Fiji, Tonga & French Polynesia: Bora-Bora and Moorea
Island Paradises and Ancient Cultures of the South Pacific
When the sun sinks into the sea and steeps the sky in colours no evening repeats.
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Lautoka → Papeete
This thirteen-night Pacific passage links Fiji with French Polynesia, travelling from Lautoka via Tonga and the Cook Islands to Tahiti. Aboard Le Jacques Cartier only 184 guests travel, supported by sixteen Zodiacs for landings at lagoons and small beaches. The Blue Eye underwater lounge gives a direct view of the coral life below the hull. Crossing the International Date Line you gain a calendar day, while the premium all-inclusive concept with pool, marina and several restaurants shapes the character of the days at sea.
Route highlights
- Lautoka: Port city in western Fiji, starting point of the Pacific crossing.
- Beqa: Small island south of Viti Levu, known for its lagoon and traditional firewalking.
- Suva: Capital of Fiji, with colonial heritage and market halls.
- Savusavu: Sheltered bay on the southern coast of Vanua Levu, surrounded by rainforest and hot springs.
- Vavaʻu: Northern island group of Tonga, with fjord-like waterways.
- Aitutaki: Cook Island with an extensive lagoon and fine sand islets along the reef edge.
- Raiatea: Sacred island of Polynesian culture, home to the marae of Taputapuātea.
- Bora Bora: Volcanic cone of Mount Otemanu rising above a turquoise lagoon.
- Moorea: Tahiti's sister island with Cooks Bay and sharp ridges.
- Papeete: Lively capital of Tahiti, end point of the Pacific crossing.
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
13 nights
Papeete
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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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Insel Beqa
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Suva, Insel Viti Levu
Suva on the south-east coast of Fiji's main island of Viti Levu is the largest metropolis in the South Pacific. Colonial buildings, lively markets and the Fiji Museum define this multicultural capital.
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Savusavu, Insel Vanua Levu
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At sea
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Vava'u
Vavaʻu forms the northern island group of the Polynesian Kingdom of Tonga in the South Pacific. Its sheltered bays are one of the few places worldwide where swimming with humpback whales is permitted.
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At sea
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Überquerung der Datumsgrenze
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Aitutaki
Aitutaki is part of the Cook Islands in the South Pacific and is famed for its turquoise lagoon dotted with small motus. It is considered one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world.
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At sea
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Raiatea, Gesellschaftsinseln
Raiatea was once the religious centre of Polynesia. The Marae Taputapuatea, a 700-year-old temple complex by the water, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017 and is the most significant archaeological site in the South Seas.
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Motu Mahana, Taha'a, Gesellschaftsinseln
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Bora Bora, Gesellschaftsinseln
An extinct volcanic cone in the middle of a turquoise lagoon, ringed by a white coral reef - Bora-Bora is globally regarded as the epitome of paradise. The unique underwater world and the stillness of the sheltered lagoon make every visit unforgettable.
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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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Papeete, Tahiti · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 31 |
| Sea °C | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 29 |
| Rain mm | 250 | 240 | 180 | 140 | 100 | 80 | 70 | 70 | 80 | 110 | 180 | 320 |
| Season | wet | wet | wet | wet | dry | dry | dry | dry | dry | dry | wet | wet |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Tahiti / Society Islands
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
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 | € 10.330 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 11.420 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 11.960 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 12.620 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 | € 16.330 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 | € 16.330 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 | € 16.330 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 16.330 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite | € 19.600 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite | € 20.480 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 | € 21.130 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 | € 21.130 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 21.790 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite | € 23.570 | Available | 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. 13 nights from EUR 7.910 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 October (dry season).
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.