Package duration: 21 nights Cruise Only
Cruise starts: 11th October 2022 from Cairns
Cruise ends: 1st November 2022 into Cairns
______________
HIGHLIGHTS:
– Zodiac outings and shore visits with your team of naturalists.
– Swim and snorkel in the clear warm tropical waters of the Solomon Sea.
– Enjoy a guided walk through the diverse landscapes of Fergusson Island and view the DeiDei Hot Springs.
– Visit the Trobriand islands, made famous as the `Islands of love`.
– Snorkel on the wreck of the World Discoverer in Roderick Bay.
– Uncover Papua New Guinea`s Role during World War II.
– The Solomon Islands, secret destination in the South Pacific and a real tropical Eden
– Sail into the scenic volcanic landscapes of Simpson Harbour and discover Rabaul, Papua New Guinea`s `Volcano Town`.
– From Tufi, journey on an outrigger canoe into the ancient Fiords of Cape Nelson.
– Visit the remote Tami islands.
– Discover traditional ceremonies of the Asaro Mudmen of the Madang region.
– 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 (extra cost)
_______________
HUGE SAVINGS!
Twin PR4 Prestige Balcony – was $23,395 – current price including Bonus Fare Discount – $17,915*pp
Twin PR5 Prestige Balcony – was $25,450 – current price including Bonus Fare Discount – $18,785*pp
Twin DS Deluxe Suite – was $36,065 – current price including Bonus Fare Discount – $27,600*pp
Single PR4 Prestige Balcony – was $46,125 – current price including Bonus Fare Discount and reduced single supplement – $24,510*
_______________
PAPUA IN PARADISE Cruise package includes:
– 21 night tropical expedition cruise aboard the Le Soleal round trip from Cairns** including:
– 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
– Open Bar (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands)
– 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
– BONUS EUR300 per twin stateroom shipboard credit^
Special Conditions
Special Validity Dates
Cruise Itinerary
Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
---|---|---|---|
11 Oct 2022 | Cairns, Qld, Australia |
5:00 PM | |
12 Oct 2022 | At sea | ||
13 Oct 2022 | Alotau, Papua New Guinea |
||
14 Oct 2022 | Fergusson Islands, Papua New Guinea |
||
14 Oct 2022 | Dobu Island, Papua New Guinea |
||
15 Oct 2022 | Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea |
||
16 Oct 2022 | Kiriwina Island, Papua New Guinea |
||
17 Oct 2022 | At sea | ||
18 Oct 2022 | Ghizo Is, Solomons |
||
18 Oct 2022 | Njari Island, Solomon Islands |
||
19 Oct 2022 | Roderick Bay, Solomon Islands |
||
20 Oct 2022 | Malaita Island, Soloman Islands |
||
21 Oct 2022 | Honiara, Solomon Islands |
7:00 AM | 07:00 PM |
22 Oct 2022 | At sea | ||
23 Oct 2022 | Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea |
||
24 Oct 2022 | Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea |
||
25 Oct 2022 | Rabaul, Papua New Guinea |
||
26 Oct 2022 | At sea | ||
27 Oct 2022 | Madang, Papua New Guinea |
||
28 Oct 2022 | Tami Islands, Papua New Guinea |
||
29 Oct 2022 | Tufi Harbour, Papua New Guinea |
||
30 Oct 2022 | Samarai Island, Papua New Guinea |
||
31 Oct 2022 | At sea | ||
01 Nov 2022 | Cairns, Qld, Australia |
08:00 AM |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

21 Night Cruise sailing from Cairns roundtrip onboard Le Soleal.
CAIRNS TO HONIARA – 10 NIGHTS:
This exciting tropical expedition on board Le Soléal takes you through some of the most fascinating natural beauty and cultures of Melanesia.
Starting in Cairns, sail up to Alotau in Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay Province, and learn about the historical significance of the area with the WWII memorial as well as Japanese and American battlegrounds, and stories of pearlers, miners and missionaries.
The two volcanically active islands of Ferguson and Dobu are next on your itinerary. Join your expedition team on a walk to the DeiDei geothermal hot springs through spectacular forests, and learn about the Methodist Church of Australia who established a mission station on Dobu Island.
In Kitava, in the Trobriand Islands, you will be welcomed by spectacular cultural performances and traditional ceremonies by the local islanders, and you will have the opportunity to snorkel and swim in the local clear and prisitin waters. Learn about the traditional trading system of the island of Kiriwana, ‘Kula’, as well as the local village life and more spectacular cultural performances.
In the Solomon Islands, Ghizo and Njari Islands are where you will meet some of the most skilled carvers in the world, enjoy world-class snorkelling and diving, and visit the local traditional markets.
In Roderick Bay experience the extraordinary environment featuring white sand beaches and tringing coral reefs before reaching the Malatai Province known for the local unique traditions and social aspects of live such as brideprice, as well as traditional music and sacred dances accompanied by traditional panpipers.
Your expedition will finish in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, where Le Soléal will be positioned alongside the wharf of Point Cruise.
HONIARA TO CAIRNS – 11 NIGHTS
This PONANT 12-day Expedition cruise aboard Le Soléal will take you to discover the wonders of Papua New Guinea. Departing from Honiara, embark for an extraordinary adventure to discover very rich local cultures and exceptional underwater life.
Le Soléal will 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. You will visit the Autonomous region of Bougainville, a unique group of islands that are ecologically and geographically part of the Solomon Islands archipelago but not politically part of the nation of Solomon Islands.
Located on the island of New Britain, the port town of Rabaul is famous for its spectacular volcanic setting. From there, you will set off to observe Mount Tavurvur, the region’s most active volcano.
Your call at Tufi, will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your voyage. You will fall under the charm of this picturesque region, dubbed the ‘Scandinavia of the Tropics’ with its deep fiords through volcanic activity. In this unique setting the local Papuan tribes will share their customs, beliefs and artwork with you.
After a last call in Samarai Island, your trip aboard Le Soléal will end in Cairns.

Designed in 2013 and loyal to the PONANT spirit, Le Soléal like her sisterships embodies the subtle alliance between luxury, intimacy and wellbeing which is Ponant’s signature. The elegance of her exterior and interior lines and her intimate size (only 132 staterooms and suites)make this a rare and innovative yacht on the cruise market.
Interior Design:
With her fluid lines and a modern colour scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white, Le Soléal presents references to a nautical theme.
Ship Profile & Stats
- Length: 142 metres
- Maiden Voyage: 2013
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 264
- Officer Nationality: French
- Ship Registration: France
Ship Amenities
- Individually Controlled Air Conditioning & Heating
- Mini Bar
- Flat screen satellite Television
- iPod Players
- Video on Demand
- In Room Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Bathrobe
- Direct-dial telephone
- 110/220 volts outlet
- 24 Hour Room Service
- Internet Access Wifi
Ship Facilities
- Gastronomic Restaurant
- Main Lounge
- Boutique’s
- Medical Centre
- Theatre
- Fitness Centre
- Beauty Salon
- Massage Rooms
- Hair Salon
- Swimming Pool
- Grill Restaurant
- Internet Station
- Library
- Panoramic Lounge
- Panoramic Terrace
- Open Air Bar
- Sun Deck


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.


Surface : 45 m². Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin.
The Owner’s suite is situated on Deck 6. It has been decorated by Franch interior designers and will provide you with a breathtakting panoramic sea view. Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed
or twin beds Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod™ 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.


Surface : 37 m². Capacity :up to 4 passengers per cabin.
8m² private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod™ 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.


Surface : 37 m². Capacity :up to 4 passengers per cabin. 8m² private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod™ 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.


Surface : 18 m². Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin.
Private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod™ 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.


Surface : 21 m², Capacity :up to 3 passengers per cabin.
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod™ 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.


Surface : 18 m². Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin. Private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod™ 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.


Surface : 18 m². Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin. Private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod™ 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.


Surface : 27 m². Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin.
Private balcony. Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod™ 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.


Surface : 18 m². Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin.
Private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod™ 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.
* 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.
Unless otherwise expressly noted, all materials, including images, illustrations, designs, icons, and photographs appearing anywhere on this website are protected by worldwide copyright laws and treaty provisions. The copyright on such materials is held by the original creator of the materials. None of the materials may be copied, reproduced, displayed, modified, published, uploaded, posted, transmitted or distributed in whole or in part in any form or by any means other than as provided by Cruise Factory and Cruise Traveller to its clients, or with the prior written permission of Cruise Factory and Cruise Traveller. All rights not expressly granted in these Terms are reserved. Any unauthorised use of the materials appearing on this website may violate copyright, trademark and other applicable laws and could result in criminal or civil penalties.