East China Sea, Taiwan & the Philippines: Shanghai and Manila · Apr 2028
French elegance and the spirit of discovery aboard Le Jacques Cartier
What makes the voyage of the Le Jacques Cartier to Asia special?
This 12-night voyage aboard Le Jacques-Cartier links South Korea via China and the Ryukyu Islands with Taiwan and the Philippines. The Explorer-class ship for 184 guests offers the Blue Eye underwater lounge, 16 Zodiacs and a marina, with premium all-inclusive Ponant service. The route follows a culturally rich line through the East China Sea with calls in four countries. Shanghai, Naha and Kaohsiung each set their own cultural accents.
Route highlights
- Busan: South Korea's second-largest city on the Pacific as the starting point, with a harbour market and temples.
- Shanghai: China's economic metropolis on the Huangpu with the Bund and the Pudong skyline.
- Naha: Capital of Okinawa with the UNESCO-listed Shuri Castle and Ryukyu culture.
- Miyako-jima: A subtropical island of the Ryukyu chain with coral beaches.
- Keelung: Northern Taiwan's main port as the gateway to the capital Taipei.
- Kaohsiung: Southern Taiwan's harbour metropolis with the Liuhe night market and Lotus Pond.
- Manila: Philippine capital with the historic Intramuros district as the destination.
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.
What is the route of the cruise aboard the Le Jacques Cartier to Asia?
12 nights from Busan to Manila, including Shanghai, Naha, Miyako-jima (Miyakojima).
Busan
12 nights
Manila
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Busan · Embarkation
Busan is South Korea's second-largest city and its most important port. Jagalchi Fish Market, the colourful Gamcheon district (Korea's "Machu Picchu") and the Beomeosa temple complex in the Geumjeongsan mountains showcase its maritime and Buddhist heritage.
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At sea
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Shanghai
Shanghai is the most modern face of China: the Bund with its neoclassical colonial buildings and the Pudong skyline with the Oriental Pearl Tower are mirrored in the Huangpu River. The Old Town of Yuyuan (Yu Garden) and the French Concession offer contrasting historical insights.
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At sea
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Naha, Okinawa
Naha is the capital of Japan's Okinawa Prefecture on the main island in the East China Sea. Shuri Castle was once the seat of the Ryūkyū Kingdom and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage; the busy Kokusai-dōri shopping street and the traditional Tsuboya pottery quarter shape Okinawa's subtropical lifestyle today.
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Miyakojima
Miyako-jima belongs to the Sakishima group in Japan's southern Okinawa Prefecture, in the East China Sea. The flat coral island, with white beaches such as Yonaha Maehama and crystal-clear water, ranks among Asia's finest diving destinations and is known both for its coral reefs and for its own awamori distilling tradition.
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Keelung (Chilung)
Keelung is a major port city in northern Taiwan and the gateway to Taipei. The bustling Miaokou night market and the nearby Yehliu Geopark with its bizarre rock formations are popular sights.
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Kaohsiung
Taiwan's second-largest city on the subtropical south-west coast, with one of Asia's foremost container ports. A modern harbour district of art centres along the Love River contrasts with old temples and the Lotus Pond of Zuoying.
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Batanes
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Claveria
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Hundred-Islands-Nationalpark
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Manila · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Busan
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 10 | 11 | 14 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 30 | 31 | 27 | 22 | 17 | 12 |
| Sea °C | 17 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 27 | 26 | 23 | 21 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 52 | 56 | 118 | 125 | 138 | 168 | 154 | 168 | 210 | 198 | 93 | 51 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: East Asia (Tokyo)
Disembarkation: Manila
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 30 |
| Sea °C | 27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 20 | 20 | 40 | 90 | 220 | 260 | 280 | 290 | 300 | 270 | 120 | 50 |
| Season | dry | dry | dry | dry | wet | wet | wet | wet | wet | wet | wet | dry |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: South-east Asia (Singapore/Indochina)
What are the highlights of the cruise aboard the Le Jacques Cartier to Asia?
Highlights of this route: Busan · Shanghai · Naha
Busan
Busan is South Korea's second-largest city and its most important port.
Shanghai
Shanghai is the most modern face of China: the Bund with its neoclassical colonial buildings and the Pudong skyline with the Oriental Pearl Tower are mirrored in the Huangpu River.
Naha
Naha is the capital of Japan's Okinawa Prefecture on the main island in the East China Sea.
Miyako-jima (Miyakojima)
Miyako-jima belongs to the Sakishima group in southern Japan's Okinawa Prefecture in the East China Sea.
Keelung
Keelung is a major port city in northern Taiwan and the gateway to Taipei.
Kaohsiung
Taiwan's second-largest city on the subtropical south-west coast, with one of Asia's foremost container ports.
What does the Le Jacques Cartier offer?
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.
In Asia, Le Jacques Cartier links the Indonesian island world with the coasts of Japan and Vietnam - cultural diversity, accompanied by the expedition team.
Impressions of the Le Jacques Cartier
What cabins does the Le Jacques Cartier offer?
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
What does the deck plan of the Le Jacques Cartier look like?
What does the cruise aboard the Le Jacques Cartier to Asia cost?
From € 9,450 p.p., 12 nights, departure 16.04.2028.
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom | € 9.890 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 10.390 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 10.680 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 11.080 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 | € 14.710 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 | € 14.710 | On request | Book |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 | € 14.710 | On request | Book |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 14.710 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite | € 15.790 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite | € 16.280 | Available | Book |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 | € 16.680 | Available | Book |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 | € 16.680 | Available | Book |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 17.160 | On request | Book |
| Owner's Suite | € 21.820 | Available | Book |
What is included as standard in the ship voyage of the Le Jacques Cartier?
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Vollpension an Bord: Frühstücksbuffet, französische Brasserie-Küche zum Mittagessen, mehrgängiges Abendessen
- Große Auswahl an Getränken in Markenqualität (Mineralwasser, Softdrinks, Wein, Bier, Champagner, Kaffee, Tee, ausgewählte Spirituosen)
- Inhalt der Minibar
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Ein Landausflug pro Person und Anlaufhafen
- Vorträge und Begleitung der Naturforscher und Lektoren an Bord
- Abendunterhaltung, Vorträge und Shows
- Zugang zu Fitnessbereich und Sauna
- Nicht-motorisierte Wassersport-Aktivitäten (Kajak, Stand-up-Paddle)
- Bei Expeditionsreisen: Zodiac-Anlandungen und Ausfahrten
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge, Bahn)
- Flughafentransfers
- Reiseversicherung
- Trinkgelder für Crew (übliche Empfehlung 8 bis 10 Euro pro Person und Tag)
- Premium-Spirituosen und ausgewählte Edel-Weine
- Zusätzliche, optionale Landausflüge
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Tauchgänge
Frequently asked questions
How do I book the voyage aboard the Le Jacques Cartier to Asia?
Send an enquiry to IVENT-SAILING via the booking form on this page. Our team of experienced travel experts will be in touch shortly with a personal offer. We would be glad to advise you.
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 9.450 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 for a cruise to Asia?
For embarkation in Busan the best time to sail is March to May (cherry blossom) and October to November (autumn foliage); for disembarkation in Manila it is November to April (dry season).
