For those embarking on a journey aboard Le Jacques Cartier, a Ponant Explorer-series ship, a refined and intimate cruise awaits. This French-flagged vessel accommodates just 184 guests, offering a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. With its eco-friendly design and modern amenities, the ship promises a memorable experience.
Visitors can anticipate a journey that feels both luxurious and personal. Whether dining in the panoramic restaurant, relaxing in the Blue Eye lounge, or enjoying a lecture in the theatre, the ship fosters a sense of discovery and ease. Social spaces like the Main Lounge encourage camaraderie, while private balconies and quiet lounges offer solitude. The ship’s smaller size allows access to unique ports, enhancing the exploration aspect of the cruise. Le Jacques Cartier offers a balanced and elegant experience, blending French sophistication with modern innovation.
Reception Areas: A Welcoming First Impression
Guests are greeted on Deck 3 by a stylish 50-square-metre reception area, featuring a concierge desk, excursion office, and boutique selling clothing, jewellery, and souvenirs. The open layout, with neutral tones and contemporary furnishings, creates a calm and inviting space. Accessible facilities ensure ease for all passengers, while attentive staff provide prompt assistance, setting a polished tone for the voyage.
Dining: A Taste of French Elegance
Le Jacques Cartier’s dining options blend French culinary artistry with international influences. The panoramic restaurant on Deck 4, seating all guests at once, offers buffet-style breakfast and lunch with fresh salads, cheeses, and desserts, while dinner features table-served dishes. The casual Deck 3 grill provides al fresco dining with grilled meats, seafood, and lighter fare. Complimentary beverages, including wine, beer, spirits, and champagne, accompany meals, with dietary preferences thoughtfully accommodated.
Entertainment: ,
Entertainment onboard caters to a range of interests. The 188-seat theatre on Deck 3, equipped with advanced sound and lighting, hosts lectures, live music, and dance performances. The Blue Eye lounge, a world-first underwater space below the waterline, features porthole windows and digital screens displaying live marine footage, creating a serene connection to the ocean. The Main Lounge on Deck 3, with its outdoor terrace, offers live music and social evenings, while the Panoramic Lounge on Deck 6 provides a quiet library and internet corner.
Accommodation: Modern Comfort
The ship’s 92 staterooms and suites, ranging from 204 to 484 square feet, are designed for relaxation. All feature private balconies, king-size beds (convertible to twins), and en-suite bathrooms with French toiletries. Suites, like the Owner’s Suite, offer added luxuries such as separate lounges and hot tubs on private terraces. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, complimentary Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service, ensuring a comfortable and stylish retreat.
Hospitality: Personalised and Attentive
With a near 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, the crew delivers warm, professional service. Guests benefit from 24-hour room service, a dedicated concierge for excursion and spa bookings, and butler service for suites. The Ponant app allows easy access to daily schedules and reservations. Complimentary open-bar beverages, including premium spirits, and unlimited Wi-Fi enhance the welcoming experience, ensuring every need is met with care.
Standout Features
Le Jacques Cartier excels with its innovative Blue Eye lounge, offering a unique underwater perspective. The ship’s eco-conscious design, including silent electric propulsion and advanced waste management, reduces environmental impact by 40%. A heated infinity pool on Deck 3 provides scenic views, while the SOTHYS spa on Deck 7 offers massages, a sauna, and a hair salon. The marina platform enables water activities like kayaking in select destinations.
