesque village of Taketomijima, with its traditional Okinawan dwellings and its idyllic sandy expanses, Le Jacques-Cartier will sail south to the island of Iriomotejima. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this little corner of paradise will enchant you with its authentic and preserved character, with its wild beaches lying alongside traditional villages surrounded by luxurious tropical forest: jungle, mangrove, rivers, waterfalls. This unique biodiversity is made up of many endemic species.
The landscapes on the remote island of Yonagunijima, the easternmost of the Ryukyu Islands, offer a striking contrast: cliffs, windswept meadows, wild horses. The beauty of its sea-beds and their mysterious rocky formations will delight the most experienced divers.
After a final port of call in at Keelung to discover Taipei and the lush island of Taiwan, you will finish this unique journey in Ishigaki, your disembarkation port and the largest island in the Yaeyama archipelago.
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
- Length: 131 metres
- Tonnage: 9,900 gross tons
- Maiden Voyage: July 2020
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 184
- Officer Nationality: French
- Ship Registration: 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…
Select the Deck to view detail.
Select the Cabin to view detail.
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
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:
• 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:
• 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
• 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:
• 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:
• 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:
• 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:
• 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:
• 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:
• 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
Area : 45 m²
Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin
40m² private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Bathtub
Minibar
Flat screen
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 acces wifi
Butler service.
* Unless otherwise noted all pricing is on a per person twin share basis. All prices based on cash payment - credit card fees may apply. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Special conditions may apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Any pricing not in Australian Dollars will be converted on the day of payment into the relevant currency based on our daily rate of exchange. Please note that many of the prices shown on this website are not shown in real time. Whilst we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ slightly from the live prices in our booking system. All pricing and offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Please submit any data errors/omissions you may notice on this site.
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