Ponant – Exceptional value FREE FLIGHTS and Balcony staterooms from just $12,020pp!

Sail with global expedition leaders Ponant aboard their state of the art yachts – Le Laperouse & Le Jacques-Cartier

Earlybird Availability from just $11,520 p.p Balcony Rooms

Overview

About Ponant

Ponant has been long recognised as one of the world’s leading expedition companies. For many years now, Ponant has consistently delivered exceptional adventures in some of the most remote corners of the globe. Now is your opportunity to experience an expedition of an international standard both ashore and on board-right here Australia’s mighty Kimberley.

Immerse your senses…

The Kimberley is an ancient land built on 1.8 billion year old sandstone that has been uplifted, contorted and eroded to form spectacular gorges, desolate mountains and magnificent waterfalls. Here is a living indigenous culture dating back more than 40,000 years, and Australia’s oldest rock art galleries contained within the rocky outcrops.

The isolated coastline boasts more than 2,633 islands, extensive mangrove forests, wild rivers and important seabird breeding colonies. It is a national biodiversity hotspot listed in the top 3.7% of least impacted marine environments worldwide.

Some of the highlights:

Set sail for the wild and magnificent landscapes of Kimberley, following Ponant’s comprehensive itinerary.
From Darwin to Broome or reversed, embark aboard brand new Le Laperouse (2019) for an 11-day expedition cruise.
At 424,517 KM SQ The Kimberley is twice the size of Victoria and one of the last unspoiled regions on the planet. Yet there is only ocean, or 1 unsealed road to explore the region.
In one of the most picturesque parts of the region, the Hunter River, you will see wild mangrove forests where saltwater crocodiles live along with many species of birds.
The highpoint of this cruise will undoubtedly be the discovery of the King George River and the majestic Twin Falls, the highest falls in Western Australia.
You will also visit Collier Bay, where you will be able to admire the Montgomery Reef, home to vast expanses of lagoons and immense coral reefs.
Le Laperouseus will also take you as far as the Buccaneer Archipelago, whose coast is one of the most spectacular in the entire region.
With their falls, abrupt gorges, savannah, calm waters and desolate mountain chains, the wild lands of Kimberley are the promise of an exceptional adventure.

Your complete Kimberley expedition with Ponant

Experience a refined adventure on board Le Laperouse 92 staterooms & suites, all with private balcony: French lifestyle, unique comfort & service, Open Bar, Sophisticated Cuisine & Fine Wines, and the facilities of a 5-star yacht including a pool
Join Ponant’s highly qualified local expedition team led by highly acclaimed expedition veteran Mick Fogg having led over 120 expeditions through the Kimberley.
Enjoy regular daily Zodiac expeditions & shore visits in groups of no more than 10 with interpretative expedition leader per zodiac
Discover billions of years-old landscapes & ancient rock art
Listen to stories of the dreamtime from the oldest continuous culture on the planet
Explore pristine mangrove environments, home to the world’s largest living reptile
Witness unique tidal phenomena such as the Horizontal Falls
Encounter the world’s largest population of migrating humpback whales
Travel on the most environmentally sustainable vessel in the region, certified “Green ship”

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Cruise

Dates & Rates 2024

Ponant Dates 2024

Ponant – Dates 2024
Cruise Name	Route	Dates	Vessel
Kimberley Expedition 10 nights	Broome to Darwin	14 April – 24 April	LLP
Kimberley Expedition 10 nights	Darwin to Broome	24 April – 4 May	LLP
Kimberley Expedition 10 nights	Darwin to Broome	14 May – 24 May	LLP
Kimberley Expedition 10 nights	Darwin to Broome	22 May – 1 June	LJC
Kimberley Expedition 10 nights	Darwin to Broome	3 June – 13 June	LLP
Kimberley Expedition 10 nights	Darwin to Broome	11 June – 21 June	LJC
Kimberley Expedition 10 nights	Darwin to Broome	23 June – 3 July	LLP
Kimberley Expedition 10 nights	Darwin to Broome	13 July – 23 July	LLP
Kimberley Expedition 10 nights	Darwin to Broome	21 July – 31 July	LJC
Kimberley Expedition 10 nights	Broome to August	31 July- 10 August	LJC
Kimberley Expedition 10 nights	Darwin to Broome	2 August -12 August	LLP
Kimberley Expedition 10 nights	Darwin to Broome	10August – 20 August	LJC
Kimberley Expedition 10 nights	Broome to Darwin	20August -30 August	LJC
Kimberley Expedition 10 nights	Darwin to Broome	22 August -1 September	LLP
Kimberley Expedition 10 nights	Darwin to Broome	30 August – 9 September	LJC
Kimberley Expedition 10 nights	Broome to Darwin	9 September-19 September	LJC
Kimberley Expedition 10 nights	Darwin to Broome	11 September-11 September	LLP
Kimberley Expedition 10 nights	Broome to Darwin	19 September-29September	LLP
Kimberley Expedition 10 nights	Broome to Darwin	21 September- 1 October	LLP

Ponant Rates 2024

Ponant – 2024 Exclusive Sale – FREE FLIGHTS and Fares Up To 30% OFF! Room Type / size by square meter inc balcony (SQMTR) Rates are per person twin share
Le Laperouse (LLP) & Le Jacques Cartier (LJC)
Balcony – Deluxe Stateroom	21 SQMTR	$12,020
Balcony – Prestige Deck 4	21 SQMTR	$12,730
Balcony – Prestige Deck 5	21 SQMTR	$13,480
Balcony – Prestige Deck 6	21 SQMTR	$14,260
Balcony – Deluxe Suite From	27 SQMTR	$18,270
Balcony – Prestige Deck 5	38 SQMTR	$22,740
Balcony – Privilege Suite 6	38 SQMTR	$24,500
Balcony – Grand Deluxe Suite 5/6	45 SQMTR	$25,170
Balcony – Owners Suite	45 SQMTR	$37,410

Prices are indicators based on early booking bonus savings at 30% savings and an EXCLUSIVE bonus introductory Ponant / Kimberley Cruise Escapes combination promotional saving. FREE FLIGHTS are returns to/from cruise including all major AUS hubs and some regionals – flights offer is capacity controlled and will expire NOV 30th though some dates will book out prior. Prices will differ date to date and savings levels are capacity controlled so early bookings are strongly recommended for optimal savings with date preferences. Savings levels decrease 5% incrementally in line with inventory diminishing – Book Early 1800 000 130 / info@kimberleycruiseescapes.com.au . For solo occupancy, please call the team for best value single supplement specials – some remaining zero supplement.

*NOTE – Additional Multi Room Booking Bonus available on ALL 2024 departures – from as few as 2 couples and onward – call NOW to enquire how Kimberley Cruise Escapes will deliver your very best value outcome.

Dates & Rates 2025

Ponant Dates 2025

Ponant – Dates 2025
Cruise	Route	Dates	Vessel
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley	Darwin to Broome	24 May – 3 Jun	Le Jacques-Cartier
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley	Broome to Darwin	3 Jun – 13 Jun	Le Jacques-Cartier
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley	Darwin to Broome	13 Jun – 23 Jun	Le Jacques-Cartier
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley	Broome to Darwin	23 Jun – 3 Jul	Le Jacques-Cartier
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley	Darwin to Broome	2 Jul – 12 Jul	Le Soleal
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley	Darwin to Broome	3 Jul – 13 Jul	Le Jacques-Cartier
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley	Broome to Darwin	12 Jul – 22 Jul	Le Soleal
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley	Broome to Darwin	13 Jul – 23 Jul	Le Jacques-Cartier
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley	Darwin to Broome	22 Jul – 1 Aug	Le Soleal
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley	Darwin to Broome	23 Jul – 2 Aug	Le Jacques-Cartier
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley	Broome to Darwin	1 Aug – 11 Aug	Le Soleal
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley	Broome to Darwin	2 Aug – 12 Aug	Le Jacques-Cartier
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley	Darwin to Darwin	12 Aug – 22 Aug	Le Jacques-Cartier
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley	Darwin to Broome	22 Aug – 1 Sep	Le Jacques-Cartier
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley	Broome to Darwin	31 Aug – 10 Sep	Le Soleal
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley	Broome to Darwin	1 Sep – 11 Sep	Le Jacques-Cartier
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley	Darwin to Broome	11 Sep – 21 Sep	Le Jacques-Cartier
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley	Broome to Darwin	21 Sep – 1 Oct	Le Jacques-Cartier

Ponant Rates 2025

Ponant – 2025 (per person twin share)
Room Type	SQR Mtrs	Fares
Balcony – Deluxe Stateroom	21 inc verandah	$12,520
Balcony – Prestige Deck 4	21 inc verandah	$13,870
Balcony – Prestige Deck 5	21 inc verandah	$14,540
Balcony – Prestige Deck 6	21 inc verandah	$15,350
Balcony – Deluxe Suite	27 inc verandah	$19,940
Balcony – Prestige Deck 5	32 inc verandah	$24,000
Balcony – Privilege Suite 6	32 inc verandah	$24,000
Balcony – Grand Deluxe Suite 5/6	45 inc verandah	$26,700
Balcony – Owners Suite	45 inc verandah	$38,920

Accommodation

DELUXE STATEROOM

Area : 19 m²
Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² Private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi.

DELUXE SUITE DECK 3

Area : 27 m²
Capacity :up to 3 passengers per cabin
6m² private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
1 sofa
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi.

DELUXE SUITE DECK 4

Area : 27 m²
Capacity :up to 3 passengers per cabin
6m² Private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi.

DELUXE SUITE DECK 5

Area : 27 m²
Capacity :up to 3 passengers per cabin
6m² private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
1 sofa
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi.

DELUXE SUITE DECK 6

Area : 27 m²
Capacity :up to 3 passengers per cabin
6m² private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
1 sofa
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi.

GRAND DELUXE SUITE DECK 5

Area : 45 m²
Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin
40m² private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Bathtub
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi.

GRAND DELUXE SUITE DECK 6

Area : 45 m²
Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin
30m² private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Bathtub
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi.

PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 4

Area : 19 m²
Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi
2 staterooms of 27
5 m² with a private balcony of 6 m² for people with reduced mobility.

PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 5

Area : 19 m²
Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi.

PRESTIGE DECK 6

Area : 19 m²
Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi.

PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 5

Area : 32 m²
Capacity :up to 3 passengers per cabin
8m² private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet access wifi.

PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 6

Area : 32 m²
Capacity :up to 3 passengers per cabin
8m² private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet access wifi.

PRIVILEGE SUITE DECK 5

Area : 32 m²
Capacity :up to 3 passengers per cabin
8m² private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
1sofa
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet access wifi.

OWNER’S SUITE

Area : 45 m²
Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin
30m²private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed
or twin beds
Shower & Bathtub + Jacuzzi on terrace
Minibar
Flat screen
satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players

PRIVILEGE SUITE DECK 6

Area : 32 m²
Capacity :up to 3 passengers per cabin
8m² private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
1 sofa
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet access wifi.

Ship

Introducing Le Laperouse

Built and launched in 2018, Le Laperouse features innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms complimented by spacious lounge areas that open onto the outside balcony – this brand new state of the art yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique expedition cruise experience.

As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Lapérouse will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.

Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.

Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.

Life Onboard

Here you will find a special ambiance, PONANT’s signature: a feeling that you are on board your own yacht.
Most-often all in the Kimberley-days will feature lectures and discussions in the theatre highlighting the sights and experiences being enjoyed ashore. Outside of thse times, relax by the pool and let the scenery come to you or enjoy one of the ships many public rooms or lounge areas. L’Austral really has been designed to meet the needs of every guest.

Spacious and comfortable cabins, nearly all with private balconies, allow you to also enjoy peace and solitude and yet not miss a moment of what’s passing you by. Roooms are designed and furnished to the highest calibre and is complimented by 24 hr room service. Your time is your own to do as you please.

There is a spa and gym on board fitted with the latest equipment (Kinesis Wall, running machine) and in partnership with the famous Sothys™ brand, the Beauty Centre on L’Austral welcomes you for some unforgettable moments of relaxation and pampering (beauty treatments, hairdresser, hammam, balneotherapy).

Restaurants

As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through its two restaurants, Le Lapérouse will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism.

In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts.
To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals.

Public Areas

Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Lapérouse has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger.

A 140 m² reception area includes:

A reception/concierge desk,
An excursions desk,
The ship’s administrative services,
The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer,
Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories,
Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility.

A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides:

Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship,
Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions,
Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding.

A pool deck offering:

A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system,
A pleasant solarium,
An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas.

A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening.

Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with:

The latest sound and lighting technology,
A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Introducing the ‘Multi Sensory’ Blue Eye Underwater Lounge

PONANT, in keeping with its pioneering spirit, is launching a world-first:
Le Lapérouse will be the first cruise ship on Earth to be equipped with a multi-sensory underwater space, called Blue Eye.
Le Champlain, Le Bougainville and Le Dumont-d’Urville will be the next.

The design of this technical prowess was entrusted to architect Jacques Rougerie, who is deeply passionate about the sea. Rougerie’s mission is to enable PONANT guests to perceive and feel the underwater universe that has never ceased to amaze and inspire him during his career through three innovative concepts.

Bionic & Biomimetic

The Blue Eye lounge space’s graphical references evoke cetaceans and jellyfish. This inspiration is evident in the lines of the lounge, the furniture and the fittings. All focus is drawn towards the two portholes, shaped like the eye of a cetacean looking out upon the subaquatic world. The lighting in the lounge is developed through subtly, disseminated in the space, allowing the spirit and the eye to wonder at the spectacle unfolding outside.
The mural décor disappears to make way for the integrated digital screens projecting the images filmed live by three underwater cameras. Placed at the ship’s strategic points, these cameras enable guests to witness, for example, the spectacle of dolphins playing in the bow waves.

Global Listening

The sound staging has been entrusted to Michel Redolfi, a contemporary music composer and sound design expert. A result of his research into subaquatic music and his own inventions, the sound design of the underwater lounge develops state-of-the-art technology and offers guests an experience in acoustic immersion that is unique in the world.

An immersive sound experience can be felt in the Body Listening sofas, which discreetly vibrate in unison while offering unique sensory listening through corporal resonance. This global listening through the entire body, in harmony with the ocean’s natural cycles, will bring guests closer to the marine mammals they might see and hear behind the giant portholes.

Innovative Underwater Vision

The non-intrusive underwater projectors developed expressly for the PONANT EXPLORERS enable the observation of the seabed and photo-luminescent organisms from the Blue Eye lounge as well as from the outside decks, balconies and the marina-without any risk to the marine biosphere.

Gallery

Itineraries

Ponant L'Austral iconic Kimberley cruise

view

Ponant – The Iconic Kimberley

Ponant

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Kimberley Cruise Escapes Testimonials

"Thanks so much for your help with our trip. Jim and I had the most incredible time-not to mention the fishing hat and photo’s we sent. It only took a day before thinking of you as we realised what you said about our room versus others-that really added to the trip for us. It was so nice knowing how passionate you were and that you were looking out for our interest-including Jim’s fishing-all adding up to it coming together so well. Until our next trip, take care."
Jim & Liz – Toowong, QLD
"To the proprietor, Please pass on our most sincere thanks to Ross for the time he took to go through all of the many options in assisting on our recent Kimberley expedition. With hindsight on our side, now understand the importance of the process of our lengthy consultations with Ross and the value we gained by our informed decision. A great job!"
Mike & Dianne – Cammeray, NSW
"Hi Ross and Heidi, thanks for all of your help in arranging our Kimberley Cruise. It was all we could have hoped for and more. We absolutely loved the trip and will be recommending the experience to many for a long time and will be sure to mention you for a call."
John & Trish – Camberwell, VIC
"Now we too know why they advertise ‘the best trip we’ve ever done’! Wow- we’re still filled with the Kimberley after our trip though getting back to reality and wanted to thank you and the 1300 Cruise team for all of your help and advice. We really appreciate everything you did in getting us aboard the True North and that we now know without doubt the best result we could have hoped for. We’ll be in touch next time we’re ready to start plans again."
Tom & Margaret – Roseville, NSW
"We got back to Ararat on Sunday night after a wonderful 10 days on the Silver Discoverer. Pam and I agree that it was one of the best holidays we have had – the weather was great, the scenery magnificent and the experience was beyond our expectations. We would recommend Silversea to any one who is considering an adventure cruise and we are also looking at another cruise with them in the future. Thanks for your organization."
Peter & Pam - Victoria

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