An Escapade in the Heart of Melanesia

Darwin, the capital and largest city of Australia's Northern Territory—often called the "Top End"—is a tropical urban center known for its cultural diversity and relaxed lifestyle. Home to more than 50 cultural communities, Darwin offers a unique blend of traditions and modern living. Discover the city's contemporary history through key landmarks such as the Parliament House, an example of tropical architecture opened in 1994, and the heritage-listed Admiralty House. This stilted tropical residence has withstood cyclones and wartime air raids.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to 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, do some shopping in the boutique, or 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. It is an enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Located at Australia's northernmost tip, Thursday Island is one of more than a hundred in the Torres Strait, between Cape York Peninsula and Papua New Guinea. The historic military fort of Green Hill offers magnificent views, and you can discover more about the region and its pearling history at the Gab Titui Cultural Center.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to 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, do some shopping in the boutique, or 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. It is an enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Bathed by the Coral Sea, the port city of Port Moresby is located in the south-east of Papua New Guinea. From the underwater life of the Pacific to the summit of the Owen Stanley range of mountains, it is home to exceptionally rich fauna, making it a real natural sanctuary. Among others are species such as the Royal Goliath beetle or the mythical bird of paradise, the country's emblem. The city has been undergoing profound change since 2010 with the port's rehabilitation and the seafront's development. Among the significant buildings, the APEC Haus is the city's symbol. This futuristic-looking building is inspired by the crab-claw-shaped sail of the lakatoi, the boats used by the Motu tribe.

Alotau became the provincial capital of Milne Bay in 1969 and today has a population of approximately 16,000. It serves as your port of entry into Papua New Guinea. Missionaries, miners, pearlers, and Japanese and American warships contributed to the History of Milne Bay. Perhaps the most significant history surrounds the Battle of Milne Bay. Here, the invading Japanese army suffered their first land defeat in the Pacific War in 1942. A memorial park at the battle site commemorates the event. The warm and welcoming local people resulted in one of the most relaxed, secure, and easy-going towns in Papua New Guinea. Join your expedition team to tour the town markets and WWII memorials.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to 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, do some shopping in the boutique, or 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. It is an enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Honiara is the capital city of The Solomon Islands, administered as a provincial town on the north-western coast of Guadalcanal Island. Honiara comes from the local Ghari Language, "naho-ni-ara," meaning 'facing the ara,' 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. 

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to 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, do some shopping in the boutique, or 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. It is an enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

At the end of the world, in the north of New Caledonia lies Vanuatu, a little archipelago that subsists mainly from fishing and farming. It is composed of several islands, Espiritu Santo being the largest and one of the most beautiful. You can meet the people here who are very welcoming and live in harmony with nature. Plus, you can see unimaginable landscapes formed of volcanic rocks, sandy beaches, and lagoons beckoning you to dive into their turquoise waters. In the middle of dense vegetation, be surprised to find brackish water with an amazing ecosystem called “blue holes.” If paradise exists, it must be here.

Port Vila is the cradle of an insular harmony where time seems to stand still, a tropical pearl in Vanuatu emerging from the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, a place that inspires contemplation and daydreaming. Beneath an azure sky, the colorful markets reveal the very essence of Vanuatuan culture. The stalls overflow with tropical fruit bursting with sunshine while the artisans showcase their talents, weaving vegetable-fiber baskets and sculpting traditional masks with enigmatic faces. On the lush heights in the inland region of Vanuatu’s capital, the waterfalls whisper secret songs, creating an aquatic symphony that resonates in the heart of travelers in search of magic.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to 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, do some shopping in the boutique, or 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. It is an enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Lautoka is the second largest city in Fiji. It is located on the western side of the island of Viti Levu, 24 kilometers north of Nadi. Lying in the heart of Fiji's sugar cane growing region, it is known as the Sugar City. Lautoka is the gateway to Fiji's "Sun coast," a land of abundant sunshine, azure skies, and dramatic grass-covered peaks chequered with sugar-cane fields, rural villages, and quaint market towns.