Fiji, Vanuatu & the Solomon Islands: Tanna and Espíritu Santo
Mysterious islands of Melanesia
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 to Honiara
This thirteen-night voyage from Lautoka to Honiara travels through the lightly visited island worlds of Melanesia, linking Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Le Jacques Cartier, with just 184 guests and sixteen Zodiacs, is built for landings at small villages and remote reefs. The Blue Eye underwater lounge gives access to the coral worlds beneath the hull. Volcanic islands, traditional rites, wartime history and far-flung atolls shape the stops on this route.
Route highlights
- Lautoka: Port city in western Fiji, gateway to the Yasawa Islands and starting point of the voyage.
- Yasawa Islands: Chain of volcanic islands with white beaches and quiet lagoons north-west of Viti Levu.
- Tanna: Vanuatu island with Mount Yasur, one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the world.
- Ambrym: Vanuatu island with two active volcanoes and traditional dance and sand-drawing cultures.
- Espíritu Santo: Largest island in Vanuatu, known for Champagne Beach and the wreck of the SS President Coolidge.
- Uepi: Island in the Marovo Lagoon of the Solomon Islands, an extensive reef system with clear water.
- Santa Ana: Small Solomon island with a lively tradition of dance and carving.
- Honiara: Capital of the Solomon Islands on Guadalcanal, marked by market life and Second World War memorial sites.
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
Lautoka
13 nights
Honiara
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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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Levuka, Ovalau Island
Former capital of Fiji on the east coast of Ovalau island in the Lomaiviti group. The 19th-century timber colonial town with saloons and Fiji's first churches is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Yasawa Islands
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At sea
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Tanna
Tanna belongs to the southern island arc of Vanuatu in the South Pacific and is famed for the continually active Mount Yasur volcano. Its glowing lava eruptions can be watched from a safe distance.
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Epi
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Ambrym
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Malekula
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Paradise Lagoon, Espiritu Santo
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Mavea, Espiritu Santo
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Ureparapara
Ureparapara belongs to the Banks Islands in the north of the South Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu. The extinct volcanic crater is half flooded by the sea, forming one of the most dramatic natural harbours in Melanesia.
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Loh
Small island in the Torres group at the northern tip of Vanuatu in the South Pacific. A few hundred inhabitants live in traditional villages and are known for their water music, played by striking the sea with their hands.
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Lata, Santa-Cruz-Inseln
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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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Honiara, Insel Guadalcanal · 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 | € 11.240 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 12.240 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 12.730 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 13.330 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 | € 17.710 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 | € 17.710 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 | € 17.710 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 17.710 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite | € 23.180 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite | € 24.270 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 | € 25.370 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 | € 25.370 | On request | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 27.660 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite | € 33.570 | 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 10.270 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.
