Society Islands, Tuamotus & Marquesas: Moorea and Nuku Hiva
Pure South Seas: Marquesas and Tuamotu
When the sun sinks into the sea and steeps the sky in colours no evening repeats.
Interested in this voyage?
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French Polynesia from/to Papeete
This round trip from Papeete spends fourteen nights travelling from the Society Islands via the Tuamotu atoll of Rangiroa deep into the Marquesas group. Le Jacques Cartier, carrying just 184 guests, reaches secluded bays that remain closed to larger ships, and the sixteen Zodiacs take you to the reef or to lonely beaches. In the Blue Eye underwater lounge the coral life beneath the hull can be observed at close range. The Marquesas fascinate with rugged volcanic landscapes, Polynesian tiki culture and the famous Baie des Vierges on Fatu Hiva.
Route highlights
- Papeete: Capital of French Polynesia on Tahiti, departure point for a voyage through two island groups.
- Moorea: Volcanic island with Cooks Bay and Opunohu Bay, framed by steep, green-clad peaks.
- Rangiroa: One of the world's largest atolls, known for its lagoon and coral passes.
- Ua Pou: Marquesan island marked by phonolite spires rising like towers from the jungle.
- Nuku Hiva: Largest of the Marquesas, with the wide bay of Taiohae and the valley of Hatiheu.
- Hiva Oa: Home to the Calvaire cemetery with the graves of Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel.
- Fatu Hiva: With Hanavave and Omoa, two bays on the Baie des Vierges, one of the most beautiful landscapes in Polynesia.
- Fakarava: UNESCO biosphere reserve in the Tuamotu Archipelago, with clear passes and a rich underwater world.
The Route
Papeete
14 nights
Papeete
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Papeete, Tahiti · Embarkation
The capital of Tahiti on the north-west coast of the main island of French Polynesia is the gateway to the South Seas. It combines a colourful market scene at the Marché de Pape'ete with pearl jewellery boutiques, creole cafés and the harbourside roulottes food stalls. Papeete is the start and end point of almost every Polynesia cruise.
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Moorea
Just 17 kilometres off Tahiti lies Moorea - jagged volcanic peaks, turquoise lagoons and white coral reefs sit closer together here than anywhere else in the South Seas. Cook's Bay (Baie de Cook) and Opunohu Bay are among the finest natural settings in Polynesia.
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Makatea, Tuamotu-Archipel
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Rangiroa, Tuamotu-Archipel
Rangiroa is one of the largest atolls in the world and belongs to the Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia. Its crystal-clear lagoon and the famous Tiputa and Avatoru passes are among the finest dive sites in the South Pacific.
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At sea
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Taiohae, Nuku Hiva
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Hatiheu, Nuku Hiva
On the north coast of the Marquesas island of Nuku Hiva in French Polynesia lies the village of Hatiheu in a striking amphitheatre bay. A Madonna statue watches over the village from a 300-metre basalt spire, surrounded by the extensive Kamuihei archaeological tiki sites with the largest stone figures in the archipelago.
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Hakahetau, Insel Ua Pou
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Ua Huka (Marquesas)
Ua Huka belongs to the Marquesas archipelago in the north-east of French Polynesia, around 1,500 kilometres from Tahiti. The arid volcanic island is known for its wood-carving tradition, free-roaming horses and important archaeological tiki sites in its fertile valleys.
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Puama'u, Hiva Oa
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Atuona, Hiva Oa
Atuona is the main settlement of the Marquesan island of Hiva Oa in French Polynesia and the final home of the painter Paul Gauguin and the singer Jacques Brel, both buried in the Calvaire cemetery. The jagged green peaks above Tahauku Bay rank among the most dramatic island settings in the Pacific.
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Omoa, Fatu Hiva
Omoa is the main village of Fatu Hiva in the Marquesas Islands, set picturesquely in a deep bay. The settlement is renowned for its tapa art, made from the inner bark of native trees.
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Kreuzen in der Bay of Virgins
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Hapatoni, Tahuata
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At sea
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Fakarava, Tuamotu-Archipel
Fakarava is the second largest atoll of the Tuamotu Islands in French Polynesia and is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Its southern pass at Tetamanu is world-famous for diving amid large shoals of sharks.
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Papeete, Tahiti · 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.
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 | € 12.140 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 13.430 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 14.080 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 14.850 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 | € 20.550 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 | € 20.550 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 | € 20.550 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 20.550 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite | € 27.680 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite | € 29.090 | On request | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 | € 30.520 | On request | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 | € 30.520 | On request | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 33.490 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite | € 35.180 | 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. 14 nights from EUR 11.620 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.
