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An escapade in the heart of Melanesia Cruise

  • Departure DateFri 21st Aug 2026
  • Ponant Le Jacques Cartier
  • 16 Night Cruise From Darwin
  • Call us on

Itinerary

  • Darwin, Australia
  • Thursday Island
  • Port Moresby
  • Alotau, Papua New Guinea
  • Guadalcanal
  • Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
  • Port Vila, Vanuatu
  • Lautoka

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Day 1 - Darwin, Australia

Arrive: Fri 21 August 2026 / Depart: Fri 21 August 2026

Darwin is located in Australia’s Northern Territory which is also known as the “Top End”. It is the capital city and the most populated town of the Northern Territory. Darwin is a beautiful tropical city, a melting pot of people and cultures, over 50 different cultures live and work side by side that prides itself in its unique and friendly laid-back lifestyle. Come discover the town’s still recent history through its emblematic buildings such as the new Parliamant House opened in 1994, a magnificent example of tropical architecture or Admiralty House declared heritage place, a tropical-style home elevated on stilts that has survived two cyclones and numerous air raids.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Thursday Island

Arrive: Mon 24 August 2026 / Depart: Mon 24 August 2026

Thursday Island, colloquially known as TI, or in the Kawrareg dialect, Waiben or Waibene, is an island of the Torres Strait Islands, an archipelago of at least 274 small islands in the Torres Strait. TI is located approximately 39 kilometres north of Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, Australia.

Day 5 - At Sea

Day 6 - Port Moresby

Arrive: Wed 26 August 2026 / Depart: Wed 26 August 2026

Day 7 - Alotau, Papua New Guinea

Arrive: Thu 27 August 2026 / Depart: Thu 27 August 2026

Alotau is the capital of Milne Bay Province, in the south-east of Papua New Guinea. It is located on the northern shore of Milne Bay. The town is located within Alotau Urban LLG. Alotau is also the annual forum for Australian and Papua New Guinean ministers.

Day 8 - At Sea

Day 9 - At Sea

Day 10 - Guadalcanal

Arrive: Sun 30 August 2026 / Depart: Sun 30 August 2026

Guadalcanal is one of the Solomon Islands, in the South Pacific. It’s known for its WWII relics, plus dive sites like palm-fringed Bonegi Beach, with 2 two sunken Japanese wartime vessels. West of the capital, Honiara, Vilu War Museum has memorials and WWII aircraft. Honiara’s busy Central Market sells produce and traditional handicrafts. Cultural artifacts and war relics are on show at the National Museum.

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - At Sea

Day 13 - Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

Arrive: Wed 02 September 2026 / Depart: Wed 02 September 2026

Day 14 - Port Vila, Vanuatu

Arrive: Thu 03 September 2026 / Depart: Thu 03 September 2026

Port Vila is the harborside capital and main hub of Vanuatu, on Efate island. Its small downtown is home to colorful market stalls selling produce and local handicrafts. The National Museum of Vanuatu, inside the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, displays artifacts such as slit-gong drums and outrigger canoes.

Day 15 - At Sea

Day 16 - At Sea

Day 16 - At Sea

Day 17 - Lautoka

Arrive: Sun 06 September 2026 / Depart: Sun 06 September 2026

Lautoka is the second largest city of Fiji. Located on the western side of the island of Viti Levu, 24 kilometres 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.

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