| Le Jacques Cartier visits Esperance

PONANT’S Le Jacques Cartier (pictured) docked in Esperance for the first time late last week, as part of her 14-day maiden voyage along Australia’s south coast, travelling from Fremantle to Hobart.

Le Jacques Cartier stopped in Esperance on Fri, kicking off the town’s 2024-2025 cruise season.

A number of Le Jacques Cartier’s 95 passengers explored the town themselves, while others joined a scheduled tour, which included a walk along Twilight Beach, and a trip out to Esperance Stonehenge.

Local representatives welcomed Le Jacques Cartier on her maiden call in Esperance, emphasising smaller expedition ships strike an effective balance, by bringing economic benefits while respecting the town’s capabilities.

“Ponant attracts discerning travellers seeking authentic experiences, aligning perfectly with Esperance’s offerings and infrastructure,” the town’s Tourism Development Manager Annabelle Hender explained.

“These visits boost our economy while preserving our town’s character,” she added.

The Esperance Chamber of Commerce & Industry is also launching a new program to elevate the cruise passenger experience for future visits.

Activat8 Esperance, which is sponsored by Tourism Western Australia, will run from the Feb to Jun cruise season, and will feature a hop-on/hop-off bus, which was utilised by Le Jacques Cartier passengers on Fri.

There will also be live music, bustling markets, and a vibrant fashion parade. MS