East China Sea, Taiwan & the Philippines: Shanghai and Manila
French elegance and the spirit of discovery aboard Le Jacques Cartier
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Busan to Manila
This 12-night voyage aboard Le Jacques-Cartier links South Korea via China and the Ryukyu Islands with Taiwan and the Philippines. The Explorer-class ship for 184 guests offers the Blue Eye underwater lounge, 16 Zodiacs and a marina, with premium all-inclusive Ponant service. The route follows a culturally rich line through the East China Sea with calls in four countries. Shanghai, Naha and Kaohsiung each set their own cultural accents.
Route highlights
- Busan: South Korea's second-largest city on the Pacific as the starting point, with a harbour market and temples.
- Shanghai: China's economic metropolis on the Huangpu with the Bund and the Pudong skyline.
- Naha: Capital of Okinawa with the UNESCO-listed Shuri Castle and Ryukyu culture.
- Miyako-jima: A subtropical island of the Ryukyu chain with coral beaches.
- Keelung: Northern Taiwan's main port as the gateway to the capital Taipei.
- Kaohsiung: Southern Taiwan's harbour metropolis with the Liuhe night market and Lotus Pond.
- Manila: Philippine capital with the historic Intramuros district as the destination.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2028 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
Busan
12 nights
Manila
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Busan · Embarkation
Busan is South Korea's second-largest city and its most important port. Jagalchi Fish Market, the colourful Gamcheon district (Korea's "Machu Picchu") and the Beomeosa temple complex in the Geumjeongsan mountains showcase its maritime and Buddhist heritage.
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At sea
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Shanghai
Shanghai is the most modern face of China: the Bund with its neoclassical colonial buildings and the Pudong skyline with the Oriental Pearl Tower are mirrored in the Huangpu River. The Old Town of Yuyuan (Yu Garden) and the French Concession offer contrasting historical insights.
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At sea
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Naha, Okinawa
Naha is the capital of Japan's Okinawa Prefecture on the main island in the East China Sea. Shuri Castle was once the seat of the Ryūkyū Kingdom and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage; the busy Kokusai-dōri shopping street and the traditional Tsuboya pottery quarter shape Okinawa's subtropical lifestyle today.
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Miyakojima
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Keelung (Chilung)
Keelung is a major port city in northern Taiwan and the gateway to Taipei. The bustling Miaokou night market and the nearby Yehliu Geopark with its bizarre rock formations are popular sights.
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Kaohsiung
Taiwan's second-largest city on the subtropical south-west coast, with one of Asia's foremost container ports. A modern harbour district of art centres along the Love River contrasts with old temples and the Lotus Pond of Zuoying.
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Batanes
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Claveria
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Hundred-Islands-Nationalpark
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Manila · Disembarkation
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.
In Asia, Le Jacques Cartier links the Indonesian island world with the coasts of Japan and Vietnam - cultural diversity, accompanied by the expedition team.
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 | € 9.450 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 9.950 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 10.240 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 10.640 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 | € 14.270 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 | € 14.270 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 | € 14.270 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 14.270 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite | € 15.350 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite | € 15.840 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 | € 16.240 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 | € 16.240 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 16.720 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite | € 21.380 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.06.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
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. 12 nights from EUR 9.450 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.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
