Reviewed by: Noni Lawson

Cruise Name: New Guinea Odyssey Darwin to Cairns

Cruise Line and Ship: Ponant Le Laperouse

Date: 01 October 2024 – 17 October 2024

Size of Ship: 430ft /131 metres

Guest Staterooms: 92 cabins

Passenger Capacity: 184

Year Built: December 2017

Currency Onboard: Euro

Restaurants

Two – One casual on deck 3 outdoor dining, restaurant Le Nemo. One indoors on deck 4, Le Nautilus, smart casual – shorts, t-shirts and sports shoes are not permitted in the restaurant on deck 4 in the evenings.

Boutique Gift Shop

There is a small gift shop onboard that sells clothing, a small amount of jewelry, Wet bag backpacks, and children’s gifts. It does not sell any medical supplies or daily essentials. These cannot be purchased anywhere onboard.

Open Bridge Policy

Ponant has an open bridge policy meaning you can go inside the command centre of the ship for a look at the inner workings of your expedition and speak to the Captain and crew.

Who is this cruise suitable for?

Snorkelling enthusiasts, diving enthusiasts, photographers, bird lovers and naturalists. Someone looking for a cultural immersion adventure and WW2 history.

Cabins

We stayed in the PR6 Prestige stateroom which had a lovely private balcony, and modern facilities with a separate toilet to the bathroom. 

Other facilities

• Individually-controlled air-conditioning
• King-size bed or twin beds
• Shower
• Mini-bar
• Flat screen satellite TV
• Desk with stationery
• Ipod players
• Video on demand
• Safe
• Hairdryer
• Bathrobes
• Satellite direct line telephone
• 110/220 volts outlet
• French bath products
• 24 hr room service
• Internet access wifi

Location: Deck 6
Occupancy:
Can accommodate up to 2 guests in this particular cabin
Size:204 sq ft sq ft*
Balcony 43 sq ft sq ft*

 

FAVORITE EXCURSIONS

Triton Bay, West Papua

After a delicious buffet breakfast, it was time to prepare for our daily expedition onboard the zodiacs. Preparing for our day was a ritual we had mastered, suitable clothing or swimwear, check, sunscreen, check, hat, life jacket, camera, lanyard, check! 

We then made our way to the main lounge to meet our group to board the zodiacs. Ponant staff made getting on and off the zodiacs an easy and safe process. 

We were immersed in nature the moment we stepped onboard the zodiac. With the warm breeze in our hair, we set off to explore the natural beauty of Triton Bay with our knowledgeable expedition guide. The landscape around Triton Bay is dominated by towering limestone formations, covered in palm trees and abundant in bird life. The most spectacular sight was to see thousands of glowing jellyfish in the water as we weaved our way around the towering limestone sculptures. 

To finish our incredible shore excursion we were greeted by Ponant staff in their own zodiac with a glass of bubbly to celebrate our wonderful day trip. This is what dreams are made of!

 

Cenderawasih Bay

 A real highlight for many guests onboard was swimming with the Whalesharks in Cenderwasih Bay. These huge creatures grazing on the nutrient-rich waters swam within metres of snorkeling guests. Measuring between 9 to 14 metres it was a sight to behold. Despite their docile nature, the 9 metre-long fish swimming around me prompted a swift exit.

This didn’t stop the oldest guest onboard, a 93-year-old gentleman living his best life swimming with these majestic creatures. There was much talk around the dinner table that evening for staff and guests alike reminiscing about their wonderful experience. 

Tufi Village 

When our transport pulled up we knew that this was going to be something special, excitement filled the ship. We were welcomed by the beautiful people of Tufi all in their traditional costumes.

After climbing onto our rafts, each adorned with local flowers, we paddled up the river into the mangrove forest. The ride was tranquil, only disturbed by the noise of rural life and the many birds flying overhead.

On arrival to the remote village, we were greeted and welcomed by the village chief and many locals. The Village Chief, referred to us as his neighbours, his friends. We then witnessed the most spectacular and colourful ceremony with dancing, traditional costumes and a sing-sing. A sight to be seen! 

After picking up some traditional gifts, a handmade tapa cloth and a beautiful shell necklace, we made our way back to the ship. What a morning!

WHAT TO BRING:

• An adaptor
• Binoculars
• Plenty of suncream
• A wide-brimmed Hat 
• Multiple pairs of swimwear
• Reef shoes
• Wet bags
• Rash shirt with long sleeves
• Backpack
• Insect Repellent 
• Local Currency

WHAT NOT TO BRING

• Water bottles as they were provided as a gift from Ponant
• Towels (all provided)
• Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap
• Hair dryer