Africa, Indian Ocean
Seychelles to Sri Lanka Luxury Expedition
The Indian Ocean is a huge expanse scattered with thousands of lush islets crowned with immaculate sand, inviting you on an unexpected, intriguing and captivating interlude. From the Seychelles to Sri Lanka via the Maldives, set off aboard Le Jacques-Cartier for an all-new 16-day expedition cruise, featuring wild untouched nature and a cultural mosaic of countless of scents and colours.
Victoria, on the island of Mahé in the Seychelles, will mark the starting point of your immersion into the heart of the Indian Ocean. In this veritable paradise, you will sail among the captivating archipelago’s most idyllic islets. Praslin and its splendid Vallée de Mai nature reserve, a natural sanctuary with biodiversity unlike anywhere else. Then, Aride Island, the northernmost in the Seychelles, floating on the ocean like a preserved paradise where thousands of endemic birds whirl around above the lush canopy. On Curieuse Island, the age-old Aldabra giant tortoises with their majestic gait are fascinating. Finally La Digue, the last port of call in the Seychelles, a playground for many underwater species that can be seen during diving sessions into the captivating abysses of the Indian Ocean.
You will continue to experience a sense of wonder in this tropical vastness as you follow the warm waters of the ocean. A sprinkling of islands lined with tall coconut trees, the Maldives will transport you into a marvellous world of 1,200 captivating islets and 19 atolls protected by coral reefs. Between ribbons of immaculate sand and crystal-clear waters, you will criss-cross atolls that are ranked among the most beautiful on the planet. Rasdhoo will amaze with its sublime lagoon where hammerhead sharks, turtles and colourful fish weave, flit and wind their way between the majestic coral surrounding the atoll; Baa and its sumptuous atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, edged by long sandy expanses. Both will plunge you into a palette of blue where the watchwords are ‘contemplation’ and ‘escape’.
Resembling a pearl from India, Sri Lanka will reveal its treasures. Here, the scents of cinnamon, cardamom and curry will ignite your senses; the monumental ochre-coloured temples will captivate; and the generosity of the inhabitants will fascinate. In Galle, the Old Town and its 18th-century fortifications, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bear witness to the Portuguese and Dutch heritage that still has a strong presence in the city’s little streets. From Hambantota, the Yala National Park unfolds before you. Exploring it will take you deep into vibrant nature, teeming with wild species: leopards, sloth bears, mongooses, monkeys, buffalos and more.
At the crossroads of the maritime trade between Europe and Asia, Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, will mark the end of this unique adventure, with its various colours and perfumes.
The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Victoria, on the island of Mahé in the Seychelles, will mark the starting point of your immersion into the heart of the Indian Ocean. In this veritable paradise, you will sail among the captivating archipelago’s most idyllic islets. Praslin and its splendid Vallée de Mai nature reserve, a natural sanctuary with biodiversity unlike anywhere else. Then, Aride Island, the northernmost in the Seychelles, floating on the ocean like a preserved paradise where thousands of endemic birds whirl around above the lush canopy. On Curieuse Island, the age-old Aldabra giant tortoises with their majestic gait are fascinating. Finally La Digue, the last port of call in the Seychelles, a playground for many underwater species that can be seen during diving sessions into the captivating abysses of the Indian Ocean.
You will continue to experience a sense of wonder in this tropical vastness as you follow the warm waters of the ocean. A sprinkling of islands lined with tall coconut trees, the Maldives will transport you into a marvellous world of 1,200 captivating islets and 19 atolls protected by coral reefs. Between ribbons of immaculate sand and crystal-clear waters, you will criss-cross atolls that are ranked among the most beautiful on the planet. Rasdhoo will amaze with its sublime lagoon where hammerhead sharks, turtles and colourful fish weave, flit and wind their way between the majestic coral surrounding the atoll; Baa and its sumptuous atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, edged by long sandy expanses. Both will plunge you into a palette of blue where the watchwords are ‘contemplation’ and ‘escape’.
Resembling a pearl from India, Sri Lanka will reveal its treasures. Here, the scents of cinnamon, cardamom and curry will ignite your senses; the monumental ochre-coloured temples will captivate; and the generosity of the inhabitants will fascinate. In Galle, the Old Town and its 18th-century fortifications, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bear witness to the Portuguese and Dutch heritage that still has a strong presence in the city’s little streets. From Hambantota, the Yala National Park unfolds before you. Exploring it will take you deep into vibrant nature, teeming with wild species: leopards, sloth bears, mongooses, monkeys, buffalos and more.
At the crossroads of the maritime trade between Europe and Asia, Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, will mark the end of this unique adventure, with its various colours and perfumes.
The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Discover Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles and also the largest of the archipelago, home to the capital, Victoria. Mahé has almost 70 beaches of fine sand, framed by the emblematic granite rocks, and whose crystal clear waters are renowned for their rich underwater life. The island is also famous for its splendid mountain panoramas accessible on hikes, such as the Morne Seychellois, which is 905 metres high and overlooks the Indian Ocean. Mahé is also an island full of history where fine colonial properties rub shoulders with Creole houses - and don’t forget the marvellous Botanical Gardens in Victoria.
Situated some forty kilometres away from Victoria, Praslin is the second largest island in the Seychelles. Its idyllic beaches where granite rocks nestle in immaculate sand correspond perfectly to how we imagine the Seychelles to be. They invite visitors to dive into the turquoise waters, which are ideal for snorkelling. In the centre of the island, hidden in the heart of a stunning tropical rainforest, lies the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this veritable plant sanctuary, several endemic species of palm trees can be observed, as well as the famous sea coconut, which can weigh up to 20 kg and is sometimes called “coco fesse” because its shape calls to mind a pair of buttocks.
Aride is an island in the Seychelles situated a few kilometres north-west of Praslin. Listed as a nature reserve, this pearl of the Indian Ocean will seduce you with the beauty of its landscapes of wild cliffs and fine-sand beaches. Protected from human impact and sometimes called “bird capital”, it is home to several endemic plants as well as exceptional wildlife. Most notably, it is the refuge of an impressive number of seabirds (Seychelles magpie-robins, terns, noddies, and more), and reptiles, such as Wright’s skinks, which can be found in the island’s wooded areas. Sea turtles can also be observed on the island’s beaches.
Situated off the coast of Praslin, Curieuse has a distinguishing feature: its red earth. Discovered in 1768 by the French explorer Marc-Joseph Marion du Fresne, it was ravaged by a fire in 1771 and then home to a leper colony of which a few vestiges still remain. Declared a national marine park in 1979, it is home to many underwater species, which can be discovered while scuba diving or snorkelling in the idyllic waters of the Indian Ocean. But above all, Curieuse is renowned for the hundreds of Aldabra giant tortoises that live there. It is highly likely that you will get the chance to meet these fascinating reptiles. Along with Praslin, it is also the only island on which the sea coconut grows wild.
La Digue Island is a veritable concentration of all the beauty of the Seychelles. Located 6 km south-east of Praslin, this small piece of land that looks like paradise is the third-largest island in the Seychelles, despite its modest size (5 km by 3 km)! Turquoise waters just asking you to swim in them, lush vegetation sheltering giant tortoises, beaches of fine sand fringed with coconut trees and surrounded with those emblematic large granite rocks with their pink highlights like at the famous Anse Source d’Argent: the perfect picture postcard… Authentic and preserved, the island follows a peaceful rhythm, with the only means of transport along its little roads being bikes or traditional oxcarts.
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Rasdhoo is one of the smallest atolls in the Maldives. Once occupied by Buddhist communities, the atoll is made up of five islands, two of which are uninhabited. Sitting at the heart of a stunning lagoon protected by a coral reef, this atoll is truly a paradise for lovers of the underwater world. It is an ideal location for scuba diving and snorkelling, offering the possibility of observing species that are emblematic of the Maldives, such as hammerhead sharks, rays, and turtles.
At the heart of the Indian Ocean, discover Baa Atoll in the Maldives. This exceptional site, listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2011, is a perfectly preserved tropical paradise. The fifty-odd islets that make up the atoll offer visitors long stretches of white sand and beaches with crystal-clear water, lined with palm trees. While snorkelling or scuba diving, you will have the chance to observe the magnificence of the marine life, which includes coral, whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles.
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Discover Galle, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest cities. Thanks to its commercial port, from which were exported spices and precious stones, Galle was once the country’s most major city. Colonised by the Portuguese and later by the Dutch, today it still bears traces of this colonial past. When your ship calls here, have a wander around the old town and its fortifications, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Built by the Portuguese at the end of the 16th century, they are perfectly preserved. To learn more about daily and rural life in Sri Lanka, do not miss the visit to the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum in Koggala, not far from Galle.
This large fishing harbour of Malay origin lies on the southern coast of the former Ceylon. Established between two lagoons, Hambantota is known for the presence of wild elephants, whose population represents 10% of the total number in the country. This abundant wildlife can be observed a few kilometres away, in Yala National Park, the second largest park in Sri Lanka. This wildlife sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to admire the myriad rare animals that live there. Sloth bears, mongooses, crocodiles, monkeys, and buffaloes live in this place where it is not uncommon to happen upon elegant leopards while out walking. The tropical rainforests are also a refuge for more than two hundred bird species. A veritable Eden for biodiversity and an extraordinary part of the world to explore.
A former trading post along the Silk Route, the old quarter of Colombo offers you the fabulous sight of its picturesque streets. The city was known to Arab, Persian and Chinese traders as early as the 8th century and this former village, nestled between two dunes, was a trading post on the mythical Spice Route. Today the economic capital of Sri Lanka, the city offers picture-postcard scenery with its beaches stretching languorously along the south-western coast of the country. Here the sand dazzles you and the sea invites you to dream...
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Deluxe Stateroom. From
$14,820 AUD pp
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.
Please Inquire for more Cabin Prices
Additional charges:
Port Taxes & Fees: USD pp
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.
Up to 30% Off - Ponant Bonus
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)
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
16 Days from
$14,820 AUD pp
Highlights
• An all-new cruise discovering the treasures of Sri Lanka and the magnificent idyllic islets with captivating underwater life of the Seychelles and the Maldives.• Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
• During snorkelling sessions, the opportunity to observe magnificent underwater scenery sheltering exceptional biodiversity: manta rays, Humphead wrasse, hammerhead sharks, marine turtles, coral and more.
• The Aride Island Nature Reserve, the jewel of Seychellois nature, with 73 hectares of colourful vegetation and more than a million birds.
• The red and bare lands of the Seychelles’ granitic island, Curieuse Island.
• The possibility of seeing the Aldabra giant tortoises on Aride and Curieuse Islands.
• Discovering Anse Source d’Argent, a famous beach surrounded by large granite blocks and fringed with coconut trees, on the island of La Digue.
• The Yala National Park, a nature sanctuary with abundant biodiversity reputed for sheltering one of the world’s largest leopard populations.
• From Hambantota, the opportunity to explore the Udawalawe National Park, where over 400 wild elephants roam in total freedom.
• Possibility of diving (Level 2 or CMAS 2-star diver or equivalent required) and snorkelling.
• Possibility of diving (PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board and of snorkelling with your expedition team.
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