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Le Jacques Cartier, 13 Night Ancient Cultures of Papua New Guinea ex Cairns, Qld, Australia to Honiara, Solomon Islands

Cruise Le Jacques Cartier, 13 Night Ancient Cultures of Papua New Guinea ex Cairns, Qld, Australia to Honiara, Solomon Islands
Cruise Line Ponant
Ship Le Jacques Cartier
Destination South Pacific & New Zealand
Brief Description 13 Night Cruise sailing from Cairns, Qld, Australia onboard Le Jacques Cartier
Type of Cruise Luxury
Departure Date 16 Feb 2025
Cruise Description This exciting tropical expedition on board Le Jacques-Cartier takes you through some of the most fascinating natural beauty and cultures of Melanesia.

Set sail from Cairns and head northward to reach Samarai Island. This small, verdant dot of land lying off the south-eastern tip of New Guinea, in the heart of the strait linking the Solomon and Coral seas, invites you for an unexpected interlude featuring idyllic landscapes and exceptional heritage.

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 that established a mission station on Dobu Island.

Your call at Tufi will be one of the highlights of your voyage. Dubbed the Scandinavia of the Tropics, you will undoubtedly fall under the charm of this picturesque region, with its deep ‘fjords’ known locally as ‘rias’, which were formed through volcanic activity. In this unique setting, local Papuan tribes will share their customs, beliefs and artwork with you.

In the heart of the Solomon Sea, you will discover the splendid turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of the uninhabited islands of the Lusancay archipelago. These spectacular, picture-postcard islands provide the opportunity to swim and snorkel over coral reefs teeming with life. Learn about the traditional ‘Kula’ trading system on the island of Kiriwina, as well as local village life through their 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 fringing coral reefs before reaching the Malaita Province. As well as learning about its unique local traditions and social aspects of life such as ‘bride price’, you will experience their traditional music and sacred dances accompanied by traditional panpipers.

Your expedition will finish in the capital of the Solomon Islands, Honiara, where Le Jacques-Cartier will be positioned alongside the wharf of Point Cruise.
Sailing Dates
16 Feb 2025
Category Single Twin Triple Quad
DEL AU $23,700 AU $13,440
PR4 AU $26,140 AU $14,660
PR5 AU $27,370 AU $15,270
PR6 AU $28,860 AU $16,020
DS3 AU $39,630 AU $21,400 AU $12,290
DS4 AU $39,630 AU $21,400 AU $12,290
PS5 AU $53,140 AU $28,160 AU $15,670
PS6 AU $55,830 AU $29,500 AU $16,340
PV5 AU $58,540 AU $30,860 AU $17,020
Cruise Itinerary
Date Port Arrive Depart
16 Feb 2025 Cairns, Qld, Australia 6:00 PM
17 Feb 2025 At Sea    
18 Feb 2025 Alotau, Papua New Guinea
19 Feb 2025 Fergusson Islands, Papua New Guinea
19 Feb 2025 Dobu Island, Papua New Guinea
20 Feb 2025 Tufi Harbour, Papua New Guinea
21 Feb 2025 Morobe Harbour, Papua New Guinea
22 Feb 2025 Lusancay Islands, PNG
23 Feb 2025 Kiriwina Island, Papua New Guinea
24 Feb 2025 At Sea    
25 Feb 2025 Ghizo Is, Solomons
25 Feb 2025 Njari Island, Solomon Islands
26 Feb 2025 At Sea    
27 Feb 2025 Roderick Bay, Solomon Islands
28 Feb 2025 Malaita Island, Soloman Islands
1 Mar 2025 Honiara, Solomon Islands 7:00 AM
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

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