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From the rias of Nagasaki Prefecture to the captivating coast of Kagoshima, the western part of the island of Kyushu is both surprising and captivating. During a brand-new 8-day expedition cruise aboard Le Jacques-Cartier, PONANT invites you to discover an unsuspected side of Japan, combining enchanting nature and unexpected Christian heritage, at the intersection of Western and Japanese traditions.

Departing from Kagoshima, a bustling city nestling between ancient forests and majestic volcanoes, Le Jacques-Cartier will set a southward course to reach the captivating, mountainous island of Yakushima, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. Providing an unspoiled natural setting for endemic species such as the Yakushima monkey and deer, the island is home to an exceptional natural environment featuring forests of ancient cedars, bewitching waterfalls, and majestic peaks.

Your trip will continue in the Koshikijima Islands. Aboard one of our inflatable dinghies, admire the raw and authentic beauty composed of monumental cliffs and huge rock formations dating back to the Cretaceous periodnearly 80 million years ago. You will be captivated by these landscapes unlike any other.

Between the Yatsushiro and Ariake seas, off the coast of Nagasaki, succumb to the charms of the island region of Amakusa, once the refuge of Christians fleeing the ban on Catholicism in the 17th century during the Edo period. In Sakitsu, you will have the privilege of immersing yourself in this ancestral heritage, particularly as you visit the emblematic UNESCO-listed church. Christian heritage can also be found further north, in the Goto Islands, on Kamigoto Island. Here, each small town bears traces of this influence that is still very much present, as evidenced by the many religious buildings dotting Kamigoto.

Further north, between South Korea and Fukuoka Prefecture, in the Tsushima Strait, a little-known island called Iki will reveal itself to you in a glorious setting of rock faces with verdant summits and heavenly beaches of fine sand. Considered one of the cradles of Shinto, the island boasts no fewer than 150 shrines scattered across these sacred and unspoiled lands.

Le Jacques-Cartier will sail westward to the volcanic island of Jeju in South Korea. Dominated by the majestic silhouette of the Hallasan volcano, the country’s tallest peak, this nature sanctuary reveals its most beautiful treasures: steep cliffs with emerald and ashen reflections, monumental waterfalls, bewitching virgin forests, long stretches of tea plantations, and more.

For the grand finale, your cruise will end in Fukuoka, a modern city with a rich cultural and historical heritage.

Day 1 KAGOSHIMA

The seaside city of Kagoshima, at the south of Kyushu Island, ﾠis best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano that faces Kinko Bay. A visit to this busy metropolis will remind you just how much the volcano is part of the inhabitants' everyday life: in the wake of the almost daily eruptions, a delicate layer of ash settles on everything. The top of a buried torii (traditional Japanese gate) measuring three metres that was 'swallowed up' by a giant lava flow in 1914 can still be seen. The power of nature will send a shiver down your spine.

Day 2 YAKUSHIMA

A splendid sub-tropical, mountainous island listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, Yakushima is one of the most beautiful islands in the Japanese archipelago. Its extensive yakusugi forest contains some of Japanﾒs oldest living trees ﾖ cedars that are over 1000 metres tall and up to 7,000 years old. The Senpiro and Toroki waterfalls, each one several dozens of metres high, are equally impressive. A feast for the eyes.

Day 3 KOSHIKIJIMA ISLANDS

Off the western coastlines of Kagoshima Prefecture, the rocky and green islets called the Koshikijima Islands rise like a mirage from the East China Sea. Aboard our Zodiac dinghies, you will reach the three islands that make up the archipelago: Kamikoshikishima, Nakakoshikishima and Shimokoshikishima. You will be captivated by the raw and authentic beauty of this environment, featuring monumental cliffs and huge rock formations that date back to the Cretaceous periodor nearly 80 million years. During hikes, you will be lucky enough to discover these unique and striking landscapes. An interlude where time may stand still.

Day 4 AMAKUSA REGION

Facing the mythical island of Kyushu, between the Yatsushiro and Ariake seas, the island region of Amakusa both surprises and captivates. Composed of some one hundred verdant islets surrounded by stunning seabeds, the Japanese archipelago was once a refuge for many Christians fleeing the ban on Catholicism in the 17th century during the Edo period. Christian heritage can be found in every village in the region. In Sakitsu, a charming fishing port, immerse yourself in this Christian heritage, particularly when you visit the emblematic church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 5 KAMIGOTO

Representing a little-known, distant, almost abandoned Japan at the western tip of the island of Kyushu, to the west of the China Sea, Kamigoto Island recounts the unexpected history of the Empire of the Rising Sun. A refuge for Christians fleeing the prohibition of practising their Catholic faith in the 17th century under the Edo era, each village bears traces of this influence that is still very much present, as evidenced by the many religious buildings dotting the island. Famous for its lush and preserved nature, featuring tropical forests and jagged shores, Kamigoto boasts natural treasures such as Hamaguri beach, an aquatic paradise of fine sand surrounded by turquoise waters and encircled by bewitching green peaks.

Day 6 IKI ISLAND

A lush islet between Fukuoka Bay and the captivating island of Tsushima, Iki is a real paradise on earth. Fall under the spell of this natural and mineral beauty composed of rock faces covered with a verdant coat, small heavenly beaches and granite cliffs in hues of ochre. In addition to showing you its exceptional environment, this timeless journey will take you to discover traditional Japan. Considered one of the cradles of Shintoism, the island boasts no fewer than 150 shrines scattered across these sacred and unspoiled lands.

Day 7 JEJU

Jeju is an island like no other. Anchored off the South Korean coastlines, this volcanic island will provide you with a natural spectacle of magical beauty. Dominated by the majestic silhouette of the Hallasan volcano, the country’s tallest peak, this nature sanctuary with its thousand and one geological riches reveals its most beautiful treasures, with volcanic cones spread all over the island, steep cliffs with emerald and ashen reflections, monumental waterfalls, bewitching virgin forests, long stretches of tea plantations and lava tubes that are some of the longest in the world.

Day 8 FUKUOKA

At the northern tip of the subtropical island of Kyūshū, Fukuoka stands proudly at the centre of a veritable natural setting, between lush mountains and the crystal-clear and calm waters of Hakata Bay. A modern city and high-tech hub, which has earned it the nickame of the Japanese “Silicon Valley” in particular, the seventh town in Japan stands out for its rich cultural and historical heritage. Promoted as one of the nerve centres of maritime trade from the 15th century onward, it experienced long decades of prosperity. A period of splendour which, among other things, saw the construction of many spiritual buildings, including the Sumiyoshi-jinja shrine and the Tochoji temple, as well as its emblematic Maizuru Castle, erected in the 17th century.

Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

20 April, 2024 to 27 April, 2024
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DELUXE STATEROOM

$11,300 AUD pp
DELUXE STATEROOM
Area : 19 m² Capacity : up to 2 guests per stateroom Private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod(TM) players Video on demand Safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet acces wifi.

PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 4

$12,610 AUD pp
PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 4
Area : 19 m² Capacity : up to 2 guests per stateroom Private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod(TM) players Video on demand Safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet acces wifi 2 staterooms of 27 5 m² with a private balcony of 6 m² for people with reduced mobility.

PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 5

$13,260 AUD pp
PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 5
Area : 19 m² Capacity : up to 2 guests per stateroom Private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod(TM) players Video on demand Safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet acces wifi 2 staterooms of 27 5 m² with a private balcony of 6 m² for people with reduced mobility.

PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 6

$14,060 AUD pp
PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 6
Area : 19 m² Capacity : up to 2 guests per stateroom Private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod(TM) players Video on demand Safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet acces wifi 2 staterooms of 27 5 m² with a private balcony of 6 m² for people with reduced mobility.

DELUXE SUITE

$19,860 AUD pp
DELUXE SUITE
Area : 27 m² Capacity : up to 3 guests per stateroom Private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds 1 sofa Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod(TM) players Video on demand Safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet acces wifi.

PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 5

$27,100 AUD pp
PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 5
Area : 38 m² Capacity : up to 4 guests per stateroom Private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds 1 tall sofa Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod(TM) players Video on demand Safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet access wifi Butler service.

PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 6

$28,540 AUD pp
PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 6
Area : 38 m² Capacity : up to 4 guests per stateroom Private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds 1 tall sofa Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod(TM) players Video on demand Safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet access wifi Butler service.

PRIVILEGE SUITE

$30,000 AUD pp
PRIVILEGE SUITE
Area : 32 m² Capacity : up to 3 guests per stateroom Private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds 1 sofa Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod(TM) players Video on demand Safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet access wifi Butler service.

GRAND DELUXE SUITE

$33,020 AUD pp
GRAND DELUXE SUITE
Area : 45 m² Capacity : up to 2 guests per stateroom 40m² private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds Bathtub Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod(TM) players Video on demand Safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet acces wifi Butler service.

OWNER'S SUITE

$34,740 AUD pp
OWNER'S SUITE
Area : 45 m² Capacity : up to 2 guests per stateroom 30m2 private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds Shower & Bathtub + Jacuzzi on terrace Minibar Flat screen satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod(TM) players Video on demand safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet acces wifi Butler service 1 private transfer (round trip): Airport - Hotel - Port 1 free hour of Spa treatments

27 April, 2024 to 04 May, 2024(reverse)
ship icon Le Jacques Cartier
Book now

DELUXE STATEROOM

$11,300 AUD pp
DELUXE STATEROOM
Area : 19 m² Capacity : up to 2 guests per stateroom Private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod(TM) players Video on demand Safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet acces wifi.

PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 4

$12,610 AUD pp
PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 4
Area : 19 m² Capacity : up to 2 guests per stateroom Private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod(TM) players Video on demand Safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet acces wifi 2 staterooms of 27 5 m² with a private balcony of 6 m² for people with reduced mobility.

PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 5

$13,260 AUD pp
PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 5
Area : 19 m² Capacity : up to 2 guests per stateroom Private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod(TM) players Video on demand Safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet acces wifi 2 staterooms of 27 5 m² with a private balcony of 6 m² for people with reduced mobility.

PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 6

$14,060 AUD pp
PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 6
Area : 19 m² Capacity : up to 2 guests per stateroom Private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod(TM) players Video on demand Safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet acces wifi 2 staterooms of 27 5 m² with a private balcony of 6 m² for people with reduced mobility.

DELUXE SUITE

$19,860 AUD pp
DELUXE SUITE
Area : 27 m² Capacity : up to 3 guests per stateroom Private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds 1 sofa Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod(TM) players Video on demand Safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet acces wifi.

PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 5

$27,100 AUD pp
PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 5
Area : 38 m² Capacity : up to 4 guests per stateroom Private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds 1 tall sofa Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod(TM) players Video on demand Safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet access wifi Butler service.

PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 6

$28,540 AUD pp
PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 6
Area : 38 m² Capacity : up to 4 guests per stateroom Private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds 1 tall sofa Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod(TM) players Video on demand Safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet access wifi Butler service.

PRIVILEGE SUITE

$30,000 AUD pp
PRIVILEGE SUITE
Area : 32 m² Capacity : up to 3 guests per stateroom Private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds 1 sofa Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod(TM) players Video on demand Safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet access wifi Butler service.

GRAND DELUXE SUITE

$33,020 AUD pp
GRAND DELUXE SUITE
Area : 45 m² Capacity : up to 2 guests per stateroom 40m² private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds Bathtub Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod(TM) players Video on demand Safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet acces wifi Butler service.

OWNER'S SUITE

$34,740 AUD pp
OWNER'S SUITE
Area : 45 m² Capacity : up to 2 guests per stateroom 30m2 private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds Shower & Bathtub + Jacuzzi on terrace Minibar Flat screen satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod(TM) players Video on demand safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet acces wifi Butler service 1 private transfer (round trip): Airport - Hotel - Port 1 free hour of Spa treatments

Additional charges:

Port Taxes and Fees: 520 AUD pp

Le Jacques Cartier

Vessel Type: Luxury

Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins

Built: 2018/2019

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.

As the sixth ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Jacques Cartier will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.

Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.

Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.

RESTAURANTS

As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship.

To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals.

In a relaxed atmosphere, an outdoor grill on Deck 3 will serve grilled meats with a variety of salads and desserts.

PUBLIC AREAS

 Le Jacques Cartier has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger.

A 140 m² reception area includes:

A reception/concierge desk,

An excursions desk,

The ship’s administrative services,

The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer,

Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories,

Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility.

A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides:  

Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship,

Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions,

Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding.

A pool deck offering:

A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system,

A pleasant solarium,

An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas.

A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening.

Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with:

The latest sound and lighting technology,

A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Cabin layout for Le Jacques Cartier

Special Offers

Up to 30% OFF! Prices online do not show the discounted rates. Terms and Conditions apply, special offer is subject to availability, please contact us for more details.

Inclusions


• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board
• Non-alcoholic and Alcoholic beverages included (Excluding Premium Brands)
• Free wifi (Subject to coverage)
• Expedition cruises include excursions and zodiac cruises
• Some shore excursions are included, depending on the voyage destination

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
Le Jacques Cartier
Japan Luxury ExpeditionLuxury Expedition
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8 Days from
$11,300 AUD pp
Map for Kyushu's Secret Islands and Ancestral Heritage

Highlights

• A brand-new cruise to discover the western part of the island of Kyushu, combining enchanting nature and unexpected Christian heritage, at the intersection of Western and Japanese traditions.

• UNESCO sites: “the hidden Christian sites in the Nagasaki region”, in Sakitsu and Kamigoto, Yakushima Island.

• Brand-new ports of call in the Koshikijima Islands, on Kamigoto, Iki and Jeju, and in the island region of Amakusa.

• Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.

• The discovery of Japan’s Christian history, a religion banned for three centuries during the Edo period.

• Sakitsu, a picturesque village of preachers and the only Christian site in Kumamoto Prefecture.

• A stop on Jeju Island in South Korea, a lush sanctuary with multiple natural treasures.

• The island of Yakushima, a nature sanctuary home to endemic species such as the Yakushima monkey and deer.

• The landscapes: steep cliffs, monumental waterfalls, bewitching virgin forests, long stretches of tea plantations, geological formations, verdant peaks.

• Gain an insight into the history, culture and the diversity of flora and fauna from your expert expedition team.
Enquire Now

or call us on

NZ Freephone
0800 945 3327

AUS Freephone
1800 107 715

to help you make your reservation

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