Asia, Oceania & the Indian Ocean - October 2019 to April 2020 Cruises - Deluxe ...
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Asia, Oceania &
the Indian Ocean
COLLECTION
October 2019 to April 2020 Cruises
2 | October 2019 to April 2020 Cruises
Exceptional cruises
to exotic destinations
The Marquesas, Vanuatu, Easter Island, Malacca, Zanzibar, the Vanilla Islands…
For this new October 2019 to April 2020 season, PONANT is taking you to discover
parts of the world whose names alone evoke romance, beauty and intrigue.
We have designed exceptional cruises just for you, following highly popular or
unique itineraries, enriched with land-based programmes revealing the very best
of these regions. From Pacific islands gently swept by the trade winds, with a
wild natural environment and exuberant flora, to stunning Indian Ocean shores
home to unique wildlife both on land and under water, and friendly and warm
encounters with the locals living in our planet’s last remaining virgin expanses,
each of our cruises exudes the promise of a magnificent other world, the magic of
an unforgettable experience.
On board, in an atmosphere of discreet luxury and refined comfort, our attentive
crew, our renowned special guests and lecturers and, on expedition cruises, our
naturalist-guides, accompany you to these beautiful sites, many of which are
listed with UNESCO.
And, in these faraway seas, why not take the opportunity to explore nature’s richest
realm? Many of our cruises provide the opportunity to explore the coral reefs,
with their unique flora and fauna during scuba-diving or snorkelling activities
supervised by our teams.
Leaf through these pages and let yourself be swept away as our PONANT cruises
work their subtle magic on you.
We hope to see you onboard soon.
Asia, Oceania & the Indian Ocean Collection by | 3
Summary
Your cruises in Asia, Oceania & the Indian Ocean................................... 6
Why cruise with PONANT................................................................................. 8
Luxury Expeditions by PONANT................................................................. 10
Asia & Oceania................................................................................................. 12
Polynesia........................................................................................................... 26
The Indian Ocean........................................................................................... 36
Shore Excursions ........................................................................................... 47
Pre & Post Cruise Programmes .................................................................. 48
Grand Voyages................................................................................................. 50
The PONANT Fleet.......................................................................................... 54
Price List............................................................................................................ 66
Formalities........................................................................................................ 68
General Terms and Conditions of Sale..................................................... 70
Particular Terms and Conditions of Sale................................................. 74
Your Invitation to our Information Events............................................... 75
4 | October 2019 to April 2020 Cruises
Your cruises
in Asia, Oceania
& the Indian Ocean
PI CA VING
RO DI
T
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TROPICAL EXPEDITION DIVING
X
E
PE
N
D I TI O
Pacific Ocean
VIETNAM
HO CHI MINH CITY GUAM
MICRONESIA HONOLULU
MALAYSIA HAWAII
SEYCHELLES INDONESIA
TANZANIA SINGAPORE SOLOMON ISLANDS
ZANZIBAR MAHE
HONIARA
NOSY BE
FRENCH
MAURITIUS FIJI POLYNESIA
DARWIN CAIRNS
SOUTH PORT LOUIS
MADAGASCAR
AFRICA LAUTOKA PAPEETE
AUSTRALIA
DURBAN HANGA ROA
CAPE TOWN Indian Ocean EASTER ISLAND
SYDNEY
AUCKLAND
NEW ZEALAND
HOBART
DUNEDIN
6 | October 2019 to April 2020 Cruises
DEPARTURE SHIP ITINERARY NIGHTS PARTNER PAGE
VING
DI
10th October 2019 Le Boréal Honolulu • Papeete 15 Hawaii & French Polynesia p. 30
OCT.
VING
DI
25th October 2019 Le Boréal Papeete • Papeete 9 Treasures of Polynesia p. 31
3rd November 2019 Le Boréal Papeete • Hanga Roa 13 Polynesia and Easter Island p. 32
NOV.
16th November 2019 Le Lapérouse Ho Chi Minh City • Singapore 9 Between Vietnam and the Malacca Strait p. 16
25th November 2019 Le Lapérouse Singapore • Darwin 11 Exploring the Indonesian Archipelago p. 17
VING
DI
6th December 2019 Le Bougainville Mahe • Mahe 8 The Essential Seychelles p. 40
6th December 2019 Le Lapérouse Darwin • Cairns 10 Ancient Cultures of Northern Australia and Papua p. 18
DECEMBER
VING
DI
14th December 2019 Le Bougainville Mahe • Mahe 12 The Seychelles and Aldabra Atoll p. 41
16th December 2019 Le Lapérouse Cairns • Sydney 10 Exploring Australia's East Coast Islands p. 19
26th December 2019 Le Lapérouse Sydney • Hobart 7 Cruise the 75th Rolex Sydney Hobart route! p. 20
VING
DI
26th December 2019 Le Bougainville Mahe • Mahe 8 The Essential Seychelles p. 40
VING
DI
3rd January 2020 Le Bougainville Mahe • Mahe 8 The Essential Seychelles p. 40
VING
DI
11th January 2020 Le Bougainville Mahe • Mahe 8 The Essential Seychelles p. 40
JANUARY
15th January 2020 Le Lapérouse Dunedin • Auckland 9 The Best of New Zealand p. 24
VING
DI
19th January 2020 Le Bougainville Mahe • Mahe 8 The Essential Seychelles p. 40
24th January 2020 Le Lapérouse Auckland • Dunedin 9 The Best of New Zealand p. 24
D IVI NG
27th January 2020 Le Bougainville Mahe • Mahe 8 The Essential Seychelles p. 40
IVI NG
FEBRUARY
D
4th February 2020 Le Bougainville Mahe • Zanzibar 12 Zanzibar & the treasures of the Indian Ocean p. 43
D IVI NG
28th February 2020 Le Bougainville Mahe • Mahe 12 The Seychelles and Aldabra Atoll p. 41
D IVI NG
8th March 2020 Le Soléal Hanga Roa • Papeete 12 Easter Island and Polynesia p. 33
VING
DI
11th March 2020 Le Bougainville Mahe • Nosy Be 9 The Vanilla Islands p. 44
12th March 2020 Le Lapérouse Auckland • Dunedin 9 The Best of New Zealand p. 24
17th March 2020 Le Lyrial Cape Town • Durban 8 Along the South-African coastline | MUSIC | p. 46
VING
DI
20th March 2020 Le Bougainville Nosy Be • Mahe 9 The Vanilla Islands p. 44
MARCH
VING
DI
20th March 2020 Le Soléal Papeete • Lautoka 12 Jewels of the South Seas p. 34
21st March 2020 Le Lapérouse Dunedin • Auckland 9 The Best of New Zealand p. 24
VING
DI
25th March 2020 Le Lyrial Durban • Mahe 15 The Scattered Islands & the Seychelles p. 42
VING
DI
29th March 2020 Le Bougainville Mahe • Mahe 12 The Seychelles and Aldabra Atoll p. 41
30th March 2020 Le Lapérouse Auckland • Honiara 12 Treasures of the Pacific Expedition p. 22
VING
DI
1st April 2020 Le Soléal Lautoka • Guam 15 From Fiji to Micronesia p. 35
VING
DI
9th April 2020 Le Lyrial Mahe • Port Louis 13 Madagascar, Reunion and Mauritius p. 45
11th April 2020 Le Lapérouse Honiara • Cairns 11 Ancient Cultures of Papua New Guinea p. 23
APRIL
VING
DI
18th April 2020 Le Bougainville Mahe • Mahe 12 The Seychelles and Aldabra Atoll p. 41
22nd April 2020 Le Lapérouse Cairns • Darwin 16 Chairman’s Cruise - New Guinea Odyssey p. 21
VING
DI
22nd April 2020 Le Lyrial Port Louis • Mahe 13 Madagascar, Reunion and Mauritius p. 45
Asia, Oceania & the Indian Ocean Collection by | 7
Why cruise Asia, Oceania & the Indian Ocean with
Is your dream to travel differently, moving from place to place, enjoying the discovery of remote
destinations inaccessible to large ships? Set sail with PONANT for an exceptional cruise to discover the
enchantment of Asia and Oceania and the treasures of the Indian Ocean.
During one of our luxury yacht-style cruises, discover not only the unspoilt nature of Polynesian islands,
the ancestral cultures of the South Pacific peoples, but also the rich architectural heritage of the inland.
Alternatively, perhaps you would rather join one of our expedition cruises to Melanesia and Micronesia,
the heart of the Vanilla Islands or, closer to home, in Australia and New Zealand, where your ship will
have a surprise in store for you every day - something unexpected, a unique encounter, an impromptu
trip in a Zodiac®... a starting point for adventure.
These exceptional itineraries are completed by cultural programmes before, during and after your
cruise, as well as a varied selection of excursions. Your trip with PONANT will enable you to explore the
countless natural and cultural hidden riches of Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean.
The PONANT signature
• 45 cruises in Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean travelling through 30 countries.
• 21 Expedition cruises, to discover the Vanilla Islands, Melanesia, Micronesia and
Australia's Top End.
• Exceptional moments of interaction with local populations.
• 20 ports of call listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• “Cleanship” certified ships that are respectful of the environment in national parks &
nature reserves.
• On most departures, a team of Naturalists and/or Lecturers, selected for their areas
of expertise.
VING
DI
Diving with PONANT
In the heart of the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific PONANT opens the doors to the
remarkable underwater world. Whether you are an experienced diver or a beginner; whether
you wish to explore the coral reefs with mask, fins and snorkel or in full scuba-diving gear, the
different outings on offer are sure to meet your needs and satisfy your curiosity.
All diving outings on cruises with the “Diving” logo are supervised by an experienced
instructor and equipment is supplied: fins, masks, snorkels for snorkelling, and wetsuit,
buoyancy jacket, regulator with octopus and pressure gauge for scuba diving (diving
computers for accredited divers).
Scuba diving is an optional activity that incurs an extra charge. For more details, please visit our
website at au.ponant.com.
Asia, Oceania & the Indian Ocean Collection by | 9
Ponant, World Leader
of Luxury Expeditions
Choosing a PONANT Expedition cruise means choosing a more adventurous voyage:
a blend of luxury and experiences, exploration and great comfort, adventure and refinement…
even in the heart of the most remote regions.
PONANT takes you to fascinating areas, in the heart of the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific. From the Vanilla Islands to French
Polynesia, from Micronesia to Australia's Top End you will get as close as possible to pristine nature and ancestral cultures, far from
the crowded maritime routes.
Travel at your own pace, choose whether you join every outing or prefer to admire the spectacle from the ship’s deck, surrender to
your appetite for discovery, in the heart of some of the most unspoiled places on our planet.
Luxury amenities…
An expedition with PONANT assures the best conditions of
day to day comfort for you in some of the most remote places
on the planet. The comfort of your ship and your stateroom,
personalised and attentive service, refined gastronomy…
the unique atmosphere which we go to great lengths to
preserve in order to stay true to our philosophy, creating that
privileged feeling of being aboard one’s own private yacht. In
the heart of Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean, our luxury
amenities will make your ship a truly indulgent base camp
to return to.
… in the heart of exotic lands
Whether you are in the Asmat region, one of the most isolated
regions in the world or in the Banda archipelago in Indonesia,
the compact size of our ships and their shallow draught mean
you can venture as close as possible to these hard-to-access
areas, offering the privileged opportunity to reach preserved
sites. Our expedition teams are always on the lookout for the
unexpected and the surprises inherent to these itineraries,
and our flexibility enables us to adapt to these opportunities.
Zodiac® shore visits and outings
During Expedition voyages, our fleet of Zodiac® make
landing ashore in remote, seldom visited destinations safe
and enjoyable, and enable guests to get as close as possible
to fauna. Our Zodiac® are designed to accommodate small
groups of up to 10 passengers. They are easy to step on
to from the marina platform at the rear of your ship. Our
inclusive Zodiac® excursions are unique, unforgettable
experiences, whether you are visiting indigenous villages or
watching exotic wildlife in a pristine wilderness.
10 | October 2019 to April 2020 CruisesAn experienced expedition team
Specialists of extreme regions, these passionate and fascinating
professionals will bring a cultural or historical dimension to all your
outings and will be sure to keep you informed about nearby flora
and fauna, local cultures and natural phenomena. As recognised
professionals, they organise safe outings and shore visits, taking
advantage of the opportunities that arise during any expedition,
whilst aboard the ship the education continues, with a series of
cultural, scientific or historical presentations.
A tradition of excellence,
professionalism and expertise
PONANT has the talent and the experience to take you to the most
remote regions in complete safety. Our Captains and our crew
members are professionals, specially trained to sail in tropical
regions. Our latest-generation fleet, the youngest fleet in the world,
has the most modern technologies and equipment to assure your
safety and respect for the regions visited. Our stable and silent
ships meet the most stringent international standards: 3D seabed
visualisation using a dual sonar system, satellite weather station,
GPS trackers on the Zodiac® inflatables. This safety priority can
make your dreams of adventure a reality. An air of exclusivity, that
only a few ships worldwide currently enjoy.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC & PONANT
Expeditions
For all lovers of travel, exploration, untouched nature and unusual
encounters, PONANT and NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC have joined
forces and combined their expertise to offer unique and enriching
expedition cruises. Aboard PONANT’s small luxury expedition ships
and accompanied by a PONANT Expedition Team and NATIONAL
GEOGRAPHIC Experts and Photographers, sail to destinations that
are among the most remote, the most fascinating, and the wildest
on the planet. A portion of the proceeds* from your purchase of
any cruise in partnership with National Geographic Expeditions
will go towards the National Geographic Society’s not-for-profit
mission to explore and protect the planet.
*National Geographic Society receives funds from National Geographic Partners LLC,
funded in part by your purchase.
All-inclusive expeditions
Once aboard, enjoy the adventure in total peace of mind.
Everything is included: Zodiac® outings and shore visits, excursions, lectures.
During some cruises and ports of calls, optional paying excursions are offered to visit sites that can only be reached by using local
infrastructure. Scuba Diving on some cruises may also incur an additional cost.
Please note that some cruises are not full expedition cruises, only a few days of expedition are included. Optional excursions are offered at regular ports of call, available at your own cost.
Asia, Oceania & the Indian Ocean Collection by | 11Asia & Oceania
Mysterious lands of a thousand faces
PONANT invites you to discover Asia and Oceania, home to tribes
with ancient customs and exuberant flora and fauna.
Indonesia, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Australia,
New Zealand... Your ship will take you to the heart of idyllic lagoons,
to explore remote river systems and active volcanoes, archipelagos with wild
natural environments and cities blending tradition and modernity...
12 | October 2019 to April 2020 CruisesAsia, Oceania & the Indian Ocean Collection by | 13
1 - Traditional welcome in Tufi, Papua New Guinea.
2 -Child of the village of Alor, Kalabahi, Indonesia.
3 - Celebration taking place on the slopes 1
of Mt Yasur volcano, Vanuatu.
2 3
14 | October 2019 to April 2020 CruisesAsia & Oceania
in the spotlight
Indonesia
Like a pearl necklace set against a coral backdrop, the Indonesian archipelago’s 18,000 islands
are dotted between Asia and the Pacific Ocean, over some 5,000 km from East to West. A
fascinating melting pot of mysterious cultures and vast reserve of natural resources. Some one
thousand years ago, Indonesia became the destination of choice for merchant ships coming
from China, attracted by the hidden treasures of the archipelago. A popular destination since
time immemorial, successive waves of peoples have landed on its shores, including Indians,
Chinese, Portuguese and Dutch, bringing new influences and lifestyles to the archipelago.
Although the sea has played a decisive role in transforming the Indonesian civilisation, the earth
and its volcanoes have also contributed to shaping its identity, by way of the fertile soil on which
lush rice fields have been planted. Embark with PONANT and discover the Indonesian way of life
and ancestral traditions: a unique occasion to meet the locals and experience their legendary
generosity and warm welcome.
Meet traditional tribes
A cruise in Oceania is a chance to take in spectacular landscapes you will not find anywhere
else. But it is also the occasion for meeting captivating cultural groups of varying heritage,
far removed from the busiest tourist routes. Celebrating Indigenous Australians to the ethnic
diversity of Melanesia, your voyage will immerse you in the traditions and customs of these
eclectic people. Proudly continuing the traditions of their forefathers, Papuan and Melanesian
cultures are the most diverse in the world. Many cultures have blended their traditions with
modern society whilst others have remained unchanged over eons. These locals will welcome
you with traditional dancing, singing and laughter. Their culture, rituals and traditions will
fascinate you, but, above all, it is their friendliness and openness that will remain with you
forever.
Vanuatu
Once called the New Hebrides, the Vanuatu archipelago offers an idyllic setting for anyone
seeking adventure or a spectacular change of scenery. It offers visitors a unique mix of traditional
villages, vast golden beaches with crystal-clear lagoons and coral reefs brimming with life,
tropical rainforest, and easily accessible active volcanoes. The inhabitants keep their traditions
alive through songs, dances, and an artistic sensibility expressed through masks, headdresses
and tattoos, as well as elaborate sculptures. Aboard your ship, you will have the chance to
discover these small faraway islands and, in particular, Tanna, first sited by Captain Cook in 1774.
He was guided by the glow of the imposing Mount Yasur volcano, the “Lighthouse of the Pacific”.
The locals attribute many legends to this volcano and one unusual cult even considers it sacred.
Asia, Oceania & the Indian Ocean Collection by | 15NEW
Between Vietnam HO CHI MINH CITY • SINGAPORE
LE LAPÉROUSE 10 days / 9 nights
and the Malacca Strait
From 16th to 25th November 2019
From AUD 6,240 pp.
CTURER
LE
HO CHI MINH CITY VIETNAM
South China
Penang Sea
Lumut
MALAYSIA
Port Klang
Malacca
SINGAPORE Penyengat Island
Malacca DAY ITINERARY PORT OF CALL DURATION
1 Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
Embarkation from 16.00 to 17.00
Lying along the shores of the eponymous Strait, Malacca City has been listed as a
2 Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) Departure: 06.00
UNESCO World Heritage Site. A witness of the maritime traffic between Asia and
3 At sea
the West, the city is inextricably linked to the trade of spices and silk. This cultural
4 Penyengat Island (Indonesia) Full day
oasis will show you the history of a fascinating ancient civilisation, the Baba
5 Malacca (Malaysia) Full day
Nyonya. Also known as Peranakan, which means “people born here” in Malay, 6 Lumut (Malaysia) Full day
these people are the descendants of Chinese immigrants who married Malay 7 Penang (Georgetown) (Malaysia) Morning
women and whose culture offers a superb example of the blending of traditions. 8 Port Klang (Malaysia) Full day
In a Peranakan house in Chinatown, you will discover the Baba Nyonya Heritage 9 Singapore (Singapore) Arrival: 13.30
Museum, which reproduces the interior of a traditional elegant home from the 10 Singapore (Singapore)
19th century. The Baba Nyonya were wealthy traders who liked to indulge their Disembarkation
taste for sumptuous furniture made from teak and mother-of-pearl, rare jewels
and silk brocade. With the onboard presence of
singer-songwriter, musician and
performer Robert Charlebois.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• A cruise to discover the cultural and architectural
treasures of 4 countries in South-East Asia:
Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore;
• UNESCO Sites: Malacca and George Town
(Penang), historic multicultural cities in the
Strait of Malacca, marked by their Asian, Dutch,
Portuguese and British heritage;
• Overnight in Singapore and tour of the city,
areas and architectural marvels;
• Call in Port Klang, gateway to Kuala Lumpur,
the capital of Malaysia;
• Sail along the Saigon River;
• Lecturer on board, expert in the region and its
culture.
Ho Chi Minh City
Founded in the 17th century, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, was initially a TO MAKE YOUR TRIP EVEN BETTER,
small trading port of the Khmer kingdom. A century later, it became the capital YOU WILL FIND OUR
of Cochin-China and the largest French colony of the Far East. Its former name OPTIONAL SHORE EXCURSIONS
of Saigon, which still evokes the mysteries of the East, was a legendary source AND PRE- & POST-CRUISE PROGRAMMES
on page 47 to 49.
of inspiration for the novels of the French author Marguerite Duras. Today it
is a thriving metropolis, both the largest city in the country and the economic For more information visit au.ponant.com
powerhouse of Vietnam.
16 | October 2019 to April 2020 CruisesPI CA
RO
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NEW
Exploring the
EX
N
PE
SINGAPORE • DARWIN DITIO
LE LAPÉROUSE 12 days / 11 nights
Indonesian Archipelago
From 25th November to 6th December 2019
From AUD 8,520 pp.
URALI
AT
ST
N
SINGAPORE
Tembelan Islands
Tanjung Puting National Park
INDONESIA
Banda Sea Kalabahi
Badas Maumere
Pink Beach
Loh Liang
DARWIN
AUSTRALIA
Tanjung Puting National DAY ITINERARY
Park 1 Singapore (Singapore)
Embarkation from 16.00 to 17.00 Departure: 18.00
2 Tembalan Islands (Indonesia)
Discover the magnificent Tanjung Puting 3 At sea
National Park, one of Indonesia’s must-see 4 Tanjung Puting National Park (Indonesia)
sites for animal lovers. Listed as a UNESCO 5 At sea
Biosphere Reserve, it is home to a wide 6 Badas, Sumbawa (Indonesia)
variety of animal species, which you will 7 Pink Beach, Komodo National Park (Indonesia)
have the chance to observe from a Zodiac® 8 Loh Liang, Komodo National Park (Indonesia)
9 Maumere, Flores (Indonesia)
boat, surrounded by tropical rainforest.
10 Kalabahi, Alor (Indonesia)
Macaques, gibbons, proboscis monkeys,
11 At sea
crocodiles, hornbills, kingfishers and herons
12 Darwin (Australia) Arrival: 09.30
all live here. But people tend to come here Disembarkation
particularly for the Orang-Utans. These
fascinating primates have been part of a
rehabilitation programme here for several
years, and to watch them in their habitat, is HIGHLIGHTS:
sure to be a moving experience.
• Outings and shore visits in Zodiac® with a
team of experienced naturalist guides;
Komodo National Park • An opportunity to view Orang-Utans in their
natural environment at Tanjung Puting
National Park;
The remote island of Komodo is the birth place of legend and myth, conjuring
• UNESCO Site: Komodo National park;
images of Volcanic smouldering landscapes crawling with giant mythical
• Encounters with the local people discovering
creatures. The prehistoric “dragons” are among the world's largest reptiles, their customs and culture;
growing to over 3 metres in length and weighing over 70kg. In 1991 the national • Visiting traditional villages and local markets,
park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is not just the dragons that in Badas, Flores and the Alor archipelago;
make Komodo so unique. It’s location in the heart of the Wallacea eco-region • Pink Beach, one of the 7 pink sand beaches in
results in the combination of species representing both Australian and Asiatic the world;
faunas. • Possibility of snorkelling, particularly on the
uninhabited idyllic Tembelan Islands.
TO MAKE YOUR TRIP EVEN BETTER,
YOU WILL FIND OUR
OPTIONAL SHORE EXCURSIONS
AND PRE- & POST-CRUISE PROGRAMMES
on page 47 to 49.
For more information visit au.ponant.com
Asia, Oceania & the Indian Ocean Collection by | 17PI CA
RO
NEW
T
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Ancient Cultures of Northern
EX
N
PE
DITIO
DARWIN • CAIRNS
LE LAPÉROUSE 11 days / 10 nights
Australia and Papua From 6th to 16th December 2019
From AUD 6,700 pp.
URALI
AT INDONESIA
ST
N
Asmat
Wurrumiyanga
Elcho Island Yirrkala
DARWIN
AUSTRALIA CAIRNS
Australia’s Northern DAY ITINERARY
Territory
Darwin (Australia)
1 Embarkation from 16.00 to 17.00 Departure: 18.00
2 Wurrumiyanga, Tiwi Island (Australia)
The cradle of Aboriginal culture, Australia’s
3 At sea
Northern Territory offers a real plunge into the
heart of one of the oldest existing civilisations 4 Elcho Island (Australia)
on earth. Occupying the island-continent for 5 Yirrkala (Australia)
over 60,000 years, these indigenous people
6 At sea
still perpetuate their ancestral traditions. Off
the coast of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands are home 7 Asmat (Indonesia)
to a people famous for their wood carvings of 8 to 10 At sea
birds, which play an important part in this 11 Cairns (Australia) Arrival: 08.00
tribe’s mythology. Further west, the Yirrkala Disembarkation
community has several renowned Aboriginal
artists, who are masters in the manufacture
of the didgeridoo, or yidaki, the traditional
HIGHLIGHTS:
musical instrument.
• A cruise in partnership with National
Geographic Expeditions offering enrichment
Asmat with a National Geographic Photographer &
Expert onboard;
Occupying half the Island of New Guinea, Western New Guinea (once known • A cruise to meet the indigenous people of
Australia’s Northern Territory and Papuans of
as Irian Jaya) is one of the most remote and mysterious regions of the world. the Asmat region;
Even today, there are believed to be as many as 30 tribes that have never had • Zodiac® shore visits with your expedition
contact with the outside world. Nestled in the South West corner of the island is team;
the Asmat region, long fabled as the realm of head-hunters and cannibals. Where • Cultural performances and traditional
ancient traditions of ancestor worship have resisted the influence of Christian welcomes in several remote Aboriginal
communities;
missionaries. In a Zodiac® you will visit the village of Syuru where you will be met
• Encounters with the local populations and the
by a multitude of Asmat warrior canoes. Once ashore a traditional ceremony will possibility of buying Aboriginal works of art
take place followed by a guided walking tour of Agats township. directly from the artists;
• Discover the Asmat region and its small
traditional villages, inhabitants and warrior
ceremonies.
TO MAKE YOUR TRIP EVEN BETTER,
YOU WILL FIND OUR
OPTIONAL SHORE EXCURSIONS
AND PRE- & POST-CRUISE PROGRAMMES
on page 47 to 49.
For more information visit au.ponant.com
18 | October 2019 to April 2020 CruisesExploring Australia's CAIRNS • SYDNEY
LE LAPÉROUSE 11 days / 10 nights
East Coast Islands From 16th to 26th December 2019
From AUD 6,020 pp.
Willis Island
CAIRNS
Coral Sea
Hardy Reef
Percy Island
Lady Musgrave Island
Fraser Island
AUSTRALIA
CTURER
LE
SYDNEY
Fraser Island DAY ITINERARY PORT OF CALL DURATION
1 Cairns (Australia)
Embarkation from 15.00 to 16.00 Departure: 17.00
Lying off the coast of Queensland just south of the last of the Great Barrier Reef’s
2 Willis Island (technical stop) (Australia)
coral cays, Fraser is the world’s largest sand island and stretches for 123 km
and spans 166,000 hectares. Inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1992 for its 3 At sea
outstanding natural universal values, Fraser Island is characterised by its long 4 Hardy Reef (Australia) Full day
uninterrupted white beaches flanked by strikingly coloured sand cliffs, its majestic 5 Percy Island (Australia) Morning
tall rainforests and numerous freshwater lakes of crystal clear waters. Called K'gari
6 Lady Musgrave Island (Australia) Full day
by its Aboriginal inhabitants, the island contains many sites of archaeological,
7 Fraser Island (Australia) Full day
social and spiritual significance dating back more than 5,000 years. Middens,
artefact scatters, fish traps, scarred trees and campsites bear witness to the lives 8, 9 At sea
of the original inhabitants. 10 Sydney (Australia) Arrival: 07.30
11 Sydney (Australia)
Disembarkation
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Zodiac® shore visits;
• Many opportunities for swimming, snorkelling
and relaxation on unspoiled islands, with white
sand beaches and crystal clear water;
• UNESCO Site: Fraser Island, the world's largest
sand island;
• From Hardy Reef, the possibility to observe
some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs
and diverse undersea life;
• After your voyage, possibility to discover
Sydney & the Blue Mountains.
Hardy Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, composed of over
2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometres along TO MAKE YOUR TRIP EVEN BETTER,
Australia’s tropical East Coast. It supports a wide diversity of life and was selected YOU WILL FIND OUR
as a World Heritage Site in 1981. Hardy Reef is home to the innovatively designed OPTIONAL SHORE EXCURSIONS
Reefworld pontoon, ideally situated in shallower waters with protection from the AND PRE- & POST-CRUISE PROGRAMMES
on page 47 to 49.
surrounding sea conditions. You will be transferred by Zodiac® to the pontoon which
provides easy access to the aquatic realm either by semi-submersible, underwater For more information visit au.ponant.com
viewing chamber, snorkelling or diving.
Asia, Oceania & the Indian Ocean Collection by | 19LI IT
AVAIM E
LABILD
Cruise the 75th Rolex
ITY
SYDNEY • HOBART
LE LAPÉROUSE 8 days / 7 nights
Sydney Hobart route!
From 26th December to 2nd January 2020
From AUD 4,650pp.
SYDNEY
AUSTRALIA
Tasman Sea
Flinders Island
TASMANIA
Wineglass Bay
HOBART
DAY ITINERARY PORT OF CALL DURATION
Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 1
Sydney (Australia)
Embarkation from 09.00 to 10.00 Departure: 11.00
2 At sea
Embark on a rare opportunity to be in the thick of the action for the start of
3 Flinders Island (Australia)
the 75th Anniversary of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. A unique
4 Wineglass Bay (Australia)
cruising experience tailored to sailing enthusiasts. Following an early morning
5, 6, 7 Hobart, Tasmania (Australia)
embarkation, find yourself in a prime viewing position at the entrance of Sydney Hobart, Tasmania (Australia) Arrival: 08.00
8
Harbour to witness the exuberant start to the 75th Anniversary Rolex Sydney Disembarkation
Hobart Yacht Race. You will then begin your Luxury Small Ship cruise South to
Hobart aboard our newest EXPLORER ship Le Lapérouse.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Witness the exuberant start to the 75th
Anniversary Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht
Race aboard our newest Le Lapérouse luxury
Wineglass Bay expedition ship
• Trousers Point and its crystal-clear waters,
Located on the east coast of Tasmania in the heart of the famous Freycinet National white sand beaches and brightly coloured
Park, Wineglass Bay proudly deploys the curve of its white sandy beach, which lichen covered granite.
forms an elegant smile. Considered one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the • Wineglass Bay and its dramatic pink granite
world, this perfectly-shaped crescent, whose sapphire waters contrast stunningly peaks, secluded bays and white sandy beaches
with the pink and grey granite landscape, has been listed as a UNESCO World • 3 nights accommodation in Hobart onboard
Heritage Site since 1982 and is indisputably one of Australia’s most beautiful Le Lapérouse to enjoy the race festivities and
the New Year's Eve fireworks.
natural environments.
TO MAKE YOUR TRIP EVEN BETTER,
YOU WILL FIND OUR
OPTIONAL SHORE EXCURSIONS
AND PRE- & POST-CRUISE PROGRAMMES
on page 47 to 49.
For more information visit au.ponant.com
20 | October 2019 to April 2020 CruisesLI IT
AVAIM E
LABILD
Chairman’s Cruise -
ITY
CAIRNS • DARWIN
LE LAPÉROUSE 17 days / 16 nights
New Guinea Odyssey From 22nd April to 8th May 2020
From AUD 14,820 pp.
Bird’s Head Cenderawasih
Seascape Bay
Kopar
Jayapura
Banda Neira Madang
INDONESIA Tami Island
PAPUA
NEW GUINEA Tufi
Alotau
DARWIN
URALI
AT
ST
N
AUSTRALIA CAIRNS
DAY ITINERARY PORT OF CALL DURATION
Cenderawasih Bay 1
Cairns (Australia)
Embarkation from 16.00 to 17.00 Departure: 18.00
2 At sea
Cenderawasih Bay is located at the western end of New Guinea Island, south- 3 Alotau (Papua New Guinea)
east of the Bird's Head Peninsula. Covering more than 1.4 million hectares the 4 Tufi (Papua New Guinea)
5 Tami Island (Papua New Guinea)
bay is home to an abundant array of uninhabited islands, pristine coral reefs and 6 Madang (Papua New Guinea)
the world’s largest fish, the Whale Shark. Over the years the whale sharks have 7 Kopar (Papua New Guinea)
8 Jayapura, Papua (Papua New Guinea)
learnt the habits of local fishermen who catch baitfish at night in nets lowered
9 At sea
from fishing vessels known as "Bagans”. The Whale Sharks are now regular visitors 10, 11 Cenderawasih Bay (Papua New Guinea)
feeding on the baitfish that spill from the nets at the surface. Cenderawasih Bay 12 At sea
13, 14 Bird’s Head Seascape (Indonesia)
is part of the Bird’s Head seascape, the centre of marine biodiversity at the heart 15 Banda Neira, Maluku Islands (Indonesia)
of the coral triangle. There are also the remains of World War II shipwrecks and 16 At sea
aircraft in the bay. 17 Darwin (Australia) - Disembarkation Arrival: 08.00
With the onboard presence of
Sarina Bratton AM,
Chairman, PONANT Asia Pacific.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• A voyage to discover the natural and cultural riches of
Papua New Guinea.
• Zodiac® outings & shore visits with your expedition
team.
• Opportunity to view the largest fish in the world - the
Whale Shark.
• Bird’s Head Seascape with its stunning karst
landscapes and rich marine biodiversity.
• Tufi, a spectacular tropical fjord, where the inhabitants
produce traditional tapa cloth.
• Visit the remote Tami islands and experience
traditional Morobe culture.
• Discover the vivid cultural performances that the
Maluku Islands •
Madang region is renowned for.
Watch the famous performances of the Asaro
Mudmen.
From age-old traditional cultures and ancient vestiges, to coral reefs and lush • Witness traditional Sepik river culture and artefacts.
green jungle… The attractions of the remote Banda archipelago seem endless. • Swimming and snorkelling on deserted beaches
Better known as the legendary “Spice Islands” of the Ancient World, these small surrounded by coral reefs with rich underwater life.
volcanic landmasses were the fabled prize of colonial powers for more than four TO MAKE YOUR TRIP EVEN BETTER,
centuries. Every colonial power of significance fought for control of these ten YOU WILL FIND OUR
small islands that today have become largely forgotten. Walking the streets of OPTIONAL SHORE EXCURSIONS
AND PRE- & POST-CRUISE PROGRAMMES
Banda Neira is a surreal experience as your eyes are drawn to the eclectic mix of
on page 47 to 49.
Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture, the remnants of a rich and tumultuous
history. It is without doubt the most historically significant and interesting of all For more information visit au.ponant.com
the “Spice Islands”.
Asia, Oceania & the Indian Ocean Collection by | 21PI CA
RO
T
L
Treasures of the
EX
N
PE
AUCKLAND • HONIARA DITIO
LE LAPÉROUSE 13 days / 12 nights
Pacific Expedition
From 30th March to 11th April 2020
From AUD 10,940 pp.
HONIARA SOLOMON ISLANDS AT
URALI
ST
Vanikoro
N
Ureparapara
Espiritu Santo
VANUATU Tanna
Kouare Lifou
NEW CALEDONIA
Brisbane
Coral Sea
Waitangi
NEW ZEALAND AUCKLAND
New Caledonia DAY ITINERARY
Auckland (New Zealand)
1
Aboard Le Lapérouse, you will have the privilege of discovering two New Embarkation from 16.00 to 17.00 Departure: 18.00
2 Bay of Islands, Waitangi (New Zealand)
Caledonian islands that give the impression of paradise on earth: Lifou and
3,4 At sea
Kouare Island. Situated to the east of Grande Terre, New Caledonia’s main island,
5 Kouare (New Caledonia)
the Loyalty Islands, of which Lifou is one, weren’t discovered by the Europeans
6 Lifou (New Caledonia)
until the beginning of the 19th century. From immaculate beaches to dense 7 Tanna Island (Vanuatu)
tropical rainforest and coral reefs, Lifou offers a dazzling palette of contrasts. 8 At sea
Further south, in the protected area of the Great Southern Lagoon, the tiny Kouare 9 Espiritu Santo Island (Vanuatu)
Islet is a jewel offering beauty and harmony. 10 Ureparapara Island (Vanuatu)
11 Vanikoro Island (Solomon Islands)
12 At sea
13 Honiara, Guadalcanal Island (Solomon Islands)
Arrival: 07.00 - Disembarkation, transfer to the airport
and flight Honiara/Brisbane
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Zodiac® shore visits;
• New Caledonia, swimming in the crystal waters
of the Southern Lagoon, UNESCO-listed
World Heritage Site, and discovery of the
The Solomon Islands Kanak culture;
• Vanuatu: traditional villages, tropical beaches,
The Solomon Islands remain today an enticing paradise in the South Pacific. It is active volcanoes;
a land of contrast and adventure, best known for its crystal waters and spectacular • The Solomon Islands, a real tropical Eden;
white sand beaches. Comprising over 990 islands, the diversity of landforms • Encounters with local people: cultural
performances, dances, arts & crafts;
and cultures are striking. Village life remains much as it has done for centuries,
• On Tanna Island, visit of Mount Yasur, an
unhurried, undeveloped and unspoilt. Traditional customs handed down from
imposing volcano;
ancestral spirits form the basis of cultural values remaining today. Don’t miss
• Sail into the Caldera of Ureparapara;
the chance to discover Vanikoro, the place where the La Perouse expedition
• Visit the last known location of the 1788 “lost
was shipwrecked in 1788, a maritime mystery recently solved by archaeological voyage” of La Pérouse in Vanikoro;
excavations. • Numerous opportunities to swim and snorkel.
TO MAKE YOUR TRIP EVEN BETTER,
YOU WILL FIND OUR
OPTIONAL SHORE EXCURSIONS
AND PRE- & POST-CRUISE PROGRAMMES
on page 47 to 49.
For more information visit au.ponant.com
22 | October 2019 to April 2020 CruisesPI CA
RO
T
L
Ancient Cultures of
EX
N
PE
HONIARA • CAIRNS DITIO
LE LAPÉROUSE 12 days / 11 nights
Papua New Guinea
From 11th to 22nd April 2020
From AUD 10 160 pp.
URALI
AT
ST
N
PAPUA NEW Rabaul
GUINEA
Bougainville
Lusançay Islands
Tufi Fergusson HONIARA
Dobu SOLOMON ISLANDS
Samarai Island
Coral Sea Flight from
AUSTRALIA Brisbane
CAIRNS
Papua New Guinea - Tufi DAY ITINERARY
Flight Brisbane/Honiara, Guadalcanal Island (SolomonIslands)
Travelling to Papua New Guinea means leaving the beaten track and discovering 1 Welcome and transfer to the port
Embarkation from 16.00 to 17.00 Departure: 18.00
rich and still little-known cultures. Located in the heart of Oceania, this country 2 At sea
is made up of a number of islands, mostly containing active volcanoes. During 3,4 Bougainville (Papua New Guinea)
your cruise, discover Tufi, often described as the “Scandinavia of the tropics”. The 5 Rabaul, Bismarck archipelago (Papua New Guinea)
spectacular Tufi “fiords” plunge over 90 metres deep and rise over 150 metres 6 At sea
vertically above the water making for a spectacular backdrop. The traditional way 7 Lusançay Islands (Papua New Guinea)
of life plays an important role amongst the villagers with many living in isolated 8 Tufi (Papua New Guinea)
areas along the coast of Cape Nelson and on the slopes of Mount Trafalgar. 9 Fergusson Island - Dobu Island (Papua New Guinea)
The area is known for its production of tapa cloth, made from the bark of the 10 Samarai Island (Papua New Guinea)
paper mulberry tree and skilfully decorated. Guests will travel into the ancient 11 At sea
mangrove forests of the fjords and witness one of the most colourful traditional 12 Cairns (Australia) Arrival: 07.00
Disembarkation
performances. There is also the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the clear
waters of Kamoa Beach.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Be part of our inaugural visit to the
Autonomous region of Bougainville;
• Discover the mysteries of Papua-New Guinea,
the land of a thousand cultures;
• Zodiac® outings & shore visits with your
expedition team;
• Tufi, a spectacular tropical fjord, where the
inhabitants produce traditional tapa cloth;
• Calls at the Lusançay Islands and the
D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago, named after the
French explorers who set off in search of La
Pérouse;
• Swimming and snorkelling on deserted
beaches surrounded by coral reefs;
Rabaul • Encounters with local people: cultural
performances, dances, arts & crafts.
Set at the eastern end of the island of New Britain, the tropical port town of Rabaul
has always been famous for its spectacular setting. Nestled beside Simpson
Harbour, the township is surrounded by six volcanoes, one of which, Mt Tavurvur, TO MAKE YOUR TRIP EVEN BETTER,
is still active today. The most recent major volcanic eruption was in September YOU WILL FIND OUR
1994 when Tavurvur and Vulcan covered much of Rabaul and surrounding villages OPTIONAL SHORE EXCURSIONS
AND PRE- & POST-CRUISE PROGRAMMES
with volcanic ash. This eruption saw the growth of the nearby coastal town of
on page 47 to 49.
Kokopo which has now become the administrative and tourism centre for Rabaul.
Join your expedition team for a tour by local transport to see Mt Tavurvur, the For more information visit au.ponant.com
Volcano Observatory and various significant sites from World War II.
Asia, Oceania & the Indian Ocean Collection by | 23The Best of New Zealand
Auckland
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest, most populated and busiest
city. Located on an isthmus linking the peninsula of Northland to
the expansive North Island, it seems to float between land and
sea. It is one of the few cities in the world to have two separate
harbours : Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea and Waitemata
Harbour on the Pacific Ocean. You will understand why Auckland
is known as the city of sails when you see the forest of masts in
the marina. The 328 metre-high Sky Tower offers splendid views
of the city. Surrounded by dormant volcanoes such as Mt Eden,
Auckland is noted for its abundant nature and magnificent black-
sand beaches. A blend of Maori, European and Asian cultures
gives the city a vibrant atmosphere.
White Island
Located in the Bay of Plenty, White Island is an active volcano which sensory experience. The island has also been identified as an
has been built up by continuous volcanic activity over the past important bird area because of its breeding colony of Australasian
150,000 years. It is possible to walk inside the main crater and Gannets. Depending on the level of volcanic activity and sea state,
experience nature's immense power, as gas and steam burst up guests will have the opportunity to land on White Island and take a
from far below the Earth's crust. The smell of sulphur and the noise guided walking tour through the crater and around the ruins of the
of steam emanating from the many fumaroles makes for an amazing old sulphur mine.
The Maori culture
A cruise in New Zealand is a unique opportunity to discover the ancestral
culture of the brave Maori, the indigenous Polynesian warrior people
of New Zealand, who settled here in successive waves from the 13th
century onwards. The very ancient tribal way of life of the Maori is
passed down from generation to generation. Today, numerous dances
and songs still remain and are performed by the current generations
during traditional shows. The Maori language and gestures are a core
part of New Zealand’s identity. Don’t miss their traditional dress, which
has remained unchanged for centuries. Discover the Maori greeting
ceremony, their war dances, crafts and, in particular, their impressive
tattoo art, with incredible drawings which can cover a warrior’s entire
body.
24 | October 2019 to April 2020 CruisesDUNEDIN • AUCKLAND AUCKLAND • DUNEDIN
From 15th to 24th January 2020 From 24th January to 2nd February 2020
and from 21st to 30th March 2020 and from 12th to 21st March 2020
LE LAPÉROUSE 10 days / 9 nights LE LAPÉROUSE 10 days / 9 nights
From AUD 7,440 pp. From AUD 7,800 pp.
Tasman Sea AUCKLAND
White Island
Tauranga
NEW ZEALAND Napier
Picton
Wellington
Milford Sound
CTURER
Doubtful Sound LE
Dusky Sound DUNEDIN
Tauranga - Rotorua DAY ITINERARY
Dunedin (New Zealand)
PORT OF CALL DURATION
1 Embarkation from 15.00 to 16.00 Departure:16.30
The North Island, also known as “the smoking island”, is home to New Zealand’s Navigation in Dusky Sound and Doubtful Sound
2
most atypical city. Nestled on the shores of the lake bearing the same name, (New Zealand)
Rotorua is considered to be the “Maori face” of this country. Surrounded by 3 Milford Sound (New Zealand) Morning
bush, forests and cultivated lands, a chain of fifteen lakes dots the landscape like 4 At sea
pearls on a dazzling necklace. From your port of call in Tauranga to the edges of 5 Picton (New Zealand) Full day
Rotorua, set out to discover the protected forests, whose thick mantle conceals 6 Wellington (New Zealand) Full day
7 Napier (New Zealand) Afternoon
an astonishing landscape: volcanoes, hot springs, spouting geysers, rivers and
8 White Island (New Zealand) Afternoon
gorges, and lakes that are sometimes deep blue, sometimes tinged in orange.
9 Tauranga (New Zealand) Full day
Wonder at this land of a thousand and one colours, birthplace of the Maori culture.
10 Auckland (New Zealand) Arrival: 07.00
Disembarkation
This cruise operates in both directions.
For the voyage departing from Auckland, on days 7 and 8
the ship will stop at the ports of call in the morning.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Discover sublime New Zealand landscapes
with exceptional diversity;
• Sail in New Zealand’s fjords, listed with
UNESCO;
• A call at Picton, in the Marlborough region,
famous for its vineyards and its submerged
valleys;
• Meet the Maori people, brave warriors with
ancestral traditions and customs;
• In Wellington, discover the Te Papa
Tongarewa museum;
• The stopover in White Island, a volcanic island
with an unreal atmosphere, between lunar
Milford Sound landscapes and steam emanating from the
numerous fumaroles.
Located at the southern end of the “Land of the Long White Cloud”, the UNESCO
World Heritage listed Fiordland National Park is one of the most dramatic
and beautiful parts of New Zealand. It is a region of dramatic beauty. A place TO MAKE YOUR TRIP EVEN BETTER,
where mountains and valleys compete with each other for room, where scale is YOU WILL FIND OUR
almost beyond comprehension and scenery encompasses the broadest width OPTIONAL SHORE EXCURSIONS
of emotions. Milford Sound is an ancient glacial valley of remarkable pristine AND PRE- & POST-CRUISE PROGRAMMES
on page 47 to 49.
beauty and grandeur that never fails to enthral travellers. Judged the world's top
travel destination and described by Rudyard Kipling as the eighth wonder of the For more information visit au.ponant.com
World, it is a must see destination.
Asia, Oceania & the Indian Ocean Collection by | 25Polynesia
A taste of paradise
Lined with magnificent, clear-water lagoons surrounded by coral reefs,
the Polynesian islands are among the most beautiful in the world.
Take a PONANT cruise to discover these faraway pearls in the South Pacific.
The lush vegetation covering the mountains, the sumptuous
white-sand beaches and the exceptional marine biodiversity
will provide the setting for your exceptional cruise.
26 | October 2019 to April 2020 CruisesAsia, Oceania & the Indian Ocean Collection by | 27
1 - Hanavave, Marquesas Islands.
2 - Moai statues, Easter Island.
1
3 - The underwater world in Polynesia.
2 3
28 | October 2019 to April 2020 CruisesPolynesia
in the spotlight
The Marquesas Islands
“On these islands where the solitude is total, I found a kind of inner peace”, wrote Jacques Brel.
The singer-songwriter from Brussels sang about the Marquesas Islands and the painter Paul
Gauguin was inspired by them. These islands stand like dark green fortresses surrounded by the
indigo blue of the Pacific. Here, you will find neither lagoons nor reefs. The archipelago’s charm
lies in its wild beauty and each island of “the Land of Men” is more majestic than the next. In
the heart of the dense and lush forests of Nuku Hiva, droplets from the waterfalls dive off the
vertiginous cliffs. As for the islands of Hiva Oa and Fatu Hiva, they still hide mysterious ancient
petroglyphs and the vestiges of marae – temples which served both a religious and a political
purpose. Renowned for their crafts, the Marquesans sculpt wood, stone and bone, but they also
distinguish themselves through their mastery of the complex art of tattooing.
Easter Island
Halfway between Chile and Tahiti, Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is a mysterious and
fascinating land considered to be the most isolated in the world. Steeped in an almost mystical,
timeless aura, the vestiges of Easter Island’s civilisations can be found within the safe confines
of Rapa Nui National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During your cruise, enjoy
exploring this mythical island with black lava cliffs and mysterious Moai statues, which turn
their backs to the sea and face the settlements as a sign of protection. Many questions remain
unanswered to this day, including “Why were they sculpted?” and “How were they transported?”.
Despite recent discoveries, the island we call “navel of the world” jealously guards its secrets and
remains a legendary destination for travellers.
The underwater world
The beauty of Polynesia’s landscapes can only be rivalled by the splendour of the Pacific Ocean’s
sea beds. Divers all over the world love this spot for the richness and diversity of its ecosystem.
These idyllic waters will reveal their secrets to you, even if you are just an amateur snorkeller.
Here, colourful exotic fish, sea turtles and manta rays weave a path between the anemones,
sponges and lace coral that line the aquamarine lagoons. Thanks to their incredible biodiversity,
Polynesia’s seabeds are considered the planet’s richest aquarium. This blue paradise dotted with
volcanic islands and numerous atolls, minuscule strips of land skimming the water’s surface,
offers a perfect blend of vast white-sand beaches and mountainous landscapes. During your
cruise, do not miss the opportunity to admire Polynesia’s treasures, the famous black pearls. They
are as precious as they are exceptional.
Asia, Oceania & the Indian Ocean Collection by | 29VING
DI
Hawaii & HONOLULU • PAPEETE
LE BORÉAL 16 days / 15 nights
French Polynesia
From 10th to 25th October 2019
From AUD 7,220 pp.
LE
CTURER HONOLULU
HAWAII Hilo
Pacific Ocean
Equator line
Marquesas Islands
Taiohae / Hatiheu Atuona / Hapatoni
Omoa / Hanavave
Rangiroa
Motu Ceran FRENCH POLYNESIA
Moorea PAPEETE
Hawaii DAY ITINERARY PORT OF CALL DURATION
Honolulu (Hawaii, United States)
1 Embarkation from 16.00 to 17.00 Departure: 18.00
Discover Honolulu, capital of the Hawaiian Islands, which will reveal the Waikiki
2 Hilo (Hawaii, United States) Morning
coast to you. Under the benevolent gaze of the Diamond Head crater, discover lush 3 to 5 At sea
vegetation in the heart of the tropical rainforests, interspersed with waterfalls and 6 At sea, crossing the equator line
7 At sea
sumptuous gardens of orchids. Then, Le Boréal will call at Hilo, whose emerald 8 Taiohae (Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Isl) Afternoon & evening
landscape is undoubtedly one of the finest illustrations of the islands’ volcanic 9
Hatiheu (Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Isl) Full day
Sailing along Anaho Bay Afternoon
heritage. Here, visit the Volcanoes National Park, the only site in Hawaii currently
Atuona (Hiva Oa, Marquesas Isl) Morning
listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and admire the lava fields and tubes, as 10 Afternoon
Hapatoni (Tahuata, Marquesas Isl)
you get as close as possible to the majestic and still- active cones. Omoa (Fatu Hiva, Marquesas Isl) Morning
11
Hanavave (Fatu Hiva, Marquesas Isl) Afternoon
12 At sea
13 Rangiroa (Tuamotu Islands) Afternoon
14 Motu Ceran (French Polynesia) Afternoon
15 Moorea (French Polynesia) Full day
Papeete (French Polynesia) Arrival: 21.00
16 Papeete (French Polynesia) - Disembarkation
HIGHLIGHTS:
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: from Hilo,
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park;
• Beach time, swimming and snorkelling in the
crystal-clear waters of French Polynesia;
• Visit exceptional ports of call in the heart of the
Fatu Hiva Marquesas Islands, whose volcanic landscapes
are home to secluded bays and abundant
wildlife;
Grandiose, striking and powerful, the
• Visit the small village of Atuona and discover
Marquesas are more rugged than their the tombs of Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel;
Polynesian sisters. Here, you will find • A number of excursions are possible from
neither lagoons nor reefs; the archipelago’s Moorea: outings and photo safaris, dolphin
charm lies in its extraordinary wild beauty: and whale watching, discovery of Polynesia’s
waterfalls flowing down vertiginous peaks, traditional way of life and customs;
jagged cliffs sinking into the indigo sea, and • Possibility of diving (Padi Open Water Diver or
equivalent) with an experienced instructor on
lush vegetation. When the ship stops on the board.
island of Fatu Hiva, the inhabitants of what
is considered to be one of the beautiful bays
in the world, Hanavave Bay, will welcome TO MAKE YOUR TRIP EVEN BETTER,
you with ukulele music and traditional YOU WILL FIND OUR
songs. Do not miss your chance to discover OPTIONAL SHORE EXCURSIONS
AND PRE- & POST-CRUISE PROGRAMMES
these exotic dances and customs as the
on page 47 to 49.
trade winds gently blow through the palm
trees, infusing the island with the scent of For more information visit au.ponant.com
frangipane and Tahitian flowers.
30 | October 2019 to April 2020 CruisesVING
DI
PAPEETE • PAPEETE
LE BORÉAL 10 days / 9 nights
Treasures of Polynesia
From 25th October to 3rd November 2019
From AUD 6,770 pp.
CTURER
LE
Rangiroa
Bora Bora
Motu Ceran FRENCH POLYNESIA
Huahine
Raiatea
Moorea
PAPEETE
Pacific Ocean Tahiti
Bora Bora DAY ITINERARY PORT OF CALL DURATION
Papeete (French Polynesia)
1 Embarkation from 16.00 to 17.00 Departure: 18.00
No words adequately describe the extravagant and disarming beauty of Bora
2 Rangiroa (Tuamotu Islands) Afternoon
Bora. With its vast ring of coral encircling the majestic silhouette of Mount
Otemanu, the pearl of the Leeward Islands offers travellers perfect harmony in 3 Huahine (French Polynesia) Afternoon
infinite shades of blue or an explosion of colours with red hibiscuses and tropical 4 Raiatea (French Polynesia) Full day
fish. Le Boréal will take you to the heart of this earthly paradise that is more 5 Motu Ceran (French Polynesia) Afternoon
beautiful than you can imagine – an unspoiled Eden with extraordinary marine
6 Bora Bora (French Polynesia) Full day
life. Succumb to the delightfully sweet scent of Tahitian flowers and vanilla, and
7 Bora Bora (French Polynesia) Full day
discover ancestral Polynesian traditions.
8 Moorea (French Polynesia) Full day
Moorea (French Polynesia) Full day
9
Papeete (French Polynesia) Arrival: 21.00
10 Papeete (French Polynesia)
Disembarkation
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Set sail for a cruise 100% Polynesia and
discover islands regarded as the most beautiful
in the world;
• Discover Polynesia’s culture and traditions;
• Enjoy white sand beaches and swimming in
the calm, clear waters of this archipelago;
• A number of excursions are possible from
Moorea: outings and photo safaris through the
deep valleys and the pineapple plantations,
dolphin and whale watching, discovery
of Polynesia’s traditional way of life and
customs…
Tuamotu – Rangiroa • Possibility of diving (Padi Open Water Diver or
equivalent) with an experienced instructor on
board.
With its rings of coral lined with white sand and its crystal-clear lagoons,
Tuamotu, an archipelago of 76 atolls located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean,
could rightly be considered paradise on earth. Its marine wildlife is exceptionally TO MAKE YOUR TRIP EVEN BETTER,
rich and diverse. Amid these myriad idyllic islands, discover Rangiroa, the YOU WILL FIND OUR
largest atoll in the archipelago. Classed by Jacques Cousteau as one of the most OPTIONAL SHORE EXCURSIONS
beautiful diving spots in the world, the lagoon is also famous for its “wall of AND PRE- & POST-CRUISE PROGRAMMES
on page 47 to 49.
sharks”: when the current is flowing inward, the Tiputa Pass attracts a very large
number of these legendary animals, offering divers an impressive show. For more information visit au.ponant.com
Asia, Oceania & the Indian Ocean Collection by | 31You can also read
