PONANT
Experience a world of luxury with PONANT – the only French cruise company. Since 1988 PONANT has been providing luxury cruises in a fully 5 star setting and has won multiple awards for its excellent service and unique cruising model. Offering a truly exclusive experience, the PONANT fleet is made up of small sized ships designed to accommodate a limited amount of travelers. Due to the small capacity, the ships can dock in private ports and stopover in protected locations. On this incredible cruising journey guests will set sail onboard PONANT’s Le Jacques-Cartier, an environmentally friendly ship equipped with innovative technology.
Discover the wonders of Australia’s iconic Kimberley on this incredible 18 night cruise and stay. This journey will begin with a pre cruise stay in both Perth and Broome before guests board their 10 night All Inclusive cruise. Dramatic landscapes, fascinating Indigenous culture, and an abundance of wildlife await on this fantastic cruise. Your journey will conclude with a stay in a luxury bush lodge where guests will be completely immersed in the remote beauty of Australia’s Northern Territory.
Day 1 – 3
This journey will begin in Perth with a three night stay at COMO, The Treasury. This luxury hotel offers guests the perfect base to explore all that Perth has to offer. Admire the large-scale street-art murals throughout the city, visit Kings Park and Botanic Garden, go shopping in Fremantle, or simply relax on the pristine white sand beaches.
Day 4 to 6
On day 4 guests will transfer to the airport for their flight to Broome where they will enjoy a two night stay at Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa. This beautiful coastal town is located in Western Australia and is known for its pearling history, diverse cultural heritage and pristine beaches. Guests can spend their time in Broome visiting Australia’s most remote brewery, Matso’s Brewery which has been making unique beers for over 20 years. Alternatively, head out on a sunset or sunrise cruise to try and catch a glimpse of the rare subfin dolphin. On day 6 guests will transfer to the port to begin their 10 night All Inclusive cruise onboard PONANT’s Le Jacques-Cartier.
Day 7
Today you will cruise to the Lacepede Islands, Western Australia’s most important breeding habitat for Green Turtles and has been named by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area. Marvel at the abundance of nesting birds as well as the large population of turtles which call this lagoon home. Guests will enjoy a guided zodiac tour to view the incredible range of the wildlife.
Day 8 to 9
Next guests will discover the ancient landscapes of Collier Bay where you will spend time at Montgomery Reef, the world’s largest inshore reef. This reef covers an area of approximately 300 square kilometres and is home to a diverse range of marine life including turtles, octopuses, reef sharks, dolphins and manta rays. Your cruise will also take you to Tablot Bay which is home to the magnificent Horizontal Waterfalls, a natural wonder that is a must see in Australia. Also hidden in the numerous caves and grottos of this ancient landscape are a multitiude of ancient Rock Art galleries where you will find spectacular examples of the Wandjina and Gwion Gwion styles.
Day 10
Today your cruise will travel to Careening Bay where you will uncover the history of the 12 metre wide ‘Mermaid Boab’ as well as discovering a variety of wildlife including frilled-neck lizards and crocodiles.
Day 11
Next you will cruise along the Hunter River, one of the most scenic parts of the Kimberley coast. This river is lined with ancient rainforest clusters, unspoiled mangrove forests and mosaic sandstone cliffs. The ship’s expert Expedition Team will share their knowledge with you as you explore this pristine mangrove environment by zodiac, keeping a constant lookout for wildlife. You will also have the opportunity to reach the Mitchell Falls by helicopter from Naturalist Island beach.
Day 12
Today you will arrive at Swift Bay, which is located within the Bonaparte Archipelago off Western Australia’s northwest coast. Guests will head onshore with the expedition team to delve into the array of rock shelters, each of which boast vibrant examples of both Wandjina and Gwion Gwion style rock art.
Day 13
Today your cruise will dock at Vansittart Bay, a beautiful and secluded bay located on Western Australia’s Northern Coast. Join your Expedition Team ashore for a short walk, past some incredible rock formations, to the site of the Gwion Gwion art galleries.
Day 14
Next you will cruise along the spectacular King George River. This incredible river flows 70 miles through an ancient gorge which is surrounded by towering red sandstone walls before it empties into Koolama Bay and the Timor Sea. Arrive at the King George twin falls, the highest single-drop falls in the whole of the Kimberley, where your Expedition Team will escort you in either the zodiacs or ships tenders to the foot of the twin falls and explain all about the stunning geological formations of the canyon.
Day 15
Today is a day at sea onboard Le Jacques-Cartier. While at sea, take some time to recharge before your next port of call. Lounge by the pool, visit the spa, treat your tastebuds at one of the onboard restaurants or enjoy some entertainment.
Day 16 – 19
Your cruise will end in Darwin where guests will then transfer to Bamurru Plain for a three night stay. Bamurru Plains is a luxury safari camp located in Australia’s Northern Territory’s tropical Top End bordering the World-Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. This camp offers a truly exclusive bush experience, boasting just 12 luxury accommodations and a fully-inclusive dining experience with freshly chef-prepared meals paired with Australian wines. Discover this incredible Australian landscape where the wildlife roam freely with two fully guided safari experiences a day included in your stay. On day 19 guests will transfer back to Darwin for their flight home.