Duration
11 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
12 Ports
29 October
Setting sail from Honiara
Honiara is the capital of the Solomon Islands and the nation's only real port, situated on the largely unspoilt island of Guadalcanal. Reminders of the famous Second World War battle that took place here can be seen all over the island, as well as under the water at the fantastic dive sites off the north coast.
30-31 October
Solomon Islands: Auki (Malaita Island), Roderick Bay
1 November
Solomon Islands: Ghizo
Ghizo island is small compared to its neighbours, but it’s also home to the Solomon Islands’ second biggest city, which is somewhat confusingly called Gizo (sounds the same, different spelling). The open air market is a great place to find unique souvenirs such as shell jewellery, and there is excellent snorkelling and diving just offshore.
1 November
Solomon Islands: Njari Island
2 November
At sea
3-4 November
Papua New Guinea: Kiriwina Island, Lusancay Islands
5 November
Papua New Guinea: Tufi
The laid back town of Tufi enjoys a beautiful setting, on a fjord-like inlet that was shaped by volcanic activity rather than ice. The coral-rich waters off the coast make this a diver’s paradise, and there are also many traditional villages in the area where the locals dress in clothes made of tapa, a cloth produced from the bark of the mulberry tree.
6 November
Papua New Guinea: Dobu
Dobu is a small island that belongs to the D’Entrecasteaux group, and was once feared by outsiders as a hotbed for black magic. The island is also part of the Kula ring, a fascinating and unique ceremonial practice in which the inhabitants of 18 different islands exchange armbands and necklaces.
6 November
Papua New Guinea: Fergusson Island
Fergusson Island is the largest of the D’Entrecasteaux Islands, with a landscape of volcanoes, mud pools, hot springs and geysers. The Dei Dei hot springs are particularly impressive, and you may spot locals cooking food in the boiling hot water using baskets made from palm and pandanus leaves.
7 November
Papua New Guinea: Alotau
Alotau is the capital of Milne Bay province, on the remote eastern tip of mainland Papua New Guinea. Milne Bay was the scene of heavy fighting during the Second World War, and today you can dive amongst the wreckage left behind. Alotau also serves as a base for visiting the nearby islands, including the fascinating Trobriand archipelago.
8 November
At sea
9 November
Arriving in Cairns
Cairns is a buzzing tourist hub, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. A snorkelling trip out to the reef is the most obvious excursion to take here, but other options include riding the Skyrail cableway over the rainforest canopy or swimming in the croc-free saltwater lagoon.
Your home from home
Sleek and stylish, Ponant's wonderful Explorer yachts blend luxury and intimacy with a discreet elegance and tasteful décor.
What we love
Named after six of France's most famous explorers, Le Champlain, Le Lapérouse, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont d'Urville, Le Bellot and Le Jacques Cartier offer exciting and adventurous itineraries in the utmost comfort. Technologically advanced, with the latest in environmentally friendly hardware, the new ships embody Ponant's trademark élan and flair, with just 92 spacious rooms and suites, a stylish pool deck and an intimate, refined onboard ambience.
Capacity | 184 Guests |
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Crew | 110 Staff |
Style | Refined with a wonderful mix of a modern super yacht and nautical tradition, all with a French flair. |
Inclusions |
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