Set sail on a 14-day expedition cruise from Honiara to Guam aboard the Le Jacques Cartier. Embark from Honiara on a remarkable journey through remote, untamed landscapes. In the Solomon Islands, experience the beauty of Njari Island's waters and explore the vibrant markets of Ghizo Island. Continue to Papua New Guinea, a diverse land with a myriad of ethnic groups and unexplored ecosystems. Visit the unique autonomous region of Bougainville. Discover the wartime history of Micronesia, where Chuuk Lagoon and Pulap Island preserve poignant relics. Dive into Micronesia's rich underwater world and soak up the charm of its sandy beaches and traditional villages. The voyage concludes on Guam, the largest volcanic island in the Mariana Islands.
Highlights
Explore the picture-perfect beaches and bays of Bougainville, known for its rich marine life
Discover the traditional markets and opportunities for snorkeling and diving in Ghizo Island
Experience world-class snorkeling, diving, and underwater photography in Njari Island
Visit historical sites in Rabaul, Bismarck Archipelago
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Honiara is the capital city of the Solomon Islands, administered as a provincial town on the northwestern coast of Guadalcanal Island. Honiara comes from the local Ghari language "naho-ni-ara,” meaning 'facing the ara', the place where the southeast winds meet the land. Discover this city, its beautiful landscape, and its significant role in World War II, particularly the Battle of Henderson Field, the last of the three major land offensives conducted by the Japanese in 1942.
There are plenty of opportunities for world-class snorkeling, diving, and underwater photography throughout the Solomon Islands, with sites in the Western and Central Provinces considered among the most popular. The underwater realm is home to more than 1000 species of reef fish, along with dolphins, rays, sharks, and six of the world's seven species of marine turtles. Almost 500 species of corals have been identified among the 5,750 km2 reefs found in the Solomon Islands. Njari Island is an uninhabited postcard island located 15nm from the town of Gizo. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling on its idyllic shores.
Gizo is situated on Ghizo Island and is the second-largest town in the Solomon Islands, after the capital, Honiara. The people of the Western Province are regarded as among the most skilled carvers in the world. They produce carvings from various woods, including ebony and rosewood. These amazingly intricate carvings can take months to make and, accordingly, command a high price. You can have the opportunity to visit the traditional markets of Gizo. There are plenty of opportunities for world-class snorkeling, diving, and underwater photography throughout the Western Province, and the islands around Ghizo are considered among the most popular.
The Autonomous Region of Bougainville, formerly known as the North Solomons Province, has been known for its picture-perfect beaches and bays since French explorer Louis-Antoine de Bougainville first sighted the island and gave it its name in 1768. The region played a significant role in the Pacific theater of war during WWII. With 685 km of coastline and 240,000ha of coral reefs teeming with life, many destinations are awaiting discovery.
Set at the eastern end of the island of New Britain, the tropical port town of Rabaul has always been famous for its spectacular setting. Nestled beside Simpson Harbor, the township is surrounded by six volcanoes, one of which, Mt. Tavurvur, is still active today. The most recent major volcanic eruption was in September 1994, when Tavurvur and Vulcan covered much of Rabaul and surrounding villages with volcanic ash. This eruption saw the growth of the nearby coastal town of Kokopo, which has now become the administrative and tourism center for Rabaul.
Join your expedition team for a tour by local transport to see Mt. Tavurvur, the Volcano Observatory, and various significant sites from World War II.
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.
Chuuk Lagoon, previously known as Truk Lagoon, is one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia. The 16 much-eroded volcanic islands within the lagoon have mangrove swamps along their coasts, with rich rainforests in the central mountainous areas. The islands are hugely popular with scuba divers thanks to the incredibly interesting shipwrecks: at depths of 15 to 40 meters, divers can explore a veritable underwater museum of wrecks from the Japanese land-based, aerial, and naval fleet bombarded by the Americans in February 1944 in retaliation for the attack on Pearl Harbour. These shipwrecks have become foundations for new reef growth and extraordinary marine fauna.
Pulap is an atoll consisting of three islands located in the Pattiw group in the Caroline Islands. The three islands are Pollap in the north, Tamatam in the south, and Fanadik at the western fringe of the reef. The island is surrounded by a number of ghostly shipwrecks that are virtually intact, and submerged underwater. This makes for great diving expeditions where you can explore the reef and its incredible marine life, as well as the shipwrecks.
Satawal is a solitary coral atoll consisting of just one island. Like Pulap, Satawal is located in the Caroline Islands, where it is home to just 500 people. Famous for its preservation of traditional navigational techniques without the use of modern instruments, based on indigenous astronomical and maritime concepts, the island is still very traditional, which means visitors rarely step ashore, but those who do are warmly welcomed by the villagers.
The Ifalik coral atoll, lying in the warm waters of the North Pacific in the vast Caroline Island archipelago, is an invitation to serenity, enchantment, and discovery. Ifalik, a veritable hidden paradise edged with magnificent beaches and expanses of fine sand, will reveal its treasures to you. Between the sumptuous underwater scenery, rich biodiversity, ancestral traditions, and warm and welcoming inhabitants, marvel at this lush environment, unlike anywhere else, and far from the frenzy of any town.
Gaferut Atoll is an outlying atoll in the State of Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia. The tiny island is mostly defined by densely covered rolling hills that are lusciously covered with vegetation. Mangrove swamps line the vast majority of the shore with an outer barrier reef, rich in marine wildlife surrounding the island. There is also an enclosed lagoon, which is brimming with a diverse selection of marine wildlife.
Day 14: Guam | Disembark
1 Breakfast
In the Western Pacific, call at Guam, the largest volcanic island of Micronesia, and the Mariana Islands. Here, the crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches create a picture-postcard setting, ideal for relaxation and a break from it all. This little-known island, today under the administration of the United States, also offers you the opportunity to visit a number of historical sites, see vestiges of Spanish colonization, and discover the culture of the Chamorros, the first inhabitants of the islands, talented craftspeople who have preserved their traditions.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$9,0002-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Deluxe Stateroom
19 m² area featuring a 4m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
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Prestige Deck 4
19 m² area featuring a 4m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
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Prestige Deck 5
19 m² area featuring a 4m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
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Prestige Deck 6
19 m² area featuring a 4m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
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Deluxe Suite Deck 3
27 m² area featuring, 6m² private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, 1 sofa, shower
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Deluxe Suite Deck 4
27 m² area featuring, 6m² private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, 1 sofa, shower
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Deluxe Suite Deck 5
27 m² area featuring, 6m² private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, 1 sofa, shower
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Deluxe Suite Deck 6
27 m² area featuring, 6m² private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, 1 sofa, shower
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Prestige Deck 5 Suite
38 m² area featuring an 8m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
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Prestige Suite Deck 6
38 m² area featuring an 8m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
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Privilege Suite Deck 6
32 m² area featuring an 8m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
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Privilege Suite Deck 5
32 m² area featuring an 8m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
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Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
45 m² area featuring, 40m² private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Bathtub
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Owner's Suite
45 m² area featuring an 30m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
Notes
Please note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and are subject to change without notice.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 Dinners
13 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Port Fees
Unlimited Wifi
Onboard Entertainment
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
Gratuities to Onboard Crew
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
24h Room Service (special selection)
English-Speaking Lecturer
Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite.
Flight Brisbane/Honiara selected by PONANT in economy class
Transfer airport/pier
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Visa Fees
Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
Luggage Handling
Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions
Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
