PONANT is the first international expedition cruise company to return to cruising in Australia, with the arrival and operation of the 184 guest Le Lapérouse and 264 guest Le Soléal, two modern ships from its fleet of 13 compact purpose-built luxury expedition ships.
Having two ships in the region provides PONANT the flexibility to undertake a diverse range of close-to-home voyages, with the added benefit of convenient port access for Australian and New Zealand based travellers. These nearby destinations allow the company to create stimulating itineraries and immersive exploration experiences embracing a spectrum of neighbours – Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia, New Caledonia and New Zealand, as well as Australia’s own Kimberley region.
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A number of these voyages still have some space available during the current 2022 season. For those clients who act swiftly the company is offering varying levels of PONANT Bonus, with some voyages still currently available at up to 30% saving, making this an ideal time to re-ignite travel plans and book a close-to-home luxury expedition.
Some tantalising examples for consideration
Wild Landscapes of the Kimberley & South-East Asia
Broome to Bali | 14 nights | 5 September 2022
This tropical expedition onboard Le Lapérouse commences in Broome and features renowned Kimberley highlights including ancient rock art, King George Falls, the Hunter River and Montgomery Reef, before changing course to head north and west to discover the former Portuguese colony of Baucau in East Timor, Kalabahi in the Alor Islands and UNESCO World Heritage Komodo National Park with its famed dragons, before concluding in Bali, the “island of the gods”.
20% Ponant Bonus savings available.
Discover now.
Ancient Cultures of Papua New Guinea
Cairns to Guadalcanal/Honiara | 10 nights (including return flight to Brisbane) | 1 November 2022
In addition to regular Zodiac outings with naturalists, this Le Soléal tropical expedition offers guests visits to pivotal WWII sites, hot springs and geysers, active volcanoes, traditional cultural performances, local village life and a fascinating shipwreck to wonder at.
15% Ponant Bonus savings available.
Discover now.
Pacific Islands Discovery
Noumea to Auckland | 10 nights | 22 November 2022
With the additional involvement of National Geographic Expeditions. Be dazzled by Maré and Lifou in the Loyalty Islands, and Hienghène the cradle of Kanak culture. Explore white-sand beaches, imposing black limestone cliffs and the incredible biodiversity of UNESCO listed coral seabeds. From here to Australia’s isolated Norfolk Island and on to the Bay of Islands in the far north of New Zealand, famed for its Maori culture and traditions.
25% Ponant Bonus savings available.
Discover now.
Expedition to New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands
Dunedin roundtrip | 14 nights | 28 December 2022
This special voyage of discovery includes numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Te Wāhipounamu and its majestic Milford Sound, Dusky Sound and Doubtful Sound as well as New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands (Snares, Auckland and Campbell Islands) and Australia’s own Macquarie Island. Often described as the “Galápagos of the Southern Ocean”, the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand are some of the best preserved and protected environments on Earth. Whether enjoying Zodiac cruising in Fiordland, observing or photographing crested penguins, Royal Albatross, Antarctic and Subantarctic fur seals, New Zealand sea lions and Southern elephant seals, you will experience scenery and wildlife like nowhere else on earth. What better way to welcome in the New Year?
Last rooms still available.
Discover now.
New guests save $800* on their first voyage, plus book early and save them up to 25%*
Contact your preferred travel agent or PONANT on:
1300 178 (AU) | 0800 767 018 (NZ) | reservations.aus@ponant.com | au.ponant.com