Ponant reveals new luxury cruise program for the Kimberley 2023 season

French-owned luxury cruise operators PONANT have released details of 26 new itineraries available to guests sailing on board its newly renovated yacht, Le Ponant.

A maximum of 32 guests staying in 16 staterooms will be able to experience barefoot luxury on board Le Ponant, as it makes its way around the Northern Kimberley, Southern Kimberley and the Rowley Shoals. This is the third ship in PONANT’S fleet to now be based in the Asia Pacific region.

Part of Le Ponant’s transformation was an upgrade to feature the latest technical innovations to reduce emissions to enable guests to travel eco-responsibly, ensuring cultural protection of this ancient destination. The yacht is now also equipped with state-of-the-art Zodiacs for seamless shore landings and excursions. Its interiors have been completely renovated with a sleek, new design led by Jean-Philippe Nuel Studio.

The new Kimberley expedition cruise itineraries will include tailored experiences guided by expedition leaders and naturalists.

Guests travelling on the Northern and Southern Kimberley itineraries can experience an exclusive charter flight between Kununurra and Kuri Bay; or Broome and Kuri Bay on board a vintage Grumman Mallard flying boat owned by pioneering Australian pearling company, Paspaley. The tour will include an exclusive guided visit of Paspaley’s pearl farms in Kuri Bay.

The itineraries

Northern Kimberley Sailing Expeditions on board Le Ponant last for 9 nights or 10 nights. Itinerary highlights include an exploration of the 80-metre-high sandstone cliffs of the King George River Gorge and its Twin Falls, the highest in Western Australia; as well as the chance to uncover the stories behind the Gwion Gwion rock art and experience the scenery of Prince Frederick Harbour. Prices start from AUD$17,370 per person.

The Southern Kimberley Sailing Expeditions also run for either 9 or 10-nights. Guests will tour the stunning beaches of the Buccaneer archipelago, keeping watch for abundant bird species such as White-Bellied Sea Eagles, Brahminy kites and Ospreys. Witness the unique tidal phenomenon of the Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay. Prices stat from AUD$16,860 per person.

The 8-night itineraries of the Rowley Shoals Sailing Expedition will take in the coral lagoons and bountiful marine life of Rowley Shoals; as well as visits to the beaches of the Buccaneer archipelago, Montgomery reef and Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay. Priced from AUD$14,170 per person.