Wilder, richer, greener – and closer to home

Luxury small ship cruises have the Asia-Pacific region in their sights, promising wild coastlines, remote communities, and underwater wonderlands

Some of the most seductive cruise destinations are closer to home than you imagine. 

For Australian travellers, lesser visited but richly rewarding places to dock include the last wild frontiers of New Guinea; the subtropical islands of southern Japan; the cultural and natural treasures of the Philippines, Brunei and Sarawak; and New Zealand’s penguin-studded sub-Antarctic islands.

Visit the “wild lands” of Indonesia, a journey along the seas of Savu and Flores that embraces pristine nature, timeless traditions, sacred temples and natural sanctuaries. Reserve a front row seat for East Timor and see a less familiar side of Bali. Perhaps a reconnaissance of Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands? 

Consider, too, the majestic cliffs and rich colours of Western Australia’s Kimberley region, with its ancient First Nations culture, rock art, waterfalls, and saltwater crocodiles. The state’s marine parks are second to none.

These are among the many destinations Australian cruise lovers can visit with Ponant Explorations aboard their fleet of 14 luxury small ships whose itineraries in the Asia Pacific are headlining a voyage of discovery. Some 135 departures are currently on offer.

The islands on our doorstep are having a serious moment. Luxury small ship cruises make the most of hidden anchorages, remote coastlines, and authentic island communities that larger vessels can’t reach. 

Oceania is a specialty of the French company. Comprising Australasia (Australia and New Zealand), Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, it’s a region made up of thousands of islands throughout the Central and South Pacific Ocean – rich pickings for cruise passengers. 

Diving and snorkelling enthusiasts will love the storybook beaches and glimmering underwater landscapes of French Polynesia and New Caledonia. Add to your wishlist the lagoons of Bora Bora, the transparent waters of Tahiti, the islands of Micronesia, the islet of Kouaré, and the open-air aquarium of Rangiroa.

French Polynesia is endlessly enchanting for its landscapes and legends. The Marquesas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a group of volcanic islands that have inspired artists such as Paul Gauguin. Encounter tikis – stone statues – at the sacred Te I’ipona archaeological site on the black sand island of Hiva Oa and visit the petroglyphs on Nuku Hiva. The region is famous for wood carving and elaborate tattoo artistry.

Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea and Western New Guinea will appeal to travellers wanting to experience authentic island communities living traditional lives. It’s all part of the meaningful journey imperative.

Best scuba and snorkel destinations

Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Japan and the South Pacific have long cast a spell on Australian travellers. According to Cruise Passenger, the most popular cruise region for Australians last year encompassed Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, attracting 80.3 per cent of cruise travellers. With sustainability and the carbon footprint of long-haul travel frequently discussed, seeking travel memories closer to home makes perfect sense.

One of the joys of small ship travel is the freedom it brings. Ports are uncrowded, and so are the ships: the maximum capacity is 264 guests. It’s a freedom that adds to the sense of finding the real heart of each destination.

Onboard are experts, naturalists, historians, marine biologists, and cultural specialists who have stories to tell beyond the guidebooks. Offshore, small group excursions are led by enthusiastic guides who know their destinations inside out.

Accommodation has a certain je ne sais quoi that the French are known for. You won’t be roughing it. Guests return each evening to elegant suites and staterooms, every detail crafted with élan. The service is personalised, from restaurant managers and attentive waiters to cabin crew and butlers. There’s a swimming pool for down-time, sensational views a given. Spa treatments offer products by SOTHYS or Clarins Paris. 

Gastronomy holds its own onboard a Ponant Explorations ship. Fine dining menus are designed by Alain Ducasse’s team at Ducasse Conseil, employing local ingredients where possible. Chefs often collaborate with renowned guest chefs. Culinary demonstrations and wine tastings are part of the foodie journey. Expect delicious afternoon teas (there’ll pastries and macarons!) and sunset aperitifs (most likely to piano accompaniment).

Ponant Explorations, founded in 1988 by a group of passionate sailors from the French merchant navy, sets a global standard for luxury small ship explorations and sustainable travel. Among the vessels transporting you on your Asia-Pacific journeys are Le Jacques Cartier, Le Soléal, and Le Paul Gauguin. They provide maximum comfort with bars, lounges, and theatres for shows, music, talks and dance. There is a wellness centre for massage, hair, fitness workouts and sauna. A boutique caters to onboard shopping urges.

For more information visit Ponant Explorations