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.
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.
Ponant – Dates 2025 | |||
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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 – 2025 (per person twin share) | ||
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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 |
Ponant – Dates 2026 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Cruise | Route | Dates | Vessel |
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley | Darwin to Broome | 13 May – 23 May | Le Jacques-Cartier |
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley | Broome to Darwin | 23 May -2 Jun | Le Jacques-Cartier |
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley | Darwin to Broome | 2 Jun – 12 Jun | Le Jacques-Cartier |
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley | Darwin to Broome | 22 Jun – 2 Jul | Le Jacques-Cartier |
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley | Darwin to Broome | 29 Jun – 9 Jul | Le Soleal |
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley | Darwin to Broome | 2 Jul – 13 Jul | Le Jacques-Cartier |
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley | Broome to Darwin | 9 Jul – 19 Jul | Le Soleal |
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley | Darwin to Broome | 12 Jul – 22 Jul | Le Jacques-Cartier |
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley | Darwin to Broome | 19 Jul – 29 Jul | Le Soleal |
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley | Broome to Darwin | 22 Jul – 1 Aug | Le Jacques-Cartier |
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley | Darwin to Broome | 1 Aug – 11 Aug | Le Jacques-Cartier |
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley | Broome to Darwin | 11 Aug – 21 Aug | Le Jacques-Cartier |
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley | Broome to Darwin | 18 Aug – 28 Aug | Le Soleal |
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley | Darwin to Broome | 28 Aug – 7 Sep | Le Soleal |
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley | Broome to Darwin | 11 Sep – 21 Sep | Le Soleal |
Ponant – 2026 Le Jacques Cartier
(per person twin share) |
||
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Room Type | SQR Mtrs | Fares |
Balcony – Deluxe Stateroom | 21 inc verandah | $12,630 |
Balcony – Prestige Deck 4 | 21 inc verandah | $14,010 |
Balcony – Prestige Deck 5 | 21 inc verandah | $14,360 |
Balcony – Prestige Deck 6 | 21 inc verandah | $15,500 |
Balcony – Deluxe Suite | 27 inc verandah | $20,030 |
Balcony – Prestige Deck 5 | 38 inc verandah | $24,200 |
Balcony – Privilege Suite 6 | 38 inc verandah | $25,310 |
Balcony – Grand Deluxe Suite 5/6 | 45 inc verandah | $26,150 |
Balcony – Owners Suite | 45 inc verandah | $39,070 |
Fares are inclusive of exclusive KCE club savings up to $1000 pp
Fares are based on 30% Ponant bonus savings which are capacity controlled and reduce in 5%’s as the ship’s inventory becomes booked. Some dates will vary to this fare range – call for your preferred timing and our guaranteed best fares
1800 000 130 or info@kimberleycruiseescapes.com.au
Ponant – 2026 Le Soleal
(per person twin share) |
||
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Room Type | SQR Mtrs | Fares |
Window – Superior | 21 interior | $11,710 |
Balcony – Deluxe Stateroom | 21 inc verandah | $12,680 |
Balcony – Prestige Deck 4 | 21 inc verandah | $14,010 |
Balcony – Prestige Deck 5 | 21 inc verandah | $14,710 |
Balcony – Prestige Deck 6 | 21 inc verandah | $15,550 |
Balcony – Deluxe Suite | 27 inc verandah | $20,030 |
Balcony – Prestige Suite from | 37 inc verandah | $24,200 |
Balcony – Owners Suite | 45 inc verandah | $39,070 |
Fares are inclusive of exclusive KCE club savings up to $1000 pp
Fares are based on 30% Ponant bonus savings which are capacity controlled and reduce in 5%’s as the ship’s inventory becomes booked. Some dates will vary to this fare range – call for your preferred timing and our guaranteed best fares
1800 000 130 or info@kimberleycruiseescapes.com.au
DELUXE STATEROOM
DELUXE SUITE DECK 3
DELUXE SUITE DECK 4
DELUXE SUITE DECK 5
DELUXE SUITE DECK 6
GRAND DELUXE SUITE DECK 5
GRAND DELUXE SUITE DECK 6
PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 4
PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 5
PRESTIGE DECK 6
PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 5
PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 6
PRIVILEGE SUITE DECK 5
OWNER’S SUITE
PRIVILEGE SUITE DECK 6
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.
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).
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.
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 new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides:
A pool deck offering:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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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