Le Jacques Cartier

16 July, 2026

Wild Earth Travel marketing expert, Nyssa, travelled with PONANT Explorations aboard Le Jacques Cartier from Auckland to Cairns via Norfolk Island and Vanuatu, here are her reflections on the vessel...

"I had a truly amazing experience that combined learning, cultural immersion, genuine expedition moments and luxury in equal measure. From meeting remote communities and climbing a volcano to enjoying cocktails on deck with a volcano glowing beneath a full moon, every day brought something new. It was absolute magic."

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Specifications: Le Jacques Cartier

Snapshot: Le Jacques Cartier

Based on our experience, 1 = poor | 5 = outstanding

Overall experience: 4.5/5

Service: 4.5/5

Value: 4/5

Cabins: 4/5

Dining/food: 4.5/5

Public areas: 4/5

Entertainment: 4/5

Amenities (eg. Fitness Room, spa, etc) : 4/5

Family Friendly: 3/5

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Overview: Le Jacques Cartier

Pros

A perfect balance of authentic expedition experiences ashore and luxurious comfort onboard.

Excellent for solo travellers, with plenty onboard who quickly formed friendships. No single supplement offers make this an even more attractive option.

Almost seamlessly bilingual, with French and English spoken throughout. Separate lectures and expedition groups ensure everyone gets the most from the experience in their preferred language.

An exceptional expedition team, whose insightful lectures and interpretation added depth to every landing and excursion.

Outstanding food, attentive service and thoughtful touches throughout the voyage.

Cons

There is a touch of pomp and ceremony surrounding some dinners and formal events. Many guests will enjoy this, but it may not appeal to everyone.

If you're someone who likes to do absolutely everything, there can occasionally be schedule clashes—for example, a lecture overlapping with live entertainment. It was definitely a good problem to have!

Bottom Line

A genuine luxury expedition experience that seamlessly blends adventure, comfort and expert interpretation, delivering intimate exploration with the service and sophistication of a luxury ship—no two voyages are ever the same.

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My Impressions

I travelled on one of PONANT's hybrid exploration voyages from Auckland to Cairns via Norfolk Island and Vanuatu, giving me the opportunity to experience two sides of PONANT travel—easy-going exploration alongside immersive expedition cruising, all complemented by refined luxury onboard.

My first impression of Le Jacques Cartier was just how sleek and elegant she is. One of six Explorer-class vessels, she has been purpose-built to access some of the world's most remote destinations while maintaining an intimate, luxurious atmosphere.

From beautifully designed staterooms and spacious public lounges to environmentally conscious technology and expansive outdoor decks, everything felt modern, stylish and thoughtfully considered.

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Cabins

Accommodation ranges from 19m² Balcony Staterooms through to the impressive 45m² Owner's Suite, which can accommodate up to four guests. Several cabin categories sleep three people, while selected interconnecting cabins create larger spaces for families or friends travelling together.

I shared a 19m² Upper Deck Balcony Stateroom as a twin and found it surprisingly spacious. Storage was generous, and every inch of the cabin had been carefully considered.

Above: The balcony became the perfect retreat from which to watch the world float by

Some of my favourite features included:

Balcony—perfect for the warmer climes and to 'get some air' if you're sharing a cabin

Separate toilet and bathroom—a small detail that makes sharing much easier.

A desk that doubled as a vanity with an additional mirror.

Nespresso coffee machine.

Mini bar replenished daily.

Twice-daily cabin servicing, including an after-dinner sweet treat left on the bed.

Comprehensive infotainment system featuring expedition lectures, navigation charts, bridge camera, destination information, movies and more.

WATCH: a short walk through of my cabin and the Grand Suite

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Public Areas

My favourite place onboard was undoubtedly the pool deck. With its infinity-style pool blending into the surrounding scenery, it was the perfect place to relax with a book, enjoy lunch outdoors or simply watch the landscapes drift by. It was also where many of our Zodiac excursions departed via the marina platform.

Just inside was the Main Lounge and Bar, which quickly became the social hub of the ship. During the day it was ideal for relaxing with a coffee or cocktail, while in the evenings it transformed into a lively venue for music, performances and entertainment.

For something quieter, I often escaped to the Observatory Lounge and Library. With panoramic 180-degree views, comfortable seating and another bar, it was the perfect place to unwind or simply admire the scenery.

One of the ship's standout features is the famous Blue Eye Lounge. Located beneath the waterline, this unique underwater lounge features large porthole windows into the ocean, making you feel as though you're inside a submarine. While we didn't spot marine life through the windows, it was a fantastic venue for karaoke nights and sampling the signature Blue Eye cocktail.

The spa was exactly what you would expect from a luxury hotel, complete with a sauna and an extensive menu of massages, facials and beauty treatments.

The theatre served multiple purposes throughout the voyage, hosting expedition briefings, expert lectures, Captain's events and evening performances. When not in use, it also became a space for Pilates and stretching classes.

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Dining

The food throughout the voyage was exceptional.

One standout moment was enjoying freshly caught fish on deck that had been caught by one of the stewards only hours earlier—a wonderful reminder of just how connected we were to the destinations we were exploring.

Being aboard a French ship, the pastries, breads and breakfasts were outstanding. Fresh croissants, perfectly cooked eggs and exceptional cheeses quickly became daily favourites.

The main restaurant served refined international cuisine with strong European influences, while regional flavours reflected the destinations we visited.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, Le Nemo Grill offered buffet breakfasts and lunches, à la carte dining, and themed evening dinners that kept every meal feeling fresh and different.

Themed evenings added another layer of fun. Valentine's Day featured heart-shaped macarons and extra sweet treats, while another evening celebrated cheese with an incredible selection that took over the entire buffet.

Beer and wine were included with lunch and dinner, featuring an excellent selection of local and European wines. Premium labels were also available for those wanting something extra special.

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Little Extras

It was often the smaller touches that elevated the experience.

Daily afternoon tea with sweet and savoury treats accompanied by live music.

Captain's Dinner and White Night celebrations.

Fun evening entertainment including casino nights, trivia and a Charlie Chaplin tribute.

Organised fitness classes were a great way to meet fellow travellers. One particularly fun option was the daily 2km circuit around the ship, where we almost formed a conga line behind the instructor's mobile speaker—usually playing Bob Marley. Along the way we explored behind-the-scenes areas normally off limits, including the Zodiac storage area, while waving to crew members who happily waved back. The onboard dancers also doubled as fitness instructors, leading enjoyable Pilates and stretching classes.

An excellent enrichment programme, with expert naturalists delivering engaging lectures that made every landing even more meaningful.

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Final Thoughts

Le Jacques Cartier delivers exactly what many travellers are looking for—a true expedition cruise without compromising on comfort.

The ship feels intimate yet sophisticated, the expedition programme is authentic and enriching, and the service is polished without ever feeling overly formal. Whether you're climbing volcanoes, visiting remote villages, learning from onboard experts or simply enjoying a cocktail on deck beneath a full moon, every day offers something special.

For travellers seeking genuine adventure paired with boutique luxury, Le Jacques Cartier is an exceptional choice.

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