In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
For most of its existence, Vietnam has lived in the shadow of China or been subject to Western domination, first by the French and then by the Americans. But since the 1980s, it has emerged as a growing economy, striving to become one of the economic tigers of Southeast Asia. This 15-day voyage from Singapore to Hong Kong invites you to experience the many sides of Vietnam, from the ancient civilizations of Cham and Khmer, through Chinese influence and French colonialism, to the present day.
Sailing from Singapore through the South China Sea, your first port of call after a day and a half at sea is in the Côn Đảo Islands, located about 60 miles off the southern coast of Vietnam. Once known primarily as home to the "Tiger Cells," one of the most brutal prisons in history, it is now visited for its picturesque fishing villages overlooking a sparkling sea. You may choose to focus on the island's history on a tour that includes a historical museum, the prison, and a visit to the local market, or you may explore the islands' natural beauty on a hike in the highlands.
A morning of cruising brings you to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), where your ship will dock for two nights, making it possible to experience a variety of aspects of this fascinating city. Focus on the city's history, both ancient and modern, in visits to the History Museum, the War Museum, the Củ Chi Tunnels, and the Reunification Palace. Experience the city's cultural diversity in visits to temples, in a trip to Chinatown's open-air market, or in an evening performance of Vietnamese dance and song. Or enjoy sampling the regional cuisine—on a cruise of the Mekong Delta followed by lunch in a colonial villa, or in a cooking class in the Ho Chi Minh Agricultural Villages.
A day of cruising along the Saigon River and then along Vietnam's southern coast brings you to Nha Trang, one of the country's most popular resorts, with beautiful long beaches backed by palm trees and promenades. It is also a center of craftsmanship, where you can see rice paper being made and spend time in the Troung Son Handicraft village, where artisans demonstrate their skills in rattan weaving, calligraphy, sand painting, and more.
Your next port of call, Da Nang, serves as an introduction to the ancient Cham civilization and to Hội An, an old trading port that blends indigenous and foreign (primarily Chinese) influences. Visit the Cham Museum and the ruins of ancient Hindu temples at My Son; travel to the countryside and experience a day of tending garden, cooking lunch, and mask-making; or visit the UNESCO Heritage Site of Hội An, perhaps enjoying a dinner ashore after sunset, when this fascinating town is lit almost entirely by lanterns.
Chan May, the lovely bay just around the peninsula from Da Nang, is your gateway to the imperial capital of Hue, the seat of power of the Nguyen dynasty that ruled much of Vietnam from the early 19th century until World War II. Exploration of this UNESCO Heritage Site will tour the Royal Citadel, similar in plan to the Forbidden City in Beijing, and the magnificent tombs of the emperors on the outskirts of the city. You may also visit either the seven-tiered tower of the Heavenly Lady Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River or the garden house and temple built to honor Princess Ngọc Sơn.
After a day at sea, arrive in the World Heritage site of Hạ Long Bay, a series of rocky pitons emerging from the sea, surrounded by mountains with mysterious caverns. From here, you may choose to travel to Vietnam's bustling capital of Hanoi, where a guided tour includes visits to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Hoa Lo Prison ("Hanoi Hilton"), the Ngọc Sơn Pagoda, and the Old Quarter. You may choose a day of tranquility at Yen Tu Mountain, site of a Buddhist monastery where you can practice Tai Chi, enjoy a vegetarian lunch, and join a meditation class with a monk. Or, you may decide to explore Ha Long Bay itself on a cruise aboard a local boat.
Your final port of call is the amazingly vibrant city of Hong Kong, where excursions introduce you to the food markets of the city or to places you can purchase birds' nests, ginseng, and other herbal medicines. Or you may opt for a panoramic coach tour that includes views over the city from Victoria Peak.
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
- Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Ancient City of Hội An, the My Son temples, the Imperial City of Hue, and Hạ Long Bay
- Opportunities to experience local cuisine in each port of call.
- A performance of Vietnamese dance and song in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Handicraft markets in Nha Trang and Da Nang.
- Echoes of the American war in Củ Chi, Hue, and Hanoi.
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.
Le Jacques Cartier
| Built | 2019 |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair accessible | Yes |
| Lifts/elevators | Yes |
Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.
Le Jacques Cartier will embody refinement, intimacy and comfort. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.
Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.
RESTAURANTS
As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship.
To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals.
In a relaxed atmosphere, an outdoor grill on Deck 3 will serve grilled meats with a variety of salads and desserts.
PUBLIC AREAS
Le Jacques Cartier has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger.
A 140 m² reception area includes:
A reception/concierge desk,
An excursions desk,
The ship’s administrative services,
The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer,
Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories,
Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility.
A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides:
Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship,
Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions,
Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding.
A pool deck offering:
A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system,
A pleasant solarium,
An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas.
A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening.
Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with:
The latest sound and lighting technology,
A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.
Please click the following links to read more about Ponant and the other Ponant cruise ships.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
