An escapade in the heart of Melanesia

📅 Friday, August 21, 2026 🏁 Sunday, September 6, 2026 🌙 16 Nights Darwin, Northern Territory 🚢 Le Jacques Cartier
Suite $24,550 per person
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Route Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1
Darwin, Northern Territory Australia Encounter saltwater crocodiles and Aboriginal culture at Kakadu National Park's stunning waterfalls and ancient rock art galleries.
Arrive 2026-08-21 00:00:00 Depart 2026-08-21 17:30:00
Day 2
🌊 At Sea
Day 3
🌊 At Sea
Day 4
Thursday Island, Queensland Australia Immerse yourself in the rich Indigenous Torres Strait Islander culture and pristine tropical waters teeming with vibrant marine life.
Arrive 2026-08-24 07:00:00 Depart 2026-08-24 13:00:00
Day 5
🌊 At Sea
Day 6
Samarai Island Papua New Guinea Discover pristine tropical waters and walk through the haunting colonial ruins of this historic trading post frozen in time.
Arrive 2026-08-26 12:30:00 Depart 2026-08-26 23:59:00
Day 7
Alotau Papua New Guinea Dive into pristine coral gardens and encounter colorful marine life in some of the world's most untouched tropical waters.
Arrive 2026-08-27 08:30:00 Depart 2026-08-27 18:00:00
Day 8
Conflict Island Group Papua New Guinea Dive into pristine coral gardens teeming with tropical fish and discover remote island villages untouched by modern tourism.
Arrive 2026-08-28 06:30:00 Depart 2026-08-28 13:00:00
Day 9
🌊 At Sea
Day 10
Honiara, Guadalcanal Island Solomon Islands Dive into crystal-clear waters to explore World War II wrecks and vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical marine life.
Arrive 2026-08-30 07:45:00 Depart 2026-08-30 16:00:00
Day 11
🌊 At Sea
Day 12
Champagne Beach, Espiritu Santo Island Solomon Islands Snorkel crystalline turquoise waters teeming with tropical fish and vibrant coral gardens just steps from pristine white sand.
Arrive 2026-09-01 13:30:00 Depart 2026-09-01 18:30:00
Day 13
Luganville Vanuatu Dive into crystalline waters to discover the wreck of the SS President Coolidge, one of the world's most spectacular sunken ships.
Arrive 2026-09-02 00:00:00 Depart 2026-09-02 17:00:00
Day 14
Port Vila Vanuatu Dive into pristine coral gardens teeming with tropical fish and encounter friendly locals selling fresh coconuts in this laid-back island paradise.
Arrive 2026-09-03 07:00:00 Depart 2026-09-03 16:00:00
Day 15
Mystery Island (Inyeug) Vanuatu Wade through pristine lagoons to discover volcanic rock formations and pristine white-sand beaches untouched by mass tourism.
Arrive 2026-09-04 07:45:00 Depart 2026-09-04 14:00:00
Day 16
🌊 At Sea
Day 17
Lautoka Fiji Dive into pristine coral gardens and swim alongside tropical fish in the crystal-clear waters of the Mamanuca Islands.
Arrive 2026-09-06 07:00:00

About This Cruise

<p>Fall under the spell of Melanesia, a vast South Pacific island world where nature and ancestral cultures find powerful expression. In Papua New Guinea, the deep forest and jagged landscapes are home to various communities, the heirs to age-old traditions. Further east, the Solomon Islands unveil their luxuriant scenery around Honiara, with verdant hills and shores brimming with history. Vanuatu extends this immersion with its volcanic islands and deep bays. On the island of Espiritu Santo, Luganville offers an authentic island atmosphere, a gateway to preserved landscapes, before Champagne Beach reveals itself between expanses of white sand and turquoise water. Not far away, the enchanting Mystery Island, with its captivating lagoons and immaculate beaches, promises a tropical haven where nature and serenity come together.</p>
Asia Ocean
From $11,140 per person 16 nights on Le Jacques Cartier with PONANT EXPLORATIONS
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