Le Jacques-Cartier is a luxury small-ship vessel operated by PONANT and part of the cruise line's EXPLORERS collection. The ship entered service in 2020 and was created for travellers who prefer a more intimate cruising environment, with fewer passengers and a strong focus on destinations.
The Le Jacques-Cartier ship can accommodate up to 184 guests in 92 staterooms and suites. Measuring around 131.5 metres, it is considerably smaller than a typical large cruise liner, allowing it to offer a more relaxed atmosphere and access to a variety of ports and coastal destinations.
Le Jacques-Cartier is one of six PONANT EXPLORERS ships, alongside Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont-d'Urville and Le Bellot. One of the defining features shared by the series is the Blue Eye underwater lounge, which gives passengers an opportunity to experience the underwater environment from inside the ship.
Other facilities include restaurants, bars, lounges, a theatre, a swimming pool, spa and fitness facilities. The combination of contemporary accommodation and expedition-style features makes the ship suitable for travellers who want luxury without the scale of a large resort-style cruise ship.
Dining aboard Le Jacques-Cartier is centred on French culinary influences, international dishes and relaxed small-ship hospitality. Instead of a large selection of speciality restaurants, the ship offers a carefully designed range of dining and social spaces.
The main restaurant is the ship's principal dining venue. Guests can enjoy a selection of dishes influenced by French cuisine alongside international options.
The setting is suited to both everyday meals and more special occasions, with the surrounding scenery adding an extra dimension to the dining experience.
For a more casual meal, guests can visit the Grill Restaurant. Its relaxed approach makes it convenient for passengers who want to eat around their excursion schedule or enjoy a less formal atmosphere.
Several lounges and bar areas give passengers places to meet, enjoy refreshments and relax during the voyage.
The Main Lounge provides a social setting for drinks and entertainment, while the Observatory Lounge offers panoramic views and a library. It can be an ideal place to sit quietly while watching the coastline or passing scenery.
The Cigar Lounge provides a more secluded environment, while the Inneq outdoor bar offers refreshments in an open-air setting when conditions are suitable.
What entertainment is available on Le Jacques-Cartier?
Entertainment on Le Jacques-Cartier has a strong connection with the destinations visited. The ship offers a combination of performances, presentations, talks and leisure facilities rather than the extensive amusement attractions found on larger cruise ships.
The onboard theatre provides a venue for scheduled performances and presentations. Depending on the voyage, specialist speakers may also discuss subjects such as regional history, wildlife, geography and local culture.
Passengers can spend quieter periods in the library and lounges, take a swim or make use of the wellness facilities.
The Blue Eye underwater lounge is one of the most unusual spaces aboard the ship. Located below the waterline, it provides passengers with a different perspective of the sea surrounding the vessel.
The lounge combines underwater viewing with an audio system designed to pick up sounds beneath the surface. This gives guests another way to connect with the marine environment during their voyage.
The destination itself is also an important part of the onboard experience. Depending on the itinerary, passengers may take part in shore excursions, Zodiac trips and guided activities.
Le Jacques-Cartier has 92 staterooms and suites for up to 184 passengers. Accommodation includes balcony staterooms and several suite categories, giving guests a choice of different layouts and levels of space.
The balcony staterooms provide approximately 204 sq ft of space and accommodate up to two guests.
A private balcony provides an outdoor area for enjoying views during scenic sections of the voyage. The accommodation is designed to provide a comfortable base between excursions and activities.
Deluxe Suites offer approximately 290 sq ft of space and can accommodate up to three guests.
Their larger footprint provides additional room for relaxing compared with the standard balcony staterooms.
Prestige Suites measure approximately 409 sq ft and can accommodate up to four guests. They provide a more spacious environment for passengers who prefer additional living space.
Privilege Suites offer approximately 344 sq ft and can sleep up to three guests. They provide another step up in space while maintaining the ship's intimate atmosphere.
The Grand Suite and Owner's Suite are among the most spacious accommodation options aboard Le Jacques-Cartier, each offering approximately 484 sq ft.
These suites are designed for guests who want considerably more room during their cruise and can accommodate up to four passengers.
PONANT Expeditions specialises in luxury small-ship and expedition cruising. Its approach places considerable emphasis on destinations, local experiences and personalised service rather than the large entertainment complexes associated with mainstream cruise ships.
Le Jacques-Cartier sails on a variety of international itineraries. Depending on the season, voyages can explore destinations in areas including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland, the Caribbean and French Polynesia.
Here at SixStarCruises, we have a wide variety of Le Jacques-Cartier cruise deals and hand-picked luxury cruise itineraries tailored to each traveller. Our luxury cruise concierges are available every step of the way to offer personalised suggestions, promotions and cruise advice.
