Exclusive to PONANT Explorers
The Blue Eye Lounge
An underwater lounge below the waterline, its curved windows shaped like a whale’s eye, on every Explorer-class ship.
Le Jacques Cartier
Ponant · Explorer class · launched 2020 · 184 guests
- 184guests
- 2020launched
- 13sailings listed
- A$16,540per person, from
19 photos · swipe or use the arrows. Venue and cabin photos are Ponant’s own and may show a sister ship.
Le Jacques Cartier at a glance
Le Jacques Cartier is an Explorer class ship from Ponant, launched in 2020, carrying 184 guests. It is known for small-ship expeditions with PONANT, including Blue Eye, its underwater lounge. We list 13 sailings between May 2027 and May 2028, mostly from Darwin and Broome, from A$16,540 per person.
Le Jacques Cartier is one of PONANT's Explorer-class ships: a small, modern expedition ship for about 180 guests, with French luxury and an expedition team.
Below the waterline is Blue Eye, a multi-sensory lounge with windows onto the sea and underwater sound. Zodiacs take guests ashore and along the coast.
Le Jacques Cartier sails expeditions in Australian waters, including the Kimberley, and voyages in the Pacific and Asia.
Le Jacques Cartier is best for
- Small-ship expeditions
- The Kimberley
- French cuisine and service
- Couples
What stands out on Le Jacques Cartier
- Blue Eye underwater lounge
- Zodiac landings
- French-inspired dining
- A marina platform at the stern
- Balconies on almost every stateroom
| Cruise line | Ponant |
|---|---|
| Ship class | Explorer class |
| Launched | 2020 |
| Guests | 184 (double occupancy) |
| Sails from (our sailings) | Darwin, Broome and Benoa |
| Sailings we list | 13, May 2027 to May 2028 |
Ship facts from Wikipedia, checked 25 October 2026. Sailings and fares updated 1 November 2026.
Le Jacques Cartier itineraries 2027–28
Every Le Jacques Cartier sailing we list, soonest first: 13 sailings from May 2027 to May 2028, from Darwin and Broome. Fares are per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, as listed by the cruise line on 2 November at 7:26am. Cabin types sell out and prices move between checks, so we confirm what is open and what it costs before you pay.
13 sailings
| Departs | Cruise | Cabins open | From | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 to 27 season | ||||
| Sat, 15 May 202711 nights | Benoa to DarwinLe Jacques Cartier · One way, Benoa to DarwinBadas, Komodo National Park, Maumere, Kalabahi, Barat Daya Islands, Banda Neira, Kitikiti Waterfall, Triton Bay, Kei Islands | 4 of 7 cabin types leftUpper decks balcony stateroom, Deluxe Suite, Privilege Suite, Owner's Suite | Upper decks balcony stateroom fromA$19,536ppA$39,072 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Thu, 27 May 202710 nights | Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Darwin to BroomeLe Jacques Cartier · One way, Darwin to BroomeKing George River, Vansittart Bay, Ashmore Reef, Careening Bay, Swift Bay, Hunter River, Collier Bay, Lacepede Islands | 5 of 7 cabin types leftUpper decks balcony stateroom, Prestige Suite, Privilege Suite, Grand Suite, Owner's Suite | Upper decks balcony stateroom fromA$19,140ppA$38,280 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Sun, 6 June 202710 nights | Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Broome to DarwinLe Jacques Cartier · One way, Broome to DarwinLacepede Islands, Collier Bay, Careening Bay, Hunter River, Swift Bay, Vansittart Bay, King George River | 3 of 7 cabin types leftUpper decks balcony stateroom, Privilege Suite, Owner's Suite | Upper decks balcony stateroom fromA$20,110ppA$40,220 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Wed, 16 June 202710 nights | Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Darwin to BroomeLe Jacques Cartier · One way, Darwin to BroomeKing George River, Vansittart Bay, Ashmore Reef, Careening Bay, Swift Bay, Hunter River, Collier Bay, Lacepede Islands | 5 of 7 cabin types leftUpper decks balcony stateroom, Prestige Suite, Privilege Suite, Grand Suite, Owner's Suite | Upper decks balcony stateroom fromA$18,160ppA$36,320 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Sat, 26 June 202710 nights | Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Broome to DarwinLe Jacques Cartier · One way, Broome to DarwinLacepede Islands, Collier Bay, Careening Bay, Hunter River, Swift Bay, Vansittart Bay, King George River | 4 of 7 cabin types leftUpper decks balcony stateroom, Prestige Suite, Privilege Suite, Owner's Suite | Upper decks balcony stateroom fromA$19,140ppA$38,280 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| 2027 to 28 season | ||||
| Tue, 6 July 202710 nights | Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Darwin to BroomeLe Jacques Cartier · One way, Darwin to BroomeKing George River, Vansittart Bay, Ashmore Reef, Careening Bay, Swift Bay, Hunter River, Collier Bay, Lacepede Islands | 5 of 7 cabin types leftUpper decks balcony stateroom, Prestige Suite, Privilege Suite, Grand Suite, Owner's Suite | Upper decks balcony stateroom fromA$19,140ppA$38,280 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Fri, 16 July 202710 nights | Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Broome to DarwinLe Jacques Cartier · One way, Broome to DarwinLacepede Islands, Collier Bay, Careening Bay, Hunter River, Swift Bay, Vansittart Bay, King George River | Last suites availablePrivilege Suite, Grand Suite, Owner's Suite | Privilege Suite fromA$35,280ppA$70,560 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Mon, 26 July 202710 nights | Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Darwin to BroomeLe Jacques Cartier · One way, Darwin to BroomeKing George River, Vansittart Bay, Ashmore Reef, Careening Bay, Swift Bay, Hunter River, Collier Bay, Lacepede Islands | Last suites availablePrivilege Suite, Grand Suite, Owner's Suite | Privilege Suite fromA$35,280ppA$70,560 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Thu, 5 Aug 202710 nights | Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Broome to DarwinLe Jacques Cartier · One way, Broome to DarwinLacepede Islands, Collier Bay, Careening Bay, Hunter River, Swift Bay, Vansittart Bay, King George River | 5 of 7 cabin types leftUpper decks balcony stateroom, Deluxe Suite, Prestige Suite, Privilege Suite, Owner's Suite | Upper decks balcony stateroom fromA$19,140ppA$38,280 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Sun, 15 Aug 202710 nights | Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Darwin to BroomeLe Jacques Cartier · One way, Darwin to BroomeKing George River, Vansittart Bay, Ashmore Reef, Careening Bay, Swift Bay, Hunter River, Collier Bay, Lacepede Islands | 5 of 7 cabin types leftUpper decks balcony stateroom, Deluxe Suite, Privilege Suite, Grand Suite, Owner's Suite | Upper decks balcony stateroom fromA$20,110ppA$40,220 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Wed, 25 Aug 202710 nights | Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Broome to DarwinLe Jacques Cartier · One way, Broome to DarwinLacepede Islands, Collier Bay, Careening Bay, Hunter River, Swift Bay, Vansittart Bay, King George River | Last suites availableDeluxe Suite, Privilege Suite, Owner's Suite | Deluxe Suite fromA$22,780ppA$45,560 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Sat, 4 Sept 202716 nights | An escapade in the heart of Melanesia, Darwin to LautokaLe Jacques Cartier · One way, Darwin to LautokaElcho Island, Thursday Island, Kwato Island, Njari Island, Roderick Bay, Santa Ana Island, Lata, Ureparapara Island, Mavea Island, Paradise Lagoon, Ambrym Island | 4 of 7 cabin types leftUpper decks balcony stateroom, Deluxe Suite, Prestige Suite, Privilege Suite | Upper decks balcony stateroom fromA$20,220ppA$40,440 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Sat, 27 May 202812 nights | Benoa to DarwinLe Jacques Cartier · One way, Benoa to DarwinSatonda Island, Saleh bay, Komodo National Park, Maumere, Barat Daya Islands, Banda Neira, Kitikiti Waterfall, Triton Bay, Kei Islands | 5 of 7 cabin types leftLower deck balcony stateroom, Upper decks balcony stateroom, Prestige Suite, Privilege Suite, Owner's Suite | Lower deck balcony stateroom fromA$16,540ppA$33,080 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
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Call a Cruise Expert · 1300 214 840 Enquire TodayDining and things to do with Ponant
Venues found across the Ponant fleet; not every venue is on Le Jacques Cartier, so ask us about this ship. Anything marked Included carries no extra cost. Photos are Ponant’s own and may show a sister ship.
Dining & bars
Included
The Restaurant
The main dining room, with a menu that changes through the voyage and a wine list chosen to match it.
Included
The Lounge Bar
Cocktails before dinner and live music most nights, with the open bar that comes with every fare.
Exclusive to Le Commandant Charcot
The Observatory Lounge
A fireplace lounge on deck 9 for watching the ice, unique to the polar icebreaker.
Included
The Theatre
Lectures from the expedition team by day and a stage for concerts and briefings by night.
Included
Cuisine by Alain Ducasse
Menus developed with the three-Michelin-starred chef, served across the fleet’s restaurants.
Extra Charge
The Boutique
Books, clothing and expedition gear, including PONANT-branded parkas for polar sailings.
Onboard activities
Included
Zodiac Excursions
Shore landings and wildlife-watching led by the expedition team, weather and tides permitting.
Included
Heated Indoor Pool
A heated indoor pool aboard Le Commandant Charcot, built for polar sailings when the outer decks are too cold to use.
Extra Charge
Sea Spa & Wellness
Massage, a sauna and treatments at sea, bookable once you are on board.
Included
Yoga on Deck
Morning yoga and fitness sessions on deck, weather permitting, on most sailings.
Included
Expedition Lectures
Naturalists, historians and polar guides brief each landing and lecture between ports.
Le Jacques Cartier cabins and suites
The lowest fare we list for each cabin type on Le Jacques Cartier, per person twin share, taxes and fees included, as listed on 2 November at 7:26am. Fares vary by sailing and date.
Balcony Stateroom
- 19 m², sleeps 2, on the upper or lower decks
- A private balcony on every Explorer-class stateroom
- The entry-level category on Le Jacques Cartier and Le Soléal alike
FromA$16,540ppA$33,080 for 2Benoa to Darwin, 12 nights
Upper decks balcony stateroom
FromA$18,160ppA$36,320 for 2Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Darwin to Broome, 10 nights
Deluxe Suite
- 27 m², sleeps up to 3
- A separate sitting area and a larger balcony
- Priority embarkation, with a bathrobe and slippers
FromA$22,780ppA$45,560 for 2Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Broome to Darwin, 10 nights
Prestige Suite
- 38 m², sleeps up to 4
- A bedroom and a lounge area that can sleep extra guests
- A larger balcony than the Deluxe Suite
FromA$25,920ppA$51,840 for 2Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Darwin to Broome, 10 nights
Privilege Suite
FromA$30,230ppA$60,460 for 2Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Darwin to Broome, 10 nights
Grand Suite
- 45 m², sleeps up to 4
- One of the largest categories on the Explorer-class ships
- A generous balcony and a separate living area
FromA$31,940ppA$63,880 for 2Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Darwin to Broome, 10 nights
Owner’s Suite
- 45 m², sleeps up to 4, forward-facing on the upper decks
- The top category on Le Jacques Cartier
- Floor-to-ceiling windows and a wraparound balcony
FromA$40,340ppA$80,680 for 2Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Darwin to Broome, 10 nights
Where does Le Jacques Cartier sail?
Le Jacques Cartier calls at 34 ports on the sailings we list. Its voyages: the Kimberley (10), Asia (2) and South Pacific (1). Solid pins are where sailings begin.
Loading the map…
- Collier Bay
- Darwin
- King George River
- Vansittart Bay
- Careening Bay
- Swift Bay
- Hunter River
- Lacepede Islands
- Broome
- Ashmore Reef
- Benoa
- Komodo National Park
- Maumere
- Barat Daya Islands
- Banda Neira
- Kitikiti Waterfall
- Triton Bay
- Kei Islands
- Badas
- Kalabahi
- Elcho Island
- Thursday Island
- Kwato Island
- Njari Island
- Roderick Bay
- Santa Ana Island
- Lata
- Ureparapara Island
- Mavea Island
- Paradise Lagoon
- Ambrym Island
- Lautoka
- Satonda Island
- Saleh bay
What’s included in your fare
Ponant fares cover full board, an open bar all day, Wi-Fi, port taxes and one guided activity at every stop. Gratuities are the notable exception.
Butler service comes with the top suites on each ship rather than with the fare.
- Your stateroom and full board, from dinner on the first night to breakfast on the last
- An open bar all day: water, soft drinks, wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee and tea
- Wi-Fi around the clock, though it can slow in remote regions
- One activity at each stop: a guided naturalist outing, a Zodiac cruise or a local visit
- The spa area, fitness room and, on Le Commandant Charcot, the snow cabin
- Port taxes
- Room service and all the public areas
- Flights and transfers on the voyages sold with flights included
Available at an additional cost
- Gratuities, which Ponant suggests at 10 to 12 euros per person per day
- Optional excursions beyond the included activity
- Premium drinks listed outside the open bar
- Spa treatments and the hair salon
- Laundry, the boutique and voyage photography
The Ponant Bonus is an early booking discount on the stateroom price, not an extra inclusion.
Le Jacques Cartier, answered
How many passengers does Le Jacques Cartier carry?
Le Jacques Cartier carries 184 guests at double occupancy.
How old is Le Jacques Cartier?
Le Jacques Cartier was launched in 2020. It is an Explorer class ship.
Where does Le Jacques Cartier sail from in Australia?
On the sailings we list, Le Jacques Cartier sails from Darwin and Broome. Its most common voyages are the Kimberley (10) and Asia (2). Its 13 sailings run from May 2027 to May 2028 and last 10 to 16 nights.
How much does a cruise on Le Jacques Cartier cost?
Fares on Le Jacques Cartier start at A$16,540 per person, twin share, for the 12 night Benoa to Darwin departing 27 May 2028, as listed on 2 November at 7:26am. The lowest fare per night is A$1,264, on the 16 night An escapade in the heart of Melanesia, Darwin to Lautoka. Taxes and port fees are included.
Which cabin should I choose on Le Jacques Cartier?
On Le Jacques Cartier almost every stateroom has a private balcony. A Deluxe Stateroom is the most popular choice, and the Prestige and Owner's suites add more space.
How do I book Le Jacques Cartier with Luxury Cruises Guide?
Choose a sailing in the table on this page and press Quick Quote, or call 1300 214 840. We are an Australian cruise agency: we confirm the cabin and the total in Australian dollars, and one specialist looks after the booking from quote to homecoming.
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Luxury Cruises Guide is an independent Australian cruise agency operated by Orange Ninja Pty Ltd, ABN 17 682 640 713. It is not owned or operated by Ponant. Le Jacques Cartier and Ponant are trademarks of their owner and are used here to identify the ship. Page updated 1 November 2026.