Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea & Micronesia: Rabaul and Chuuk Lagoon
From Fiji onwards, with French elegance and a spirit of discovery aboard Le Jacques Cartier
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Lautoka to Guam
Sixteen nights as a major Pacific crossing from Fiji to Micronesia take Le Jacques-Cartier through Vanuatu, the Solomons, Bougainville, old Rabaul, the Chuuk Lagoon and along the Caroline atolls to Guam. The route crosses one of the most remote ocean regions of the world, with many landings open only to a 184-guest ship. The marina platform and Zodiacs reach reefs, remote village communities and Second World War wrecks. The Blue Eye lounge in the bow brings the underwater world on board through sound.
Route highlights
- Lautoka: Fiji's second city on Viti Levu, a sugar-cane export port and starting point.
- Ambrym Island: Vanuatu island with two active volcanoes (Marum and Benbow) and its own UNESCO-listed sand-drawing tradition.
- Santa Ana Island: Island in the eastern Solomons, known for a traditional dance welcome at Ghupuna.
- Bougainville: Autonomous region of Papua New Guinea, with rainforest and a copper-mining history.
- Rabaul: Harbour on New Britain inside a caldera, shaped by the 1994 eruption of Tavurvur.
- Chuuk Lagoon: Atoll in the Federated States of Micronesia, famous worldwide for the wrecks of the Japanese Pacific fleet from 1944.
- Ifalik: Traditionally living Caroline atoll with a strong ocean canoe culture.
- Guam: Disembarkation on the largest of the Marianas, a US territory in the western Pacific.
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
Lautoka
16 nights
Guam
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Lautoka, Insel Viti Levu · Embarkation
Lautoka, the "Sugar City" on Fiji's main island of Viti Levu, is the gateway to the Mamanuca and Yasawa island groups. The nearby Sabeto mud pools with hot springs and the Garden of the Sleeping Giant (orchid collection) are classic Fiji highlights.
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At sea
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Ambrym
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At sea
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Santa Ana Island
In the eastern Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, the small island of Santa Ana offers white sand beaches and traditional villages. The islanders are known for their dance performances and wood carvings.
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Roderick Bay, Florida Islands
Among the Nggela (Florida) Islands in the central Solomon Islands group of the western South Pacific, this deep natural bay shelters a sunken Japanese World War II shipwreck now overgrown with trees and tropical vegetation. A fascinating anchorage and dive site.
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Njari Island
Njari Island sits as a tiny coral islet in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands in the south-western Pacific near Gizo. It is known for its white sandy beach, its coconut palms and outstanding snorkelling on the surrounding reef, which ranks among the most biodiverse coral ecosystems in the entire south-west Pacific and is home to many endemic reef fish.
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Bougainville
Bougainville is an autonomous island region in eastern Papua New Guinea, geographically part of the Solomon Islands. The island was the scene of a civil war over the Panguna copper mine from 1988 to 1998 and voted overwhelmingly for independence from Papua New Guinea in 2019.
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Rabaul, Nouvelle Bretagne
Rabaul lies on the island of New Britain in Papua New Guinea. The port town sits in a volcanic caldera and has been markedly changed since the Tavurvur eruption of 1994.
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At sea
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Chuuk (früher Truk)
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Pulap Island
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Lamotrek-Atoll
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Ifalik-Atoll
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At sea
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Guam · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 14 | 11 | 7 | 5 |
| Sea °C | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 190 | 150 | 170 | 110 | 106 | 132 | 148 | 190 | 283 | 271 | 259 | 235 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Norwegian coast / Scotland (Bergen)
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 | € 11.990 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 13.260 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 13.890 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 14.650 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 | € 18.960 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 | € 18.960 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 | € 18.960 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 18.960 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite | € 22.760 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite | € 23.770 | On request | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 | € 24.530 | On request | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 | € 24.530 | On request | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 25.290 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite | € 26.050 | 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. 16 nights from EUR 11.400 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?
The best time to sail this route is May to September.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
