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Cruise Length
17 Days
Cruise Starts
Darwin
Cruise Finishes
Cairns
Ship
Ship Class
Ponant Explorers
Passengers
184
Crew
118
Launched
2018
Cruise Code
DRWCNS16
Overview
Ponant invites you to embark on board Le Soléal for a brand-new 17-day tropical expedition cruise to discover the sublime natural landscapes of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. From Darwin, you will be sailing in the Maluku Islands, dubbed the "Spice Islands". You will discover Banda Neira, shaped by Dutch and Portuguese influences. Then, you will sail to the heart of Triton Bay. Located within a protected marine environment in the middle of the Coral Triangle, you will enjoy an unforgettable Zodiac® cruise through the spectacular rainforest capped karst islands.
Le Soléal...read more will continue to sail in the Indonesian province of West Papua to allow you to admire the superb natural site of Kitikiti Waterfall where you could enjoy a swim or snorkel surrounded by lush nature, both on land and under water. As you voyage across Western New Guinea you will experience the spectacular Cenderawasih Bay, with an unforgettable opportunity to swim with whale sharks.
Your ship will then set sail for Papua New Guinea, a fascinating land that is home to no fewer than 700 ethnic groups within a highly diverse yet mainly unexplored, ecosystem. In the village of Kopar, situated at the mouth of the Sepik River, you will be welcomed with cultural performances and will witness life in a traditional village.
Your call at Tufi, will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your voyage. You will fall under the charm of this picturesque region, dubbed the "Scandinavia of the Tropics", with its deep fiords or locally known 'rias' formed through volcanic activity. In this unique setting the local Papuan tribes will share their customs, beliefs and artwork with you.You will then head north along the coast to Madang, nicknamed "the most beautiful city in the South Pacific".
Within this attractive province with great geographical diversity, 170 different languages are spoken.Your call at Tufi will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your voyage. Dubbed the "Scandinavia of the Tropics", you will be charmed by the picturesque vista of Fjords and lush mangrove forests where you will be welcomed by Papuan tribes keen to share their culture and art with you. The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Le Soléal...read more will continue to sail in the Indonesian province of West Papua to allow you to admire the superb natural site of Kitikiti Waterfall where you could enjoy a swim or snorkel surrounded by lush nature, both on land and under water. As you voyage across Western New Guinea you will experience the spectacular Cenderawasih Bay, with an unforgettable opportunity to swim with whale sharks.
Your ship will then set sail for Papua New Guinea, a fascinating land that is home to no fewer than 700 ethnic groups within a highly diverse yet mainly unexplored, ecosystem. In the village of Kopar, situated at the mouth of the Sepik River, you will be welcomed with cultural performances and will witness life in a traditional village.
Your call at Tufi, will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your voyage. You will fall under the charm of this picturesque region, dubbed the "Scandinavia of the Tropics", with its deep fiords or locally known 'rias' formed through volcanic activity. In this unique setting the local Papuan tribes will share their customs, beliefs and artwork with you.You will then head north along the coast to Madang, nicknamed "the most beautiful city in the South Pacific".
Within this attractive province with great geographical diversity, 170 different languages are spoken.Your call at Tufi will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your voyage. Dubbed the "Scandinavia of the Tropics", you will be charmed by the picturesque vista of Fjords and lush mangrove forests where you will be welcomed by Papuan tribes keen to share their culture and art with you. The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Cruise Itinerary
Arrive
Depart
Day 1: Darwin
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17:00
Day 2: Cruising At Sea
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Day 3: Banda Neira, Maluku Islands
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Day 4: Triton Bay, West Papua
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Day 5: Kitikiti Waterfall, Mommon
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Day 6: Cruising At Sea
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Day 7: Cenderawasih Bay
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Day 8: Cenderawasih Bay
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Day 9: Cruising At Sea
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Day 10: Jayapura, Papua
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Day 11: Kopar
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Day 12: Madang
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Day 13: Tami Islands
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Day 14: Tufi
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Day 15: Alotau
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Day 16: Cruising At Sea
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Day 17: Cairns
07:30
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Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Transfers to and/or from the ship port may be required.
Life Onboard Le Laperouse
Le Lapérouse
Named after the French explorer, Le Lapérouse offers luxury expeditions to the corners of the earth. Read more
Expedition Comfort
Enjoy 24 hour room service and luxury amenities in your ocean facing accommodation. Read more
Infinity Pool Days
Watch the ocean pass by from the infinity pool and bask in warmth of the solarium. Read more
Inside The Blue Eye
Have a multi-sensory experience as you sip a cocktail in the chic underwater lounge. Read more
The Adjustable Marina
A sundeck on sea days or a water sports platform, the innovative marina adds more to life onboard. Read more
Relaxed Dining Settings
Dine inside or out in the main restaurant where French gastronomy and service will impress. Read more
Le Laperouse Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Le Laperouse' Reviews
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One of the best holidays we have ever done Expensive, yes but you get what you pay for in the end This was 6* cruising at its best. The daily and at times twice daily zodiac excursions were special and led by well informed guides all of whom had professional qualifications in a relevant field.
Food was of the highest standard an the open bar well ...read more stocked to meet all tastes. Don't worry too much about formal gear, a sports coat and a colourful dress are all that is required on the two gala nights. On the other nights, slacks and polo are fine.
We helicoptered to Mitchell Falls which again was expensive but well worth it. Forget about the Horizontal Falls boat ride. Those that went were very dissatisfied as the most exciting of the two Falls is now closed due to a boating accident. I've seen more challenging wave sets in Moreton Bay. Overall 11/10 from us and very highly recommended
Food was of the highest standard an the open bar well ...read more stocked to meet all tastes. Don't worry too much about formal gear, a sports coat and a colourful dress are all that is required on the two gala nights. On the other nights, slacks and polo are fine.
We helicoptered to Mitchell Falls which again was expensive but well worth it. Forget about the Horizontal Falls boat ride. Those that went were very dissatisfied as the most exciting of the two Falls is now closed due to a boating accident. I've seen more challenging wave sets in Moreton Bay. Overall 11/10 from us and very highly recommended
Brochure
Ponant Pacific Islands (2024)
Discover Ponant's range of exceptional voyages aboard the freshly-renovated Le Paul Gauguin in 2024, exploring the magic of Polynesia and the South Pacific Islands.
Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Ponant. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Ponant. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Ponant. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Ponant. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
