Study Voyage: Lesser Sunda Islands, Moluccas & Australia
With French elegance and the spirit of discovery aboard Le Jacques Cartier
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Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Tanjung Benoa → Darwin
Eleven nights through the heart of eastern Indonesia, from Bali to Darwin, aboard Le Jacques Cartier with Smithsonian Journeys experts. Komodo dragons, the coral reefs of the Banda Sea and the historic Spice Islands combine into a richly layered journey. The 184-guest Ponant Explorer-class vessel uses 16 Zodiacs and the marina to reach bays that larger ships cannot. The Blue Eye underwater lounge shows its strengths in the reef-rich Wakatobi and Triton Bay area. Smithsonian lectures on board cover volcanology, spice-trade history and coral ecology. Premium all-inclusive throughout.
Route highlights
- Tanjung Benoa: harbour peninsula in southern Bali, a warm island opening with temple-rich hinterland.
- Komodo: UNESCO national park, home of the Komodo dragon and of tropical coral gardens.
- Maumere: bay on Flores, gateway to volcanic highlands and ikat-weaving villages.
- Banda Neira: historic nutmeg island, for centuries the focus of the European spice race between Portugal, the Netherlands and England.
- Kitikiti Waterfall: spectacular tropical waterfall in West Papua tumbling straight into the sea, well visible from the Zodiacs.
- Triton Bay: world-class reef near Raja Ampat with an unusually high number of endemic species.
- Kei Islands: white-sand beaches and welcoming village communities, the final call before the crossing to Darwin.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Tanjung Benoa
11 nights
Darwin
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Benoa, Bali · Embarkation
Benoa is the main port of the Indonesian island of Bali, located on a narrow peninsula south-east of the capital Denpasar. From here the Hindu temples of Tanah Lot and Uluwatu, the rice terraces of Jatiluwih and the artists' town of Ubud all make worthwhile day trips.
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Badas, Sumbawa
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Komodo-Nationalpark
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Maumere, Flores
On the northern coast of the Indonesian island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province lies Maumere as the main port of Sikka regency. The former mission centre with its Catholic majority is the starting point for trips to the famous three-coloured lakes of Mount Kelimutu and to traditional ikat-weaving villages of the Sikka people.
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Kalabahi, Alor
Capital of the Indonesian island of Alor in the eastern Lesser Sundas, set picturesquely in a deeply cut bay. Famous for its traditional Moko bronze drums and dive sites with strong currents and rare reef life.
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Barat-Daya-Inseln
The Barat Daya Islands are a remote Indonesian island group in the Banda Sea, east of Timor and west of the Tanimbar Islands. The region is one of the least visited in the world and home to rare birds of paradise and endemic reptiles.
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Banda Neira, Molukken
Banda Neira is the main town of the Indonesian Banda Islands in the Banda Sea, the original and for centuries the only source of nutmeg. In the 17th century the Portuguese, English and Dutch fought brutally over this spice monopoly, and the Dutch Fort Belgica still towers over the harbour.
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Kitikiti Waterfall, Mommon
Hidden waterfall in the remote Kimberley region of north-western Australia. The water plunges straight over a rock ledge into the King George River and can only be reached by zodiac or helicopter.
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Triton Bay, Westpapua
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Kei-Inseln, Molukken
Small archipelago in eastern Indonesia, part of the Maluku province between the Banda and Arafura Seas. The white sands of Pasir Panjang rank among the finest in Indonesia, while the interior is covered in tropical forest.
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At sea
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Darwin · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Tanjung Benoa
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 30 |
| Sea °C | 27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 20 | 20 | 40 | 90 | 220 | 260 | 280 | 290 | 300 | 270 | 120 | 50 |
| Season | dry | dry | dry | dry | wet | wet | wet | wet | wet | wet | wet | dry |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: South-east Asia (Singapore/Indochina)
Disembarkation: Darwin
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 26 | 26 | 25 | 22 | 19 | 17 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 25 |
| Sea °C | 23 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 22 |
| Rain mm | 100 | 115 | 130 | 125 | 120 | 130 | 100 | 80 | 70 | 75 | 85 | 78 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: South-east Australia (Sydney)
Le Jacques Cartier
Le Jacques Cartier entered service in 2020 as the fifth ship of the Explorer class. 184 guests, Blue Eye Lounge, state-of-the-art environmental technology. The ship benefits from all improvements Ponant has built into the class since 2018.
Off Australia, Le Jacques Cartier opens up the Kimberley coast and the Great Barrier Reef - expedition routes in spectacular natural landscapes.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Jacques Cartier
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom | € 10.626 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 11.696 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 12.226 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 12.866 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 | € 17.566 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 | € 17.566 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 | € 17.566 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 17.566 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite | € 23.426 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite | € 24.606 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 | € 25.776 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 | € 25.776 | On request | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 28.226 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite | € 29.616 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Vollpension an Bord: Frühstücksbuffet, französische Brasserie-Küche zum Mittagessen, mehrgängiges Abendessen
- Große Auswahl an Getränken in Markenqualität (Mineralwasser, Softdrinks, Wein, Bier, Champagner, Kaffee, Tee, ausgewählte Spirituosen)
- Inhalt der Minibar
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Ein Landausflug pro Person und Anlaufhafen
- Vorträge und Begleitung der Naturforscher und Lektoren an Bord
- Abendunterhaltung, Vorträge und Shows
- Zugang zu Fitnessbereich und Sauna
- Nicht-motorisierte Wassersport-Aktivitäten (Kajak, Stand-up-Paddle)
- Bei Expeditionsreisen: Zodiac-Anlandungen und Ausfahrten
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge, Bahn)
- Flughafentransfers
- Reiseversicherung
- Trinkgelder für Crew (übliche Empfehlung 8 bis 10 Euro pro Person und Tag)
- Premium-Spirituosen und ausgewählte Edel-Weine
- Zusätzliche, optionale Landausflüge
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Tauchgänge
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 11 nights from EUR 10.196 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Jacques Cartier?
A maximum of 184 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
For embarkation in Tanjung Benoa the best time to sail is November to April (dry season); for disembarkation in Darwin it is November to March (southern summer).
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
