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Secret Islands of Melanesia
PONANT EXPLORATIONS — Le Jacques Cartier

Secret Islands of Melanesia

In the heart of Melanesia lies a world of unspoilt islands where volcanic archipelagos and ancestral cultures shape landscapes of rare intensity. From Fiji to Vanuatu and on to the...

Departs Fri 21/01/2028
Duration 13 Nights
Ship Le Jacques Cartier
From Lautoka
Arrives Honiara, Guadalcanal Island
Region Asia
Day by Day

Ports of Call & Itinerary

13-night voyage departing Lautoka, arriving Honiara, Guadalcanal Island.

Printable Itinerary (PDF)

Route Map

Secret Islands of Melanesia

14 ports plotted · click a marker for details

Day 1

Lautoka , Fiji

Friday, 21/01/2028

🚢 Departs 18:30

North of Nadi through sugarcane plantations and past the Sabeto Mountains is Lautoka, nicknamed the Sugar City for the local agriculture and its big processing mill. With a population of around 50,000, it's the only city besides Suva and, like the capital, has a pleasant waterfront. It's the sailing point for Blue Lagoon and Beachcomber Cruises but is otherwise unremarkable for tourists, itself having few hotels and fewer good restaurants. Locals recommend the city as a less-expensive place to shop for clothing, but note that it can take as long as 45 minutes to drive here. Legend has it that Lautoka acquired its name when two chiefs engaged in combat and one hit the other with a spear. He proclaimed "lau toka" (spear hit) and thus the future town was named.

Lautoka

Day 2

Levuka , Fiji

Saturday, 22/01/2028

⚓ Arrives 10:00 🚢 Departs 18:00

Day 3

Yasawa Island , Fiji

Sunday, 23/01/2028

⚓ Arrives 06:45 🚢 Departs 18:00

Nabukeru is the largest village located within the grouping of the 20 volcanic islands that make up the Yasawa Islands in Fiji. Until 1987 these islands were closed to land-based tourism and could only be viewed from aboard a vessel. With their clear, aquamarine waters and ecologically diverse tropical, mountainous landscapes, these islands were the location for the filming of the romantic adventure film The Blue Lagoon (both the 1949 and 1980 versions). The islands are famous for the limestone Sawa-i-lau caves, which must be accessed by swimming at low tide through an underwater tunnel. Nabukeru villagers assert that the cave is the heart of the Yasawas.

Yasawa Island

Day 5

Tanna , Vanuatu

Tuesday, 25/01/2028

⚓ Arrives 08:30 🚢 Departs 21:00

Day 6

Epi Island , Vanuatu

Wednesday, 26/01/2028

⚓ Arrives 13:45 🚢 Departs 21:30

Day 7

Ambrym , Vanuatu

Thursday, 27/01/2028

⚓ Arrives 06:30 🚢 Departs 13:00

Unlike Espiritu Santo with its raised coral reefs and white sand, Ambrym is a volcanically active island with dark sand beaches. Ambrym is known as the island of magic and is the source of five local languages that all evolved on Ambrym. This handful of languages contributes to the well over 100 languages of Vanuatu. Some of Ambrym’s magic takes place in the lush greenery of the local community of Ranon. Here the people perform a very special and traditional ‘Rom’ dance. Participants prepare their masks and costumes in secrecy and the dance is reserved for special occasions.

Day 8

Malekula , Vanuatu

Friday, 28/01/2028

⚓ Arrives 06:00 🚢 Departs 18:00

Day 9

Espiritu Santo Island , Vanuatu

Saturday, 29/01/2028

⚓ Arrives 13:30 🚢 Departs 18:00

Day 9

Paradise Lagoon, Espiritu Santo , Vanuatu

Saturday, 29/01/2028

Paradise Lagoon is located in the southern part of Espiritu Santo, the largest of the 83 volcanic islands that make up Vanuatu. The nation’s highest peak, Mount Tabwemasana (6,165 ft.) is located in the west-central part of the island. In 1606, a Spanish expedition led by Portuguese explorer Pedro Fernandes de Queirós, established a settlement at Paradise Bay. The island boasts an extensive WWII history with many ruins and relics. Allied forces used the island as a military supply and support base, naval harbour, and airfield, and after the war they dumped most of their equipment and at what is now known as 'Million Dollar Point'. Years later, this became an important tourism destination for keen wreck divers. Of particular interest is the wreck of the SS President Coolidge, a converted luxury liner that hit a mine and sank during the war. Local traditions and customs are still very much a part of everyday life, and the people make their living by subsistence farming and fishing, tourism, or cash-crop farming of copra, cacao, kava and peanuts.

Day 10

Ureparapara Island , Vanuatu

Sunday, 30/01/2028

⚓ Arrives 07:00 🚢 Departs 12:15

Day 11

Loh , Vanuatu

Monday, 31/01/2028

⚓ Arrives 07:00 🚢 Departs 16:00

Day 12

Lata, Nendo Island , Solomon Islands

Tuesday, 01/02/2028

⚓ Arrives 07:30 🚢 Departs 13:30

Day 13

Santa Ana Island , Solomon Islands

Wednesday, 02/02/2028

⚓ Arrives 07:00 🚢 Departs 16:45

Port Mary is the name of the bay adjacent to Ghupuna, the main village in Santa Ana. A bright white sand beach with huge shade-giving trees runs along the shoreline in front of the tidy village. The houses here are made with local materials and most are built on stilts. Islanders generally welcome visitors with traditional songs and dances performed by members of the three different villages on Santa Ana. Some local people will also set up stands offering souvenirs for purchase. The Solomons are best known for strings of traditional shell money and elegant carvings based on local stories and legends.

Day 14

Honiara, Guadalcanal Island , Solomon Islands

Thursday, 03/02/2028

⚓ Arrives 08:00

Honiara is the capital city of the Solomon Islands on the north-western coast of Guadalcanal Island. It is the hub of all activity in the archipelago which has recently undergone an ‘urban boom’. Discover the cities beautiful landscapes and the significance of the city in the World War II.

Honiara, Guadalcanal Island
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Room Type & Prices

All prices per person based on double occupancy. Solo traveller prices — single occupancy. Contact our cruise experts for the latest availability and best fares.

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Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom

Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom

204 sqft · Up to 2 guests

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:A private 4m² balcony with two armchairsA porthole and glass doorOne king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm), and TVA bathroom with showerIncluded in all stateroomsMinibarBose Bluetooth speakerNespresso coffee maker and b...
✓ King or Twin Configuration ✓ Shower ✓ Toiletries Provided ✓ Room Service Available ✓ TV ✓ Free Wi-Fi ✓ Safe ✓ Hair Dryer
Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom

Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom

204 sqft · Up to 2 guests

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:A private 4m² balcony with two armchairsDepending on the stateroom, either a sliding panoramic window or a glass doorOne king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)A chaise loungeA bathroom with showerIncluded in all stateroo...
✓ King or Twin Configuration ✓ Shower ✓ Room Service Available ✓ TV ✓ Free Wi-Fi ✓ Safe ✓ Hair Dryer ✓ Telephone

Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
Deluxe Suite Deluxe Suite Deluxe Suite Deluxe Suite Deluxe Suite Deluxe Suite

Deluxe Suite

290 sqft · Up to 3 guests

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:Suites on Deck 6 have a 32 ft² private balcony with two armchairs Suites on Deck 5 have a 43 ft² private balcony with two armchairs Suites on Decks 3 and 4 have a private 64 ft² balcony with two armchairsSuites on Deck 3 have a panoramic glass...
✓ King or Twin Configuration ✓ Sofa Bed ✓ Shower ✓ Toiletries Provided ✓ Room Service Available ✓ TV ✓ Free Wi-Fi ✓ Safe

Deluxe Suite Deck 3
Deluxe Suite Deck 4
Deluxe Suite Deck 5
Deluxe Suite Deck 6
Prestige Suite Prestige Suite

Prestige Suite

409 sqft · Up to 4 guests

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:A private 86 ft² balcony with four armchairsTwo sliding panoramic windowsChampagne and fruit on arrival (Prestige Suite deck 6)Priority boarding (Prestige Suite deck 6)Butler service (Prestige Suite deck 6)A fruit basket every day (Prestige Su...
✓ King or Twin Configuration ✓ Sofa Bed ✓ Shower ✓ Toiletries Provided ✓ Room Service Available ✓ Butler Service ✓ TV ✓ Safe

Prestige Suite Deck 5
Prestige Suite Deck 6
Privilege Suite Privilege Suite

Privilege Suite

344 sqft · Up to 3 guests

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)Champagne and fruit basket on arrivalButler serviceA fruit basket every dayOne king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)A lounge area with chaise longue and armchairA bath...
✓ King or Twin Configuration ✓ Sofa Bed ✓ Shower ✓ Toiletries Provided ✓ Butler Service ✓ TV ✓ Free Wi-Fi ✓ Safe

Privilege Suite Deck 5
Grand Suite Grand Suite Grand Suite Grand Suite Grand Suite

Grand Suite

484 sqft · Up to 4 guests

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:A private 344 ft² terrace with two deck chairs and a dining table for four peopleTwo sliding panoramic windowsA bathroom with shower and spa bathtubPriority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)Butler serviceA fruit basket every dayOne b...
✓ King or Twin Configuration ✓ Shower ✓ Toiletries Provided ✓ Free Wi-Fi ✓ Safe ✓ Hair Dryer ✓ Telephone ✓ Desk

Grand Deluxe Suite
Owner's Suite Owner's Suite Owner's Suite Owner's Suite Owner's Suite Owner's Suite Owner's Suite Owner's Suite Owner's Suite

Owner's Suite

484 sqft · Up to 4 guests

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:A private 430 ft² terrace with hot tub and lounge area with 2 deck chairs, sofa, and armchairTwo sliding panoramic windowsA bathroom with shower, spa bathtub, and smart mirrorButler serviceA one-hour treatment per person (for 2 people) in the...
✓ King or Twin Configuration ✓ Shower ✓ Bath ✓ Toiletries Provided ✓ Room Service Available ✓ Butler Service ✓ TV ✓ Free Wi-Fi

Balcony

Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom · 204 sqft

DEL Deluxe Stateroom

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Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom · 204 sqft

PR4 Prestige Stateroom Deck 4

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Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom · 204 sqft

PR5 Prestige Stateroom Deck 5

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Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom · 204 sqft

PR6 Prestige Stateroom Deck 6

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Suite

Deluxe Suite · 290 sqft

DS3 Deluxe Suite Deck 3

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Deluxe Suite · 290 sqft

DS4 Deluxe Suite Deck 4

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Deluxe Suite · 290 sqft

DS5 Deluxe Suite Deck 5

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Deluxe Suite · 290 sqft

DS6 Deluxe Suite Deck 6

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Prestige Suite · 409 sqft

PS5 Prestige Suite Deck 5

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Prestige Suite · 409 sqft

PS6 Prestige Suite Deck 6

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Privilege Suite · 344 sqft

PV5 Privilege Suite Deck 5

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Grand Suite · 484 sqft

GD6 Grand Deluxe Suite

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Owner's Suite · 484 sqft

SA

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PONANT EXPLORATIONS

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Le Jacques Cartier

Equipped with an underwater lounge, the Blue Eye, and the latest technologies limiting the impact on the environment Le Jacques Cartier offer you a different way to experience the expedition.

Le Jacques Cartier
184
Passengers
9,976
Gross Tonnage
2020
Year Built
5
Decks
92
Cabins
118
Crew

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