An Escapade in the Heart of Melanesia Luxury Cruise
Fall under the spell of Melanesia, a vast South Pacific island world where nature and ancestral cultures find powerful expression. In Papua New Guinea, the deep forest and jagged landscapes are home to various communities, the heirs to age-old traditions. Further east, the Solomon Islands unveil their luxuriant scenery around Honiara, with verdant hills and shores brimming with history. Vanuatu extends this immersion with its volcanic islands and deep bays. On the island of Espiritu Santo, Luganville offers an authentic island atmosphere, a gateway to preserved landscapes, before Champagne Beach reveals itself between expanses of white sand and turquoise water. Not far away, the enchanting Mystery Island, with its captivating lagoons and immaculate beaches, promises a tropical haven where nature and serenity come together.
Highlights
• A cruise into the heart of the South Pacific’s most beautiful archipelagos, discovering five countries: Australia, Papua New Guinea, the Salomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji.
• A new port of call in Port-Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, in the very heart of a magical, unspoilt nature.
• A gentle escapade aboard the Paul Gauguin, an expert in the destination, with an international and friendly atmosphere.
• From Espiritu Santo, don’t miss the unique performance from the ‘water music women’.
• The Solomon Islands, secret destination in the South Pacific and a real tropical Eden.
• Possibility of diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board.
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Deluxe Stateroom
Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
Deluxe Suite Deck 5
Deluxe Suite Deck 3
Deluxe Suite Deck 4
Deluxe Suite Deck 6
Prestige Suite Deck 5
Prestige Suite Deck 6
Privilege Suite Deck 5
Privilege Suite Deck 6
Grand Deluxe Suite
Owner's Suite
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PORTHOLE STATEROOM
WINDOW STATEROOM
BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 6
BALCONY STATEROOM DECK 6
BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 7
Balcony Stateroom S Deck 7
VERANDA STATEROOM
VERANDA SUITE
GRAND SUITE
OWNER'S SUITE
Vessel Type: Luxury
Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins
Built: 2018/2019
Le Jacques Cartier is the newest vessel in the PONANT Explorers series, blending contemporary French elegance with cutting-edge design and technology. Accommodating just 184 guests across 92 stylish staterooms and suites, the ship offers an intimate and refined cruising experience. Its sophisticated interiors feature open spaces filled with natural light, seamlessly connecting guests to the sea and surrounding landscapes. Expansive lounges, a theatre, and a swimming pool create inviting social areas, while the marina platform allows effortless access to Zodiac excursions and water activities.
On board, Le Jacques Cartier embodies the essence of French art de vivre through exceptional gastronomy, fine wines, and attentive service. Wellness facilities provide a sanctuary for relaxation, complementing days of discovery and exploration. Built with the latest environmental innovations, the ship reflects PONANT’s commitment to responsible and sustainable cruising. Whether sailing through tropical islands, ancient coastlines, or polar waters, Le Jacques Cartier delivers a journey defined by comfort, culture, and connection to the natural world.
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 504 feet / 153.6 meters
Passenger Capacity: 330
Paul Gauguin operates as a dedicated South Pacific specialist, built around warm ambience, relaxed sophistication and immersion in Polynesian culture. Its shallow draft allows close access to lagoons, reefs and sheltered anchorages that larger ships cannot reach, anchoring the experience in the region’s landscapes and traditions. Interiors emphasise openness to the horizon, with lounges, promenades and a marina platform creating steady contact with the outdoors. Daily life centres on gastronomy influenced by both French culinary tradition and local flavours, unhurried social spaces, and a calm, international atmosphere that supports easy movement between relaxation and exploration.
The ship carries a maximum of 330 guests across 165 staterooms and suites, balancing intimacy with facilities suited to tropical cruising. Accommodation ranges from porthole staterooms to large owner’s suites, all designed for comfort during long days in the islands. A marina at the stern supports water-based activities, and the Moana Explorer programme adds structured discovery for younger travellers. Combined with attentive crew and region-specific expertise, Paul Gauguin provides a focused, quietly refined platform for exploring the Pacific with consistent proximity to its lagoons, culture and natural rhythms.
Special Offers
Online prices reflect the current brochure fare savings of up to 30%. Prices may change based on demand. Terms and conditions apply. This special offer is subject to availability. Please contact us for more details.
Inclusions
• Accommodation in stateroom
• The full meal plan
• The Open Bar: beginning with boarding, and during the duration of the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served on request and at any time of the day. Certain premium alcoholic beverages on the menu are not included in the Open Bar
• Free Wi-Fi internet access 24 hours a day*
• Activities offered during expedition cruises
• Access to all the common areas on board our sister ships and Ponant Explorers: fitness room, steam room, hair salon, swimming pool (sea water, heated), solarium, lounges, theater, boutique & leisure area
Exclusions
• Flights other than those mentioned in the itinerary
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Premium beverages package (Can be purchased on board)
• Optional Excursions where applicable
• Spa treatments on board
• Pre and post cruise accommodation unless otherwise stated
• Transfers unless specified
• Gratuities
Luxury Expedition
Our Associates Include
