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 the recently launched Le Jacques Cartier 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 Jacques Cartier 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 Jacques Cartier with just 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”
Dates & Rates
Ponant 2026
Cruise
Route
Dates
Pontant – Australia’s Iconic Kimberley 10 Days
Room Type
Size
Door to Door
Port to Port
Balcony – Deluxe Stateroom
21 inc verandah
12,720
Balcony – Prestige Deck 4
21 inc verandah
13,710
Balcony – Prestige Deck 5
21 inc verandah
15,950
Balcony – Prestige Deck 6
21 inc verandah
16,850
Balcony – Deluxe Suite
27 inc verandah
21,920
Balcony – Prestige Deck 5
38 inc verandah
24,200
Balcony – Privilege Suite 6
38 inc verandah
26,390
Balcony – Grand Deluxe Suite 5/6
45 inc verandah
29,370
Balcony – Owners Suite
45 inc verandah
40,060
Ship Details
Le Jacques Cartier
In keeping with the philosophy of PONANT and the PONANT EXPLORERS, Le Jacques-Cartier is a modern ship with slender, tapered lines, it is environmentally friendly and equipped with innovative technology.
Tastefully decorated, Le Jacques-Cartier reflects the universe so dear to PONANT, with its light tones and open-to-the-sea design providing soft light and luminosity at every instant of the day. Its ethnic chic ambiance pays homage to the destinations we visit.
Located below the waterline, the Blue Eye offers a unique experience: the opportunity to enjoy undersea views and the sounds of the marine world whilst sharing a glass together.
92 refined staterooms and suites
Le Jacques-Cartier is equipped with 92 staterooms and suites designed to enable passengers to enjoy moments of tranquil calm and exotic escape. Featuring a balcony or terrace together with large sliding glass doors, they each open out towards the horizon. The combination of refined decoration and comfort they offer simply invites relaxation.
Le Soléal
Designed and built in 2013, Le Soléal is the third ship in the PONANT Sisterships series. It conveys the French art of living to all the oceans of the world.
Like Le Boréal and L’Austral, the two sister ships that preceded it, Le Soléal further reaffirms PONANT’s signature approach: to take passengers to the farthest reaches of the planet onboard modern ships offering top-of-the-range services.
An elegant appearance and refined interior design combine with cutting-edge technology to offer a new type of cruising: adventure in a luxury setting.
An homage to yachting
The interior design of the 132 staterooms and suites of the Le Soléal features a range of entirely soft and gentle colours, with greys and whites combining with natural wood. The Le Soléal thus brings to mind the looks and styles of the world of yachting, whilst at the same time adding a touch of sophistication.
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Three ADA staterooms
What’s on Board
Le Jacques Cartier
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Selection of Clarins top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Le Soléal
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Three ADA staterooms
Accommodation
Superior Stateroom Deck 3
19 m² / 2 people
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV
- A bathroom with shower
- A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
- A glazed panoramic swing door and rectangular window
Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
19 m² / 2 people
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- One chaise longue
- A bathroom with shower
- A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
- A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
19 m² / 2 people
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- One chaise longue
- A bathroom with shower
- A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
- A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
19 m² / 2 people
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- One chaise longue
- A bathroom with shower
- A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
- A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
Deluxe Suite Deck 3
27 m² / 3 people
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
- A bathroom with shower
- A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
- A glazed panoramic swing door and panoramic window
Deluxe Suite Deck 4
27 m² / 3 people
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
- A bathroom with shower
- A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
- A glazed panoramic swing door and panoramic window
Deluxe Suite Deck 5
27 m² / 3 people
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
- A bathroom with shower
- A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
- A glazed panoramic swing door and panoramic window
Prestige Deck 5
38 m² / 4 people
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
- An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
- A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
- Two bathrooms with shower
- A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
- Two panoramic sliding bay windows
Prestige Deck 6
38 m² / 4 people
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 arrival
- Butler service
- An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
- A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
- Two bathrooms with shower
- A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
- Two panoramic sliding bay windows
Privilege Suite Deck 5
32 m² / 3 people
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Butler service
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
- A bathroom with shower
- A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
- A panoramic sliding bay window
Privilege Suite Deck 6
32 m² / 3 people
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 arrival
- Butler service
- An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
- A bathroom with shower
- A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
- A panoramic sliding bay window
Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
45 m² / 4 people
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 arrival
- Butler service
- An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
- A bedroom with one king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A lounge with sofa convetible to a double bed (160 x 190 cm), armchair, and second TV
- A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
- A private 32 m² terrace with two deckchairs and four-seater dining table
- 2 panoramic sliding bay windows
Owner’s Suite Deck 5
45 m² / 4 people
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Private return transfer
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
- Butler service
- An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
- A lounge with armchair, double sofa bed (160 x 190 cm), and second TV
- A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A bathroom with shower, Balneo bathtub and smart mirror
- A one-hour spa treatments per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer
- Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar
- A private 40 m² terrace: 2 deckchairs, jacuzzi, and outdoor lounge area with sofa and armchair
- Two panoramic sliding bay windows
Superior Stateroom Deck 3
21 m² / 3 people
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- One king-size bed or two single beds (180 x 200 cm)
- A bathroom with shower
- A window (except for stateroom 300: a round porthole only)
Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
18 m² / 2 people
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A bathroom with shower
- A private 4 m² balcony
- A window and panoramic glazed swing door
Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A bathroom with shower
- A private 4 m² balcony
- A panoramic sliding bay window
Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
18 m² / 2 people
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV
- A bathroom with bath
- A private 4 m² balcony
- A panoramic sliding bay window
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
18 m² / 2 people
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A bathroom with bathtub (except staterooms 605 and 625: with shower)
- A private 4 m² balcony
- A panoramic sliding bay window
Prestige Suite Deck 6
37 m² / 4 people
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
- Butler service
- An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
- A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchairs, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
- Two bathrooms: one with a shower and one with a bath
- A private 8 m² balcony
- Two panoramic sliding bay windows
Owner’s Suite Deck 6
45 m² / 2 people
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Private return transfer
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
- Butler service
- An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
- A bedroom with one king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A living/dining room with a sofa, armchair, second TV, 4-seater table, and sliding courtesy door
- A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
- A one-hour spa treatments per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer
- Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar
- A private 9 m² balcony
- Two panoramic sliding bay windows
Prestige Suite Deck 5
37 m² / 4 people
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
- An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
- A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchairs, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
- Two bathrooms: one with a shower and one with a bath
- A private 8 m² balcony
- Two panoramic sliding bay windows
Prestige Suite Deck 6
37 m² / 4 people
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
- Butler service
- An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
- A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchairs, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
- Two bathrooms: one with a shower and one with a bath
- A private 8 m² balcony
- Two panoramic sliding bay windows
Gallery
What our clients say
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to cruise the Kimberley?
The Kimberley cruise season typically runs from April to October. The early season (April–May) showcases lush landscapes and powerful waterfalls due to recent rains. Mid-season (June–July) offers cooler temperatures and abundant wildlife, while the late season (August–October) provides warm weather and the chance to witness migrating whales.
Is the food catered to dietary requirements?
Yes, chefs onboard can accommodate various dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten-free and other specific requests. Please inform us in advance to ensure your preferences are met.
What should I pack for the cruise?
Essential items include lightweight clothing, swimwear, sturdy walking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent and a good camera.