Australia and New Zealand: Cairns and Dunedin
Ocean Cruise: Cairns to Dunedin
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Cairns to Dunedin
This nine-night ocean crossing aboard Le Soléal links Cairns in Queensland with Dunedin on New Zealand's South Island. The voyage is designed as a pure sea-day passage: the Coral Sea and Tasman Sea become a vast, undisturbed observation stage. Expedition team lectures on oceanography, weather and bird migration structure the days. On board, the service standards of the Ponant Classic sisterships take centre stage, with just 184 guests, French-influenced cuisine and premium all-inclusive. This leg is well suited to travellers who enjoy the act of voyaging itself.
Route highlights
- Cairns: Embarkation at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
- Coral Sea: Sea days in one of the great oceanic areas of the South Pacific.
- Tasman Sea: Albatrosses, petrels and, with luck, whale sightings.
- On-board programme: Lectures, yacht club lounge and open-air pool along the route.
- Dunedin: Disembarkation in the Scottish-flavoured city of the South Island, gateway to the Otago Peninsula with its royal albatross colony.
The Route
Cairns
9 nights
Dunedin
-
Cairns · Embarkation
Cairns lies in the tropical north of Queensland and is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. The harbour on Trinity Inlet offers day trips to the offshore reefs, while the car-free Esplanade Lagoon focuses the city's waterfront life.
-
At sea
-
Dunedin · Disembarkation
Destination
Le Soléal
Le Soléal has sailed as the third ship of the Odyssée class since 2013. 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, French hospitality. Her name refers to the solar wind - and indeed Le Soléal has her finest moments in light: midnight sun, southern lights, sunsets over the sea.
Off Australia, Le Soléal sails along the Kimberley coast and to the islands of the Torres Strait - expedition routes in one of the earth's last unspoilt coastal 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 Soléal
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Stateroom - PONT 3 | € 3.100 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Stateroom - PONT 3 | € 3.320 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - PONT 4 | € 3.470 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - PONT 5 | € 3.570 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - PONT 6 | € 3.690 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - PONT 6 | € 4.870 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 5.220 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 5.370 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - PONT 6 | € 5.630 | On request | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
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. 9 nights from EUR 2.770 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Soléal?
A maximum of 264 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.
