PACIFIC & PAPUA - Bonus air credit offer!

Pre-cruise Itinerary

Date	Activity
29 Oct 2024	Flight included Brisbane to Honiara, plus transfer to port, embark ship

Cruise Itinerary

Date	Port	Arrive	Depart
29 Oct 2024	Honiara, Solomon Islands		5:00 PM
30 Oct 2024	Malaita Island, Soloman Islands
31 Oct 2024	Roderick Bay, Solomon Islands
1 Nov 2024	Njari Island, Solomon Islands
1 Nov 2024	Ghizo Is, Solomons
2 Nov 2024	At Sea
3 Nov 2024	Kiriwina Island, Papua New Guinea
4 Nov 2024	Lusancay Islands, PNG
5 Nov 2024	Tufi Harbour, Papua New Guinea
6 Nov 2024	Dobu Island, Papua New Guinea
6 Nov 2024	Fergusson Islands, Papua New Guinea
7 Nov 2024	Alotau, Papua New Guinea
8 Nov 2024	At Sea
9 Nov 2024	Cairns, Qld, Australia	8:00 AM

With almost 10,000 different dialects spoken on its territory, Papua New Guinea possesses the world’s greatest ethnic diversity and one of the most preserved. PONANT invites you to enjoy a slow temporal and geographic immersion, following the rhythm of the islands and their inhabitants, on a 12-day expedition cruise aboard Le Lapérouse, discovering the natural marvels and fascinating cultures of Melanesia.

You will depart from Honiara, the capital of Guadalcanal and renown for being the site of the battle between the USA and Japan during WWII.

Then you will reach 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.

In the Solomon Islands, you will be able to enjoy pleasant moments swimming and snorkelling on Njari Island before you discover the picturesque and colourful atmosphere in the traditional markets on Ghizo Island.

You are sure to be surprised by “Kula”, the ingenious traditional exchange system used, in particular, on the island of Kiriwina, and enjoy the unexpected aspects of life in the villages via their spectacular traditions. 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.

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 and unspoilt setting, the Papuan tribes will proudly share their culture, during a traditional ceremony.

You will then visit the volcanically active D’Entrecasteaux Islands. On Dobu Island, the diversity of the fauna and flora will be conducive to pure moments of wonder while there will also be encounters with the Dobu people, who are known for their magic rituals. Accompanied by your expedition team, you will explore Fergusson Island on a walk through extraordinary virgin forests, towards the DeiDei Hot Springs.

Finally, you will sail up to Alotau in Papua New Guinea's Milne Bay Province where you will discover how a combination of pearl farming, mineral resources and the presence of missionaries over the centuries shaped the history of this bay, which was also marked by the Second World War.

Your expedition will finish in in Cairns, known as the capital of ‘Far North Queensland, this vibrant and welcoming city is the ideal place from which to explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and the Tropical Rainforests.

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.

As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Lapérouse 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 5-star service.

Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.

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...