Trip Operator:

14-night luxury cruise from the Philippines to Taiwan and Japan, exploring the preserved natural beauty, diverse cultures, and rich maritime heritage of the Philippine Sea and beyond.

We are teaming up with Ponant to charter their elegant and cosily intimate ship, Le Jacques Cartier for an unforgettable voyage exclusively for our Brand g guests. The 92 staterooms and suites of Le Jacques Cartier are the very embodiment of the Ponant spirit and approach: to offer a combination of finesse, cosy intimacy and well-being. Equipped with private balconies, her staterooms benefit from soft and gentle light and radiance throughout the day. To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with the whole Ponant universe.

Between the preserved shores of the northern Philippines and the refined coasts of Japan, set off on a journey whose every port of call reveals a singular facet of East Asia. In the Philippines, the waters scattered with islets of the Hundred Islands National Park, the historic heritage of Currimao and the distant lands of Claveria offer a glimpse into unspoiled nature. Further north, the Batanes archipelago unveils its lush green hills and its windswept cliffs, before Taiwan reveals its full diversity. Between Hualien, gateway to the East coast’s spectacular landscapes, and Keelung, a lively historic port, the island boasts steep slopes, living traditions and striking seascapes. In Japan, Okinawa, Miyanoura, Uwajima, Kochi and Yaizu will in turn unveil a rich maritime heritage.

Luxury Level: ***** Five Stars     
Activity Level: Low to Moderate   
Guest Count: 184

Highlights

  • Begin your adventure in the Philippine capital of Manila
  • Explore Hundred Islands National Park
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vigan by way of Currimao
  • Discover the local traditions of Claveria’s fishing and farming heritage
  • Striking landscapes of Batanes archipelago
  • 1200-meter high marble cliffs of Hualien
  • Night markets of Keelung (Chilung)
  • One relaxing day at sea
  • Dreamlike landscapes and the Senpiro Falls of Miyanoura, Yakushima
  • Taste the jakoten of Uwajima
  • Castles, beaches, and Buddhist temples of Kochi
  • Shizuoka tea plantations of Yaizu
  • Convenient disembarkation in Tokyo

Le Jacques Cartier

Le Jacques Cartier, part of Ponant’s Explorer series, is a sleek and sophisticated expedition yacht designed for intimate voyages to some of the world’s most remote and breathtaking destinations. Accommodating just 184 guests, this French-flagged vessel blends cutting-edge technology with refined elegance, offering spacious staterooms, panoramic lounges, and a signature infinity pool that seems to melt into the horizon.

Onboard, the atmosphere is distinctly French, with gourmet dining inspired by haute cuisine, a full-service spa in partnership with SOTHYS™, and a theater hosting lectures and live performances. Sustainability is woven into the ship’s design, from energy-efficient systems to advanced wastewater treatment. Le Jacques Cartier offers a seamless blend of adventure, comfort, and cultural enrichment for travelers seeking a boutique luxury experience.

 

SOCIAL SPACES AND LOUNGES
Main Lounge

The Main Lounge aboard Le Jacques Cartier is a spacious 200 m² venue designed for both relaxation and entertainment, offering panoramic views and a refined atmosphere. It hosts a variety of social events—from dance classes to themed evenings—making it the heart of the ship’s convivial spirit.

 

Observatory Lounge

The Observatory Lounge aboard Le Jacques Cartier is perched at the ship’s highest point, offering sweeping views of the sea and sky through floor-to-ceiling windows. This tranquil space features plush seating and binoculars for wildlife spotting, making it the perfect retreat for quiet reflection or sunset gazing.

 

Panoramic Terrace

The Panoramic Terrace aboard Le Jacques Cartier is an open-air sanctuary designed to connect guests with the surrounding seascape. Located adjacent to the Observatory Lounge, it features elegant outdoor seating and uninterrupted views—perfect for sunrise coffees, sunset cocktails, or simply soaking in the serenity of the voyage

 

DINING

 

Gastronomic Restaurant

The Gastronomic Restaurant aboard Le Jacques Cartier is the ship’s primary dining venue, offering a refined culinary experience inspired by French haute cuisine. In partnership with Ducasse Conseil—led by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse—the restaurant serves a mix of buffet and à la carte dishes, from chilled lobster tail to Argentinean beef tenderloin, all in a bright, elegant setting with optional alfresco dining under the stars.

 

Grill

The Grill aboard Le Jacques Cartier is a relaxed alfresco dining venue located near the infinity pool, offering a casual yet refined atmosphere. Its all-day menu features grilled meats, fresh salads, and desserts, often reflecting local flavors from the ship’s destinations.

 

IN-ROOM DINING

Room service aboard Le Jacques Cartier is available 24 hours a day, offering guests the convenience of in-suite dining with a refined French touch. Whether enjoying breakfast in bed, a late-night snack, or a private dinner on your balcony, the menu features a curated selection of gourmet dishes and beverages, all delivered with Ponant’s signature elegance and discretion.

 

HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Spa

The spa aboard Le Jacques Cartier is a serene retreat designed in partnership with SOTHYS™, offering a curated menu of high-end treatments including massages, facials, and beauty services. Guests can unwind in the elegant treatment rooms, enjoy the onboard sauna, or indulge in hair and nail care—all set within a tranquil space that reflects Ponant’s signature blend of French sophistication and wellness-focused luxury.

 

Fitness Area

The fitness area aboard Le Jacques Cartier is equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym® machines, including treadmills, exercise bikes, and Kinesis Wall® strength training systems. With floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping ocean views, guests can enjoy invigorating workouts in a serene, light-filled space—complemented by daily group sessions like open-air stretching and water aerobics when conditions allow.

 

Pool

Le Jacques Cartier features a stunning infinity pool located on the aft deck, designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding seascape. This elegant pool offers a tranquil spot for sunbathing and relaxation, with panoramic ocean views that make it feel like you’re floating above the waves.

There are currently no extensions for this cruise.

All-Inclusive Experience

  • FROM THE TIME YOU LAND UNTIL YOU LEAVE, NEARLY EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED.
  • 14 nights luxury cruise accommodations
  • An intimate, yacht-style cruise with impeccable service in an elegant, yet relaxed ambiance
  • A refined culinary experience that blends French sophistication with global flavors, all curated in partnership with Ducasse Conseil, the team led by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse
  • Open Bar served in the bars and in the mini bar of each cabin
  • 24/7 In-room food and beverage service
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-line bath products
  • One included shore excursion per person in each port
  • Arrival transfer from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) and disembarkation transfer in Tokyo
  • **Not included: International flights to and from the cruise, pre- or post-stays, spa treatments, optional excursions and scuba diving, cruise port charges and pre-paid gratuities.

Bookings for the 2028 Philippines, Taiwan and Japan Luxury Cruise starts at:

  • $14,999 .00 Deluxe Staterooms,
  • to $28,699.00 Owner’s Suites.
    • Per person, double occupancy.

Please contact us directly at [email protected] or (+1)713.661.2117 for real-time availability of staterooms and for reservations. You can now book directly for any Brand g trip via this link.

Enhance the Experience We have been booking with Concierge Travel for many years. They provide access to all of the Gay Travel products available and are able to provide advice on which type of travel or specific trips will meet our needs. Concierge team members often join us on the trip and provide a few little extras to enhance the experience. We would never consider using anyone else.

Joe and Keith Houston, TX

Joe and Keith