This refined expedition cruise blends French luxury with Japanese artistry, offering an intimate journey through the country’s coastal beauty, cultural depth, and timeless traditions in partnership
with Hankyu Travel and AIKO Japan.
| The Ship – Le Jacques-Cartier 9,900 Gross tonnage (tons) 131 Length (metres) 18 Beam (metres) 118 Crew 184 Guests 92 Staterooms 2020 Year built Le Jacques-Cartier blends sustainable technology with refined French design. Featuring the unique "Blue Eye" underwater observatory and a marina platform, she offers an intimate, active expedition experience. |
| Excellence at Sea Why PONANT and Le Jacques-Cartier Le Jacques-Cartier redefines expedition luxury. Zodiac excursions provide exclusive access to remote locales, while expert-led lectures delve into Japan’s rich ecosystems and cultural heritage, perfectly synthesizing scientific discovery with refined travel. |
Guest chefs showcase
authentic washoku cuisine.
Guest chefs showcase
authentic
washoku cuisine.
of premium regional
sake.
featuring the freshest local catch.
local music, dance, and artisans.
| Itinerary 1 A Timeless Voyage of Refinement Kobe to Yokohama 13–25 March 2027 This 13-day voyage traverses the Seto Inland Sea and Japan's Pacific coast. From Kobe to Yokohama, guests explore a refined blend of art, spirituality, and history across curated coastal destinations. |
Itinerary 1: Visualising the Journey
Spanning the Seto Inland Sea and Japan’s Pacific coast, Le Jacques-Cartier offers an immersive route through remote islands and vibrant coastal hubs.The journey seamlessly connects cultural landmarks, from the artistic haven of Inujima and Miyajima’s historic floating shrine to the bustling markets of Yaizu. Featuring a stop in Busan, South Korea, this expedition offers a unique cross-cultural perspective on the region’s breathtaking landscapes and heritage.
Itinerary 1:
Visualising the Journey
The journey seamlessly connects cultural landmarks, from the artistic haven of Inujima and Miyajima’s historic floating shrine to the bustling markets of Yaizu. Featuring a stop in Busan, South Korea, this expedition offers a unique cross-cultural perspective on the region’s breathtaking landscapes and heritage.
Itinerary 1: Journey Highlights
Hagi: Samurai Legacy
Historic castle town, feudal Japan preserved.
Miyajima: Sacred Torii
Iconic floating world heritage gate.
Toba: Pearl Coast
Serene waters, historic pearl diving.
Itinerary 1: Journey Highlights
Hagi: Samurai Legacy
Historic castle town, feudal Japan preserved.
Miyajima: Sacred Torii
Iconic floating world heritage gate.
Toba: Pearl Coast
Serene waters, historic pearl diving.
| Itinerary 2 The Essence of Japan: Modernity and Tradition Yokohama to Kobe 25 March – 6 April 2027 This reverse sailing explores Japan's unique blend of ancient spirituality and modern vibrancy. Each stop highlights the dynamic contrast between contemporary skylines and sacred traditions, showcasing a nation that honors its heritage while constantly reinventing itself. |
Itinerary 2: Visualising the Journey
This 13-day voyage from Yokohama to Kobe explores the dynamic contrast between Japan’s modern vibrancy and deep-rooted traditions, featuring an essential stop in Busan, South Korea. Aboard Le Jacques-Cartier, discover a fresh perspective on this iconic route. By reversing Itinerary 1, guests enjoy a unique look at Japan’s historic landmarks, artistic havens, and local communities as they sail through the heart of the nation’s culture.
Itinerary 2:
Visualising the Journey
This 13-day voyage from Yokohama to Kobe explores the dynamic contrast between Japan’s modern vibrancy and deep-rooted traditions, featuring an essential stop in Busan, South Korea.
Aboard Le Jacques-Cartier, discover a fresh perspective on this iconic route. By reversing Itinerary 1, guests enjoy a unique look at Japan’s historic landmarks, artistic havens, and local communities as they sail through the heart of the nation’s culture.
Itinerary 2: Journey Highlights
Kobe: Elegant Finale
Sophisticated port city, journey's end.
Busan: Korean Gateway
Rich, cross-cultural coastal discovery.
Yokohama: Grand Depature
Iconic harbour city, gateway to Japan.
Itinerary 2: Journey Highlights
Yokohama: Grand Departure
Iconic harbour city, gateway to Japan.
Busan: Korean Gateway
Rich, cross-cultural coastal discovery
Kobe: Elegant Finale
Sophisticated port city, journey's end.
| Itinerary 3 A Journey to Hidden Gems in Japan Kobe to Kumamoto, 6 – 18 April 2027 This route explores the remote beauty and spiritual depth of Japan’s southern islands. Experience a unique harmony of Shinto, Buddhist, and hidden Christian traditions set against dramatic volcanic landscapes and tranquil fishing ports. |
Itinerary 3: Visualising the Journey
This 13-day voyage from Kobe to Kumamoto explores the remote natural beauty and spiritual depth of Japan's southern islands. Discover unique landscapes where diverse traditions harmonize amidst volcanic scenery and tranquil fishing ports. Le Jacques-Cartier connects significant landmarks, from the artistic haven of Inujima to the historic ports of Nagasaki and the lush wonders of Yakushima. This itinerary offers an intimate encounter with the rich diversity of Japan's southern seas and South Korea's Busan.
Itinerary 3:
Visualising the Journey
This 13-day voyage from Kobe to Kumamoto explores the remote natural beauty and spiritual depth of Japan's southern islands. Discover unique landscapes where diverse traditions harmonize amidst volcanic scenery and tranquil fishing ports.
Le Jacques-Cartier connects significant landmarks, from the artistic haven of Inujima to the historic ports of Nagasaki and the lush wonders of Yakushima. This itinerary offers an intimate encounter with the rich diversity of Japan's southern seas and South Korea's Busan.
Itinerary 3: Journey Highlights
Kumamoto: Castle City
Iconic feudal castle, gateway to Kyushu.
Nagasaki: Historic Port
Rich heritage where East meets West.
Yakushima: Ancient Wilderness
Primeval forests and volcanic island beauty.
Itinerary 3: Journey Highlights
Kumamoto: Castle City
Iconic feudal castle, gateway to Kyushu.
Nagasaki: Historic Port
Rich heritage where East meets West.
Yakushima: Ancient Wilderness
Primeval forests and volcanic island beauty.
Category | Size | Price (¥) | Price ($) |
Owner's Suite(OS) | 45m² | 6,900,000 | 47,600 |
Grand Deluxe Suite (GD) | 45m² | 6,600,000 | 45,500 |
Privilege Suite (PV) | 32m² | 6,300,000 | 43,500 |
Prestige Suite Deck 6 (PR6) | 38m² | 6,000,000 | 41,500 |
Prestige Suite Deck 5 (PR5) | 38m² | 6,000,000 | 41,500 |
Deluxe Suite (DS) | 27m² | 4,300,000 | 29,700 |
Prestige Stateroom D6 (PR6) | 19m² | 3,100,000 | 21,400 |
Prestige Stateroom D5 (PR5) | 19m² | 2,900,000 | 20,000 |
Prestige Stateroom D4 (PR4) | 19m² | 2,900,000 | 20,000 |
Deluxe Stateroom (DEL) | 19m² | 2,500,000 | 17,300 |
Includes: Fare, meals, beverages, excursions, and entertainment.
Excludes: Gratuities and port transfers.
Onboard Le Jacques-Cartier, every detail reflects understated luxury. Guests enjoy spacious, elegant staterooms and suites, each featuring a private balcony with ocean views. Sophisticated French design and intimate communal spaces—from panoramic lounges to gourmet dining—create a perfect blend of comfort and style.
Onboard Le Jacques-Cartier, every detail reflects understated luxury. Guests enjoy spacious, elegant staterooms and suites, each featuring a private balcony with ocean views.
Sophisticated French design and intimate communal spaces—from panoramic lounges to gourmet dining—create a perfect blend of comfort and style.
Deluxe Suite
Prestige stateroom
Upper Deck
Prestige stateroom
Lower Deck
Prestige Suite
Privilege Suite
Grand Suite
Owner Suite
Deluxe Suite
Prestige stateroom
Upper Deck
Prestige stateroom
Lower Deck
Prestige Suite
Privilege Suite
Grand Suite
Owner Suite
Prestige stateroom
Upper Deck
Prestige stateroom
Lower Deck
Prestige Suite
Every deck is thoughtfully designed for comfort, discovery, and intimate expedition living.
Every deck is thoughtfully designed for comfort, discovery, and intimate expedition living.
Full wellness complex with spa, beauty salon,
fitness centre, and open sun deck.
| Tailor-Made Pre- and Post-Cruise Experiences AIKO Japan curates personalised extensions to enhance your journey. Explore Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, or Mt. Fuji with our signature blend of cultural depth and relaxation. We arrange private transfers, English- speaking guides, and bespoke dining or craft experiences tailored to your preferences. For partnership enquiries and reservations: AIKO Japan – The Art of Thoughtful Travel |