After 16 days at sea, we arrive in Cairns, marking the completion of an incredible voyage from Auckland via Waiheke Island, the Bay of Islands, Norfolk Island, and Vanuatu. Our island-hopping adventures aboard Ponant’s Le Jacques Cartier included visiting volcanoes, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, taking zodiac rides to remote destinations, and enjoying impeccable 5-star service.
New Zealand
We set off from Auckland to Waiheke Island, where we tender to the marina. Options for the day include a courtesy bus into the main village, a winery tour (included), or a zipline adventure (at an additional cost). I opted for the winery tour, visiting an olive oil producer, a whiskey distillery for lunch, and two wineries—saving the showstopping Mudbrick Winery for last.
The next day, we tendered to the marina at Paihia and headed to Waitangi. Just days before Waitangi Day, preparations were in full swing. We toured the historic grounds and enjoyed a cultural performance. For those seeking something more active, an optional kayaking excursion to nearby falls was available. After lunch back on board while the ship repositioned, we tendered to the delightful town of Russell, where we had free time to stroll through town, browse gift shops, or walk to the nearby beach or lookout.
At Sea
This voyage included a total of seven sea days, including the next day as we headed north to Norfolk Island. Time at sea passed effortlessly with plenty of onboard activities, from lectures and interactive classes like knot-tying and tango dancing to simply relaxing by the pool or indulging in the spa.
Norfolk Island
This small Australian outpost in the middle of the South Pacific packs a punch with its national forest walks, penal colony history, and the beautiful Emily Bay for swimming. I chose the forest tour, while others explored the convict museum. An optional island tour was also available at an additional cost. Interestingly, we learned that one in five planned cruise stops are cancelled due to the island’s notoriously treacherous weather. Another surprising fact—revealed only after we were safely back aboard Le Jacques Cartier—is that the waters around the island are a tiger shark hot zone, with the sharks feeding on resident seabirds.
Vanuatu
Due to recent earthquake damage in Port Vila, our itinerary was adjusted. Over four days, we visited Tanna, Epi, Ambrym, and Espiritu Santo, where we were warmly welcomed with cultural performances. Though each island’s traditions differed, they were always presented with big smiles and accompanied by the most delicious fresh fruit. Highlights of our time here included snorkelling in bath-warm waters, lazing on white sand beaches, trekking to the top of an active volcano, and taking a zodiac cruise along a jungle-lined river to an astonishingly blue hole.
Arrival in Cairns
The final stretch of our journey was four days at sea—a perfect opportunity to unwind and enjoy the ship’s amenities. This downtime allowed us to reflect on the adventure, ensuring we arrived home feeling refreshed rather than needing a holiday after the holiday!
Who Would This Cruise be of Interest to?
The strong contingent of Australians and Kiwis on board largely fell into a few key groups: solo travellers taking advantage of the No Single Supplement offer, those seeking a close-to-home getaway or a seamless way to travel between Australia and New Zealand while enjoying a holiday en route, and loyal Ponant guests who appreciate the service and are always on the lookout for new itineraries.
The high level of service, intimate group size (max 180 passengers), and opulent surroundings appeal to the true luxury traveller, while the zodiac island stops and onboard team of marine biologists and naturalists cater to expedition enthusiasts. This combination certainly elevated the experience for many onboard, making it an excellent option for both types of travellers. However, it’s important to understand preferences before embarking on a hybrid itinerary such as this, as some guests would have liked more offshore adventures, while others found certain onshore activities a bit too adventurous for their liking.
Written by Nyssa Erskine, marketing specialist at Wild Earth Travel
