Le Jacques Cartier

Le Jacques Cartier is the sixth ship of the Ponant Explorers class, delivered to Ponant on 10 July 2020. Each vessel in the class carries the name of a famous French explorer, and this one was initially named Le Surville before being renamed Le Jacques Cartier, after the French Breton explorer, ahead of entering service. As a small ship, she carries just 184 guests, well suited to remote and intimate cruising.

Built for expedition cruising, Le Jacques Cartier is a genuine polar cruise yacht, measuring 131 metres long and 18 metres wide, with a shallow draft of 4.5 metres designed to deliver an intimate, private yacht style experience in polar waters. She carries 184 passengers alongside 110 crew across 7 decks, with 92 cabins spread over 4 decks, an aft Sundeck with pool, a retractable Marina Platform for watersports, and her own fleet of Zodiacs for landings in remote destinations. Onboard, guests will find two restaurants, four lounges and bars, one swimming pool, and a wellness complex with spa, beauty salon, and fitness centre.

Of her 92 staterooms, 55 are suites, spread across 9 categories. All cabins feature a king size bed, en suite bathroom, lounge area, and dressing space with ample storage, and Ponant's Open Bar policy means unlimited complimentary beverages throughout the voyage, from fine wines and champagnes to spirits and bottled water.

One striking detail sets Le Jacques Cartier apart: hidden artwork by French graffiti artist Shuck One decorates her steel hull. He painted the graffiti during construction, and once complete, the artwork was concealed inside the ship, visible only through a single round porthole. Her exterior was designed by Stirling Design International, with interiors by Jean Philippe Nuel.

Le Jacques Cartier suits curious, independent travellers who value access to remote islands and polar waters over onboard crowds and evening shows.

Sailed aboard Le Jacques Cartier? Log this voyage on your account at The Cruise Globe to see the actual route your cruise took and update your profile's stats!