Signature highlights
A small expedition ship with balcony accommodations, a marina platform for excursions, an underwater Blue Eye lounge, an open-bridge-style expedition atmosphere, and a compact design suited to smaller ports.
Le Jacques Cartier
Le Jacques Cartier is an 184-guest PONANT cruise ship, in service since 2020. This page lists 41 upcoming departures across 25 itineraries in Australia & Pacific, day by day and port by port. Its live AIS position is plotted on the map below and refreshed through the day.
✓ Small-ship expedition travelers
✓ Guests who value balcony accommodations
✓ Travelers interested in lectures and destination programming
Photos from Wikimedia Commons under their authors’ free licenses. Tap a photo for the credit and license.
Le Jacques Cartier at a glance
Best for
- Small-ship expedition travelers
- Guests who value balcony accommodations
- Travelers interested in lectures and destination programming
- Couples seeking intimate public spaces
- Passengers who enjoy water-based expedition activities
Think twice if you want
- Travelers seeking a large resort-style ship
- Families wanting extensive children's facilities
- Guests looking for numerous specialty restaurants
- Passengers who prefer extensive nightlife
- Travelers requiring many inside cabins
Live Position ● 29 minutes ago
Heading to: Moorea IslandCurrently on: Polynesian Bliss : Marquesas and Tuamotu (14 nights) — Currently at Papeete, Tahiti Island (French Polynesia)
Coming up
- Papeete end of cruise
0.0 knots
Position via AIS — updated periodically, not real-time.
About Le Jacques Cartier
Le Jacques Cartier is a compact PONANT Explorers expedition yacht designed for intimate, destination-focused cruising. The 2020-built ship carries up to 184 guests in 92 staterooms and suites, with 118 crew members and predominantly balcony accommodations. Its small size supports access to less-visited ports, while expedition facilities and a marina platform enable shore landings and water activities. Onboard spaces combine French-inspired dining and relaxed lounges with a theatre, spa, pool, and underwater Blue Eye lounge.
Ship at a Glance
- Operator
- Compagnie du Ponant (PONANT)
- Builder / shipyard
- VARD Tulcea, Romania (hull); VARD Søviknes, Norway (outfitting)
- Registry / flag
- Wallis and Futuna (Mata Utu)
- Call sign
- FLYQ
- IMO number
- 9852420
- MMSI
- 578001400
- Draft
- 4.7 m
- Previous names
- Le Surville
Onboard Experience
For families
PONANT lists an Ocean Young Explorers program and expedition activities suitable for families, although the ship is primarily positioned as an intimate expedition yacht rather than a family resort ship.
Pools, spa & wellness
Facilities include a SOTHYS and Davines spa, hammam, fitness room, massage and beauty treatments, hairdressing services, and an outdoor swimming pool.
Environmental features
The ship is part of PONANT’s newer expedition fleet, incorporating environmental technologies and a Clean Ship-oriented design. Expedition operations use a marina platform and small craft to support nature-focused landings and water activities.
Deck plans
Venues Cabins only Both · Tap a deck to see what's on it
Deck 7
Spa Fitness SundeckDeck 6
Art Gallery Studio PONANT Library Upper decks balcony stateroom Deluxe Suite Prestige Suite Privilege Suite Grand Suite Owner's SuiteDeck 5
Bridge Upper decks balcony stateroom Deluxe Suite Prestige Suite Privilege Suite Grand Suite Owner's SuiteDeck 4
Restaurant Upper decks balcony stateroom Deluxe SuiteDeck 3
Marina Theater Grill Pool Shop Excursion Desk Bar Medical Centre Lower deck balcony stateroom Deluxe SuiteView the official Le Jacques Cartier deck plans from PONANT →
Cabins & suites
| Category | Type | Size | Sleeps | Decks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower deck balcony stateroomThe operator also describes this as a lower deck balcony stateroom. | Balcony | 204 sq ft | 2 | 3 |
| Upper decks balcony stateroomThe operator also describes this as an upper decks balcony stateroom. | Balcony | 204 sq ft | 2 | 4, 5, 6 |
| Deluxe Suite | Suite | 290 sq ft | 3 | 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| Prestige SuiteSome booking materials describe the category as a two-room suite. | Suite | 409 sq ft | 4 | 5, 6 |
Dining, bars & venues
8 included 2 extra cost in the fare, by the line's own published policy.
Dining
Grill
Included
An informal restaurant serving buffet meals and grill-style dining.
Restaurant
Included
The main restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Bars & lounges
Blue Eye Lounge
Included
An underwater lounge with submerged views and marine sounds.
Main Lounge
Varies
The principal indoor lounge used for socializing and evening entertainment.
Panoramic Lounge
Varies
A forward observation lounge with expansive views and a library area.
History & sister ships
- 2020Entered service, built by VARD Tulcea, Romania (hull); VARD Søviknes, Norway (outfitting).
- 2020The ship was delivered under the name Le Jacques Cartier after initially being ordered and built under the name Le Surville.
Other PONANT Explorers ships
Where Le Jacques Cartier sails, month by month
| Nov 26 |
Dec 26 |
Jan 27 |
Feb 27 |
Mar 27 |
Apr 27 |
May 27 |
Jun 27 |
Jul 27 |
Aug 27 |
Sep 27 |
Oct 27 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia & Pacific | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Asia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Ports it visits most
Explore This Ship
Jump from Le Jacques Cartier sailings into the broader destination network with cruise line and region hub pages.
Itineraries & Sailings
Ports of Call
Next: Sep 4, 2027
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Feb 7, 2027
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Sep 20, 2027
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Jan 9, 2028
1 upcoming departure
All 25 itineraries and their departure dates
- An escapade in the heart of Melanesia 4 Sep 2027
- Ancestral Cultures of the South Pacific 7 Feb 2027
- Ancestral Cultures of the South Pacific 20 Sep 2027
- Ancestral Cultures of the South Pacific 9 Jan 2028
- Australia's Iconic Kimberley 27 May 2027, 16 Jun 2027, 6 Jul 2027, 26 Jul 2027, 15 Aug 2027
- Australia's Iconic Kimberley 6 Jun 2027, 26 Jun 2027, 16 Jul 2027, 5 Aug 2027, 25 Aug 2027
- Authentic Japan 11 Mar 2028
- From Confidential French Polynesia to Pitcairn Island 12 Dec 2027
- From Fiji to Micronesia 20 Feb 2027
- From Secluded French Polynesia to Pitcairn Island 15 Nov 2026
- Horizons of East Asia and the Philippines 16 Apr 2028
- Indonesian Temples & Volcanoes 15 May 2028
- Ocean Voyage: Guam - Kobe 8 Mar 2027
- Ocean Voyage: Kumamoto - Keelung 18 Apr 2027
- Philippines, Taiwan and Japan 26 Feb 2028
- Polynesian Bliss : Marquesas and Tuamotu 1 Nov 2026, 29 Nov 2026, 27 Dec 2026, 10 Jan 2027, 24 Jan 2027, 31 Oct 2027, 28 Nov 2027, 26 Dec 2027
- Secret Islands of Melanesia 21 Jan 2028
- Secret Polynesia: Unexplored Tuamotu, the Gambier Islands and the Austral Islands 13 Dec 2026, 17 Oct 2027
- Secret Polynesia: Unexplored Tuamotu, the Marquesas Islands and the Society Islands 14 Nov 2027
- Secrets of the Pacific from the Solomon Islands to Palau 3 Feb 2028
- The Hidden Treasures of the Philippines and Borneo 21 Apr 2027
- The Hidden Treasures of the Philippines and Borneo 28 Apr 2028
- Voyage to Indonesia: Dragons, Reefs, and the Spice Islands – with Smithsonian Journeys 27 May 2028
- Voyage to Indonesia: Dragons, Reefs, and the Spice Islands – with Smithsonian Journeys 15 May 2027
- Wild islands and Philippine horizons 18 Feb 2028
All Upcoming Departures
Le Jacques Cartier FAQ
What flag does Le Jacques Cartier sail under?
Le Jacques Cartier is registered in Wallis and Futuna (Mata Utu).
How many passengers does Le Jacques Cartier hold?
Le Jacques Cartier carries about 184 guests with roughly 118 crew.
How old is Le Jacques Cartier?
Le Jacques Cartier entered service in 2020.
What is the dress code on Le Jacques Cartier?
PONANT recommends casual and elegant clothing, with cocktail attire for gala evenings. Shorts and bermudas are not permitted in the evening at the gourmet restaurant.
Are meals and drinks included on Le Jacques Cartier?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, as is an open bar covering a selection of drinks. Premium alcoholic beverages may cost extra.
Is Wi-Fi included on Le Jacques Cartier?
Wi-Fi is available without a separate charge in staterooms and public areas. Connection quality can vary by location and sailing conditions.
Are gratuities mandatory?
No. Staff gratuities are left to the passenger's discretion.
Does Le Jacques Cartier accommodate passengers with reduced mobility?
The PONANT Explorers are designed with accessible staterooms and ramps in common areas. Passengers must be independently mobile or travel with someone able to provide necessary assistance, and Zodiac landings remain subject to operational approval.
Are children allowed on Le Jacques Cartier?
Children under one year are not permitted. On expedition cruises aboard this ship, children are generally accepted from age six and must be able to follow instructions and manage Zodiac landings independently.