Melanesia
Itinerary
16 Day, Noumea-Alotau-Cairns
Day 1
Noumea - Casey Island - New Caledonia
After boarding at 9:00am, we depart the French capital of New Caledonia at 10:00am. Enjoy an afternoon of snorkelling or just relax on beautiful Casey Island. Cruise around the tip and enjoy our first encounter with this tropical coastline. Tonight, join the Captain and crew for 'Welcome Aboard' cocktails as we toast our first sunset.
Day 2
Lifou Island - New Caledonia
Awake to the idyllic tropical beauty of Lifou Island. Impressive beaches of white sands amongst the best in the world, sparkling lagoons and a pine tree covered landscape. Join the expedition Leader on a walk to the churches and beautiful bays. Sensational for snorkelling with a panorama of sea-life unsullied by man.
Day 3
Tanna Island - Vanuatu
As we approach, we see our first signs of volcanic activity; hot springs bubbling beneath the surface. Look out for the Dugongs known to reside here. In Port Resolution, named by Captain Cook in 1774 after his ship HMS Resolution, we go ashore on the black volcanic beach. Welcomed by the locals we then join our expedition leader and naturalists on a drive, local style, through the forest and up the slopes of Mount Yasur to view this active volcano that still regularly spew rocks and ash.
Day 4
Pentecost Island - Vanuatu
We are lucky enough to be cruising at the time of the yam harvest in Pentecost which means we have the opportunity to witness the famous 'Naghol', the land diving ceremony which the local people believes will ensure a bountiful yam harvest the following year. We will be escorted to the site of the jumping tower where we will be a part of this ancient ritual, the traditional forerunner to the modern day 'bungee jump'. You may get an opportunity to see sand drawing, a traditional form of art on the island.
Day 5
Champagne Bay - Vanuatu
The jewel of Vanuatu. We enjoy the splendour of this magnificent beach and a relaxing day with fantastic swimming, opportunities to explore the shore with our guides and Expedition Leader or an optional tour with the locals.
Day 6
Ureparapara Island - Vanuatu
Imagine cruising into the cone of a volcano surrounded on three sides by 300m cliffs. That is Ureparapara, one of the most spectacular islands in Vanuatu. The only way to get to this island is by sea and visits from cruise vessels are rare. You will be entertained by the local people with a 'kastom' dance and you can take a guided walk to the top of the caldera.
Day 7
Nendo Island - Solomons
Our welcome to the Solomon Islands and a good location to view and purchase quality artefacts. We enjoy a cultural performance and an opportunity to snorkel.
Day 8
Port Mary, Santa Ana - Solomons
A small island, southeast of San Cristobal welcome us ashore with village warriors bearing swords and blowing on conch shell horns. Santa Ana is known for its bone fishhooks and imaginative fishing floats. We enjoy dancing before heading out with our naturalist for a guided walk across the island, through shady forests where orchids grow. Alternatively you may chose to join our Dive Master to dive or snorkel the surrounding reef.
Day 9
Alite Harbour - Solomons
Centuries ago the people of nearby Malatia built islands in Alite Harbour as protection from the inland bushman. Known for trading shells as money, the village still uses this traditional currency for bride price. Here in the friendly village we view demonstrations of traditional cooking, basket weaving and palm thatching.
Day 10
Sandfly Passage - Solomons
Cruising from Ghizo towards Santa Ana, through Iron Bottom Sound, the site of many intense World War II naval battles - we today conduct exploratory stops dependant on weather and time. Join our Expedition Leader as we explore the multitude of islands and inlets through this passage.
Day 11
Ghizo and Kennedy Islands - Solomons
We board the zodiacs and Xplorer to head ashore to tiny Kennedy Island, named in honour of John F Kennedy who swam ashore with his crew after PT-109 was sunk by a Japanese destroyer. We explore the sandy beaches and snorkel or dive over the coral reef. Here a magnificent wall dive offers the chance to commune with large pelagic fish. In the afternoon, we visit the small provincial capital on Ghizo Island. Wander through the open air markets, showcasing crafts by the legendary wood carvers.
Day 12
Laughlan Islands
Laughlan Islanders specialise in canoe building. In this very remote corner of eastern PNG, we find seagoing canoes under construction. The friendly villages of Bodaluna welcome us as our lecturers and naturalists explain the islanders' subsistence gardening, fishing, and participation in the Kula Ring of trading. Enjoy an afternoon snorkel or an adventurous dive off the outer reef, where we may see turtles, wrasses, and spinner dolphins in warm clear waters.
Day 13
Egum Atoll - Yanaba Island
Prepare for an unforgettable experience as we board the Xplorer with our Guest Lecturer and guides. Time for spectacular snorkelling, diving and glass bottom boat viewing. On our return to Oceanic Discoverer, we celebrate with the Captain's Farewell Cocktails in the evening.
Day 14
Alotau*
Arrive this morning in Alotau at approximately 9.00 am. Our experienced Guest Lecturers will interpret the traditional welcome dances before heading out on a tour of this historical region before returning to the ship for a 1:00pm departure.
Day 15
At Sea
Enjoy a rest day at sea to relax in the comfort of your floating home-away-from-home, Oceanic Discoverer. Along with our onboard lecturer we'll recap the many enriching experiences as we cruise towards Cairns.
Day 16
Arrive Cairns
Arrive this afternoon in Cairns at approximately 12 noon for a 1.00pm disembarkation
