Tropical Expedition 
Christmas Cruise 
New Year's Cruise 
Deluxe Stateroom
20% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
Food, Wine & Yacht Race in Tasmania
Hobart, Tasmania - Hobart, Tasmania
Dates:
23/12/2023
to
2/1/2024
days
nights on board
Explore the best of Tasmania’s natural coastal wonders as well as the island state’s wonderful food and wine on an expedition itinerary on board Le Lapérouse, plus celebrate New Year in Hobart.
Starting in culture hub and Australia’s second oldest city, Hobart, your itinerary will commence on Maria Island where you will learn about the local wildlife sanctuaries as well as its rich whaling and penal settlement history with your team of onboard expedition experts.
Next on your itinerary, the Tasman Peninsula will reveal its spectacular culminating dolerite spires rising from the sea, and you may get a chance to spot the region’s varied marine life including Australian fur seals and dolphins from our fleet of zodiac.
You will have the opportunity to reach the remote Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area for more natural wonders to experience, before reaching King Island, where you will have the opportunity to uncover the island’s stories and culture, and maybe sample some of the local produce sought by some of the world’s top chefs.
Continuing onto the Tamar Valley, follow the Tamar Valley Wine Route and sample some of the region’s gourmet produce. Birders will revel in Ile des Phoques - Seal Island - as it is home to several breeding seabird species including little penguins, short-tailed shearwaters and fairy prions.
Your ship will then spend two days in Hobart to enjoy the finish line of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the New Year festivities, as well as Australia’s biggest and longest running food and wine festival, Taste of Tasmania.
The wildlife encounters described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Ref : ER231223
Your itinerary
Zodiac outings and shore visits with your expedition team. Visit the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site of Port Davey and Maria Island. Savour the gourmet produce of King Island. Enjoy some of the...
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Your trip in detail
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Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
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Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landings"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to isolated regions is an exhilarating experience. In remote areas, please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
- Cotton comfortable and light-weight shorts/bermuda shorts
- Light weight long trousers
- Long-sleeved breathable SPF50+ shirts
- Cotton short sleeved T-shirt
- Aquatic UV long-sleeved T-shirt for sun protection during snorkeling or swimming
- Aquatic non-slip sandals
- Windproof, waterproof and breathable outer layer
- Broad brimmed anti-UV hat with strap and veil to protect the neck
- Comfortable walking shoes
Accessories:
- Highly protective sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and after-sun with high SPF index & insect repellent
- Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
- Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
- Camelbak (backpack with water pockets)
- Walking poles (highly recommended).
Please note:
During your visits to some local communities, all guests will be required to dress respectfully. Ladies must have their shoulders and thighs covered. Gentlemen should have their shoulders covered also.
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
TECHNICAL OUTFITS:
- Shorts / bermudas
- Light weight long trousers
- Wind and waterproof light “breathable” outer layer
- Sweater/pullover for the evening
- Short and long sleeved cotton shirts
- Waterproof UV long sleeved T-shirt
- Long sleeved cotton shirt for sun protection during zodiac excursions and excursions ashore
- Ankle canvas shoes (which dry quickly and protect ankles)
- Aquatic shoes for wet landings on shore
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses with high UV filter
- Binoculars
- Walking poles
- Small waterproof backpack
- Camelbak (backpack with water pockets)
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Sun portective hat/cap with strap and veil to protect the neck
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Mosquito and insect repellent
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- Zodiac outings and shore visits with your expedition team.
- Visit the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site of Port Davey and Maria Island.
- Savour the gourmet produce of King Island.
- Enjoy some of the finest award-winning wines of the Tamar Valley.
- Experience Australia’s biggest and longest running Food and Wine festival.
- View the spectacular painted cliffs of Maria Island.
- Witness Australian fur seals in their natural environment.
- Delve into Tasmania’s colonial history.
- Learn about the mining and Maritime History of Tasmania’s North West.
- View the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Constitution Dock.
- Gain an insight into the history, culture and incredible diversity of life from your expert expedition team.
Ports of Call & Excursions
23 December 2023 - Hobart, Tasmania
Embarkation 23/12/2023 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 23/12/2023 at 6:00 pm
Hobart occupies a wonderful location at the mouth of the Derwent River, overseen by majestic Mt Wellington and surrounded by natural bushland. The Tasmanian capital is Australia's second-oldest city, after Sydney, and the picturesque waterfront is bordered by 19th-century warehouses and colonial mansions. Salamanca Place is packed with shops, galleries and restaurants and the fascinating Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a short ferry ride from the quay. Hobart is within easy reach of some of Tasmania's best-known destinations, from historic Port Arthur and the rugged Tasman Peninsula to Bruny Island, the Huon and Derwent Valleys and Mount Field National Park.
24 December 2023 - Maria Island, Tasmania
Arrival 24/12/2023
Departure 24/12/2023
Located off Tasmania’s east coast, Maria Island is a natural wildlife sanctuary and off-shore retreat with historic ruins, sweeping bays, dramatic cliffs and plenty of stories to tell. Originally inhabited by the indigenous Tyreddeme people, it has also been a whaling and sealing post, penal settlement and an Italian pleasure resort, and is also one of Tasmania's great bird watching hot spots, home to the the endangered forty-spotted pardalote and the rare and unique Cape Barren goose. Grasslands, open forest and tall wood land also provide a home for abundant wildlife including wombats, pademelons, Forester Kangaroos and Bennetts wallabies. Join members of your expedition team for a guided walk on one of several trails on offer. If time and weather permit we will explore the shoreline with our fleet of zodiac.
25 December 2023 - Tasman Peninsula
Arrival 25/12/2023
Departure 25/12/2023
The Tasman and Forestier peninsulas lie in the far south-east of Tasmania, linked to the rest of the island by a short bridge over a dredged canal. Established in 1999, The Tasman National Park protects the eastern and southern coastal regions of both peninsulas. The park's varied coastline and offshore islands provide abundant habitats for Australian fur seals, little penguins, whales and dolphins flourish in the rich waters. However the park’s greatest features are on land, with spectacular woodlands and forests and Australia’s highest sea cliffs. Striking dolerite spires rise from the Tasman Sea, culminating in capes Hauy, Pillar, and Raoul. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pristine waters of Fortescue Bay, or join your expedition team for a guided walk to enjoy the spectacular view from Cape Huay. If time and weather permit we will also explore the shoreline from our fleet of zodiac.
26 December 2023 - Port Davey, Tasmania
Arrival 26/12/2023
Departure 26/12/2023
The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is one of the largest conservation areas in Australia and one of the last expanses of temperate wilderness in the world. Located at the heart of the World Heritage Area, the Port Davey Marine Reserve is a unique protected waterway featuring a layer of rich red-brown tannin freshwater overlaying the tidal saltwater from the Southern Ocean. Port Davey is only accessible by foot, boat or light aircraft, preserving the pristine natural environment that is characterised by rugged coastlines with blowholes, caves and dramatic rock formations home to wildlife that includes the little blue penguin and Australian fur seal. If weather permits, guests will have the opportunity to explore the coastal environments and view the wildlife from our fleet of zodiac.
27 December 2023 - King Island, Tasmania
Arrival 27/12/2023
Departure 27/12/2023
King Island is anchored in the middle of the Bass Strait between Victoria and Tasmania’s NorthWest coast. Surrounded by some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, King Island imports the world’s best surfers and exports produce sought by the world’s top chefs : succulent beef, rich gourmet cheese and crayfish plucked from the Island’s crystal-clear waters. It's quiet and easy going here, but there's something interesting at every turn – from a lighthouse and offshore shipwrecks – to the island's great nature walks and unique wildlife. You will have the opportunity to uncover the island's stories at the museum and cultural centre in the town of Currie or to take a guided trail of the island's produce, culture, history, flora and fauna.
28 December 2023 - Tamar Valley, Tasmania
Arrival 28/12/2023
Departure 28/12/2023
Tasmania is a land that should be savoured slowly…with a glass of fine wine in hand and friendly locals to guide you on your way. The Tamar Valley Wine Route is regarded as one of the world’s top 10 wine routes with over 32 wineries to explore. Showcasing some of the finest award winning wines. The unique cool climate location produces elegant wines of exceptional quality. There is so much more to the Tamar Valley than just wine. There’s the Tamar Valley Arts Trail, a unique space where you can meet the artist in their studio. The Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre, which shows the workings of the old mine, recalls the boom days of gold, the events of the 2006 mine rescue and Tamar Valley history.
29 December 2023 - Île des Phoques, Tasmania
Arrival 29/12/2023
Departure 29/12/2023
Ile des Phoques, or Seal Island forms part of the Schouten Island Group, lying close to the east coast of Tasmania, ten nautical miles South West of Freycinet Peninsula and ten nautical miles North east of Maria Island. The Nature Reserve is home to several breeding seabird species including little penguin, short-tailed shearwater, fairy prion and common diving-petrel. It is a regular haul-out for Australian fur seals sand there is historical evidence that it was once a major breeding colony. Landing on the island is prohibited. If time and weather permit, you will have the opportunity to explore the coastal environments and view the wildlife from our fleet of zodiac.
30 December 2023 - Sailing Tasman Peninsula
Arrival 30/12/2023
Departure 30/12/2023
This spectacular coastal environment of the Tasman Peninsula is home to Australia’s highest sea cliffs. Striking dolerite spires rise from the Tasman Sea, culminating in capes Hauy, Pillar, and Raoul. In addition, there are a number of fascinating coastal rock formations such as Tessellated Pavement, the Blow Hole, Tasman Arch, Devil's Kitchen, Remarkable Cave and Waterfall Bay. Australian fur seals, little penguins, whales and dolphins flourish in the rich waters along this coastline and offshore islands. You will enjoy this spectacular scenery from the outer decks before following the Sydney to Hobart course across Storm Bay and up the Derwent into Hobart.
30 December 2023 2 January 2024 - Hobart, Tasmania
Arrival 30/12/2023
Disembarkation 2/1/2024 at 8:00 am
Hobart occupies a wonderful location at the mouth of the Derwent River, overseen by majestic Mt Wellington and surrounded by natural bushland. The Tasmanian capital is Australia's second-oldest city, after Sydney, and the picturesque waterfront is bordered by 19th-century warehouses and colonial mansions. Salamanca Place is packed with shops, galleries and restaurants and the fascinating Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a short ferry ride from the quay. Hobart is within easy reach of some of Tasmania's best-known destinations, from historic Port Arthur and the rugged Tasman Peninsula to Bruny Island, the Huon and Derwent Valleys and Mount Field National Park.
Le Lapérouse
Environmentally friendly, fitted with innovative equipment and complete with lounges designed to be largely open to the exterior, this new and intimately sized yacht offers a unique type of cruise experience.
Onboard this ship sailing under the French flag, you'll experience the incomparable pleasure of a cosily intimate cruise offering the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic chic ambiance.
The Blue Eye, an underwater lounge offering a unique experience unlike anything else in the world.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Tropical Expedition
Explore the planet’s most remote tropical regions during a PONANT expedition cruise. In the heart of Oceania’s archipelagos or the Indian Ocean atolls, along the wild coastlines of Central America or Australia, our luxury amenities and services will make your expedition cruise an unforgettable experience. Our expedition leaders and their teams of naturalist guides devise exceptional itineraries and organise daily outings, shore visits in Zodiac® dinghies, or snorkelling when the cruises are conducive to it, to take you as close as possible to nature. Aboard the ship, they share their knowledge during lectures on a variety of topics such as the fauna and flora, the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology. On land, using the local transport options or during hikes, discover the must-see natural sites and, for a few hours, partake in the life and ancestral customs of the local populations.
Christmas Cruise
Christmas celebrations in an exceptional environment: change of scenery guaranteed.
New Year's Cruise
Spend an unforgettable New Year’s Eve with PONANT!
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
DISCOVER HOBART (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Discover the history of Tasmania, island state, and its main city Hobart once a penal colony for British and Irish convicts. This programme will be a perfect prelude to your cruise.
Day 1 – Hobart
Meet at the airport in the arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the hotel MACq 01 5*.
Day and meals at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 – Hobart
A panoramic drive will reveal why Hobart is known as the "Jewel of the South." From the hotel, proceed past the historic warehouse complex of Salamanca Place, which now houses atmospheric shops and restaurants. Also view the elegant 19th-century mansions and the quaint cottages of Battery Point. Travel past Australia's oldest brewery, Cascade Brewery, established in 1824 and pass by Government House.
You will visit the Mona Museum, Australia’s largest private museum. Here you will have time to explore this world-famous art gallery, taking in the uniqueness of one of Tasmania’s iconic locations, and its diverse collection, ranging from ancient Egyptian mummies to some of the World’s most infamous and thought-provoking contemporary art.
You will then take a scenic drive to the Puddleduck Winery, where a two-course lunch will be served consisting of a Puddleduck vineyard platter showcasing Tasmanian produce and including a wine tasting experience.
After lunch, you will take a short drive across the oldest bridge in the city to the historic village of Richmond. Enjoy some free time and discover the town’s fine Georgian architecture, and its wonderful galleries, cafes, and boutiques.
On conclusion of this tour, reboard your coach and return to Hobart to embark on board your ship, whilst enjoying the beautiful landscape of this region.
Your hotel:
Nestled in the heart of Hobart’s historic wharf, the MACq 01 hotel names itself a “storytelling hotel”. Each of the 114 rooms reflects one of the five Tasmanian character traits through its design. The lounge with its open fire, is trimmed with artefacts representative of the traditional Tasmanian Aboriginal toolkit. The hotel features a restaurant, a bar and a fitness centre.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
-
1-night accommodation in Superior Hunter Street room at the hotel MACq 01 5* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
-
Meals as mentioned in the programme.
-
Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea).
-
Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
-
The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
-
Early check-in on day 1.
-
Dinner on day 1.
-
Personal expenses.
-
Tips for the driver and local guide.
-
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
-
It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
-
The official check-in time at the hotel is at 2.00p.m.
-
The early check-in is not included at your arrival at the hotel. If you would like to have access to your room before 2.00p.m. please contact your travel professional for further detail.
-
Mona Museum is designed to encourage independent interactions. There will be no guided tour inside the museum.
Contact of your hotel:
MACq 01
18 Hunter Street,
Hobart, TAS, 7000 Australia
Telephone: +61 3 6210 7600
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : €520
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
MOUNT WELLINGTON AND GLIMPSE OF HOBART (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 – Hobart
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative before boarding your vehicle for a half day of touring.
First, you head to Mt Wellington, few cities can equal Hobart for the natural magnificence of its backdrop, with Kunanyi, the other name of Mount Wellington, towering 1271 metres above the city. The mountain is home to many walking and bike trails with views over Hobart and far beyond. You will spend some time admiring the views and exploring the Wellington Park reserve. After a pleasant morning atop Mt Wellington, you will travel back to Hobart and visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAGT).
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) is the second oldest museum in Australia and has its origins in the collections of the country's oldest scientific society, the Royal Society of Tasmania, which was established in 1843. You will discover more about Tasmania's history and explore the nearly 2000 square metres of public and exhibition spaces containing a rich blend of permanent collections temporary exhibitions and special displays.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
You will then be transferred to the hotel MACq 01 5*.
The afternoon is at leisure. As your hotel is centrally located to there is easy access to shops and waterfront for walks and exploration.
Dinner included at the hotel.
Day 2 – Hobart
After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotel:
Nestled in the heart of Hobart’s historic wharf, the MACq 01 hotel names itself a “storytelling hotel”. Each of the 114 rooms reflects one of the five Tasmanian character traits through its design. The lounge with its open fire, is trimmed with artefacts representative of the traditional Tasmanian Aboriginal toolkit. The hotel features a restaurant, a bar and a fitness centre.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
-
1-night accommodation in Superior Hunter Street room at the hotel MACq 01 5* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
-
Meals as mentioned in the programme.
-
Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea).
-
Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
-
The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
-
Late check-out on Day 2.
-
Personal expenses.
-
Tips for the driver and local guide.
-
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
-
It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
-
The official check-in time at the hotel is at 11.00a.m.
-
The late check-out is not included. If you would like to have access to your room after 11.00a.m. please contact your travel professional for further detail.
Contact of your hotel:
MACq 01
18 Hunter Street,
Hobart, TAS, 7000 Australia
Telephone: +61 3 6210 7600
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : €550
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.