French Polynesia, Cook Islands & Fiji: Bora-Bora and Aitutaki
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.
Papeete to Lautoka
This twelve-night passage links French Polynesia with Fiji, travelling from Papeete via the Cook Islands and Tonga to Lautoka. Le Jacques Cartier, with 184 guests, sixteen Zodiacs and the Blue Eye underwater lounge, can approach small anchorages and reef spots. Crossing the International Date Line you lose a calendar day but gain a vast Pacific perspective. Premium all-inclusive service on board, a pool on deck and the marina shape the days at sea between the island groups.
Route highlights
- Papeete: Capital of Tahiti, lively starting point of the Pacific crossing.
- Moorea: Volcanic island with Cooks Bay and sharp peaks above a turquoise lagoon.
- Bora Bora: Volcanic cone of Mount Otemanu rising above a fringing reef, an icon of the South Seas.
- Aitutaki: Cook Island with an extensive lagoon and fine sand islets along the reef edge.
- Vavaʻu: Northern island group of Tonga, with fjord-like waterways and quiet anchorages.
- Savusavu: Sheltered bay on the southern coast of Vanua Levu, surrounded by rainforest and hot springs.
- Suva: Capital of Fiji, with colonial heritage and market halls.
- Lautoka: Sugar and port city in western Fiji, end point of the crossing.
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
Papeete
12 nights
Lautoka
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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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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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At sea
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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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Überquerung der Datumsgrenze
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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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Savusavu, Insel Vanua Levu
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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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Lautoka, Insel Viti Levu · 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
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 | € 7.750 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 8.540 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 8.940 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 9.410 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 | € 12.120 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 | € 12.120 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 | € 12.120 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 12.120 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite | € 14.510 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite | € 15.140 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 | € 15.620 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 | € 15.620 | On request | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 16.100 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite | € 21.760 | 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. 12 nights from EUR 7.310 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.
