Le Jacques Cartier is one of Ponant’s Explorer-class yachts, designed to deliver upscale, small-ship voyages to remote and culturally rich destinations. Carrying just 184 guests, the ship offers a refined, yacht-like atmosphere with modern design, environmentally responsible technology, and access to off-the-beaten-path ports. Named after the famed 16th-century French explorer, Le Jacques Cartier blends contemporary French elegance with a spirit of adventure.
The ship’s interiors are serene and minimalist, with a palette inspired by the sea and natural materials throughout. Expansive windows flood the ship with light and offer sweeping views from nearly every space, including the panoramic lounge, library, theater, and open-air pool deck. One of its most distinctive features is the Blue Eye Lounge—an underwater observation space where guests can watch and listen to the marine world through subaquatic windows.
Accommodations are all ocean-facing, with most staterooms and suites offering private balconies. Rooms are thoughtfully appointed with fine bedding, rainfall showers, espresso machines, and modern entertainment systems. Larger suites offer more space and upgraded amenities, ensuring a high level of comfort throughout the voyage.
Dining includes a main restaurant with refined French and international cuisine, and a casual grill near the pool deck offering al fresco meals. Menus often reflect the regions visited, enhanced by a curated selection of French and global wines.
Equipped with advanced green technologies like dynamic positioning and optimized waste systems, Le Jacques Cartier is built for low-impact travel. On expedition sailings, guests are accompanied by expert guides and naturalists who lead Zodiac excursions and immersive shore experiences. Whether exploring tropical archipelagos or ancient coastal cities, Le Jacques Cartier offers a seamless blend of luxury, exploration, and cultural depth.
484 sq. feet
-Services provided
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
<ul><li>Priority boarding</li><li>Champagne and fruit basket on arrival</li><li>Butler service</li><li>An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day</li><li>One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)</li><li>A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair</li><li>A bathroom with shower</li><li>A private 8 m2 balcony with two armchairs</li><li>A panoramic sliding bay window</li></ul>
484 sq. feet
-Services provided
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
<ul><li>Priority boarding</li><li>Champagne and fruit basket on arrival</li><li>Butler service</li><li>An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day</li><li>One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)</li><li>A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair</li><li>A bathroom with shower</li><li>A private 8 m2 balcony with two armchairs</li><li>A panoramic sliding bay window</li></ul>
344 sq. feet
-Services provided
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
<ul><li>Priority boarding</li><li>Champagne and fruit basket on arrival</li><li>Butler service</li><li>An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day</li><li>One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)</li><li>A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair</li><li>A bathroom with shower</li><li>A private 8 m2 balcony with two armchairs</li><li>A panoramic sliding bay window</li></ul>
409 sq. feet
-Services provided
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
<ul><li>Priority boarding</li><li>Champagne and fruit basket on arrival</li><li>Butler service</li><li>An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day</li><li>One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)</li><li>A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair</li><li>A bathroom with shower</li><li>A private 8 m2 balcony with two armchairs</li><li>A panoramic sliding bay window</li></ul>
290 sq. feet
-Services provided
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
<ul><li>Priority boarding</li><li>Champagne and fruit basket on arrival</li><li>Butler service</li><li>An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day</li><li>One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)</li><li>A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair</li><li>A bathroom with shower</li><li>A private 8 m2 balcony with two armchairs</li><li>A panoramic sliding bay window</li></ul>
204 sq. feet
-Services provided
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
<ul><li>Priority boarding</li><li>Champagne and fruit basket on arrival</li><li>Butler service</li><li>An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day</li><li>One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)</li><li>A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair</li><li>A bathroom with shower</li><li>A private 8 m2 balcony with two armchairs</li><li>A panoramic sliding bay window</li></ul>
204 sq. feet
-Services provided
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
<ul><li>Priority boarding</li><li>Champagne and fruit basket on arrival</li><li>Butler service</li><li>An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day</li><li>One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)</li><li>A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair</li><li>A bathroom with shower</li><li>A private 8 m2 balcony with two armchairs</li><li>A panoramic sliding bay window</li></ul>
Ponant Cruises is a world-renowned luxury cruise line, offering intimate, small-ship expeditions that blend refined French hospitality with immersive exploration. Since its founding in 1988, Ponant has redefined high-end cruising, providing tailor-made voyages to some of the world’s most remote and culturally rich destinations. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, Ponant delivers one-of-a-kind travel experiences that combine adventure, sophistication, and environmental responsibility.
Ponant’s state-of-the-art fleet consists of elegantly designed yachts and expedition vessels, built to offer a boutique-style cruise experience. Each ship features luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, ensuring an intimate and exclusive journey.
One of Ponant’s most groundbreaking ships, Le Commandant Charcot, is the world’s first hybrid-electric polar exploration vessel powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). This ship exemplifies Ponant’s commitment to sustainable cruising, allowing travelers to venture deeper into polar regions with minimal environmental impact.
Ponant offers extraordinary voyages to destinations across the globe, from the icy landscapes of Antarctica and the Arctic to the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, the exotic islands of the South Pacific, and the vibrant cultures of Asia and Africa. Each itinerary is thoughtfully curated, blending wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and breathtaking natural scenery, all enhanced by Ponant’s signature French touch—from gourmet cuisine to refined onboard service.
Ponant is a pioneer in sustainable cruising, incorporating eco-friendly technologies and conservation initiatives into its operations. As the first European cruise line to earn the North American Green Alliance certification, Ponant is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, eliminating single-use plastics, and supporting scientific research and environmental preservation efforts in the destinations it explores.
At Small Ship Travel, we specialize in selecting the finest small-ship cruise experiences, ensuring that each voyage meets our rigorous standards for luxury, authenticity, and sustainability. After careful evaluation, we are proud to include Ponant Cruises in our curated collection, recognizing its commitment to refined adventure, environmental responsibility, and exceptional service.
Through our partnership with Ponant, we offer exclusive access, personalized itinerary planning, and seamless travel arrangements, ensuring a stress-free and unforgettable journey for our travelers.
By booking with Small Ship Travel, you receive expert recommendations, customized itineraries, and concierge-level service to enhance your Ponant Cruises experience. From pre- and post-cruise accommodations to exclusive shore excursions and private travel arrangements, we ensure that every aspect of your voyage is perfectly planned.
Sail the world in elegance with Ponant Cruises and Small Ship Travel—where luxury meets exploration in the most extraordinary destinations. Contact us today to begin planning your next journey.
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.