As the gentle trade winds caress the turquoise ocean, a light breeze skims over the luxuriant vegetation, and Western Melanesia’s lush green islands appear before you in a constellation. During a unique 12-day expedition cruise, PONANT invites you to board Le Soléal to discover the jewels of the Banda, Seram and Sorong seas, with their tropical forests, magnificent seabed and ancestral heritage.
Departing from Darwin, a multicultural city where over 50 ethnic groups live together in perfect harmony with their environment, you head for the Maluku Islands, nicknamed the "Spice Islands". These hidden jewels, surrounded by incredibly blue water, are home to some of Indonesia’s most beautiful white sandy beaches.
Then you set sail further north. At the junction of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and the meeting point of the Seram and Sorong Seas, a string of green and leafy islands called Raja Ampat inspires wonder, a sense of peace and enchantment. Preserved in a setting of majestic karst peaks and bordered by magical coral reefs, the archipelago captivates visitors with the beauty of its multicoloured lagoons, immaculate beaches, lush green landscapes and exceptionally biodiverse seabed.
Le Soléal will continue to sail in the Indonesian province of West Papua to allow you to admire the superb natural site of Kitikiti Waterfall where you could enjoy a swim or snorkel surrounded by lush nature, both on land and under water.
You then set out for the Maluku archipelago to discover the charms of Banda Neira Island. Between its age-old culture marked by Dutch and Portuguese influences, its ruins from ancient times, coral reefs and luxuriant jungle, you will experience a truly timeless moment...
You then return to Darwin, which rounds off this fabulous and enchanting epic.
- An unprecedented expedition cruise to discover the little-known gems of Western Melanesia, marked by spellbinding natural surroundings, an astonishing seabed and ancestral legacies.
- Zodiac outings and shore visits with your team of naturalists.
- Exploring the Maluku Islands, a natural paradise on the Spice Route.
- Four days in the Indonesian archipelago of Raja Ampat, in the very heart of the "Coral Triangle”: a natural sanctuary and a real haven of peace.
- Gain an insight into the History, culture and the diversity of flora and fauna from your expert
expedition team.
- Landscapes: tropical forests, karst formations, breathtaking waterfalls, multicoloured lagoons, paradise beaches, a magnificent seabed, coral reefs.
- Possibility of diving (PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board and of snorkelling with your expedition team.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
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.
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 centre. 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.
The Kei Islands are blessed with kilometres of stunning, yet almost entirely empty, white-sand beaches and a deeply hospitable population. Beneath the mostly Christian facade, Kei culture is fascinatingly distinctive. Local history holds that ancestors of contemporary Kei islanders came from Bali, part of the expanding Hindu Majapahit kingdom from the western archipelago. Enjoy a day of swimming and snorkelling on an idyllic uninhabited picture postcard tropical island.
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 centre. 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.
If you are travelling the world in search for the most beautiful diving spots, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the Indonesian Raja Ampat islands. Off Sorong, ideally located in the heart of the illustrious “Coral Triangle”, the 1,500 or so islets that make up the archipelago are the ideal place for admiring some outstandingly diverse coral reefs. At the junction of the Pacific and Indian oceans, the Raja Ampat islands, covered with lush jungle, are also extraordinary lands for hiking. Between multi-coloured lagoons, immaculate beaches and green landscapes, the Raja Ampat islands offer you a breath-taking palette of colours...
North of Triton Bay, in the Indonesian province of West Papua, lie the Bomberai Peninsula and Sebakor Bay. A real paradise for divers, this protected, authentic and very wild area boasts an exceptional biodiversity. Here, you will be able to admire the superb Kitikiti Waterfall where you could enjoy a swim or snorkel surrounded by lush nature, both on land and under water.
From age-old traditional cultures and ancient vestiges, to coral reefs and lush green jungle… The attractions of the remote Banda archipelago seem endless. Better known as the legendary “Spice Islands” of the Ancient World, these small volcanic landmasses were the fabled prize of colonial powers for more than four centuries. Every colonial power of significance fought for control of these ten small islands that today have become largely forgotten. Walking the streets of Banda Neira is a surreal experience as your eyes are drawn to the eclectic mix of Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture, the remnants of a rich and tumultuous history. It is without doubt the most historically significant and interesting of all the “Spice Islands”.
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 centre. 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.
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.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Le Soleal
| Length | 142 metres |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2013 |
| Crew | 140 |
Luxury Small Ship
A sleek silhouette, a welcoming intimate atmosphere, and the same philosophy that has made her sister ships, L'Austral, Lyrial and Le Boreal, such a success.
This magnificent yacht of only 132 staterooms and suites, all with balconies, has contemporary decor inspired by the luxury yachting world, with fluid lines and a modern colour scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white. White Corian counters in the lobby contrast with the warmth of leather to recall a boat's hull, while the central scuplture of enamelled pieces takes its inspiration from the sea. In the lounge bar, the carpet picks up a tennis stripe theme symbolising a certain idea of cruising, one synonomous with French elegance and a chic seaside spirit.
Wheelchairs
3 specially adapted wheelchair cabins (Deck 3 = Superior cabin no. 307, no balcony, Deck 4 = Prestige Cabin no. 407 - with balcony and Deck 5 = Prestige Cabin no 509, with balcony) and lifts to all decks/areas.
Read about our recent Ponant cruise to Antarctica
Please click the following links to read more about Ponant and the other Ponant cruise ships.
Includes
- accommodation in stateroom,
- the full meal plan,
- the Open Bar: beginning with boarding, and during the duration of the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, Charles Heidsieck champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served on request and at any time of the day. Certain premium alcoholic beverages on the menu are not included in the Open Bar,
- free Wi-Fi internet access 24 hours a day*,
- access to all the common areas:
- fitness room, steam room, hair salon, swimming pool (sea water, heated), solarium, lounges, theater, boutique & leisure area.