
10 SPRING NIGHTS
ALL-LGBT+ LUXURY
WONDERS LIVE!
VACAYA’S 2023 ANCIENT WONDERS CRUISE HAS 3 ROOMS LEFT!
THE TRIP TO (NEARLY) END ALL TRIPS!
Apr 16-26, 2023 – PONANT Le Jacques Cartier
#OnlyWithVACAYA

PETRA

THE GREAT PYRAMIDS

THE SPHINX

THE HOLY LAND

THE PARTHENON

5-STAR LUXURY WITH PONANT

MOST BEVERAGES INCLUDED

FABULOUS DINING

MODERN & SPACIOUS ROOMS

BLUE EYE LOUNGE

LIFELONG FRIENDS
This 11-day itinerary combining history and archaeology will take you from Jordan to Greece. During your cruise, Le Jacques Cartier will visit several unmissable sites between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. After your embarkation in Aqaba, Jordan’s only port, you’ll reach Ain Soukhna, the gateway to the Great Pyramids of Egypt. A security detail will ensure your visit to these incredible Egyptian sites will be without issue. You’ll cross the world-famous Suez Canal, built by Ferdinand de Lesseps. Then on to Ashdod, Israel – gateway to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. We’ll spend two full days and an overnight in Israel, giving you the chance to see the incomparable sites of The Holy Land. From there, we sail on to Limassol, Cyprus, where multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites await your discovery. Then, we hit the home stretch with three island stops in Greece, finally ending in Greece’s capital city, Athens.
The Value of Luxury
WHEN CRUISING PONANT WITH VACAYA, YOU’RE CHOOSING COMFORT, REFINEMENT, & DISCOVERY…
The Vacayans are dedicated to providing you with the very best. That’s what drives us, journey after journey. And it’s amazing what’s included:
- 10 Nights aboard the stunning Le Jacques Cartier
- Butler Service in addition to stateroom attendant for all Suites on deck 6
- All Meals, featuring subtle and audacious flavors inspired by our ports of call
- Complimentary unlimited Open Bar throughout your cruise (premium alcohol extra)
- Complimentary unlimited Open Mini-Bar in your Stateroom/Suite (premium alcohol extra)
- Complimentary WiFi/Internet*
- Daily Afternoon Tea and Pastries
- 24-Hour Room Service
- 5-Star Service
- 24×7 Stateroom Service
- 24×7 Reception Desk
The following services are available for an additional charge:
- Shore Excursions
- Spa Treatments/Massages
- Salon Services
- Laundry
- Satellite Telephone Services
- Medical Services
*Please note that we travel to some remote areas where the limits of satellite WiFi are certainly felt. Your patience at those times is greatly appreciated.
THE SUPER YACHT ADVANTAGE

Sustainable Tourism

Combined with the French Touch of PONANT

French crew
A French Way of Living

A French Way of Living
Prestigious partners

Prestigious partners
AWARD-WINNING

AWARD-WINNING
Cruise with Confidence

Cruise with Confidence
PONANT Breaks the Mold
Discover Le Jacques Cartier’s sister Le Lapérouse (the first ship in the Explorer series) in this video look at PONANT’s Explorer Class…


Ship Highlights

AFT MARINA PLATFORM
BLUE EYE
MAIN RESTAURANT
GRILL RESTAURANT
PANORAMIC LOUNGE
MAIN LOUNGE
EXCURSION DESK
THEATER
GYM
L’ESPACE BIEN ENTRE SPA & HAMMAM
POOL
RESTAURANTS, BARS, & OTHER VENUES

SUPER YACHT ADVANTAGE
Look for this symbol within the itinerary section of The Overview page to understand which ports are exclusive to smaller ships.
STATEROOMS

STATEROOMS
POOL & NATURE VIEWING DECK

POOL & NATURE VIEWING DECK
3-POSITION MARINA

3-POSITION MARINA
Restaurants

Restaurants
BLUE EYE LOUNGE

BLUE EYE LOUNGE
LOUNGES & BARS

LOUNGES & BARS
THEATER

THEATER
WELLNESS

WELLNESS
RECEPTION

RECEPTION
THE MUST-SEE JEWELS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD… ALL FOR YOU!
trip highlights
Countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Petra, The Great Pyramids, The Sphinx,
The Holy Land, The Parthenon
5-Star Luxury on Le Jacques Cartier
History Comes to Life!
Timeline
Day 1 – APR 16
AQABA, JORDAN – Board 3pm – Depart 6pm
Day 2 – APR 17
AT SEA
Day 3 – APR 18
AIN SUKHNA (CAIRO), EGYPT
Day 4 – APR 19
CROSSING THE SUEZ CANAL
Day 5 – APR 20
ASHDOD (JERUSALEM), ISRAEL
Day 6 – APR 21
ASHDOD (JERUSALEM), ISRAEL
Day 7 – APR 22
LIMASSOL, CYPRUS
Day 8 – APR 23
RHODES, GREECE
Day 9 – APR 24
FOLEGANDROS, GREECE
Day 10 – APR 25
NAFPLION, GREECE
Day 11 – APR 26
ATHENS, GREECE – Disembark by 9am

Itinerary

AQABA, JORDAN 30°N 35°E
APRIL 16, 2023
BOARDING 3PM | DEPARTURE 6PM
Located on the Red Sea within the eponymous gulf, Aqaba offers Jordan its only access to the sea. At the crossroads of the land and sea routes that linked Asia, Africa, and Europe, the town is rich with more than 5,000 years of history. The warm waters of the Red Sea attract holidaymakers and divers to this seaside destination; the underwater sites home to coral and fishes are some of the most beautiful in the world. Pre-cruise, Aqaba is the gateway to the magnificent desert of Wadi Rum and the stunningly beautiful Petra.

AT SEA
APRIL 17, 2023
Today, you’ll settle into your luxurious new home, Le Jacques Cartier. During our day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities onboard. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Or let yourself be tempted by the heated swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. It’s important to use this day to prepare yourself for all that lies ahead, because starting tomorrow, you’ll experience a whirlwind of wonders.

AIN SUKHNA (CAIRO), EGYPT
APRIL 18, 2023
ARRIVE 6AM | DEPART 7PM
Ain Sukhna, which means “hot spring,” is located in the Gulf of Suez, facing the Red Sea. Around fifty kilometres from the entrance to the Suez Canal, and less than two hours from the Egyptian capital, it’s an elegant seaside town that is popular with wealthy families from Cairo. Ain Soukhna is an ideal base for discovering the marvels of Ancient Egypt, including The Great Pyramids and The Sphinx.

CROSSING THE SUEZ CANAL
APRIL 19, 2023
Without the waterway linking the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, this part of the world would be an arid sandy desert inhabited by a few nomads. The Suez Canal slices through 162 km of desert and was inaugurated in 1869 in the presence of Empress Eugenie, then nationalised by Nasser in 1956. This singular waterway has changed our world more than any other.

ASHDOD (JERUSALEM), ISRAEL
APRIL 20, 2023
ARRIVE 6:30AM | OVERNIGHT
On the eastern shore of the Mediterranean, you’ll discover Ashdod, the largest port in Israel. A former Philistine city, the town is home to the only museum in the world dedicated to the culture of this ancient people. Ashdod is also famous for being one of the gateways to Jerusalem. This city is one of the most sacred in the world and is fascinating due to its millennia-old history, its spirituality, and its incredibly rich religious heritage. Within its defensive walls, the Old City holds over 200 historic monuments including the Western Wall (or Wailing Wall), the Dome of the Rock, and the Holy Sepulchre. Visiting Jerusalem makes for a fascinating and moving experience as you immerse yourself in this mystical and magical place. Jerusalem is approximately 1 hour east of Ashdod.

ASHDOD (JERUSALEM), ISRAEL
APRIL 21, 2023
OVERNIGHT | DEPART 4:30PM
You’ll certainly appreciate having two full days and an overnight in the incredible region. You may choose to return to Jerusalem today for further exploration or perhaps head out to the Dead Sea, but if you’re looking for a complete change of pace, we recommend hitting Tel Aviv, approximately 45 minutes north of Ashdod. With its pulsing artistic vibe, miles of picturesque city-side beaches, fascinating neighborhoods, and exciting nightlife, Tel Aviv has it all.

LIMASSOL, CYPRUS
APRIL 22, 2023
Limassol rests on the southern coast of Cyprus. It’s known for the centuries-old Limassol Castle, home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum and its collection of pottery and tombstones. On the seafront is the Prokymea (Molos) Sculpture Park, with sculptures by Cypriot, Greek, and international artists. To the northeast is the Limassol Archaeological Museum, exhibiting artifacts from the Neolithic to the Roman periods. No visit to this fascinating region is complete without a visit to ancient Kourion, an UNESCO-protected archeology park with over 6,000 years of history.

RHODES, GREECE
APRIL 23, 2023
ARRIVE 1:30PM | DEPART 7PM
With its particularly agreeable climate, the island of Rhodes invites you to walk its pathways and discover its immaculate villages and sumptuous medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. At the center of the island, the mountains are covered in forest, and on the western slopes, we find vineyards and crops. Rhodes also owes much of its charm and its character to the Knights of St John, who reigned over the island from 1310 to 1522 and built impressive defensive walls punctuated with majestic gateways. Don’t miss this delightful island with its peaceful beaches and its large walkways, perpetuating the myth of the famous Colossus, the legendary statue that is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

KAROVOSTASIS, FOLEGANDROS, GREECE
APRIL 24, 2023
ARRIVE 12PM | DEPART 7PM
Folegandros is a true treasure concealed in the Cyclades archipelago. You approach this mountainous island from the south-east side of continental Greece. The blue and white houses built on a steep plateau in its main town, Chora, is a feast for the eyes. Why not climb up to the belvederes and admire the view of the Aegean and the port of Karavostasi. The jetty in Karavostasi port leads to a lovely beach where you can enjoy the turquoise water. Higher up, Ano Meria, a village surrounded by terrace farms, offers a magnificient panorama over the sea.

NAFPLION, GREECE
APRIL 25, 2023
ARRIVE 8AM | DEPART 6PM
The engaging town of Nafplion is staggered up green hillsides of the Argolic Gulf, to the east of the Peloponnese. Don’t be surprised by its extremely varied cultural heritage. Some of the must-see visits are the ancient agora on the plateau of Akronafplia, Italianate arcades in Syntagma square, and the baroque fortress of Palamidi on a hillside of the same name. At the top of the hill, views of the gulf and the surrounding mountains are simply awesome. PRO TIP: If you want to chill by the water’s edge, walk along the Arvanitia promenade to a beautiful creek in the shade of cedars and cypresses.

ATHENS, GREECE
APRIL 26, 2023
DISEMBARK BY 9AM
The end of our journey takes us to Greece’s ancient capital city, Athens – home to some of the most striking monuments from the Ancient World. We encourage you to spend a few extra days here to explore the many wonders.
And whether you fly home today, extend here for a few days on your own, or head off to further adventures around the region, we wish you only the best.
ROOMS & PRICING
When you book online directly with VACAYA, you’ll enjoy 24×7 access to your booking information, Pay-In-Full bonus offers, No-interest monthly payments, AIRLINE DISCOUNTS, and our BEST RATE GUARANTEE!
While our Solo Traveling with Ease Program (STEP) has been sunset, we offer some great recommendations for finding a roommate HERE.
Balcony Stateroom
Suite
Important Information
PORT & ADMIN FEES
Port & Admin Fees are 427 USD per person.
PRE-PAID GRATUITIES
Pre-Paid Gratuities are 227 USD per person. 100% of these gratuities go to onboard staffers, including your stateroom attendant, the culinary services staff, the behind-the-scenes hotel services staff, and the myriad department heads who work with their teams around the clock to create a flawless VACAYA experience for you.
SOLO TRAVELERS
Solo guests in their own stateroom pay double Gratuities and single Port & Admin Fees.
3+ GUESTS IN A ROOM
3rd/4th guests in a stateroom/suite are each 3997 USD + Port & Admin Fees + Gratuities.
ROOM DESCRIPTIONS
Room descriptions, sizing, and view specifics have been provided to us by PONANT. Room layouts and views (including obstructions) can vary within the same category. For rooms with a capacity greater than 2, the additional bedding is a combination of sofa beds and/or upper berths.
INITIAL DEPOSIT SCHEDULE
- Upon booking outside of 300 Days – 10%.
- At 300 Days (June 20, 2022) – 25%.
- At 240 Days (August 19, 2022) – 50%.
- At 180 Days (October 18, 2022) – 75%.
- At 120 Days (December 17, 2022) – 100%.
CANCELLATION PENALTIES
- Upon booking through 300 Days (June 20, 2022) – 10% of total.
- From 299 (June 21, 2022) to 240 Days (August 19, 2022) – 20% of total.
- From 239 (August 20, 2022) to 180 Days (October 18, 2022) – 40% of total.
- From 179 (October 19, 2022) to 120 Days (December 17, 2022) – 60% of total.
- From 119 (December 18, 2022) to 90 Days (January 16, 2023) – 80% of total.
- From 89 (January 17, 2023) to 0 Days (April 16, 2023) – 100% of total.
ITEMS NOT INCLUDED
- Round-Trip Flights from your home city to Jordan and from Greece
- Pre- or Post-Cruise Hotels
- Transfers to/from the Ship
- Onboard Laundry
- Gift Shop Purchases
- Spa/Salon Services
- Optional Excursions
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Be sure to read VACAYA’s Terms & Conditions, which include the Payment/Cancellation/Refund Policies for all reservations. Please note that cancellation fees apply from the time of booking.
JOIN WAITLIST
For real-time availability, proceed by clicking BOOK NOW. With ever-shifting inventory, a category that shows availability on this page may no longer be available when you attempt to book. If you need help finding the perfect room in another category or to add your name to our wait list for a sold-out category, feel free to email The Vacayans at info@myvacaya.com and we’ll be happy to assist you.
PAY IN FULL OPTION
You may pay in full at the time of booking. Unless you later modify your reservation, no further payments will be necessary. BONUS OFFER: Paid-in-Full Reservations made through June 20, 2022 will receive $100 off per person/$200 off for solo travelers in their own room.
MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN
Your initial deposit is due at time of booking. Then, your remaining monthly payments will be calculated using the number of months between your booking and the final payment due date. Payments will be charged on the 1st day of the month, the 15th, or the last day of each month (determined automatically depending on the day of the month you book). Payments will be charged to your credit card on file. If your credit card details change at any time, simply update the info in our system prior to your next month’s payment date. Please note declined payments are subject to a convenience fee. For more information, explore our Automatic Billing FAQs and our Terms & Conditions.
TRIP INSURANCE: GET IT!
With Covid-19 in our lives for the foreseeable future, we now have an even stronger rationale for recommending Trip Insurance. “Cancel For Any Reason” insurance has quickly risen in popularity, and for good reason. If you decide you don’t want to travel after the cancellation penalty period has begun, this type of insurance covers most if not all of your cancellation fee. It’s also a great way to help honor your Social Contract with VACAYA.
So go ahead and buy that bucket list trip, but protect your health and your investment by purchasing Trip Insurance. ❤️