West Papua and Papua New Guinea: Cenderawasih Bay and Cairns
Adventure in New Guinea
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Darwin to Cairns
This sixteen-night expedition aboard Le Soléal connects Darwin via the eastern islands of Indonesia, West Papua and Papua New Guinea to Cairns. The route crosses one of the most culturally and biologically diverse regions in the world, from the Bird's Head coral triangle through Cenderawasih Bay to the tribal communities of Papua New Guinea's north coast. Encounters with local sing-sing groups, snorkelling over whale shark aggregations and Zodiac tours structure the days. With 184 guests, a marina platform and premium all-inclusive service, the ship offers an elegant base for a logistically demanding route.
Route highlights
- Darwin: Embarkation in tropical northern Australia.
- Triton Bay and Bitsyari Bay: West Papuan karst islands and whale shark aggregations in the Cenderawasih corridor.
- Cenderawasih Bay: Indonesia's largest marine national park, known for year-round whale shark encounters.
- Madang: Tropical port on Papua New Guinea's north coast, with German colonial heritage.
- Tufi: Tropical fjord landscape and traditional tattoo culture of the Korafe people.
- Alotau: Gateway to Milne Bay and the site of a decisive 1942 Pacific battle.
- Cairns: Disembarkation at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
The Route
Darwin
16 nights
Cairns
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Darwin · Embarkation
Darwin is the gateway to the Northern Territory's outback and to Australia's wild Top End. Kakadu National Park (UNESCO World Heritage), with its rock paintings, waterfalls and crocodiles, begins just a few hours away.
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At sea
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Kei-Inseln, Molukken
Small archipelago in eastern Indonesia, part of the Maluku province between the Banda and Arafura Seas. The white sands of Pasir Panjang rank among the finest in Indonesia, while the interior is covered in tropical forest.
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Triton Bay, Westpapua
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Kitikiti Waterfall, Mommon
Hidden waterfall in the remote Kimberley region of north-western Australia. The water plunges straight over a rock ledge into the King George River and can only be reached by zodiac or helicopter.
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At sea
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Cenderawasih-Bucht
Cenderawasih Bay is Indonesia's largest gulf and lies in the north-west of New Guinea off West Papua. In its 1.4-million-hectare marine national park whale sharks swim in shallow water year-round, giving divers some of the world's most reliable encounters with the species.
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At sea
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Jayapura, Papua
On the Pacific coast of the Indonesian province of Papua lies Jayapura near the border with Papua New Guinea, Indonesia's easternmost major city. The provincial capital was General MacArthur's headquarters in World War II, and the hill country around Lake Sentani serves as the gateway to the vast Lorentz National Park with its glaciated mountains.
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Kopar
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Madang
On the north coast of Papua New Guinea, Madang opens onto a sheltered lagoon full of coral reefs and offshore islets. The tropical port town is regarded as one of the prettiest in the whole Pacific thanks to its lush vegetation, waterways and proximity to the Bismarck Sea.
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Tami-Inseln
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Tufi
Tufi sits on the Cape Nelson Peninsula in the Oro Province of eastern Papua New Guinea. Tropical fjords, locally known as rias, cut deep into the volcanic coastline.
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Alotau
Alotau is the capital of Milne Bay Province at the south-eastern tip of Papua New Guinea and the starting point for voyages through the Louisiade and D'Entrecasteaux Islands. The region was the site of the 1942 Battle of Milne Bay, the first defeat of a Japanese landing in the Pacific War.
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At sea
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Cairns · Disembarkation
Destination
Le Soléal
Le Soléal has sailed as the third ship of the Odyssée class since 2013. 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, French hospitality. Her name refers to the solar wind - and indeed Le Soléal has her finest moments in light: midnight sun, southern lights, sunsets over the sea.
Off Australia, Le Soléal sails along the Kimberley coast and to the islands of the Torres Strait - expedition routes in one of the earth's last unspoilt coastal landscapes.
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 Soléal
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Stateroom - PONT 3 | € 12.740 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Stateroom - PONT 3 | € 13.760 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - PONT 4 | € 15.230 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - PONT 5 | € 15.970 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - PONT 6 | € 16.840 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - PONT 6 | € 23.310 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 31.380 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 33.000 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - PONT 6 | € 37.840 | 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. 16 nights from EUR 12.150 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Soléal?
A maximum of 264 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.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
